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3-Day Classic Safari to Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara
Tanzania Safari

3-Day Classic Safari to Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara

Safari price
From $1,190
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Safari Escort journey

Trip Overview

The 3-Day Classic Safari to Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara starts and finishes in Arusha. Its route includes Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara, following the destination order and transfers set out in the day-by-day itinerary.

The journey is shaped around guided game drives in the listed parks, with each overnight stop positioned for the next stage of the route.

Every safari day brings a different perspective on Tanzania’s landscapes and wildlife. Explore the route below to see how activities, journeys between destinations and overnight stays fit together. Our local team can help you consider seasonal wildlife movements, the time available and accommodation preferences before you make a decision.

Where every day follows the rhythm of the journey
Elephant habitat and baobab landscape in Tarangire National ParkTarangire
Zebra and wildlife habitat inside Ngorongoro CraterNgorongoro Crater
Flamingos and lakeshore scenery in Lake Manyara National ParkLake Manyara
Safari vehicle and elephant in Tarangire National ParkTarangire Wildlife
Moments along the route
Safari Highlights

Your Journey Highlights

  • Into the Wilderness – Arusha to TarangireExplore Tarangire’s river valley, baobab country and wildlife habitat on a guided game drive.
  • Ngorongoro Crater Safari – and ReturnDescend into the Ngorongoro Crater for guided wildlife viewing across grassland, woodland and wetland habitats.
  • Lake Manyara Game Drive & Return to ArushaComplete the final scheduled activity and transfer, with the timing coordinated around the confirmed onward arrangements.

Your Itinerary

Day 01

Into the Wilderness – Arusha to Tarangire

  • Activity: Game Drive
  • Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner

Your adventure begins with a morning departure from Arusha, heading southwest through rural landscapes toward Tarangire National Park. Upon arrival, you’ll begin your first game drive, taking in sweeping views of savannahs lined with majestic baobab trees and acacia woodland. Tarangire is famed for its large elephant populations, and you’ll also spot zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, and predators such as lions and leopards. It’s also a haven for birdlife, with over 500 species recorded.

Accommodation

The Castle at Ngorongoro

The Castle at Ngorongoro is a distinctive lodge-style property in the Karatu and Ngorongoro highlands. Its architecture gives the overnight stop a strong identity, while the cooler agricultural landscape separates it from the tented camps of the open plains. Guest rooms, dining and lounge spaces provide a settled base after long northern-circuit drives. The location supports access to Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and the road onward to the Serengeti or Arusha.

LocationNgorongoro highlandsStay styleBoutique safari lodge
Day 02

Ngorongoro Crater Safari – and Return

  • Activity: Game Drive & Transfer
  • Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, you’ll drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This massive volcanic caldera is a self-contained ecosystem that offers one of the best chances in Africa to see the Big Five. During your guided crater game drive, spot black rhinos grazing near the swamps, lions stalking in the open grasslands, herds of buffalo and elephants, and colorful flamingos lining the soda lake. Break for a picnic lunch at a scenic hippo pool before continuing your exploration.

Accommodation

The Castle at Ngorongoro

The Castle at Ngorongoro is a distinctive lodge-style property in the Karatu and Ngorongoro highlands. Its architecture gives the overnight stop a strong identity, while the cooler agricultural landscape separates it from the tented camps of the open plains. Guest rooms, dining and lounge spaces provide a settled base after long northern-circuit drives. The location supports access to Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and the road onward to the Serengeti or Arusha.

LocationNgorongoro highlandsStay styleBoutique safari lodge
Day 03

Lake Manyara Game Drive & Return to Arusha

  • End of tour in Arusha
  • Activity: Game Drive & Transfer
  • Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

Your final safari day takes you to Lake Manyara National Park, a compact but biologically rich park known for its lush groundwater forests and the Great Rift Valley escarpment. On your morning game drive, you may spot tree-climbing lions, large families of baboons, hippos in the wetlands, and hundreds of bird species, including flamingos and pelicans. After your drive, enjoy a short rest before starting your scenic return to Arusha, arriving in the afternoon to mark the end of your unforgettable journey.

Plan your safari
Your Safari Package

Included & Excluded

Included

Included in the published itinerary

  • All national park and conservation area entry fees
  • Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
  • Professional English-speaking safari guide
  • All scheduled game drives and crater descent
  • 3 nights’ accommodation in specified camps/lodges
  • All meals during the safari (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Bottled drinking water and soft drinks during game drives
  • Transfers to/from Arusha (or airport if arranged)
Not included

Additional costs

  • International and domestic flights
  • Visa fees and travel insurance
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Tips and gratuities for guide and lodge staff
  • Alcoholic beverages unless specified
  • Personal expenses (e.g., laundry, souvenirs)
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Before you go

Safari Questions,
Simply Answered

Ask our safari team

3 days / 2 nights. The day-by-day itinerary shows where each overnight falls. Check arrival and departure flight times before arranging onward travel, and ask us if you would prefer a slower pace or an extra night.

From $1,190 per person. Ask for a quote for your dates and group size. The final quote depends on travel dates, group size, room choice and any flights or extras. Request a written breakdown of park fees, accommodation, meals, transfers and exclusions before you book.

Tarangire National Park – Famous for elephants and baobab trees, Ngorongoro Crater – Home to the Big Five in a volcanic caldera, Lake Manyara National Park – Known for tree-climbing lions and birdlife. Use the day-by-day route above to see the order of visits. Ask for estimated road or flight times between stops for your chosen dates; that is often more useful than counting destinations alone.

The Castle at Ngorongoro. Exact properties and room types depend on availability. Ask us to confirm each stay, its location, meal plan and any proposed alternative in writing before paying a deposit.