3 Day Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara Safari

Overview

The 3 Day Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara Safari is one of the most balanced and scenic short safari circuits in Northern Tanzania, combining three distinct ecosystems into a single compact itinerary.

From the elephant-rich savannahs of Tarangire National Park, to the wildlife-dense Ngorongoro Crater, and the lush forests and alkaline lake ecosystem of Lake Manyara National Park, this safari offers exceptional variety in both landscapes and wildlife.

It is ideal for travelers starting from Arusha who want maximum diversity in a short timeframe, while still enjoying strong Big Five viewing opportunities and iconic African scenery.

Why Choose This Safari?

This itinerary is designed for variety, scenery, and reliable wildlife encounters.

Three Distinct Ecosystems

Savannah, crater, and forest-lake environments in one itinerary.

Strong Wildlife Diversity

Elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, flamingos, and more.

Big Five Opportunities

Ngorongoro Crater offers excellent chances of seeing all Big Five species.

Ideal for Short Trips

Perfect for travelers with limited time in Tanzania.

Excellent Photography Safari

Wide range of landscapes and wildlife behavior.

Safari Highlights

  • Large elephant herds in Tarangire National Park
  • Iconic baobab tree landscapes
  • Ngorongoro Crater Big Five wildlife
  • Lions, buffalo, zebras, and rhinos
  • Lake Manyara tree-climbing lions (possible sightings)
  • Flamingos and rich birdlife (seasonal)
  • Hippos and baboons
  • Scenic Rift Valley escarpment views
  • Professional safari guide
  • Diverse photographic landscapes

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha → Tarangire National Park

06:00 AM – Pick-Up from Arusha

Depart from your hotel or lodge after safari briefing.

Drive through rural landscapes toward Tarangire National Park.

09:00 AM – Arrival at Tarangire National Park

Begin your first game drive in one of Tanzania’s most elephant-rich parks.

Tarangire is known for its seasonal concentration of wildlife around the Tarangire River.

Morning Game Drive

Explore open savannahs and baobab-dotted landscapes.

Wildlife You May See

  • Large elephant herds
  • Lions resting in shade
  • Giraffes feeding on acacia trees
  • Zebras and wildebeest
  • Buffalo herds

12:30 PM – Picnic Lunch

Enjoy lunch at a designated picnic site inside the park.

Afternoon Game Drive

Continue exploring deeper sections of Tarangire.Additional Wildlife

  • Antelopes and impalas
  • Hyenas and jackals
  • Rich birdlife including hornbills and eagles

04:30 PM – Exit Tarangire

Drive toward the Ngorongoro Highlands region.

07:00 PM – Arrival at Lodge (Ngorongoro Area)

Dinner and overnight stay at lodge or tented camp near Ngorongoro.

Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater Safari → Lake Manyara

06:00 AM – Breakfast

Early breakfast before descending into the crater.

07:00 AM – Descent into Ngorongoro Crater

Enter one of Africa’s most wildlife-dense ecosystems.

Morning Game Drive

Explore crater floor habitats including grasslands, swamps, and forests.

Wildlife You May See

  • Black rhinos
  • Lions
  • Elephants
  • Buffalo
  • Zebras and wildebeest
  • Hyenas

12:30 PM – Picnic Lunch at Hippo Pool

Lunch in a scenic wildlife viewing area.

Afternoon Game Drive

Continue exploring crater ecosystems before ascending.

03:00 PM – Ascend Crater & Drive to Lake Manyara

Exit Ngorongoro and proceed toward Lake Manyara region.

05:30 PM – Arrival at Lodge (Lake Manyara Area)

Dinner and overnight stay near Lake Manyara or Rift Valley escarpment.

Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park → Return to Arusha

06:30 AM – Breakfast

Early breakfast before entering the park.

07:30 AM – Lake Manyara Game Drive

Begin exploration of this compact but highly diverse park.

Morning Game Drive

Lake Manyara offers lush groundwater forests and lakeshore ecosystems.

Wildlife You May See

  • Tree-climbing lions (possible sightings)
  • Elephants and buffalo
  • Baboons and blue monkeys
  • Giraffes and antelopes

Flamingos & Birdlife (Seasonal)

The lake often hosts large flocks of flamingos and diverse bird species.

12:00 PM – Picnic Lunch

Lunch at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the park.

Afternoon Game Drive & Exit

Short final game drive before exiting the park.

04:00 PM – Return to Arusha

Drive back to Arusha.

06:30 PM – Arrival in Arusha

Drop-off at your hotel or residence.

End of safari.

Wildlife You May See

Mammals

  • Elephants
  • Lions
  • Black rhino
  • Buffalo
  • Giraffes
  • Zebras
  • Wildebeest
  • Hyenas
  • Baboons

Birds

  • Flamingos (seasonal)
  • Eagles
  • Hornbills
  • Storks
  • Kingfishers
  • Pelicans

About This Safari Combination

This itinerary combines:

  • Tarangire’s elephant-rich savannah ecosystem
  • Ngorongoro Crater’s dense Big Five environment
  • Lake Manyara’s forest-lake biodiversity

Together, they create one of the most complete short safaris in Tanzania.

Best Time to Visit

June – October

Best wildlife viewing and dry conditions.

November – May

Green season with lush landscapes and excellent birding.

Year-Round Safari

All three parks offer consistent wildlife viewing throughout the year.

Estimated Safari Price

Package TypePrice Per Person
Group Joining SafariUSD 800 – 1,200
Mid-Range Private SafariUSD 1,300 – 2,000
Luxury Safari PackageUSD 2,200 – 3,800+

Safari Inclusions

  • Park entry fees (Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara)
  • Professional safari guide
  • 4×4 safari vehicle
  • 2 nights accommodation
  • Meals as per itinerary
  • Bottled drinking water
  • Crater service fees
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off (Arusha)
  • Government taxes

Safari Exclusions

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Optional activities (Maasai village visit, balloon safari)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this safari good for families?

Yes. It is one of the best short family-friendly safaris in Tanzania.

Can I see the Big Five?

Yes. Ngorongoro Crater offers strong Big Five opportunities.

Is Lake Manyara worth visiting?

Yes. It adds forest and lake ecosystems not found in other parks.

How much driving is involved?

Moderate driving between parks, balanced with game viewing time.

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