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This 3-Day Safari in Tanzania takes you through Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara—three iconic wildlife destinations offering unmatched game-viewing. Explore vast elephant herds, the Big Five, tree-climbing lions, and diverse birdlife while enjoying scenic landscapes and expert guiding. This short but immersive Tanzania safari is perfect for travelers seeking a high-impact wildlife experience in limited time. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, seamless logistics, and exceptional opportunities for photography and wildlife encounters across Tanzania’s most famous northern safari circuit.

📌 Trip Highlights

Tarangire Elephant Kingdom

Experience Tarangire’s giant elephant herds, ancient baobabs, and diverse wildlife in a classic African landscape filled with beauty and adventure.

Lake Manyara Tree-Climbing Lions

Explore lush forests, bird-rich wetlands, and the chance to spot Lake Manyara’s unique tree-climbing lions and pink flamingos.

Ngorongoro Crater Big Five Haven

Descend into the world-famous crater for close-up sightings of lions, buffalo, rhinos, and incredible wildlife in a breathtaking natural amphitheater.

Scenic Northern Tanzania Circuit

Enjoy a compact, high-impact safari through Tanzania’s top parks with amazing landscapes, great photography, and expert wildlife guiding.

🧭 The Itinerery Map

Tarangire, Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Crater

🗓️ Tour Itinerary

  • A Solo Cheetah in Serengeti Plains

    Depart Arusha and drive to Tarangire for a full-day game drive. Explore vast plains dotted with towering baobab trees and encounter large elephant herds, lions, zebras, and giraffes. Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park before continuing your safari through diverse habitats. Later, head to your Campsite for dinner and overnight.

    2-Hour on Road Drive From Arusha

    Full Day Guided Game Drive in Tarangire

    Public Lodge & Campsite Located in Mto wa Mbu

  • The Rhinocerous

    After breakfast, travel to Ngorongoro Crater for a spectacular full-day game drive. Descend 600 meters into the crater floor, home to the Big Five, hippos, flamingos, hyenas, and countless plains game. Enjoy lunch by a hippo pool before continuing your wildlife exploration. In the late afternoon, drive to your lodge or Campsite for dinner and relaxation.

    Morning Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater

    6-7 Hour Game Drive then Back to your Lodge

    Public Lodge & Campsite Located in Mto wa Mbu

  • Leopard resting and watching in a Forest

    Evening Transfer Back to Arusha

    8 Hour Game Drive then Back to Arusha

    Start the day with a scenic drive to Lake Manyara National Park. Explore forested areas, groundwater springs, and the Rift Valley escarpment while searching for tree-climbing lions, elephants, baboons, and colorful birdlife. Enjoy a relaxing game drive and picnic before returning to Arusha, marking the end of your unforgettable 3-Day Safari in Tanzania.

    Accommodation: No Accommodation 

    End of Tour

✅ Rates Inclusion & Exclusions

Included

  • Park fees

       (For non-residents)​

  • All activities

       (Unless labeled as optional)

  • All accommodation

       (Unless listed as an upgrade)​

  • A professional driver/guide

  • All transportation

       (Unless labeled as optional)

  • All Taxes/VAT

  • Round-trip flight from & to Zanzibar

Excluded

  • International flights

       (From/to home)​

  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour

  • Tips

       (Tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)

  • The government imposed an increase in taxes and/or park fees

​​​

  • Personal items

       (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)

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Innocent Alfey

"Inno’s vision for sustainability ensures that every adventure not only uplifts the spirit but also honors and preserves the soul of Tanzania."

Answered by

ℹ️ 5 Questions About 3-Day Safari in Tanzania

Answered by
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Innocent Alfey

1

1. What does a 3-Day Safari in Tanzania include?

A 3-Day Safari in Tanzania includes park fees, game drives, a professional guide, 4x4 vehicle, accommodation, and meals. You’ll explore Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara—three top safari parks offering excellent wildlife viewing in a short itinerary.

2

What wildlife will I see on a 3-Day Tanzania Safari?

Expect elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes, hippos, buffalo, flamingos, and many bird species. Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara provide rich habitats that maximize sightings, making this 3-Day Tanzania Safari ideal for first-time travelers.

3

Is a 3-Day Tanzania Safari worth it?

