Tarangire, Manyara & Ngorongoro safari

3 Day Tarangire, Manyara & Ngorongoro Safari.

This Three-day trip plan to Tanzania involves exploring the two northern circuit parks.

Overview.

This 3-day safari is a thrilling journey through some of Tanzania’s most celebrated wildlife areas—Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, and the Ngorongoro Crater. Perfect for travelers looking to experience Tanzania’s rich landscapes and diverse wildlife in a short time, this itinerary offers incredible game-viewing opportunities and immersive natural experiences. This compact safari package gives you a snapshot of the best of Tanzania’s Northern Circuit, providing the chance to see the Big 5 and an array of unique wildlife, all set against stunning backdrops.

What to Expect

Tarangire National Park
Start your adventure in Tarangire, a park renowned for its large elephant herds, towering baobab trees, and seasonal rivers that attract diverse wildlife. Tarangire is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 500 species and offers the chance to see lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and more. In the dry season, the Tarangire River becomes a vital water source, creating extraordinary game-viewing experiences as animals gather at the riverbanks.
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara’s picturesque landscape includes acacia woodlands, groundwater forests, and expansive floodplains. The highlight of this park is its iconic tree-climbing lions, an unusual behavior seen in only a few places in Africa. You’ll also encounter large groups of baboons, hippos, flamingos, and a variety of waterbirds along the shores of Lake Manyara.
Ngorongoro Crater
The final day brings you to the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the world’s largest intact calderas and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the crater hosts a dense concentration of wildlife, including the Big 5—lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes. The views from the crater rim are breathtaking, and the floor of the crater is teeming with animals, making it a photographer’s paradise.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Morning: After breakfast, your safari guide will pick you up in Arusha, and you’ll set out for Tarangire National Park, approximately a 2-hour drive. En route, you’ll get a scenic view of the lush Tanzanian countryside.
Midday: Arrive at Tarangire and start your first game drive. Tarangire is renowned for its elephant herds, giant baobab trees, and seasonal rivers that attract a variety of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for lions, leopards, and herds of zebras, giraffes, and antelopes.
Lunch: Enjoy a packed picnic lunch at a designated spot within the park, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere surrounded by the wilderness.
Afternoon: Continue exploring Tarangire, with a chance to spot over 500 bird species, including lilac-breasted rollers, ostriches, and African fish eagles.
Evening: After a full day of adventure, you’ll head to your lodge or tented camp for dinner and a relaxing evening in the tranquil bush surroundings.

Overnight: Lodge or camp in or near Tarangire National Park

Day 2: Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park

Morning: After an early breakfast, depart for Lake Manyara National Park, a short 1-2 hour drive away. Known for its lush groundwater forests, acacia woodlands, and scenic lake, Lake Manyara is an oasis for birdwatchers and home to unique wildlife.
Game Drive: Embark on a morning game drive where you may encounter Manyara’s famous tree-climbing lions, large families of baboons, and grazing buffalo. Along the lake’s edge, spot flamingos, pelicans, and other waterbirds in impressive numbers.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a scenic picnic site within the park, surrounded by lush greenery and with views of the lake.
Afternoon: Continue exploring the park, keeping an eye out for hippos wallowing in the water and elephants meandering through the forested areas.
Evening: Head toward Karatu, a town close to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you’ll check in at your lodge or camp and enjoy a hearty dinner.

Overnight: Lodge or camp near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater Tour and Return to Arusha

Early Morning: After an early breakfast, depart for the Ngorongoro Crater and descend into the caldera for a day of exceptional game viewing. The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts one of the highest densities of wildlife in Africa.
Game Drive: Experience the thrill of seeing the Big 5—elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, and buffalo—as well as cheetahs, zebras, wildebeests, and hippos. The scenic backdrop of the crater walls adds a surreal touch to the experience, making this an unforgettable day.
Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch by the Hippo Pool, a serene spot where you can safely watch hippos and other animals near the water.
Afternoon: After more game drives, you’ll begin your ascent out of the crater and start your journey back to Arusha, taking in the scenic highlands and Maasai villages along the way.
Evening: Arrive in Arusha, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel or the airport, marking the end of your 3-day safari adventure

Include and Not- Included

Included in the 3-Day Tanzania Safari Adventure:

Accommodation: 4 nights in carefully selected luxury lodges or tented camps, as per the itinerary.
Meals: All meals mentioned in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner).
Transport: Private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for optimal game viewing and photography.
Professional Guide: An experienced, English-speaking safari guide from Safarhino Adventures.
Park Fees: Entrance fees to all national parks visited, including Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, and Lake Manyara.
Ngorongoro Crater Transit Fee: Fee for descending into the crater.
Game Drives: Daily game drives as outlined in the itinerary.
Drinking Water: Bottled water available during game drives.
Airport Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Not Included in the 3-Day Tanzania Safari Adventure:

International Flights: Round-trip airfare to and from Tanzania.
Travel Insurance: Highly recommended, covering trip cancellation, medical, and evacuation.
Visa Fees: Tanzania tourist visa fees.
Optional Activities: Balloon safari, cultural visits, or any activities not specified in the itinerary.
Alcoholic & Soft Drinks: Drinks not included in meals at lodges and camps.
Gratuities: Tips for guides, drivers, and camp/lodge staff.
Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, laundry, phone calls, and other personal purchases.