3-Day Ngorongoro Crater Safari: Tarangire, Manyara & Wildlife

You descend into Ngorongoro crater on foot to watch wildlife on the crater floor itself, not from the rim.

A 3-day safari tour from Arusha visiting Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro crater and Lake Manyara with a live English-speaking guide. The itinerary descends into the crater for game viewing, includes all park fees, meals, camping accommodation and transportation from your Arusha hotel or meeting point. Minimum age is 16.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

• Breakfast in Arusha
• Drive to Tarangire National Park
• Picnic lunch during game viewing
• Drive to campsite
• Dinner and overnight at campsite

Day 2: Tarangire to Ngorongoro Crater

• Early breakfast
• Drive to Ngorongoro Crater
• Descend into crater for game viewing
• Picnic lunch
• Drive back to campsite
• Dinner and overnight at campsite

Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park to Arusha

• Breakfast
• Collect picnic lunch
• Drive to Lake Manyara National Park
• Game viewing at Lake Manyara
• Drive back to Arusha
• Drop off in Arusha around 5pm

The experience

The tour leaves Arusha at 8:30am on day one and heads straight to Tarangire National Park for game viewing with a picnic lunch, then camps overnight. Day two starts before dawn. You drive to Ngorongoro crater and descend into the crater floor itself for game viewing, with another picnic lunch served there, before returning to camp. On day three, you collect a packed breakfast and lunch from your cook, drive to Lake Manyara National Park for the final game viewing, then return to Arusha by around 5pm. The route is built around the herds of elephants, tree-climbing lions and baobab trees these parks are known for.

Accommodation is at either Jambo or Fanaka campsite for two nights, with camping equipment provided. All transportation between parks, all park entry fees, all meals and drinks are included in the price. A live guide who speaks English leads the game drives and explains what you're seeing. The tour suits travelers without their own vehicle or those staying in Arusha without a car rental, since pickup from your hotel is included and the guide handles all navigation and park logistics across the three days.

What’s included

• Camping equipment and accommodation at Jambo or Fanaka campsite for two nights.
• all game drives and park entry fees.
• all meals and drinks.
• transportation from Arusha and between all three parks.
• a live English-speaking guide for the full three days.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Under 16: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cubs Expeditions Limited

Is this one for you?Pickup from your Arusha hotel or meeting point is included, so you don't need to arrange your own transport to the parks or navigate between them: the guide and driver handle the route, timing and logistics across all three days.

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Top questions

What's the difference between descending into Ngorongoro crater and just viewing it from the top?

Descending to the crater floor on day two puts you at the same level as the wildlife: elephants, lions, zebras and other animals move across the flat grassland below the rim. From the rim you see the landscape. On the floor you're part of it. The game drive happens down there, not from above.

Do I need to bring my own camping gear or is it provided?

Camping equipment is provided as part of the tour. You sleep at Jambo or Fanaka campsite on nights one and two, and the operator supplies the tents and bedding.

What time does the tour end on day three?

You return to Arusha around 5pm on day three after the morning game drive at Lake Manyara, so you have the late afternoon and evening free if you have flights or other plans.

Are meals included for all three days?

Yes. Picnic lunches are served during the game drives on days one and two. On day three you collect a packed breakfast and lunch from your cook before heading to Lake Manyara. All drinks are included throughout.

Is this tour accessible if I use a wheelchair or have mobility concerns?

The tour is wheelchair accessible. All areas, surfaces and transportation options are wheelchair accessible. However, game viewing involves sitting in a vehicle for extended periods during the drives, and the descent into Ngorongoro crater is done by vehicle, not on foot.