Key Findings
- Route: Arusha, Arusha National Park, Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, then back to Arusha.
- Duration: 3 days and 2 nights. An arrival night in Arusha is optional.
- Price: From US$1,114 to US$3,930 per adult (Options E1-E5). Every option uses a Land Cruiser.
- Included: Park fees, a 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof, a guide, meals, hotels and airport transfers.
- Best time: June to October for dry-season wildlife. Private departures run all year.
3 Days Arusha National Park, Tarangire & Ngorongoro Crater Safari
This 3-day safari covers the best of northern Tanzania. Start in Arusha and explore Arusha National Park. Continue to Tarangire for big elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. Then descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a full day of wildlife viewing. The trip suits first-time visitors, couples, families and wildlife lovers. You will see three top parks in just three days.
Tour / Safari Itinerary
3 Days Detailed Trip Itinerary
Itinerary Summary
Day-by-day route overview at a glance.
Arrival in Arusha – Airport Pickup & Hotel Stay
Arusha to Arusha National Park and Back to Arusha
Arusha to Tarangire National Park and overnight near Tarangire
Ngorongoro Crater tour and go back Arusha/Moshi.
Arrival in Arusha – Airport Pickup & Hotel Stay
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), our safari representative will meet you. They will welcome you to Tanzania and drive you to your hotel in Arusha. You can rest and prepare your luggage for the safari.
If you arrive early, you may meet your safari guide for a short briefing. The briefing covers the next day's program, pickup time, park activities and key travel details.
You will sleep at your selected hotel in Arusha. The safari starts the next morning.
Arusha to Arusha National Park and Back to Arusha
After breakfast at your hotel in Arusha, your guide will pick you up and drive to Arusha National Park. The park is close to the city and offers views of Mount Meru. It has green forest, open grassland, lakes and plenty of wildlife.
Your game drive will pass through areas such as the Momella Lakes and Ngurdoto Crater. The park is known for giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, bushbucks, blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, flamingos and many birds.
You will also stop at the famous Fig Tree, also called Ficus thonningii. The tree is wide enough for a safari vehicle to pass underneath. It is a great photo stop and a key landmark in the park.
Around midday, your guide will take you to a picnic site. You will enjoy your packed lunch in the middle of nature. After lunch, you will continue with a relaxed game drive and more views of the park and Mount Meru.
In the late afternoon, around 4:00 PM, you will leave the park and drive back to Arusha. You will return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Arusha to Tarangire National Park and overnight near Tarangire
After breakfast, we leave Arusha and drive to Tarangire National Park. The drive takes about two to three hours. On arrival, you will see termite mounds and ancient baobab trees. Tarangire is famous for its large elephant herds and many bird species. You may also spot lions, giraffes, warthogs, ostriches, impalas, cheetahs, mongooses, buffaloes and baboons. After the game drive, we drive to your accommodation near Tarangire or Karatu. You can rest, shower and enjoy dinner before your overnight stay.
Ngorongoro Crater tour and go back Arusha/Moshi.
After breakfast, we drive from your lodge to Ngorongoro Crater. The route passes through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The crater walls keep many animals inside, so wildlife viewing is excellent. You have a good chance to see all of the Big Five in one day: buffalo, elephant, rhino, lion and leopard. You may also see zebras, hippos, wildebeest and hyenas. The crater also hosts geese, storks, vultures and flamingos on Lake Magadi. We leave the crater in the late afternoon. Then we drive back to Arusha or Moshi.
Price Options
Choose the accommodation level that fits your budget. Every option uses a 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, a professional safari guide, park fees, meals and airport transfers. Prices are per adult sharing a double room.
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.
What’s Included in Your Safari
What’s Not Included
Why Choose Us
- Visit three beautiful safari destinations in only three days.
- Start your safari with Arusha National Park, close to Arusha City.
- See large elephant herds and baobab trees in Tarangire National Park.
- Explore the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater.
- Good chance to see many animals in a short time.
- Shorter driving distances compared to Serengeti safari packages.
- Professional English-speaking safari guide.
- Comfortable 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof.
- Airport pick-up and drop-off available from JRO or Arusha Airport.
- Suitable for couples, families, solo travelers, groups, and first-time visitors.
