3 Days - Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater Safari in Tanzania
This 3 Days Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater Safari covers 1 night near Lake Manyara and 1 night in the Ngorongoro Highlands, with an additional 1 night stay in Arusha City before the safari begins. The safari starts with airport pick-up from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) and ends with airport drop-off after the tour. Accompanied by our professional, certified, experienced and passionate safari guides from Macpace Tours and Safaris, this journey offers a beautiful introduction to Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit and memories that will last a lifetime.
Starting from Arusha City or Moshi Town, this safari is a good choice for travelers who want to visit three famous safari destinations in a short time. It is simple, well planned, and gives you a chance to enjoy different landscapes, wildlife, birds, lakes, elephants, baobab trees, and the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater.
Your safari journey begins with your arrival in Arusha. You will spend the first night in Arusha City before going into the parks. This night gives you time to rest after your flight, prepare your safari luggage, and get ready for the next day’s adventure.
On the first day of Safari, your guide will pick you up after breakfast and drive to Lake Manyara National Park. The park is located at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment and is known for its green forest, lake views, open grassland, and rich birdlife.
During your game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, you may see elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, baboons, blue monkeys, flamingos, pelicans, and many other bird species. The park is also known for tree-climbing lions, although sightings depend on the day and season.
On the second day of Safari, your journey continues to Tarangire National Park. This park is famous for large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, open savannah, and the Tarangire River. The river attracts many animals, especially during the dry season, making Tarangire one of the best places for wildlife viewing in northern Tanzania.
During your Tarangire game drive, you may see elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, impalas, warthogs, baboons, ostriches, and many different birds. If lucky, you may also spot leopards or cheetahs in some areas of the park.
Later in the day, you will drive towards the Ngorongoro Highlands for dinner and overnight stay. The route gives you beautiful views of local villages, farms, open countryside, and green highland landscapes near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
On the third day of Safari, you will descend into the famous Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive. The crater is one of the best wildlife areas in Tanzania because many animals live inside the crater throughout the year.
During the game drive, you may see lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, hyenas, gazelles, and if lucky, the rare black rhino. The crater also has beautiful scenery, including open grassland, forest, swamp areas, and a lake, making it one of the most special places on this safari.
After the Ngorongoro Crater game drive, you will begin your journey back to Arusha. Depending on your travel plan, you can be dropped at your hotel, Arusha Airport, or Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Throughout this safari, you will travel in a comfortable 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof. This gives you a clear view for wildlife watching, photography, and enjoying the landscapes of northern Tanzania.
This 3 Days Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater Safari is perfect for first-time visitors, couples, families, solo travelers, photographers, and wildlife lovers. It combines lake scenery, forest wildlife, elephants, baobab trees, highlands, and the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater in one short and well-planned Tanzania safari.
Safari at a Glance
- Safari Name: 3 Days Tanzania Safari Itinerary (Lake Manyara, Tarangire & Ngorongoro Crater)
- Starting Point: Arusha City or Moshi Town
- Airport Arrival: Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) or Arusha Airport (ARK)
- Ending Point: Arusha, Moshi, KIA Airport, or Arusha Airport
- Accommodation Before Safari: Optional overnight stay in Arusha or Moshi
- Night 1: Lodge/Camp near Lake Manyara or Karatu Area
- Night 2: Ngorongoro Highlands Lodge/Camp or Similar
- Main Attractions: Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater
- Wildlife: Lions, Elephants, Buffaloes, Zebras, Giraffes, Hippos, Wildebeest, Hyenas, Leopards and more
- Best For: Wildlife lovers, photographers, families, couples and short Tanzania safari holidays
Important Travel Information
| Location | Distance & Travel Time |
|---|---|
| Arusha to Lake Manyara | Approximately 125 km | 2–3 hours drive |
| Moshi to Lake Manyara | Approximately 205 km | 4–5 hours drive |
| Lake Manyara to Tarangire | Approximately 85 km | 1.5–2 hours drive |
| Tarangire to Ngorongoro Highlands | Approximately 160 km | 3–4 hours drive |
| Ngorongoro to Arusha | Approximately 190 km | 4–5 hours drive |
| KIA Airport to Arusha | Approximately 50 km | About 1 hour drive |
| Arusha Airport to Arusha City | Approximately 8 km | About 15 minutes drive |
Places You Will Visit
Arusha City – Gateway to Northern Tanzania Safaris
Arusha is the main starting point for Tanzania’s famous Northern Safari Circuit. Located beneath Mount Meru, the city serves as a hub for travelers heading to Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, and Mount Kilimanjaro. Most visitors spend a night here before beginning their safari adventure.
