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Elephants walking beneath tall baobab trees in dry savannah

Tanzania · Private or group · Budget safari

3 Days Tanzania Safari – Tarangire, Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro

Three parks in three days from Arusha

A short northern Tanzania safari from Arusha: Tarangire's baobabs and elephants, Lake Manyara's forest and lake, and a final day in the Ngorongoro Crater.

  • 3 days
  • Tanzania
  • Wildlife safari

USD 675 pp

The journey in brief

Duration
3 days
Destinations
Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater
Start
Arusha
End
Arusha
Travel type
Private or group
Accommodation
Budget
Transport
4×4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof and Tanzanian driver-guide.
Price
USD 675 pp

The experience

At a glance.

If you have three days in Arusha, this route packs in three very different parks. Tarangire is known for its baobab trees and elephants gathering along the river, especially in the dry season.

Lake Manyara combines groundwater forest, an alkaline lake and steep escarpment walls. The trip finishes in the Ngorongoro Crater, a vast caldera where the crater floor supports a high concentration of wildlife.

Highlights

  • 01

    Elephants and baobabs in Tarangire

  • 02

    Lake Manyara's forest, lake and birdlife

  • 03

    A game drive on the Ngorongoro Crater floor

  • 04

    Starts and ends in Arusha

The route

Your journey.

  1. Stop 01

    Arusha

  2. Stop 02

    Tarangire

  3. Stop 03

    Lake Manyara

  4. Stop 04

    Ngorongoro Crater

  5. Stop 05

    Arusha

Arusha → Tarangire → Lake Manyara → Ngorongoro Crater → Arusha

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Day by day

The journey, in detail.

Timings are approximate. Your guide adjusts each day around road and wildlife conditions.

  1. Elephants walking along a sandy riverbed lined with trees

    Day 1 / Arusha → Tarangire National Park

    Tarangire

    Meet your Tanzanian driver-guide in Arusha for a briefing, then drive to Tarangire with packed lunches for an afternoon game drive along the Tarangire River.

    Timing
    Drive approx. 2–3 hours
    Meals
    Lunch and dinner
    Overnight
    Fanaka Campsite · Lake Manyara area
  2. Close view of a giraffe feeding on leaves

    Day 2 / Lake Manyara National Park

    Lake Manyara

    A day in Lake Manyara National Park with a picnic lunch. The park is small but varied, with forest where baboons and monkeys gather, open grassland and the lakeshore, where hundreds of bird species have been recorded.

    Meals
    Breakfast, lunch and dinner
    Overnight
    Fanaka Campsite · Lake Manyara area
  3. Zebras grazing on the green Ngorongoro Crater floor

    Day 3 / Ngorongoro Crater → Arusha

    Into the crater

    Drive up to the crater rim, register and descend for a game drive on the crater floor, looking for buffalo, elephants, lions and, with patience, black rhino. Climb out in the afternoon and drive back to Arusha.

    Meals
    Breakfast and lunch
    Overnight
    Journey ends · Arusha

Where you stay

Room to settle in.

This budget safari uses the camps and hotels listed below. Where a stop says 'camp/lodge', we confirm the property with your quote.

Accommodation pattern: Budget · Fanaka Campsite.

Pricing

A clear way forward.

USD 675 per person

Prices are in US dollars per person. Your written quote confirms the final price for your dates and party size.

Prices can depend on travel dates, party size, accommodation availability and changes to park fees. All terms are confirmed in writing before you book.

The details

What is included.

Included

  • Transport in a 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for game viewing
  • Park and crater fees for the parks in the itinerary
  • Game drives as described in the itinerary
  • Accommodation as listed for each night
  • Three meals a day while on safari
  • Services of an English-speaking driver-guide
  • Bottled drinking water during the safari

Not included

  • International flights and visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional activities, such as a Maasai village visit or boat ride
  • Drinks, unless stated
  • Tips for your guide and camp staff
  • Items of a personal nature

Before you travel

Good to know.

  • Travel documents

    Check passport validity and entry requirements for every country on your route with official government sources before you travel.

  • Health and insurance

    Ask a travel-health professional about vaccinations and malaria precautions, and take out travel insurance that covers your activities.

  • Luggage

    A soft bag is easiest in safari vehicles. If any part of your trip includes light-aircraft flights, baggage limits apply.

  • Seasons

    Weather and wildlife movement change through the year. Tell us your dates and we will explain what to expect.

Questions travellers ask

A few useful answers.

Can this itinerary be changed?

Often, yes. Tell us what you would like to change and we will confirm what is possible for your dates.

Is the price per person?

Yes. Prices are in US dollars per person, as published in our catalogue. Your written quote confirms the final price for your dates and party size.

What happens after I enquire?

We reply with availability, any suggestions for your dates and a written quote. Nothing is booked until you have agreed the quote and booking terms.

Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?

No. Wildlife is free-ranging and sightings vary. Your guide will plan each day around conditions to give you the best chances.

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The next step

Ready to shape this safari around you?

Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We will check availability and send a written quote; nothing is booked until you agree.

Use Plan My Safari to send your dates, travellers and preferences for this safari. It takes about two minutes.

Still deciding?

Tell us what you have in mind.

If this safari is close but not quite right, describe your ideal trip and we will suggest a route.

3 days · Tanzania

USD 675 pp

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