3-Days Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park Safari

3-Day Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara Safari

Embark on an unforgettable 3-day safari through three of Tanzania’s most breathtaking wildlife destinations—Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park. This journey offers incredible wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, and a chance to witness the diverse ecosystems that make Tanzania a top safari destination.


Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Your adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Arusha. After a short safari briefing, you will set off on a two-hour drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and diverse wildlife.

As you enter the park, the vast open savannahs, dotted with iconic baobab trees, set the scene for an exhilarating day of game viewing. Tarangire is home to a variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and over 500 species of birds. The Tarangire River, which flows through the park, serves as a vital water source, attracting large concentrations of animals, especially during the dry season.

You will enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park, allowing you to dine in the heart of nature while observing wildlife. In the afternoon, continue exploring different areas of the park before exiting and heading to Karatu or Mto wa Mbu, where you will check in at a comfortable safari lodge or tented camp for dinner and overnight stay.


Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater – The Wildlife Paradise

After an early breakfast, depart for Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most stunning wildlife havens on earth. The crater, often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” is the largest unbroken volcanic caldera and hosts an astonishing concentration of wildlife.

Descending into the crater, you will experience a full-day game drive across its diverse landscapes—grassy plains, swamps, lakes, and acacia forests. This natural enclosure is home to an abundance of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, lions, cheetahs, hyenas, hippos, and black rhinos. The soda lake at the center of the crater attracts flamingos and other water birds, creating a picturesque setting.

Enjoy a picnic lunch near the hippo pool while soaking in the breathtaking views of the crater walls surrounding you. In the afternoon, continue exploring before ascending back to the crater rim and heading to your lodge or tented camp for dinner and overnight stay.


Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park & Return to Arusha

On your final safari day, you will drive to Lake Manyara National Park, a lush oasis nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, large troops of baboons, and a diverse range of bird species. The alkaline Lake Manyara attracts thousands of flamingos, pelicans, and other waterbirds, creating a spectacular sight.

During your game drive, keep an eye out for elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and the elusive leopards. You will also explore the groundwater forest, home to blue monkeys and hornbills, before heading out for a picnic lunch.

In the afternoon, you will start your journey back to Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon, marking the end of an incredible 3-day safari.


Tour Highlights:

Tarangire’s elephants and baobab trees
Ngorongoro Crater’s Big Five experience
Lake Manyara’s flamingos and tree-climbing lions
Scenic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley
Comfortable lodges/tented camps and delicious meals

This 3-day safari offers an exciting glimpse into Tanzania’s rich wildlife and landscapes, making it a perfect short adventure for nature lovers and safari enthusiasts.