Lake Manyara National Park – Rift Valley Wildlife Paradise
Lake Manyara National Park is one of Tanzania's most scenic parks. Situated beneath the Great Rift Valley escarpment, the park features lush forests, open plains, hot springs, and the shallow alkaline lake that attracts thousands of birds. Wildlife sightings commonly include elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, baboons, buffaloes, and numerous bird species.
Tarangire National Park – Kingdom of Giants
Tarangire National Park is famous for its enormous elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. The Tarangire River acts as a lifeline for wildlife during the dry season, attracting animals from surrounding areas. Visitors often enjoy excellent sightings of elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and a variety of predators.
The park's peaceful atmosphere and stunning landscapes make it one of the most rewarding safari destinations in northern Tanzania.
Ngorongoro Crater – The Eighth Wonder of Africa
Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa's most spectacular wildlife destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The crater supports a rich ecosystem that provides year-round wildlife viewing opportunities within a relatively small area.
The crater floor is home to lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, hyenas, and the endangered black rhino. Its breathtaking scenery and exceptional wildlife density make it one of the highlights of every Tanzania safari.
Why Choose This 3 Days Safari?
- Visit three of Tanzania's most popular safari destinations.
- Excellent opportunities to see the Big Five and other wildlife.
- Experience diverse landscapes within a short itinerary.
- Perfect safari for travelers with limited time.
- Explore the famous Ngorongoro Crater.
- Discover Tarangire's giant elephant herds and baobab trees.
- Enjoy birdlife and scenic beauty at Lake Manyara.
- Professional safari guide and comfortable 4x4 vehicle.
- Suitable for couples, families, solo travelers, and groups.
Ensuite Accommodation Packages
Below are packages with a few popular ensuite options for your private tour, starting on Nov 13, 2023, in a group of two adults. Ensuite hotels are tented camps/lodges that can be inside/around national parks. You will have a private room with attached bathroom. Meals are provided by hotels.
Option E1
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- $884 per person for safari with Land Cruiser
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- Stay at Omega View Hotel, Karatu
Option E2
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- $936 per person for safari with Land Cruiser
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- Stay at Eileen's Trees Inn - Standard, Karatu
Option E3
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- $994 per person for safari Land Cruiser
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- Stay at The Castle Ngorongoro, Karatu
Option E4
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- $1,070 per person for safari with Land Cruiser
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- Stay at Acacia Farm Lodge, Karatu
Option E5
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- $1,336 per person for safari with Mini Land Cruiser
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- Stay at Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge, Karatu
Option E6
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- $1,918 per person for safari with Mini Land Cruiser
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- Stay at The Manor at Ngorongoro, Karatu
Detailed Tarangire and Ngorongoro Safari Itinerary
Day
0
Arrival in Arusha – Airport Pickup & Hotel Stay
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), our safari representative will meet and welcome you to Tanzania. After a short introduction, you will be transferred to your hotel in Arusha for relaxation and overnight stay before your safari begins.
This arrival day gives you time to rest after your journey, prepare your safari luggage, and get ready for the adventure ahead. Depending on your arrival time, you may also meet your safari guide for a short briefing about your safari route, accommodation, pickup time, and the next day’s visit to Tarangire National Park.
You will spend the night at your selected hotel in Arusha or Moshi, ready to start your Tanzania safari the following morning.
Day
1
Arusha to Tarangire National Park – Elephants, Baobabs and Wildlife Safari
After breakfast at your hotel in Arusha, your safari guide will pick you up early in the morning and start the journey to Tarangire National Park by 4x4 safari jeep. The drive takes you through beautiful northern Tanzania landscapes, local villages, farms, and open countryside before arriving at one of the most scenic wildlife parks in the country.
When you arrive at Tarangire National Park, your game drive will begin with beautiful views of ancient baobab trees, open savannah, river valleys, and termite mounds. Tarangire is famous for its large elephant herds and the Tarangire River, which attracts many animals, especially during the dry season.
During your game drive, you may see elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, warthogs, impalas, ostriches, baboons, mongoose, and many bird species. If lucky, you may also spot cheetahs or leopards in different areas of the park.
Around lunch time, you will enjoy a picnic lunch at a selected picnic site inside the park. After lunch, you will continue with an afternoon game drive, giving you more time to explore Tarangire’s wildlife areas and enjoy the peaceful safari atmosphere.
After a full day of wildlife viewing in Tarangire National Park, you will continue to your selected accommodation near Tarangire, Karatu, or the Ngorongoro area. You will have time to rest, take a shower, enjoy dinner, and spend the night before continuing with the next part of your Tanzania safari.
