Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Manyara Safari from Arusha

Summary

Three-Day Northern Tanzania Safari with Local Guide

You’ll spot elephants in Tarangire, gaze into Ngorongoro Crater’s vastness, and watch flamingos at Lake Manyara—all with a local guide handling every detail from pickup to lodge stays. Expect real wildlife encounters and small moments—like sharing lunch under acacias—that you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

Hands gripping the edge of the open-roof jeep, I watched as our guide—Jackson—pointed out a cluster of elephants in Tarangire National Park. He had this way of spotting animals before anyone else did. The air was thick with dust and something sweet from the acacia trees. We’d left Arusha early (I barely remember breakfast), but by mid-morning the savannah felt alive—zebras flicking their tails, giraffes moving like they were in slow motion. Jackson laughed when I tried to pronounce “baobab” the way he did. I still can’t get it right.

Lunch was at a picnic site under some trees where vervet monkeys eyed our sandwiches like tiny thieves. The sun was sharp but not unbearable; there’s this dry heat that makes everything smell a little wild. That night at Suricata Boma Lodge, I lay awake listening to distant animal sounds—maybe hyenas?—and thought about how close we actually were to all of it. It’s strange how quickly you get used to sleeping inside a park.

The next morning we drove up toward Ngorongoro Crater. There’s this moment at the viewpoint where you see the whole caldera spread out below—mist hanging over the grasslands—and honestly, I just stood there for a while without saying much. Inside the crater itself, it’s almost too much: black rhinos off in the distance (I squinted so hard), lions lounging in patches of shade, flamingos clustered around shallow water. Jackson told us about Maasai traditions as we bumped along; he seemed to know every twist in the road.

Lake Manyara was greener than I expected. Flamingos everywhere—so pink against that blue water—and tree-climbing lions (though we only saw one napping). The hot springs smelled faintly sulfurous and made little clouds where they met cooler air. On our last drive back to Arusha, I realized my shoes were caked with red dust and my camera full of photos I hadn’t even looked at yet. There’s something about seeing Tanzania this way—with someone who knows each park by heart—that sticks with you long after you leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arusha to Tarangire National Park

• Pick up from hotel
• Drive to Tarangire National Park
• Wildlife safari with open roof jeep
• Lunch at picnic site
• Afternoon game drive
• Drive to accommodation inside park

Day 2 — Ngorongoro Crater Safari

• Breakfast at accommodation
• Drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area gate
• Viewpoint stop for photos and information
• Drive into Ngorongoro Crater for game drive
• Picnic lunch inside crater
• Drive back to accommodation

Day 3 — Lake Manyara National Park Visit

• Breakfast at lodge
• Drive from Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park
• Explore park and wildlife viewing
• Visit hot spring
• Drive back to Arusha

Top questions

How many days is this safari tour?

The safari lasts 3 days and 2 nights.

Which parks are included in the itinerary?

The tour visits Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Lake Manyara National Park.

Is hotel pickup included from Arusha?

Yes, pickup from your hotel in Arusha is included.

Are meals provided during the safari?

Dinner and picnic lunches are included during the safari.

What kind of vehicle is used for game drives?

A 4WD Land Cruiser with a photographic roof hatch is used for game drives.

Where do guests stay overnight?

You’ll stay at Suricata Boma Lodge inside or near the parks.

Is this safari suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels except those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Will we see members of the Big Five?

You have good chances to see lions, leopards, buffaloes, black rhinos, and elephants during this safari.

What’s included

Your three-day safari includes hotel pickup from Arusha, all wildlife reserve fees, transport in a 4WD Land Cruiser with an open roof for photos, overnight stays at Suricata Boma Lodge inside or near each park, camping equipment if needed, dinner each night plus picnic lunches along the way—all guided by a local expert who handles every detail so you can focus on what’s outside your window.