Best 3 Days - Arusha National Park, Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater Safari in Tanzania
This 3-days Tanzania safari covers 3 of Northern Tanzania’s top safari parks. You will visit Arusha National Park (1 day exploration), Tarangire National Park (1 night within/outside the park), and Ngorongoro Crater (1 night within/outside the conservation area). The tour starts with airport pick up from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)/ Arusha domestic Airport (ARK), or pick up from Arusha city, and ends with airport drop off or Arusha drop off at the end of the safari. With our Certified, professional, experienced and passionate safari guides, it will be a trip of a life time.
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 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 your Arusha National Park safari experience. Depending on your arrival time, you may also meet your safari guide for a short briefing about the next day’s program, pickup time, park activities, and important travel details.
You will spend the night at your selected hotel in Arusha, ready to start your safari adventure the following morning.
Arusha to Arusha National Park and Back to Arusha
After breakfast at your hotel in Arusha, your safari guide will pick you up and drive to Arusha National Park. This beautiful park is located close to Arusha City and offers a peaceful safari experience with amazing views of Mount Meru, green forest, open grassland, lakes, and wildlife.
After entering Arusha National Park, you will begin your game drive through different areas of the park, including the Momella Lakes and the scenic Ngurdoto Crater. The park is well known for giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, bushbucks, blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, flamingos, and many bird species.
During the game drive, you will also visit the famous Fig Tree, also known as Ficus thonningii. This large tree is wide enough for a safari vehicle to pass underneath, making it a special photo stop and one of the interesting landmarks inside Arusha National Park.
Around lunch time, your guide will take you to a picnic site where you will enjoy your packed lunch surrounded by nature. After lunch, you will continue with a relaxed game drive while enjoying more views of the park, wildlife, lakes, and Mount Meru scenery.
In the late afternoon, around 4:00 PM, you will leave Arusha National Park and drive back to Arusha Town. You will be dropped off at your hotel for dinner, relaxation, and overnight stay after a beautiful day of wildlife, nature, and scenery.
Arusha to Tarangire National Park and overnight near Tarangire
We will start a journey by our jeep car for Tarangire National Park early in the morning after a hearty breakfast. When arriving in Tarangire we will begin experiencing the different mounds and the ancient baobab trees. Tarangire National Park is experienced for its diverse bird species and extended population of giant elephants. There are animal sightings of lions, giraffe, warthogs, ostriches, impalas, cheetah, mongoose, buffaloes, and mischievous baboons. After discovering and observing the wildlife in Tarangire National Park we will continue our drive to our next package step to Ngorongoro Crater. Take a rest, shower, overnight and dinner at your accommodation.
Ngorongoro Crater tour and go back Arusha/Moshi.
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. Your safari trip will end in the late afternoon at which we need to drive to Moshi/Arusha.
Why Choose This Safari?
- 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 selected to provide comfort, convenience and easy access to the safari destinations on your itinerary. Depending on the package selected, you may stay in a safari lodge or tented camp around Tarangire, Karatu or the Ngorongoro area. The exact accommodation will be confirmed before your safari.
Tarangire / Karatu Area
After exploring Tarangire National Park, you will continue towards your overnight accommodation in the Tarangire or Karatu area, depending on the selected itinerary and accommodation arrangement.
Karatu / Ngorongoro Area
Your second overnight stay is arranged around the Karatu or Ngorongoro area, providing convenient access to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the following day's crater experience.
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$600 per person when two or more travellers share. The final price depends on season, group size and accommodation category (budget, mid-range or luxury).
| Season | Period | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Low season | April – May | From US$600 |
| High season | Jun – Oct, Dec – Feb | From US$1800 |
| Private | Any date | On request |
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 begin in Arusha. The city is located near Mount Meru and is known as the main gateway to famous safari destinations such as Arusha National Park, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti National Park.
Travelers arriving before the safari can spend the night in Arusha to relax, prepare their luggage, and meet the safari team before starting the adventure.
View on Google Maps
Arusha National Park – Scenic Wildlife Park Near Arusha
Arusha National Park is a beautiful and peaceful park located close to Arusha City. It is known for Mount Meru, green forest, open grassland, Momella Lakes, and a wide variety of wildlife and birds.
During your game drive, you may see giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, bushbucks, blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, flamingos, and many other bird species. The park is a perfect starting point for 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 seeing elephants. The park is famous for its large elephant families, ancient baobab trees, and the Tarangire River, which attracts many animals during the dry season.
During your game drive in Tarangire, you may see elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, impalas, warthogs, waterbucks, and many birds. The park offers a real African safari feeling with beautiful landscapes and good wildlife viewing.
View on Google Maps
Ngorongoro Crater – A Natural Wildlife Sanctuary
Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most famous wildlife destinations in Tanzania. It was formed millions of years ago after a large volcano collapsed, creating a huge natural caldera filled with wildlife.
The crater floor has grassland, forest, swamp, and lake areas, making it home to many animals throughout the year. During your game drive, you may see lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, hyenas, gazelles, and the rare black rhino if lucky.
Because many animals live inside the crater, Ngorongoro offers one of the best chances to see a lot of wildlife in a short time.
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
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
Frequently Asked Questions About This Safari
Find answers to common questions about departure, accommodation, wildlife, meals, transportation and booking.
Yes. Three days can provide a rewarding Northern Tanzania safari experience, especially when the itinerary focuses on Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. The route is designed to maximize wildlife viewing while keeping travel time practical.
This safari normally starts from Arusha, although departure arrangements can be adjusted depending on your travel plans. Airport transfers and pre-safari accommodation can also be arranged when requested.
The main destinations are Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, including a game drive inside Ngorongoro Crater. The itinerary may also include scenic areas around Karatu depending on the final route and accommodation arrangements.
Wildlife sightings vary naturally, but you may see elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, antelopes, hippos and many species of birds. Your guide will use local knowledge to look for wildlife based on current conditions and animal movements.
Yes. A game drive inside Ngorongoro Crater is one of the main experiences included in this 3-day itinerary. You will explore the crater floor with your safari guide while looking for wildlife and enjoying the dramatic volcanic scenery.
Accommodation depends on the selected safari package and comfort level. Options may include budget, mid-range or luxury lodges and tented camps around Tarangire, Karatu or the Ngorongoro area. The specific accommodation will be confirmed before your safari.
Yes. Meals are included according to the meal plan stated in your selected safari package. Your safari team will organize meals during the trip, including meals provided by your accommodation and suitable safari lunch arrangements.
The safari can be enjoyed throughout the year. June to October is generally popular for wildlife viewing because of drier conditions, while the green seasons can offer beautiful scenery, photography opportunities and a quieter safari atmosphere.
Yes. The safari can be adjusted to suit your travel dates, accommodation preference, departure location, activities and budget. If you have additional days, the itinerary can also be extended with other Northern Tanzania destinations or add-on experiences.
Yes. Airport transfers can be arranged from Kilimanjaro International Airport depending on your arrival time and travel plans. You can also arrange a pre-safari hotel stay before beginning the main itinerary.
Yes. This itinerary is a good introduction to Northern Tanzania because it combines two major safari destinations within a manageable three-day schedule. Your professional safari guide will assist you throughout the journey.
Yes. Private safari arrangements can be organized for couples, families, friends and small groups. A private safari gives you more flexibility with the itinerary, departure time and overall travel 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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