Tarangire, Manyara and Crater

Safari summary

3-Day Tanzania Safari: Tarangire, Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Crater

Embark on an unforgettable 3-day safari adventure exploring three of Tanzania’s most spectacular national parks: Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater. This carefully crafted itinerary offers a perfect blend of diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and cultural experiences, making it ideal for travelers who want to experience the best of Tanzania’s natural beauty in a short time.

Your journey begins in Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania, where you’ll be welcomed by your professional, English-speaking guide. From here, you’ll travel to Tarangire National Park, a hidden gem known for its massive elephant herds, unique baobab trees, and vibrant birdlife. Tarangire’s diverse habitats — from riverine forests to grassy plains — support large populations of wildlife, especially during the dry season when animals gather near the Tarangire River. Here, you’ll embark on a thrilling game drive, spotting elephants bathing in the river, prides of lions resting under acacia trees, graceful giraffes browsing the treetops, and herds of zebra and wildebeest moving across the plains. Photographers will especially appreciate the park’s scenic landscapes, bathed in warm golden light during the early morning and late afternoon.

After a full day in Tarangire, you’ll settle in at a comfortable lodge or campsite nearby, where you can relax and share stories of the day’s adventures over a delicious dinner under the starry African sky.

On day two, your safari continues to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its breathtaking views and diverse ecosystems. The park’s namesake lake is a haven for thousands of flamingos that color the shoreline in vibrant pink. You’ll explore the park’s varied habitats, including dense forests, grassy floodplains, and the Great Rift Valley escarpment. One of Lake Manyara’s unique highlights is the rare tree-climbing lions, an extraordinary sight that many visitors never forget. During your game drive, keep an eye out for elephants, baboons, hippos, and a vast array of bird species including pelicans, storks, and kingfishers.

In the afternoon, you’ll drive to the nearby town of Karatu, a charming gateway to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Here you’ll spend the night in cozy accommodation, preparing for the highlight of your safari.

Day three takes you to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often called “Africa’s Garden of Eden.” The crater is the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera, a vast natural amphitheater teeming with wildlife. Descending into the crater floor at dawn, you’ll be surrounded by spectacular scenery and a unique concentration of animals. This is one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five — lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros — along with hippos, hyenas, cheetahs, and hundreds of bird species. The crater’s varied habitats include swamps, grasslands, forests, and lakes, providing a perfect environment for wildlife to thrive.

Your expert guide will help you spot elusive animals and share fascinating insights into their behavior and the crater’s ecology. After a rewarding morning game drive, you’ll enjoy lunch at the crater rim before heading back to Arusha, where your safari adventure concludes.

This 3-day safari package is ideal for travelers with limited time who want to experience Tanzania’s best wildlife parks, combining comfort, adventure, and cultural discovery. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning safari enthusiast, this journey offers unforgettable encounters with nature’s wonders, stunning landscapes, and warm Tanzanian hospitality.

What’s Included:

Experienced, English-speaking safari guide

4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for excellent wildlife viewing

Park entrance fees for Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro Crater

Accommodation in comfortable lodges or campsites (depending on your choice)

All meals as per itinerary

Bottled drinking water during game drives

Airport transfers to/from Arusha (if arranged).

Why Choose Meilleur Tours and Safari?
At Meilleur Tours and Safari, we pride ourselves on providing authentic, safe, and personalized safari experiences. Our knowledgeable guides are passionate about wildlife and conservation, ensuring you have an enriching and responsible journey. We tailor every safari to your interests, preferences, and budget, delivering exceptional service from start to finish.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	Game drives
	Activity level	Easy activity
	Best months	January, February, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Lake Manyara Ngorongoro Crater Tarangire

Fine details

Safari highlights

• Photography safari—with professional guide

What’s included?

• Accommodation
• Airport transfers
• All drinks
• Meals
• Park fees
• Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

• Alcoholic beverages
• Hot air balloons
• Internal flights
• International flights
• Laundry
• Premium alcoholic beverages
• Visas