Classic 3-Day Safari

Tarangire • Ngorongoro • Lake Manyara - Northern Tanzania's Premier Route

3
Days Safari
3
National Parks
Big 5
All in One

Ultimate Short Safari Experience

Experience the best of Northern Tanzania's wildlife in this classic 3-day safari adventure. From Tarangire's elephant herds to Ngorongoro's Big Five and Lake Manyara's tree-climbing lions, this itinerary offers the perfect introduction to Tanzania's incredible wildlife diversity.

This carefully crafted journey takes you through three distinct ecosystems, each offering unique wildlife viewing opportunities and breathtaking landscapes that showcase Tanzania's natural beauty.

Tarangire's Massive Elephant Herds
Ngorongoro's Complete Big Five
Manyara's Tree-Climbing Lions
Stunning Scenic Diversity
Classic 3-Day Safari - Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara wildlife experience
Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit

Detailed Safari Itinerary

Your 3-day wildlife adventure through Tanzania's premier parks

Day 1

Tarangire National Park

Elephants, Baobabs & Wildlife Spectacle

8:00 AM

Departure from Arusha to Tarangire

Morning Pick-up & Scenic Journey

Pick-up from your hotel in Arusha after breakfast and begin the scenic drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its massive elephant herds and ancient baobab trees.

2.5 hours drive from Arusha
Enter park around 10:30 AM
Begin elephant spotting immediately
10:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Morning Game Drive in Tarangire

Wildlife Viewing Experience

Enjoy an extensive morning game drive focusing on the Tarangire River area where wildlife congregates. Spot large herds of elephants, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species.

Large Elephant Herds Ancient Baobab Trees Tarangire River Wildlife Diverse Animal Species Photography Opportunities Bird Watching
1:00 PM

Lunch & Relaxation Break

Picnic Lunch

Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch at a designated area inside the park with beautiful natural surroundings.

Photography Break

Take advantage of the lunch break for photography and enjoying the park's scenery.

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Afternoon Game Drive

Continued Exploration

Continue with afternoon game viewing, exploring different habitats of the park including the swamp areas and open grasslands where predators may be active.

Predator Spotting

Look for lions, leopards, and cheetahs in the open areas

Swamp Areas

Explore swampy areas for different bird species and wildlife

Baobab Landscapes

Photograph the iconic baobab trees against sunset light

6:00 PM

Transfer to Karatu Lodge

Overnight Accommodation

Depart Tarangire National Park and drive to your chosen lodge in Karatu for dinner and overnight stay.

Farm of Dreams Lodge

Beautiful farm-style accommodation with stunning views

Marera Valley Lodge

Luxury lodge with beautiful valley scenery

Similar Standard Lodges

Comfortable accommodations with all amenities

Day 2

Ngorongoro Crater

The Eighth Wonder & Big Five Experience

6:30 AM

Early Departure to Ngorongoro

Crater Descent Preparation

Early breakfast at your lodge before departing for Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Drive to the crater rim and prepare for the descent into this natural wonder.

45 minutes drive to crater rim
Begin descent around 7:30 AM
Start Big Five search immediately
7:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Morning Crater Exploration

Big Five Safari Experience

Explore the Ngorongoro Crater floor, home to the highest density of predators in Africa. Search for the Big Five and witness the incredible concentration of wildlife in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lion Prides Black Rhinos Elephant Families Buffalo Herds Leopard Sightings Big Five Complete
12:30 PM

Lunch at Hippo Pool

Scenic Picnic Lunch

Enjoy lunch by the hippo pool with amazing views of hippos and other wildlife.

Wildlife Photography

Capture photos of hippos, flamingos, and other crater wildlife during lunch.

1:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Afternoon Crater Exploration

Final Wildlife Search

Continue exploring different areas of the crater, searching for any remaining Big Five animals and enjoying the diverse landscapes.

Leopard Search

Look for the elusive leopards in the Lerai Forest

Lake Magadi

Visit the soda lake with flamingos and water birds

Crater Views

Enjoy panoramic views of the crater walls and floor

Day 3

Lake Manyara National Park

Tree-Climbing Lions & Scenic Beauty

7:30 AM

Breakfast & Transfer to Lake Manyara

Morning Preparation

Enjoy breakfast at your lodge before checking out and departing for Lake Manyara National Park, known for its tree-climbing lions and stunning Rift Valley scenery.

30-45 minutes drive from Karatu
Enter park around 8:30 AM
Begin search for tree-climbing lions
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Lake Manyara Game Drive

Comprehensive Park Exploration

Explore the diverse habitats of Lake Manyara National Park, from the groundwater forest to the alkaline lake shores. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions and incredible birdlife.

Tree-Climbing Lions Pink Flamingos Groundwater Forests Lake Views Scenic Photography Hippo Pools
1:00 PM

Return Journey to Arusha

Lunch Stop

Enjoy lunch before starting the journey back to Arusha.

Comfortable Return

Relax during the scenic drive back through the Tanzanian countryside.

Safari Completion

Arrive back in Arusha by late afternoon (around 4:00 PM) after an unforgettable 3-day classic safari adventure through three of Tanzania's most spectacular national parks. End of tour with memories to last a lifetime.

Safari Inclusions

Professional English-speaking safari guide
4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
All national park entrance fees
All meals during the safari
2 nights accommodation in Karatu lodges
Bottled drinking water throughout

Safari Highlights

What makes this classic route unforgettable

Tarangire Elephants

Massive elephant herds and ancient baobab trees along the Tarangire River

Ngorongoro Big Five

See all Big Five animals in one place at the Ngorongoro Crater floor

Tree-Climbing Lions

Lake Manyara's famous lions that rest in acacia trees during the day

Diverse Landscapes

From river ecosystems to crater floors and lake environments

Comfortable Accommodation

Quality lodges in Karatu with beautiful surroundings and amenities

Photography Paradise

Endless opportunities for wildlife and landscape photography

Ready for Your Classic Safari Adventure?

Book your unforgettable 3-day Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara safari experience

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