Is three days enough for a Tanzania safari?

Yes — this route packs three of the north's best parks into a tight loop from Arusha, so it's ideal if you're short on time or adding a safari to a beach or climbing trip. For more Serengeti time, consider the 5-day safari.

What will I see on this safari?

Expect the Big Five (lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, rhino), plus giraffe, zebra, hippo, flamingo and over 550 bird species across the three parks. The Ngorongoro Crater has one of the densest wildlife concentrations in Africa.

Can I upgrade the lodges?

Yes — the midrange package is from $1,460pp; luxury lodges are from $1,906pp. Tell Ombeni your preference on WhatsApp and he'll tailor it.

3-Day Safari · mid-range / comfort

3-Day Tanzania Safari – Tarangire, Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro

From

$1,460

per person

Per person, sharing. From $1,460 midrange / $1,906 luxury lodges.

Plan on WhatsApp

A perfect short introduction to northern Tanzania's classic parks: the elephant herds and baobabs of Tarangire, the tree-climbing lions and flamingos of Lake Manyara, and a full game drive on the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater. Three days of Big Five game viewing for travellers short on time.

Best months to travel: Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct · Jan · Feb

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1
Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Morning pickup in Arusha and a two-hour drive to Tarangire, famous for big elephant herds and ancient baobabs. Picnic lunch in the park, then morning and afternoon game drives along the Tarangire River where wildlife gathers to drink.
Lunch, dinner · Midrange lodge or tented camp near Tarangire
2
Lake Manyara National Park
Drive to Lake Manyara, a lush hidden gem of groundwater forest and savanna. Look for tree-climbing lions, large elephant groups, baboons and, on the alkaline lake, thousands of flamingos. Picnic lunch overlooking the water.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Midrange lodge near Karatu or Manyara
3
Ngorongoro Crater — return to Arusha
Descend 600 m into the Ngorongoro Crater for a morning game drive among lions, elephants, buffalo and the rare black rhino, with a picnic lunch near the hippo pools. Ascend in the afternoon and drive back to Arusha for drop-off.
Breakfast, lunch · —

What's included

✓All transfers and transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
✓Two nights in midrange lodges or tented camps (full board)
✓All national park entry and Ngorongoro Crater service fees
✓Professional, English-speaking safari guide
✓Morning, afternoon and evening game drives as per the itinerary
✓Bottled water on game drives, plus all government taxes and VAT

Not included

✕International flights and Tanzania visa fees
✕Travel insurance (recommended for all travellers)
✕Optional hot air balloon safari ($500 per person)
✕Tips, souvenirs and items of a personal nature

Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Ask Ombeni directly on WhatsApp.

: Yes — this route packs three of the north's best parks into a tight loop from Arusha, so it's ideal if you're short on time or adding a safari to a beach or climbing trip. For more Serengeti time, consider the 5-day safari.
: Expect the Big Five (lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, rhino), plus giraffe, zebra, hippo, flamingo and over 550 bird species across the three parks. The Ngorongoro Crater has one of the densest wildlife concentrations in Africa.
: Yes — the midrange package is from $1,460pp; luxury lodges are from $1,906pp. Tell Ombeni your preference on WhatsApp and he'll tailor it.

Read before you go

Free, no-fluff guides from the people who run the trips.

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Safari · 11 min read

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Plan your 3-Day Safari with Ombeni