Three day Zanzibar safari tour

Safari summary

Embark on an extraordinary 3-day last-minute safari from Zanzibar to three of Tanzania’s most celebrated wildlife destinations—Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater. This short yet immersive fly-in safari is perfect for travelers staying in Zanzibar who want to experience the thrill of East Africa’s wildlife without compromising on comfort or time. Your journey begins early in the morning with a transfer from your hotel in Zanzibar to Zanzibar International Airport, where you’ll board a scheduled domestic flight to Arusha Airport, the gateway to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted by your professional safari guide and begin a scenic drive toward Tarangire National Park, which lies approximately two hours away. Known for its vast landscapes dotted with iconic baobab trees and the seasonal Tarangire River that attracts thousands of animals during the dry season, Tarangire offers an authentic African safari experience. Your first game drive will take you deep into the heart of the park where you’ll encounter massive herds of elephants, graceful giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, and a vibrant array of over 550 bird species, including the striking yellow-collared lovebird. Tarangire is also home to predators like lions, leopards, and the elusive cheetah, offering excellent wildlife photography opportunities. Around midday, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic viewpoint within the park, soaking in the natural beauty and wildlife sounds. After lunch, continue exploring the park’s unique terrain, from acacia woodlands and savannah grasslands to riverine forests, evening of relaxation. You’ll check into a mid-range safari lodge, where a delicious dinner awaits, surrounded by the peaceful ambiance of the Great Rift Valley highlands.

The adventure continues on Day 2 as you rise early for a hearty breakfast before heading to Lake Manyara National Park, just about an hour’. Despite its smaller size compared to other parks, Lake Manyara offers a surprisingly rich safari experience, with ecosystems ranging from dense forests and open grassy plains to swampy marshes and the alkaline lake itself. It is famously known for its rare tree-climbing lions, large troops of baboons, and seasonal flocks of flamingos that paint the lake pink. During your morning game drive, you’ll encounter a wide range of species, including elephants, hippos, giraffes, impalas, and over 400 bird species. As you explore the park’s lush groundwater forest and lakeshore, your guide will help you spot elusive wildlife and share fascinating facts about the area’s ecology and behavior. Around midday, you’ll pause for a scenic picnic lunch with panoramic views of the lake and the escarpment. In the afternoon, continue your game drive toward the famous Manyara hot springs, an intriguing geothermal feature surrounded by wildlife. After a full day of exploration, return to your lodge for another relaxing evening, complete with a satisfying dinner and overnight stay in the tranquil highland atmosphere.

On Day 3, after an early breakfast, prepare for one of the most iconic safari experiences in Africa—your visit to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. The drive to the crater rim takes about an hour, followed by a thrilling descent of 600 meters into the crater floor. Often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” Ngorongoro Crater is home to the highest density of wildlife in Africa, offering an exceptional chance to spot the Big Five: lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and the endangered black rhino—all in one place. Your morning game drive across the 260-square-kilometer crater floor takes you through grasslands, marshes, acacia forests, and soda lakes. You’ll visit Lake Magadi, a shallow alkaline lake that hosts hundreds of flamingos and wallowing hippos, and have the chance to observe zebras, gazelles, hyenas, and jackals. With its year-round water and pasture, the crater supports a wide variety of wildlife, making every moment of your game drive exhilarating. After an incredible morning, you’ll stop at a designated picnic site within the crater for lunch, surrounded by sweeping views and the sounds of nature. Following lunch, begin your ascent back to the crater rim and drive toward Arusha Airport to catch your scheduled return flight to Zanzibar, concluding your 3-day Tanzanian safari adventure.

This last-minute safari is designed for travelers with limited time who still want to witness the magic of Tanzania’s northern circuit. It’s an ideal itinerary for couples, families, solo travelers, or small groups, seamlessly combining the serenity of Zanzibar’s beaches with the wild beauty of mainland Tanzania. Throughout the trip, you’ll be accompanied by

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	Game drives
	Activity level	Easy activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Lake Manyara Ngorongoro Crater Tarangire

Fine details

Safari highlights

• Wildlife sanctuaries

What’s included?

• Accommodation
• Airport transfers
• All drinks
• Internal flights
• Meals
• Park fees

What’s not included?

• Alcoholic beverages
• Hot air balloons
• International flights
• Laundry
• Premium alcoholic beverages
• Spa treatments
• Tips and gratuities
• Visas