Important Travel Information
| Location | Distance & Travel Time |
|---|---|
| Arusha to Arusha National Park | Approximately 35 km | About 45 minutes to 1 hour drive |
| Moshi to Arusha National Park | Approximately 85 km | About 2 hours drive |
| Arusha to Tarangire National Park | Approximately 120 km | About 2 to 3 hours drive |
| Tarangire to Ngorongoro Highlands | Approximately 160 km | About 3 to 4 hours drive |
| Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha | Approximately 190 km | About 4 to 5 hours drive |
| Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha | Approximately 50 km | About 1 hour drive |
| Arusha Airport to Arusha City | Approximately 8 km | About 15 minutes drive |
Wildlife You Can See on This Safari
This Tanzania safari combines wildlife-rich landscapes with remarkable concentrations of animals. During your game drives, you may encounter elephants, lions, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, hippos and many other species in their natural habitats.
Elephants
Known for magnificent herds moving through woodland, grazing near open areas or gathering around rivers.
Lions
Lions can be encountered resting under acacia shade, moving through grasslands or stalking potential prey.
African Buffaloes
Large buffalo herds seen in grasslands and swamps, powerful members of the Big Five.
Giraffes
Commonly browsing high acacia trees and moving gracefully across savannah landscapes.
Zebras
Frequently seen grazing in open plains together with wildebeest and antelopes.
Wildebeest
Iconic savannah herbivores roaming open landscapes in large social groups.
Hippos
Plentiful in lakes, rivers and natural pools across Northern Tanzania.
Antelopes & Gazelles
Gazelles, impalas, waterbucks, and dik-diks feeding across diverse safari habitats.
Look Out for Predators
Depending on season, location and animal movements, you may also encounter leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas with your experienced safari guide.
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Plan This SafariWhere You Will Stay During This Safari
Your accommodation is chosen for comfort and easy access to the safari route. Depending on your package, you may stay in a safari lodge or tented camp around Tarangire, Karatu or Ngorongoro. We confirm the exact hotel before your safari.
Tarangire / Karatu Area
After your Tarangire game drive, we drive to your lodge in the Tarangire or Karatu area. The exact stop depends on your itinerary and accommodation choice.
Karatu / Ngorongoro Area
Your second night is near Karatu or Ngorongoro. This puts you close to the crater for the next day's game drive.
Safari Details at a Glance
Everything you need to know about this 3 Days / 2 Nights Tanzania Safari — pricing, booking, what to pack, transfers, flights and the places you will visit.
Safari Price Guide & What Affects the Cost
This 3 Days / 2 Nights Tanzania Safari starts from US$1,114 per adult with the default option (Option E1). The final price depends on the option you choose, group size and travel season.
| Option | Accommodation | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Option E1 | Day 1-3: Omega View Hotel, Karatu Day 4: Crest Safari Lodge - Standard, Arusha | From US$1,114 / adult |
| Option E2 | Day 1-2: Sangaiwe Tented Lodge, Tarangire (Outside the Park) Day 3: Crest Safari Lodge - Standard, Arusha Day 4: Venus Premier Hotel - Standard Room | From US$1,114 / adult |
| Option E3 | Day 1-2: Tarangire Tortilis Camp, Tarangire (Within the Park) Day 3: Manyara Best View Lodge - Silver Room, Lake Manyara (Outside the Park) Day 4: Four Points by Sheraton, Arusha - Traditional Queen | From US$1,515 / adult |
| Option E4 | Day 1-2: Topguide Bush Camp Lolkisale, Tarangire (Within the Park) Day 3: Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge, Lake Manyara (Outside the Park) Day 4: Hamerkop House by Lemala, Arusha | From US$2,076 / adult |
| Option E5 | Day 1-2: Sanctuary Swala Camp, Tarangire (Within the Park) Day 3: Lake Manyara Tree Lodge - Suite, Lake Manyara (Within the Park) Day 4: Hamerkop House by Lemala, Arusha | From US$3,930 / adult |
Includes park fees, licensed guide, 4x4 vehicle, fuel, meals, accommodation and airport transfers. International flights, visas, insurance, tips and personal items are excluded.
Booking, Payment & Cancellation
How to book: send your travel dates and group size through the booking form or WhatsApp. We confirm availability within 24 hours.
- Deposit: 30% of the safari cost confirms your booking.
- Balance: payable on arrival in Arusha before departure.
- Payment methods: bank transfer, credit card and cash in USD.
- Cancellation: free up to 14 days before departure, 50% charged 7–13 days before, and 100% within 7 days.
What to Pack for Your Safari
- Neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, olive or beige), light long sleeves and trousers.
- A fleece or warm jacket for cool early mornings in the highlands.
- Comfortable walking shoes, a sun hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen.
- Binoculars, a camera with zoom lens, spare batteries and memory cards.
- Insect repellent, a refillable water bottle, personal medication and travel insurance documents.
- Passport and a yellow fever certificate if you arrive from an endemic country.
Health, Safety & Responsible Travel
- Drink only bottled or filtered water; lodges provide safe drinking water.
