3-day safari Tarangire Ngorongoro Lake Manyara from Arusha

Descend into the Ngorongoro crater floor to hunt for black rhinos among thousands of animals in one crater.

A 3-day group safari tour from Arusha visiting Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Lake Manyara National Park with camping accommodation, meals, drinking water and a live English-speaking guide. Day one is a full game drive through Tarangire to spot lions, cheetahs, leopards and herds of elephants; day two descends the Ngorongoro crater to search for black rhinos and other wildlife on the crater floor; day three returns to Lake Manyara for birds, tree-climbing lions, hippos and hot springs before heading back to Arusha.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire game drive

• Drive from Arusha to Tarangire
• Full day game drive spotting wildlife

Day 2: Ngorongoro crater exploration

• Descend into Ngorongoro crater
• Game drive to spot black rhinos and other animals
• Ascend crater and return to camp

Day 3: Lake Manyara park and return

• Early breakfast
• Drive to Lake Manyara National Park
• Game drive spotting birds and animals
• Visit hippo pool and hot springs
• Return to Arusha city

The experience

The route chains three parks in three days, each one built around a different landscape and what lives there. Tarangire opens with a full day of driving through acacia woodland where elephants gather in huge numbers (the park is known for them) alongside lions, cheetahs, leopards, wildebeest, buffaloes, zebras and monkeys. You stay at Fig lodge and campsite overnight.

Day two takes you to the Ngorongoro crater, a collapsed volcanic caldera that acts like a natural enclosure. After viewing the crater rim, you descend to the floor itself, where black rhinos are the hardest animals to spot but most others (buffalo, wildebeest, warthogs), are easier to see because the flat terrain gives nowhere to hide. You drive, stop to watch, then ascend back to camp. The crater's shape is what makes the wildlife viewing different here: animals stay put rather than roaming across open savanna.

Lake Manyara on day three is known for tree-climbing lions and flamingos that blanket the water. An early breakfast gets you there for the best bird viewing, and the day includes a hippo pool for close looks and the hot springs. You drive through the park spotting buffaloes, wildebeest, warthogs, vultures, eagles and monkeys before returning to Arusha. Camping equipment, all meals and drinking water are included throughout. A live guide speaks English and leads the game drives.

What’s included

• Camping equipment.
• all meals during the safari.
• drinking water.
• park entry fees and taxes.
• live English-speaking guide.
• pickup from Arusha.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (15 to 60 years) · Senior (61 and older) · Youth (12 to 14 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (under 5)

GroupUp to 7

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Safari G.O.A.T.S

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want a group experience at a low budget and don't mind sleeping in a tent: the three parks in three days means you move each night, but you see three distinct landscapes and the wildlife each one is known for without the cost of lodge stays.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

4 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 14 years); Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 5).

What animals am I most likely to see on each day of this safari?

Tarangire is famous for elephants in large numbers, plus lions, cheetahs, leopards, wildebeest, buffaloes, zebras and monkeys. The Ngorongoro crater floor holds buffalo, wildebeest and warthogs easily, though black rhinos are the hardest to spot. Lake Manyara is known for tree-climbing lions, flamingos on the water, hippos and birds including eagles and vultures.

Do I sleep in a tent or a lodge on this 3-day tour?

You stay at Fig lodge and campsite, which provides camping accommodation. Camping equipment is included in the tour price.

What meals are provided during the three days?

All meals during the safari are included, along with drinking water throughout the tour.

How does the Ngorongoro crater differ from the other two parks?

Ngorongoro is a crater with a floor, not open savanna. You descend into it after viewing the rim, which concentrates the animals in one enclosed space and makes them easier to spot from the vehicle as they have nowhere to roam far.

Is a guide included, and what language do they speak?

A live guide in English is included and leads all the game drives across the three parks.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel in Arusha?

Pickup is included in the tour. The first day starts with a drive from Arusha to Tarangire, and the final day returns you to Arusha city after Lake Manyara.