3 Days Safari
Overview
The perfect short safari for travellers with limited time. Combine Tarangire's huge elephant herds, Lake Manyara's tree-climbing lions and flamingos, and the Ngorongoro Crater for a chance at the Big Five in just three days.
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1Day 1
Arusha → Tarangire National Park
Your guide meets you at your Arusha hotel at around 08:00 for a briefing on the vehicle, the route and the wildlife you can expect. It is roughly a two-and-a-half hour drive south-west past Maasai bomas and sunflower fields to Tarangire Gate. After park formalities you begin a game drive along the Tarangire River, the dry-season lifeline that draws some of the largest elephant herds in East Africa. Ancient baobabs, giraffe, zebra, waterbuck and resident lion prides are all regular sightings. A picnic lunch is taken at a viewpoint over the river before more afternoon game viewing, then you continue to camp for sundowners and dinner.
Trip Essentials- Accommodation
- Marera Valley Lodge
- Accommodation type
- Lodge
- Meal plan
- Picnic Lunch – Dinner in Lodge
- Mode of transport
- Private 4×4 SUV Vehicle
- Transfer duration
- Approximately 2.5 hours (Arusha → Tarangire)
- Game drive duration
- 5 – 6 hours
- Activity
- Game Drive Safari (Tarangire National Park)
- 2Day 2
Tarangire → Lake Manyara → Ngorongoro Highlands
After an early breakfast you drive to Lake Manyara National Park, a narrow strip of groundwater forest, acacia woodland and soda lake beneath the Rift Valley escarpment. The forest section is home to large troops of baboon and blue monkey, while the floodplain attracts buffalo, giraffe, hippo and — in the right season — thousands of flamingos. Manyara's famous tree-climbing lions are often found draped in the acacias. After lunch you climb the escarpment through Mto wa Mbu and Karatu's coffee farms to the Ngorongoro Crater rim, arriving in time for sunset over the caldera. Dinner and overnight at camp on the highlands.
Trip Essentials- Accommodation
- Marera Valley Lodge
- Accommodation type
- Lodge
- Meal plan
- Breakfast in Lodge – Picnic Lunch – Dinner in Lodge
- Mode of transport
- Private 4×4 SUV Vehicle
- Transfer duration
- Approximately 1.5 hours to Lake Manyara, then 2 hours to the Ngorongoro rim
- Game drive duration
- 3 – 4 hours
- Activity
- Game Drive Safari (Lake Manyara National Park) and transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- 3Day 3
Ngorongoro Crater → Arusha
An early breakfast, then you descend the steep access road 600 m onto the crater floor just as the mist lifts. This 260 km² collapsed caldera holds around 25,000 large animals in a single, self-contained ecosystem — black rhino, big-maned lions, elephant bulls, hyena clans, buffalo and flamingos on Lake Magadi. You have a full morning of game viewing with a picnic lunch beside the hippo pool, then climb out of the crater and drive back to Arusha via Karatu, arriving late afternoon for a drop-off at your hotel or Kilimanjaro Airport.
Trip Essentials- Meal plan
- Breakfast in Lodge – Picnic Lunch
- Mode of transport
- Private 4×4 SUV Vehicle
- Transfer duration
- Approximately 4 hours (Ngorongoro → Arusha)
- Game drive duration
- 7 – 8 hours
- Activity
- Game Drive Safari (Ngorongoro Crater)
Pricing per person
All-inclusive on the ground. Price per person decreases with group size.
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $2,500 |
| 2 people | $1,500 |
| 3 people | $1,400 |
| 4 people | $1,250 |
| 5 people | $1,250 |
| 6 people | $1,100 |
| Prices valid for current season bookings | |
What's included
Everything covered on the ground, and what's not.
The Trip Cost Includes
- Transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- New SUV (2016–2023) Land Cruiser 4×4 with pop-up roof
- Experienced English-speaking safari guide
- 24/7 phone support
The Trip Cost Excludes
- International air tickets
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Any private expenses
Safari FAQs
The questions travellers ask most.
Do I need to arrange my own airport transfer?+
No. Airport pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport are included in every safari package — we meet you on arrival and transfer you to your hotel. Group transfers can be arranged on request.
How much does a safari cost?+
Prices depend on group size, number of days and accommodation level (budget, mid-range or luxury). Our packages include a professional English-speaking driver-guide, all park and conservation fees, a 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof, meals as per the itinerary, bottled water, government taxes and hotel transfers.
What does a typical safari day look like?+
An early morning game drive when animals are most active, brunch or lunch, some rest, then an afternoon or sunset game drive. Each park is different — the Serengeti gives you vast plains and big cats, while Tarangire is elephants and baobabs.
Can I walk around inside the national parks?+
Generally no — for your safety you stay in the vehicle unless your guide says otherwise. Guided walking safaris are possible in selected areas such as Tarangire, Lake Manyara and parts of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
What are the roads like, and will it be dusty?+
Park tracks can be rough, bumpy and dusty, especially in the dry season. Bring sunglasses, a hat and a light scarf, and keep cameras in a sealed bag. If you have back problems, a small cushion or back brace makes a big difference.
What about bathroom facilities in the bush?+
Most parks have designated public restrooms at gates and picnic sites. If you're far from one, your guide will find a safe, private spot — our guides handle this discreetly and without fuss.
What if I have special dietary requirements?+
No problem. We cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free and halal diets as well as allergies — just tell us in advance so the camps and our cooks can prepare for you.
What happens if I get sick or injured on safari?+
Our guides carry a first-aid kit and are in constant radio and phone contact with the office. In an emergency we arrange immediate assistance or evacuation to the nearest medical facility — we are an AMREF Flying Doctors partner. Valid travel and medical insurance is strongly recommended.
Are drinks provided in the safari vehicle?+
Yes — bottled drinking water is unlimited and included. Our vehicles have a cool box or fridge, so you're welcome to bring soft drinks or beer to keep chilled for sundowners.
How far in advance should I book?+
We recommend booking at least 6 months ahead. For the peak migration months of June to October, 10–12 months ahead gives you the best choice of camps and lodges.
What travel documents do I need?+
A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates, a Tanzanian tourist visa (available online via the eVisa portal or on arrival for most nationalities), and travel and health insurance.
What should I pack for a safari?+
Light neutral-coloured clothing, a warm fleece or jacket for early mornings and crater rim evenings, comfortable closed shoes, sun hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, binoculars, camera with spare batteries or a power bank, insect repellent and personal medication.
Have a question about 3 Days Safari?
Send us your enquiry and a Tanzania-based expert will get back to you within 24 hours with a personalised itinerary, pricing for your group size and answers to any questions you have.
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