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

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

3 Days
Overview

This 3-day safari takes you through three of Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations: Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater. From vast elephant herds and ancient baobab trees to tree-climbing lions and the world’s largest unbroken volcanic caldera, this adventure offers an unforgettable safari experience packed into a short yet thrilling itinerary.

Itinerary

After an early breakfast, the journey begins with a stop in Arusha Town for any last-minute purchases before heading towards Tarangire National Park, located just two hours from Arusha. This vast wilderness is famous for its huge elephant population, which roam freely among the towering baobab trees that dominate the landscape. As you embark on a game drive, you will witness the park's diverse wildlife, including wildebeest, zebras, impalas, giraffes, and buffaloes, all drawn to the Tarangire River, a vital water source in the region. The park is also a haven for predators, with lions, leopards, and cheetahs often seen lurking in the grasslands.

A picnic lunch is enjoyed in the heart of the park, allowing you to take in the breathtaking scenery while surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness. After a full day of exploration, you will head to your lodge or tented camp for relaxation, dinner, and overnight stay, preparing for another exciting day ahead.

After breakfast, the journey continues towards Lake Manyara National Park, a small but biodiverse gem nestled at the foot of the Great Rift Valley. The park boasts a stunning mix of landscapes, including acacia woodlands, dense groundwater forests, grassy floodplains, and algae-streaked hot springs. This variety of habitats supports a wide array of wildlife, making it a prime location for game viewing.

One of the most remarkable sights in Lake Manyara is its tree-climbing lions, a rare phenomenon not commonly observed elsewhere. The park is also home to one of the highest concentrations of baboons in the world, alongside large populations of hippos, elephants, buffaloes, and giraffes. Bird lovers will be captivated by the incredible birdlife, with over 400 species recorded, including flocks of pink flamingos that gather around the lake’s shores.

Throughout the day, you will embark on game drives, stopping for a picnic lunch amidst the stunning scenery. In the evening, you will return to your lodge for dinner and a well-earned rest, preparing for the grand finale of the safari.

The final day starts with an early breakfast before descending over 600 meters into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." This vast, unbroken volcanic caldera is home to over 25,000 animals, supported by its lush grasslands and permanent water sources.

As you drive through the crater floor, you will encounter huge herds of wildebeest, zebras, buffalos, and elands, as well as a high concentration of predators, including lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs, and leopards. One of the highlights of the day is a visit to Lake Magadi, a shallow alkaline lake that attracts large flocks of flamingos, hippos, and other water birds.

After an eventful morning of game viewing, you will ascend from the crater and begin the journey back to Arusha. Depending on your schedule, you can either enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Arusha or proceed directly to the airport for your departure flight. (Accommodation can be arranged upon request at an extra cost.)

Book Your Trip By Filling This Form
3-Day Tanzania Safari: Tarangire, Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Crater