3-Day Tanzania Safari: Ngorongoro, Tarangire & Manyara Tour

Summary

Wildlife Safari in Tanzania’s Northern Circuit: Real Encounters

You’ll get up close to elephants and lions in three different parks, eat lunch beside hippos in Ngorongoro Crater, and spot flamingos at Lake Manyara—all with local guides who know every shortcut and secret lookout.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me as we left Arusha was the cool morning air—just a bit of mist hanging over the road. Our guide, Joseph, had this easy way of pointing out things I’d never have noticed: a flash of blue from a kingfisher near a roadside puddle, or the way the acacia trees lean toward the sun. By late morning, we rolled into Lake Manyara National Park. Lunch at the lodge was simple but filling—rice, grilled chicken, and some spicy mango chutney that I’m still thinking about. Out on the drive after, you can’t miss that soda lake stretching out under the cliffs; it almost glows pink with flamingos if you catch it at the right time. We watched elephants lumber past our jeep, dust swirling around their feet. Someone spotted a lion up in an acacia tree—honestly, I thought they were joking until Joseph handed me his binoculars.

Day two started early with strong coffee and a quick breakfast before heading to Ngorongoro Crater. The descent into the crater is something else—the road winds down and suddenly you’re surrounded by this green bowl teeming with animals. Wildebeest herds moved like shadows across the grass while zebras grazed nearby. At one point, we stopped for lunch right beside a hippo pool; there’s nothing quite like eating sandwiches with grunting hippos just meters away. Joseph knew exactly where to look for black rhino—he spotted one far off near some bushes (I’d have missed it). The crater feels timeless, like nothing’s changed here in centuries.

On our last morning, Tarangire National Park felt quieter but somehow wilder. Baobab trees towered over us—some looked older than anything I’ve seen before. The air smelled dusty and sweet from all the wild sage growing along the tracks. We saw huge elephant herds crossing the riverbed and even caught sight of a pair of kudu slipping through the brush. There was this moment when everything went silent except for birds calling from somewhere deep in the trees—it’s hard to explain but it sticks with you long after you leave. After lunch back at camp, we headed for Arusha feeling tired but honestly grateful for every bit of it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arusha to Lake Manyara Park

• Meet guide in Arusha
• Travel to Lake Manyara National Park
• Lunch at lodge
• Game drive in Lake Manyara National Park

Day 2 — Ngorongoro Crater Safari

• Breakfast
• Descend into Ngorongoro Crater
• Morning game drive in crater
• Picnic lunch in crater
• Travel to Tarangire National Park

Day 3 — Tarangire Park and Return

• Breakfast
• Morning game drive in Tarangire National Park
• Lunch at lodge
• Return to Arusha
• End safari

Top questions

Is this safari suitable for first-time visitors to Tanzania?

Absolutely! This tour covers three top parks and our guides make sure everyone feels comfortable—even if you’ve never been on safari before.

What kind of accommodation can I expect?

You’ll stay at Kizumba Tented Camp—think comfy beds and hot showers rather than rough camping. It’s relaxed but has everything you need after long days out.

Are meals included during the safari?

Yes, all your main meals are included—from hearty breakfasts to picnic lunches inside the parks and dinners back at camp.

How much should we tip our guide?

Around $20 per day per group is standard—it really helps support your guide and shows appreciation for their expertise.

What’s included

Your safari includes all park entry fees, game drives with an experienced local guide/driver, accommodation at Kizumba Tented Camp (with private facilities), all main meals (breakfasts, lunches—including picnics—and dinners), bottled water during game drives, plus transfers between Arusha and each park in a comfortable 4x4 vehicle.