3-Day Tanzania Safari: Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara

Your safari begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Arusha, followed by a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park, about 2.5 hours away. Tarangire is famous for its massive elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and diverse wildlife, including lions, leopards, giraffes, and zebras. You’ll embark on a thrilling game drive, with opportunities to witness predators hunting or elephants gathering at the Tarangire River. At midday, enjoy a packed picnic lunch in a designated area with beautiful views. The afternoon continues with more wildlife spotting before heading to your lodge/camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

After an early breakfast, you’ll depart for the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s best wildlife destinations. Descending into the crater, you’ll experience an extraordinary natural amphitheater teeming with wildlife, including the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. You’ll also see hippos, cheetahs, hyenas, and a wide range of bird species. A picnic lunch is served near a scenic hippo pool before continuing your game drive in the afternoon. As the day ends, you’ll ascend the crater and drive to your lodge/camp near Lake Manyara, where you’ll have dinner and rest for the night.

On your final day, enjoy an early breakfast before heading to Lake Manyara National Park, known for its lush groundwater forest, flamingo-lined shores, and famous tree-climbing lions. A morning game drive will take you through diverse landscapes, where you may spot elephants, buffaloes, baboons, and a variety of birdlife. The park’s alkaline lake is home to thousands of flamingos, creating a spectacular sight. Midday, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch before starting your drive back to Arusha, arriving in the afternoon.