Yes, a 3-Day Tanzania Safari is perfect if you want major wildlife viewing in limited time. You’ll visit three iconic parks, enjoy diverse landscapes, and experience incredible game drives without committing to a long itinerary.

4

Best time for a 3-Day Safari in Tanzania?

The best time is June–October during Tanzania’s dry season. Wildlife gathers at water sources, making sightings easier in Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara. This period offers excellent visibility and comfortable conditions for a short safari.

5

What should I pack for a 3-Day Tanzania Safari?

Pack light clothing, warm layers, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable shoes, and a good camera. These essentials help you enjoy your 3-Day Tanzania Safari while maximizing comfort and wildlife photography opportunities in Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara.

💡 Tour Information

Three lions relaxing in the serengeti national Park

The Lions relaxing in Serengeti Plains

1: Food & Drinks

During your 3-Day Safari in Tanzania, enjoy freshly prepared meals served at lodges and picnic sites. Breakfast includes fruits, eggs, and pastries, while lunch is often a packed safari humper enjoyed in the parks. Dinner features warm local and international dishes. Bottled drinking water is provided throughout your safari for comfort and safety.

2: Difficulty

A 3-Day Safari in Tanzania is considered easy and suitable for all travelers, including families and first-time safari guests. Most activities involve relaxed game drives in a comfortable 4x4 vehicle, with no strenuous walking required. Lodges and camps provide comfortable facilities, and your guide handles all logistics, ensuring a smooth, stress-free wildlife experience.

A Huge Male Elephant throwing dust

A Huge Solitary Male Elephant

Zebra watching from a closer Range

Zebra watching from a closer Range

3: Transport

Your 3-Day Safari in Tanzania uses a reliable 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser with open-view roofs for optimal wildlife viewing. Travel distances are comfortable: Arusha to Tarangire (110 km, ~2 hours), Tarangire to Ngorongoro (150 km, ~3 hours), and Ngorongoro to Lake Manyara (60 km, ~1 hour). The Land Cruiser ensures a smooth, safe journey across varied terrain with plenty of photo opportunities.

4: Luggage

Your luggage is safely carried in your safari vehicle throughout the 3-Day Safari in Tanzania and securely stored at your lodge or camp upon arrival. Soft bags are recommended for easy handling. Your guide ensures all belongings remain protected, organized, and accessible during transfers between parks and accommodations.

Two Impalas

Two Impalas

Two Zebras standing during a day time

Two Zebras standing during a day time

5: Budget & Exchange

During your 3-Day Safari in Tanzania, it’s recommended to carry a mix of USD and Tanzanian Shillings. USD is widely accepted for tips and lodge payments, while small purchases are easier with local currency. ATMs are available in major towns, but not in parks. Keep small bills for souvenirs, snacks, and gratuities for your safari guide.

Our Reviews

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Safari Roam has 5 Star Reviews on TripAdvisor
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A different safari: on the water.
FoodieMunich / Aug 2025

This National Park counts relatively few visitors, a big plus to us. Our driver and guide brought us very close to different groups of monkeys, pointed out the big wildlife, mainly giraffes and drove us to one of the lakes. 

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Wonderful excursion to Mandara Huts!
Virginie L  / Jul 2025

Wonderful day with our guide Emmanuel! The excursion was well organised and communication was excellent. The hike was a great challenge for my son and I, and we were pleased to reach Mandara Huts! The forest is incredible! Highly recommend.

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Amazing team, wonderfull guide
Mareen K / Jul 2025

These guys did a great job organizing everything and were extremely knowledgeable. You will be amazed how keen their eye sight is whilst we are touring the Kilimanjaro expedition.

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Incredible safari experience
Morgan / Jul 2025

We thank our Guide Josh for this great adventure in Mount Kilimanjaro Matangu route.
But what patience and kindness from our guide was outstanding🤗
Thank you so much

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Incredible experience
Christopher B / Jul 2025

Absolutely incredible experience! I did a day hike on the Marangu Route and was blown away by the beauty of the rainforest and the professionalism of our guide.

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Just incredible
Camila / Jul 2025

The team was extremely supportive and caring. We initially booked a Kilimanjaro day hike via marangu route. Emmanuel was amazing

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3-Day Safari in Tanzania

3 Days • Start and end in Arusha

$ 600 pp (USD)

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