Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Morning – Departure from Arusha
After an early breakfast at your hotel in Arusha, meet your safari guide and set off for Tarangire National Park. The drive is around two hours, giving you a scenic view of Tanzania’s beautiful landscapes.
Game Drive in Tarangire National Park
Begin with a morning game drive upon entering the park. Tarangire is famous for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. You'll also see various other animals such as zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, and buffaloes. If you’re lucky, you might spot lions, leopards, and cheetahs roaming the savanna or near the Tarangire River, a critical water source that attracts wildlife year-round.
Picnic Lunch in the Park
Enjoy a picnic lunch within the park, surrounded by the sights and sounds of Tarangire's diverse ecosystem. There are designated picnic spots with fantastic views over the plains or near waterholes where animals come to drink.
Afternoon Game Drive
After lunch, continue with an afternoon game drive. Tarangire is also a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 500 species, including ostriches, hornbills, and lovebirds.
Evening – Transfer to Lodge
In the late afternoon, leave the park and head to your lodge or tented camp nearby for dinner and relaxation.
Overnight: Lodge or tented camp near Tarangire National Park
Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater
Early Morning – Depart for Ngorongoro Conservation Area
After an early breakfast, set off for the Ngorongoro Crater (about a 1.5-hour drive). This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Africa’s most unique wildlife destinations, known as “Africa’s Garden of Eden” due to its high density of animals in a compact area.
Morning Game Drive in Ngorongoro Crater
Descend into the crater for an unforgettable game drive on the crater floor. Here, you’ll have the chance to spot the “Big Five” – lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and the endangered black rhino. The crater is also home to zebras, wildebeests, hippos, and a wide variety of birdlife, especially around Lake Magadi, where flamingos gather.
Picnic Lunch at the Hippo Pool
Stop at a scenic picnic spot near the hippo pool for lunch. This is a wonderful spot to relax, observe hippos, and enjoy your meal surrounded by the crater’s natural beauty.
Afternoon Game Drive and Ascent
After lunch, continue exploring the crater floor, capturing more memorable moments of the park’s wildlife and unique landscapes.
Evening – Transfer to Lodge near Lake Manyara
Ascend the crater walls and head toward your lodge near Lake Manyara National Park, enjoying dinner and a comfortable night’s rest.
Overnight: Lodge or tented camp near Lake Manyara National Park
Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park to Arusha
Morning – Lake Manyara National Park Game Drive
After breakfast, enter Lake Manyara National Park for a morning game drive. This lush park is known for its beautiful groundwater forests and the alkaline Lake Manyara, home to thousands of flamingos and other waterbirds. Keep an eye out for the park’s famous tree-climbing lions, elephants, giraffes, baboons, and hippos.
Birdwatching and Wildlife Viewing
Lake Manyara’s diverse ecosystems provide a great setting for birdwatching, with over 400 bird species. Flamingos, pelicans, and storks are common near the lake, while woodland areas house colorful species such as the crowned eagle and crested guineafowl.
Late Morning – Return to Arusha
Conclude your game drive and start the journey back to Arusha. Enjoy the scenic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley and take photos along the way.
Arrival in Arusha
Arrive in Arusha in the early afternoon, marking the end of your exciting 3-day safari. You can be dropped off at your hotel or head directly to the airport if you have a flight.
Tips for Your 3-Day Safari
Clothing: Wear neutral-colored clothing, comfortable layers, and bring a warm jacket for early mornings.
Camera and Binoculars: Essential for capturing memories and spotting distant wildlife.
Stay Hydrated: Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Extra Activities: If time allows, you may wish to add a visit to a Maasai village or cultural site along the route.