Day
2
Tarangire National Park to Ngorongoro Crater
We will have an early drive from your accommodation after taking your morning breakfast to Ngorongoro Crater through Ngorongoro Conservation Area. In Ngorongoro Crater animals cannot frequently come in and out of the Ngorongoro Crater due to its elevated landscape. This led to the disability of spotting every member of the BIG FIVE in a single day/time comprising buffalo, elephants, rhinos, lions and leopards. Other wildlife animals that you may see are like zebras, hippo, wildebeest and hyenas. The Ngorongoro Crater also is featured by an extensive bird population including geese, storks and vultures, and flamingos on the Soda Lake in the crater rim. After that we will drive directly to Lake Manyara where we will have dinner and spend the night.
Day
3
Lake Manyara National Park to Moshi/Arusha.
In early morning after breakfast, we will start to move on to Lake Manyara National Park where we will spend the day game drive and enjoy a picnic lunch. Lake Manyara National Park is located at the base Great Rift Valley showing good magnificent. A number of species is able to reside in the Lake Manyara National Park due to the wide-range of habitats encouraging photographers and bird watchers. Thousands of pink-hued flamingos occupy in the lake and other water birds include pelicans, storks and cormorants. The wildlife you may see are buffalo, elephants, giraffe, impalas and the ferocious hippos that inhabit the water. Our trip will come to an end in the late afternoon. We will proceed to Moshi/Arusha in your hotel.
Pre & Post Tour Hotels
Arusha is the base for safari tours in North Tanzania. If you need accommodation in Arusha before/after your safari tour you can check some popular hotel prices on bed and breakfast basis below.
Single Room
- Crest Safari Lodge - USD 47
- Kutoka Lodge - USD 64
- Karama Lodge - USD 113
- The African Tulip - USD 149
- Four Points by Sheraton - USD 205
- Arusha Coffee Lodge - USD 375
Double Sharing
- Crest Safari Lodge - USD 29
- Kutoka Lodge - USD 49
- Karama Lodge - USD 76
- The African Tulip - USD 112
- Four Points by Sheraton - USD 120
- Arusha Coffee Lodge - USD 240
Triple Sharing Room
- Crest Safari Lodge - USD 29
- Kutoka Lodge - USD 40
- Karama Lodge - USD 73
- The African Tulip - USD 93
- Arusha Coffee Lodge - USD 180
Add-on tours in Ngorongoro
- Masai Village Tour: USD 25 per person
- Olduvai Gorge museum visit: USD 35 per person
- Ngorongoro Crater Rim Hike: USD 35 per person
Add-on tours in Lake Manyara
- Canoeing in Lake Manyara: USD 74 per person
- Night Game drives in Lake Manyara NP: USD 114 per person
- Treetop Walkway: USD 54 per person
Add-on tours in Tarangire
- Hot Air Balloon Ride: USD 540 per person
- Short Walking Tour (upto 4 hours): USD 45 per person
- Long Walking Tour (upto 6 hours): USD 60 per person
- Night Game Drives (for clients staying inside): USD 100-200 per person depending on lodge
Add-on tours in Karatu
- Coffee Plantation Tour: USD 20 per person
- Iraq Village Tour: USD 25 per person
- Endoro Falls & Elephant Caves visit: USD 35 per person
Transfers Details
This tour starts from Arusha. Kilimanjaro Airport is the nearest international airport and Arusha Airport is the nearest domestic airport.
Airport Pickup / Drop
Arusha Airport: No extra charge
Kilimanjaro Airport: USD 30 per vehicle
Airport to Hotel Transfers
Arusha Airport ↔ Hotel: USD 25 per vehicle
Kilimanjaro Airport ↔ Arusha: USD 50 per vehicle
Intercity Transfers
Moshi ↔ Arusha: USD 100 per vehicle
Nairobi ↔ Arusha: USD 275 per vehicle
Flights Details
Important Note
We do not book international flights. We assist with local flights based on availability.
Intercity Flights
Zanzibar ↔ Arusha: From USD 100 (Morning flight)
Dar es Salaam ↔ Arusha: From USD 90 (Morning flight)
Arusha ↔ Zanzibar: From USD 170 (Afternoon flight)
Arusha ↔ Dar es Salaam: From USD 110 (Afternoon flight)
Meals Tips
Drive Times
- Day 1 - Arusha to Lake Manyara takes about 2.5 to 3 hours (114 km)
- Day 2 - Lake Manyara to NCA takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour (42 km)
- Day 3 - NCA to Tarangire takes about 1.5 to 2 hours (108 km)
- Day 3 - Tarangire to Arusha takes about 2.5 to 3 hours (106 km)
Note: These are estimated drive times. Because of the traffic, location of the accommodations, and several other factors, actual drive times may vary. Driving distances are approximate and do not account for exact places.
Safari Tour Inclusions & Exclusions
Below is a clear breakdown of what is included and excluded in your Tanzania safari package. This helps you understand exactly what to expect before your journey to Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and other parks.
