- Seguku Katale. Kampala
3 Days Tarangire NP, Lake Manyara NP and Ngorongoro Crater Safari
Tanzania is a top destination for unforgettable wildlife experiences, and this 3 Days Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro Crater Safari offers a perfect introduction to its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. Designed for those with limited time, this tour covers three of the country’s most iconic safari destinations—Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater. From elephants and tree-climbing lions to the Big Five and thousands of flamingos, this compact yet thrilling safari promises an adventure of a lifetime.(Tanzania’s Wildlife)
Whether you’re visiting Tanzania for the first time or returning to explore more of its natural wonders, this short safari is sure to provide a rich and memorable experience.
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Your journey begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Arusha, Tanzania’s safari gateway. After a brief introduction to the adventure ahead, you’ll embark on a 2-hour drive southwest to Tarangire National Park, one of the country’s lesser-known but wildlife-rich parks.
Famed for its massive herds of elephants, which can often be seen strolling through the park’s ancient baobab trees, Tarangire offers an ideal start to your safari. The Tarangire River, the park’s lifeblood, attracts a wide variety of animals, including buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, and wildebeests, all coming to quench their thirst. The river is also a hotspot for predators like lions and leopards. Birdwatchers will delight in the park’s diverse birdlife, with over 500 species recorded, including colorful weavers, kingfishers, and eagles.
After a thrilling afternoon game drive, you’ll head to your accommodation for the night, where you can relax and enjoy dinner while listening to the sounds of the African wilderness.(Tanzania’s Wildlife)
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: Tarangire Treetops, Tarangire Safari Lodge
- Midrange: Tarangire Sopa Lodge, Sangaiwe Tented Lodge
- Budget: Tarangire Campsite, Whistling Thorn Tented Camp
Highlights:
- Early morning departure from Arusha
- Afternoon game drive in Tarangire National Park
- Opportunity to spot large elephant herds and predators
- Overnight stay in or near Tarangire
Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park Safari
After an early breakfast, you’ll leave Tarangire and drive approximately two hours to Lake Manyara National Park, a park renowned for its breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife. The park is set between the Great Rift Valley escarpment and the shores of the alkaline Lake Manyara, which hosts thousands of flamingos and other waterbirds. This makes it a paradise for birdwatchers.
As you enter the park, you’ll embark on a game drive that takes you through its varied landscapes, from dense forests and open savannahs to marshlands and the lake’s shoreline. Keep an eye out for the park’s famous tree-climbing lions, often found resting on branches of acacia trees. Large troops of baboons, buffaloes, giraffes, hippos, and elephants are also commonly spotted, and the park’s lush forest is home to several species of monkeys and smaller mammals.(Tanzania’s Wildlife)
In the afternoon, you’ll continue exploring the park’s highlights, including the hot springs and the numerous scenic viewpoints. After a full day of game viewing, you’ll head to your accommodation in the Ngorongoro Highlands, where you’ll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in preparation for the final leg of your safari.
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: Lake Manyara Serena Lodge, Escarpment Luxury Lodge
- Midrange: Lake Manyara Wildlife Lodge, Kirurumu Manyara Lodge
- Budget: Twiga Campsite, Manyara Wildlife Camp
Highlights:
- Morning drive from Tarangire to Lake Manyara
- Game drive in Lake Manyara National Park with chances to spot tree-climbing lions
- Sightings of flamingos, elephants, and a variety of bird species
- Overnight stay in the Ngorongoro Highlands
Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Return to Arusha
The final day of your adventure is spent exploring the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After breakfast, you’ll descend 600 meters into the crater, home to an extraordinary concentration of wildlife. The Ngorongoro Crater is often referred to as Africa’s Garden of Eden, thanks to its abundant animal populations and stunning landscapes.(Tanzania’s Wildlife)
During your game drive on the crater floor, you’ll have the opportunity to see the Big Five—lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffaloes—as well as other species like zebras, wildebeests, hippos, and hyenas. The Lerai Forest is a good spot to see elephants and birdlife, while the Ngorongoro Crater Lake, often populated by flamingos, adds a touch of pink to the already picturesque scene.
You’ll stop for a picnic lunch within the crater, taking in the incredible surroundings before continuing your game drive. In the afternoon, you’ll ascend the crater walls and begin the journey back to Arusha, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel or the airport, marking the end of your unforgettable 3-day safari.
Highlights:
- Early morning descent into the Ngorongoro Crater for game viewing
- Opportunities to see the Big Five and other iconic wildlife
- Picnic lunch in one of the most scenic safari destinations in Africa
- Return drive to Arusha
FAQs
When is the best time to visit these parks?
The best time to visit Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro Crater is during the dry season, from June to October, when wildlife congregates around water sources and is easier to spot. However, these parks can be visited year-round, with the green season (November to May) offering lush landscapes and fewer crowds.
What wildlife can I expect to see on this safari?
You’ll have the chance to see the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos), as well as other wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, and various bird species, including flamingos. Tarangire is known for its large elephant herds, and Lake Manyara is famous for tree-climbing lions.
What should I pack for this safari?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colors, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes. Mornings and evenings can be cool, so bring a warm jacket. Don’t forget your camera and binoculars for wildlife viewing.
How physically demanding is the safari?
This safari is not physically demanding. Game drives are conducted from the comfort of a 4×4 safari vehicle, and the terrain in the parks is generally flat or gently rolling. The most physically challenging part is the descent into and ascent from the Ngorongoro Crater, but this is done by vehicle.
Is this safari suitable for children?
Yes, this safari is family-friendly and suitable for children. However, some lodges and camps may have age restrictions for younger children, so it’s important to check with your tour operator before booking.
What accommodation options are available during this safari?
This safari offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges like Tarangire Treetops and Lake Manyara Serena Lodge to more midrange and budget-friendly camps such as Whistling Thorn Tented Camp and Twiga Campsite. All accommodations provide comfortable amenities and are located within or near the parks for easy access to game drives.
This 3 Days Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro Crater Safari offers a perfect snapshot of Tanzania’s diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. From the vast herds of elephants in Tarangire to the tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara and the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater, this safari provides an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Tanzania or a returning safari-goer, this tour promises incredible sightings and memories to last a lifetime.(Tanzania’s Wildlife)
