Northern Tanzania · Classic Wildlife Safari

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

Discover Tanzania’s most iconic northern safari destinations in just three unforgettable days — from elephant-filled baobab plains to flamingo-lined lakeshores and the breathtaking wildlife paradise of the Ngorongoro Crater.

Duration
3 Days
2 Nights
Parks Visited
3
Northern circuit parks
Departs
Arusha
Daily departures
Group Size
2 – 8
Private & small group
Meals
All
Full board included

Safari Overview

This carefully designed 3-day safari combines three of Tanzania’s most rewarding wildlife destinations into one seamless adventure. Begin among Tarangire’s giant elephant herds and ancient baobab trees, continue through Lake Manyara’s lush groundwater forests and flamingo-filled lakeshore, then conclude with a spectacular descent into the Ngorongoro Crater — one of Africa’s greatest natural wonders and home to the Big Five.

Ideal for: Short Tanzania safari holidays, Zanzibar extensions, couples, photographers, and first-time safari travellers.

Quick Facts

Destination
Tarangire NP · Lake Manyara NP · Ngorongoro Crater
Start / End
Arusha city or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Transport
4×4 safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
Accommodation
Safari lodge or tented camp options available
Meals
Breakfast, lunch & dinner included throughout
Physical Level
Easy · Suitable for all ages and fitness levels

Safari Route at a Glance

Arusha
Departure
Tarangire
Day 1
Manyara
Day 2
Ngorongoro
Day 3
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 01
Arusha → Tarangire National Park
Tarangire NP

Your safari begins with an early morning departure from Arusha toward Tarangire National Park — famous for its giant baobab trees and some of East Africa’s largest elephant herds. Spend the afternoon exploring river valleys and open savannah rich in wildlife.

Itinerary
  • 07:00 – Pickup in Arusha and drive to Tarangire National Park
  • 11:00 – Picnic lunch overlooking the Tarangire River
  • 12:30 – Afternoon game drive searching for elephants, lions, giraffes, zebra, and birdlife
  • 17:30 – Transfer to lodge or camp for dinner and overnight
Wildlife Highlights
Elephants
Lion
Giraffe
Zebra
Birdlife
Wildebeest
Meals Included
Lunch
Dinner
Drive Distance
~130 km from Arusha
Tarangire Safari Lodge / Maramboi Tented Camp Safari lodge or tented camp · Full board
Day 02
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara NP

Today explore the beautiful Lake Manyara National Park, a compact but diverse ecosystem famous for tree-climbing lions, flamingos, dense groundwater forests, and breathtaking views of the Great Rift Valley escarpment.

Itinerary
  • 07:00 – Breakfast and departure for Lake Manyara National Park
  • 09:00 – Morning game drive through groundwater forest and lakeshore areas
  • 12:30 – Picnic lunch inside the park
  • 14:00 – Continue afternoon wildlife viewing and photography
  • 17:00 – Transfer to Karatu or Ngorongoro area lodge for overnight
Wildlife Highlights
Tree-Climbing Lions
Flamingos
Hippo
Blue Monkey
Baboon
Pelicans
Meals Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Drive Distance
~80 km total
Ngorongoro Farm House / Country Lodge Karatu Safari lodge · Karatu Highlands
Day 03
Ngorongoro Crater → Arusha
Ngorongoro Crater

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable morning safari in one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife sanctuaries. The crater floor supports dense populations of predators, herbivores, flamingos, and the endangered black rhino.

Itinerary
  • 06:00 – Early breakfast and drive to the Ngorongoro Crater gate
  • 07:00 – Descend 600 metres into the crater floor
  • 08:00 – Morning game drive searching for the Big Five and crater wildlife
  • 12:00 – Picnic lunch at the hippo pool picnic area
  • 14:00 – Return drive to Arusha
Wildlife Highlights
Black Rhino
Lion
Buffalo
Hippo
Flamingos
Hyena
Meals Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Return Distance
~190 km to Arusha

Ngorongoro Crater: One of the best wildlife-viewing destinations in Africa with excellent chances of spotting the Big Five in a single game drive.