Rating score 5.0 of 5

3-Day Tarangire, Manyara & Ngorongoro

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Price From

$ 1,950

Per Person

Safari in national parks: Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park

This 3-day Tanzania safari takes you through three of the Northern Circuit’s most diverse and rewarding destinations—Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater. From giant elephant herds and ancient baobab trees to lush groundwater forests and flamingo-lined lakes, this itinerary offers a rich variety of landscapes and wildlife in a short time.

Perfect for travelers seeking a well-rounded safari experience, this journey maximizes game viewing opportunities while keeping travel distances comfortable. You’ll enjoy incredible chances to spot the Big Five, along with unique species like tree-climbing lions and thousands of bird species, all while experiencing the beauty of Tanzania’s most iconic parks.

Trip Highlights

  • Large elephant herds in Tarangire National Park
  • Tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara National Park
  • Explore the Ngorongoro Crater (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  • Excellent chances to spot the Big Five
  • Diverse landscapes: savannah, forest, and soda lake
  • Scenic Great Rift Valley views

Trip Features

Start Date

Can start any day

Duration

3 Days

diamond-gem

Challenging

Can be Optimizated

Tour Type

Private Tour

Tour Plan

Customizable
Itinerary

Transport

Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch
& Dinner

Airport

Kilimanjaro Int.
Airport

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha / Moshi – Tarangire National Park – Karatu

Your safari begins with a morning pickup from Arusha or Moshi, followed by a drive to Tarangire National Park. This park is famous for its massive elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and seasonal swamps that attract a wide variety of wildlife.

Enjoy a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch inside the park. Expect to see elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and predators such as lions. In the late afternoon, you’ll head to Karatu for dinner and overnight at your lodge.

  • Accommodation: Budget, Midrange or Luxury in karatu
  • Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

Kudu lodge & campsite

Kudu Lodge & Campsite is a charming boutique retreat nestled in the heart of Karatu, ideal for safari travelers exploring Northern Tanzania. The lodge offers cozy accommodations, serene gardens, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Located just 15 km from the Ngorongoro Crater gate, it provides easy access to nearby national parks. Guests enjoy modern comforts blended with local character and natural beauty. Whether for adventure or relaxation, Kudu Lodge is a perfect stop on your safari journey.

Eileen’s Trees Inn

Eileen’s Trees Inn is a peaceful and welcoming lodge located in the vibrant town of Karatu, ideal for exploring the Northern Safari Circuit. Just 15 km from the Ngorongoro Crater entrance, the inn offers comfort, charm, and personalized hospitality. Surrounded by lush gardens and native trees, it provides a relaxing retreat after a day of adventure. Guests enjoy cozy rooms, fresh local cuisine, and warm service. Eileen’s Trees Inn is a favorite for both nature lovers and safari travelers.

Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge

Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge is a stylish and tranquil retreat set amidst a working coffee plantation in Karatu, perfect for safari travelers. Located just 20 km from the Ngorongoro Crater entrance, the lodge combines rustic elegance with modern comfort. Guests enjoy spacious cottages, fresh farm-to-table cuisine, and scenic views of the highlands. The peaceful setting offers a relaxing break between safari adventures. Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge is an ideal base for exploring Tanzania’s northern wonders.

After breakfast, depart for Lake Manyara National Park, a small but incredibly scenic park located at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. The park is known for its lush forest, diverse birdlife, and famous tree-climbing lions.

Enjoy a game drive through the park, where you may spot elephants, hippos, flamingos, and troops of baboons. After a picnic lunch, continue exploring before returning to Karatu for dinner and overnight.

  • Accommodation: Budget, Midrange or Luxury in Serengeti
  • Meal Plan: Break Fast, Lunch and Dinner

Kudu lodge & campsite

Kudu Lodge & Campsite is a charming boutique retreat nestled in the heart of Karatu, ideal for safari travelers exploring Northern Tanzania. The lodge offers cozy accommodations, serene gardens, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Located just 15 km from the Ngorongoro Crater gate, it provides easy access to nearby national parks. Guests enjoy modern comforts blended with local character and natural beauty. Whether for adventure or relaxation, Kudu Lodge is a perfect stop on your safari journey.

Eileen’s Trees Inn

Eileen’s Trees Inn is a peaceful and welcoming lodge located in the vibrant town of Karatu, ideal for exploring the Northern Safari Circuit. Just 15 km from the Ngorongoro Crater entrance, the inn offers comfort, charm, and personalized hospitality. Surrounded by lush gardens and native trees, it provides a relaxing retreat after a day of adventure. Guests enjoy cozy rooms, fresh local cuisine, and warm service. Eileen’s Trees Inn is a favorite for both nature lovers and safari travelers.

Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge

Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge is a stylish and tranquil retreat set amidst a working coffee plantation in Karatu, perfect for safari travelers. Located just 20 km from the Ngorongoro Crater entrance, the lodge combines rustic elegance with modern comfort. Guests enjoy spacious cottages, fresh farm-to-table cuisine, and scenic views of the highlands. The peaceful setting offers a relaxing break between safari adventures. Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge is an ideal base for exploring Tanzania’s northern wonders.

After an early breakfast, drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive. This natural wonder is home to one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa, including lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, and leopards.

Enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor surrounded by breathtaking scenery. After your game drive, ascend the crater and return to Arusha or Moshi, arriving in the late afternoon.

  • Accommodation:  N/A
  • Meal Plan: Dinner

Safari Cost Include

  • All park fees and Ngorongoro Crater service fees
  • Professional English-speaking safari guide
  • Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
  • All meals as per itinerary
  • Accommodation in Karatu (2 nights)
  • Bottled drinking water during the safari
  • Pickup and drop-off in Arusha or Moshi

Safari Cost Does Not Include

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for guide and lodge staff
  • Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, etc.)
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary

Gear Add-ons

Enhance Your Day Trip Safari Experience with Optional Gear Add-ons
All equipment is subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.

  • Binoculars – $10 per day
    Get a closer look at wildlife with high-quality binoculars—ideal for spotting birds and distant animals.
  • Safari Blanket – $5 per blanket
    Stay warm during early morning game drives with a soft, cozy safari blanket.
  • Cooler Box with Bottled Drinks – $15 per trip
    Enjoy chilled beverages throughout your safari with a fully stocked cooler box.
  • Photography Bean Bag – $8 per trip
    Perfect for stabilizing your camera while shooting wildlife from the vehicle window.
  • Child Safety Seat – $10 per seat
    Ensure your little ones are safe and comfortable with a professionally fitted car seat.
  • Thermal Lunch Pack – $12 per person
    Upgrade your picnic with a gourmet thermal lunch including hot meals, fresh fruit, and snacks.
  • Portable Power Bank – $5 per day
    Keep your phone or camera charged all day long with a durable, high-capacity power bank.

Our day trip vehicles come equipped with standard safari amenities. If you’d like to enhance comfort during your game drives or picnic stops, optional gear add-ons—such as blankets, binoculars, and gourmet lunch packs—are available at an extra cost as listed above. Early booking is recommended to ensure availability.

Transfers

We offer the following transfer options
  • Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) to Moshi – $50
  • Moshi to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) – $50
  • Arusha to Moshi – $100
  • Moshi to Arusha – $100
All transfers are private and operated by trusted drivers. Pre-booking is recommended.

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Explore Trekking Adventure (ETA) offers expertly guided treks, authentic cultural experiences, and responsible travel. With local knowledge, quality gear, and personalized service, ETA ensures safe, unforgettable journeys across East Africa.

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