Overview

The 3 Day Ngorongoro & Tarangire Safari is a compact yet highly rewarding Northern Tanzania safari that combines two of the region’s most iconic wildlife destinations.

Tarangire National Park is famous for its large elephant herds and dramatic baobab-studded landscapes, while Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s most wildlife-dense ecosystems and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This safari is designed for travelers who want maximum wildlife exposure in a short time, without including longer drives to Serengeti. It is also one of the most budget-efficient ways to experience Tanzania’s Big Five ecosystem.

Why Choose This Safari?

This itinerary is focused on value, wildlife density, and efficiency.

Two Iconic Parks

Experience both Tarangire and Ngorongoro in one short trip.

High Wildlife Concentration

Ngorongoro Crater offers unmatched Big Five viewing potential.

Elephant-Focused Safari

Tarangire is one of Africa’s best elephant habitats.

Budget-Friendly Option

Shorter distances reduce overall safari costs.

Ideal for Short Stays

Perfect for travelers with limited time in Arusha.

Safari Highlights

• Large elephant herds in Tarangire National Park
• Iconic baobab tree landscapes
• Big cat sightings including lions
• Ngorongoro Crater Big Five wildlife
• High-density crater floor ecosystem
• Zebras, wildebeest, and buffalo
• Scenic Great Rift Valley landscapes
• Excellent photography opportunities
• Professional safari guide
• 4×4 pop-up roof safari vehicle

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha → Tarangire National Park

06:30 AM – Pick-Up from Arusha

Depart from your hotel after breakfast and safari briefing.

Drive through rural landscapes toward Tarangire National Park.

09:30 AM – Arrival at Tarangire National Park

Enter the park and begin your first game drive.

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

Morning Game Drive

Explore wide savannahs and baobab-dotted scenery.

Wildlife You May See

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

12:30 PM – Picnic Lunch

Lunch at a scenic 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 kingfishers

04:30 PM – Exit Tarangire

Drive toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area region.

07:00 PM – Arrival at Lodge

Dinner and overnight stay near Ngorongoro highlands.

Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater Safari

06:00 AM – Breakfast

Early breakfast before descending into the crater.

07:00 AM – Descent into Ngorongoro Crater

Begin game drive inside one of Africa’s most wildlife-dense environments.

Morning Game Drive

Explore crater floor ecosystems 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 habitats.

03:00 PM – Ascend Crater & Relax

Return to lodge for rest and leisure.

07:00 PM – Dinner & Overnight Stay

Dinner at lodge near Ngorongoro.

Day 3: Ngorongoro → Arusha (Optional Short Game Drive)

07:00 AM – Breakfast

Breakfast at lodge.

Optional Morning Activity

Short cultural visit or viewpoint stop depending on schedule.

10:00 AM – Return to Arusha

Drive back through scenic highlands.

01:00–02:00 PM – Arrival in Arusha

Drop-off at hotel or airport.

End of safari.

Wildlife You May See

Mammals

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

Birds

• Flamingos (seasonal in crater lakes)
• Eagles
• Ostriches
• Storks
• Hornbills
• Kingfishers

About This Safari Combination

This itinerary combines:

• Tarangire’s elephant-rich savannah ecosystem
• Ngorongoro Crater’s high-density Big Five wildlife zone

Together, they offer one of the best short safari experiences in Tanzania without long-distance travel.

Best Time to Visit

June – October

Best wildlife viewing and dry season conditions.

November – May

Green season with lush scenery and excellent birdlife.

Year-Round Safari

Both parks offer reliable wildlife sightings throughout the year.

Estimated Safari Price

Safari Inclusions

• Park entry fees (Tarangire & Ngorongoro)
• Professional safari guide
• 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
• 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 cultural visits

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this safari good for budget travelers?

Yes. It is one of the most cost-efficient wildlife safaris in Tanzania.

Can I see the Big Five?

Yes. Ngorongoro Crater offers excellent Big Five opportunities.

Is Tarangire worth visiting?

Yes. It is one of Tanzania’s best elephant safari parks.

How much driving is involved?

Moderate distances with scenic routes between parks.