- Take malaria prophylaxis as advised by your doctor.
- All game drives are led by licensed TANAPA guides who keep a safe distance from wildlife.
- Tanzania bans single-use plastic bags; carry a reusable bag.
- Respect local cultures — ask before photographing people and dress modestly in villages.
- 24-hour emergency contact: Macpace Tours on +255 755 355 071.
Transfers Details
This tour starts from Arusha. Kilimanjaro Airport is the nearest international airport and Arusha Airport is the nearest domestic airport.
Arusha Airport: No extra charge Kilimanjaro Airport: USD 30 per vehicle
Arusha Airport ↔ Hotel: USD 25 per vehicle Kilimanjaro Airport ↔ Arusha: USD 50 per vehicle
Moshi ↔ Arusha: USD 100 per vehicle Nairobi ↔ Arusha: USD 275 per vehicle
Flights Details
We do not book international flights. We assist with local flights based on availability.
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)
Places You Will Visit
Arusha City – Tanzania's Safari Capital
Most northern Tanzania safaris start in Arusha. The city sits near Mount Meru. It is the main gateway to Arusha National Park, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park.
If you arrive early, you can spend a night in Arusha. You can rest, prepare your luggage and meet the safari team before the adventure begins.
View on Google Maps
Arusha National Park – Scenic Wildlife Park Near Arusha
Arusha National Park is a beautiful, peaceful park close to Arusha City. It is known for Mount Meru, green forest, open grassland, Momella Lakes and a wide range of wildlife and birds.
On your game drive, you may see giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, bushbucks, blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, flamingos and many other birds. The park is a perfect start to this short Tanzania safari.
View on Google Maps
Tarangire National Park – Elephants and Baobab Trees
Tarangire National Park is one of the best parks in Tanzania for elephants. It is famous for large elephant families, ancient baobab trees and the Tarangire River. In the dry season, the river attracts many animals.
During your game drive, you may see elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, impalas, warthogs, waterbucks and many birds. The park offers a true African safari feel with beautiful landscapes and good wildlife viewing.
View on Google MapsAccommodation, Add-ons & Meals
Pre- and post-safari hotels, optional add-on tours and meal arrangements for this 3 Days / 2 Nights Tanzania Safari.
Pre & Post Tour Hotels (Pricing in Arusha)
Arusha is the base for safari tours in 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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 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 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 Karatu
- Coffee Plantation Tour: USD 20 per person
- Iraq Village Tour: USD 25 per person
- Endoro Falls & Elephant Caves visit: USD 35 per person
Meals
- Day 1 - Lunch & Dinner
- Day 2 - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Day 3 - Breakfast & Lunch
Frequently Asked Questions About This Safari
Find answers to common questions about departure, accommodation, wildlife, meals, transportation and booking.
Yes. Three days is enough for a rewarding northern Tanzania safari. This route focuses on Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater. It maximises wildlife viewing and keeps driving time practical.
This safari usually starts in Arusha. We can adjust the departure point to suit your travel plans. Airport transfers and pre-safari hotels are available on request.
You will visit Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The trip includes a game drive inside Ngorongoro Crater. You may also see scenic areas around Karatu, depending on the route and hotels.
Wildlife sightings vary. You may see elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, antelopes, hippos and many birds. Your guide uses local knowledge to find wildlife based on current conditions.
Yes. A game drive inside Ngorongoro Crater is a key part of this 3-day trip. You will explore the crater floor with your guide. You can look for wildlife and enjoy the volcanic scenery.
Your hotel depends on the package and comfort level you choose. Options include budget, mid-range and luxury lodges or tented camps around Tarangire, Karatu or Ngorongoro. We confirm the exact hotel before your safari.
Yes. Meals are included as stated in your selected package. Your safari team arranges meals during the trip. This includes meals at your hotel and safari lunches.
You can enjoy this safari all year. June to October is popular for dry-season wildlife viewing. The green season offers beautiful scenery, good photos and fewer crowds.
Yes. We can adjust the dates, hotels, departure point, activities and budget. If you have more time, we can add other northern Tanzania destinations or extra experiences.
Yes. We can arrange transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport. The timing depends on your arrival and travel plans. You can also stay in a hotel before the safari starts.
Yes. This trip is a good introduction to northern Tanzania. It combines two major safari areas in three days. Your guide will help you throughout the journey.
Yes. We can arrange a private safari for couples, families, friends and small groups. A private trip gives you more flexibility with the route, departure time and overall experience.
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Book This SafariSafari Route Map
Follow the full safari route from Arusha, Tanzania through 3 destinations.
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3 Days / 2 Nights Tanzania Safari
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