3 Days Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara Safari
Overview.
Embark on a thrilling three-day safari adventure through some of Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations — Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park. This short yet action-packed trip offers unforgettable wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and a taste of Tanzania’s diverse ecosystems.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Tarangire National Park
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our company representative for a short briefing about your safari. Thereafter, embark on a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park, renowned for its stunning baobab trees and large herds of elephants.
Despite being a smaller park, Tarangire offers exceptional game-viewing opportunities, especially during the dry season when wildlife gathers around the Tarangire River — a permanent water source in the area. Expect to see lions, giraffes, wildebeests, zebras, and a wide variety of bird species.
In the evening, check in at your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Fanaka Lodge (or similar)
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater – Game Viewing
After an early breakfast, depart for the world-famous Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most remarkable natural wonders. The area is unique because the Maasai people coexist with wildlife, grazing their livestock alongside herds of wild animals.
Stop at the crater’s viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic views before descending 600 meters into the crater floor for an unforgettable game drive. The crater’s enclosed ecosystem supports an incredible concentration of wildlife — including lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, hippos, rhinos, and if you’re lucky, leopards.
Later in the afternoon, drive to Mto wa Mbu, a vibrant town near Lake Manyara, for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Fanaka Lodge (or similar)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park – Game Drives & Return to Arusha
After breakfast, proceed to Lake Manyara National Park for a full day of exciting game drives. Although one of Tanzania’s smaller parks, Lake Manyara offers a rich and diverse safari experience. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, large troops of baboons, and an abundance of birdlife along the lakeshore — including flamingos, pelicans, and storks.
As you explore, take in the breathtaking scenery of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, which provides a dramatic backdrop to the lush landscape.
In the late afternoon, depart for Arusha, arriving in time for your onward flight or evening drop-off.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch