Safari Overview
This 3-day (2-night) safari takes you through three of Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations. You explore diverse ecosystems and have excellent chances of encountering the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino) along with many other species.
Lake Manyara is renowned for its rich birdlife (including seasonal flamingos) and the rare sight of tree-climbing lions. Ngorongoro Crater is one of the densest concentrations of large mammals in Africa. Tarangire offers open acacia woodland, huge elephant herds and classic northern-circuit scenery.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 0 – Arrival
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). A Kilimanjaro Joyful Adventures representative meets you and transfers you to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. Overnight with the essentials for a comfortable stay before the safari begins.
Day 1 – Lake Manyara National Park
You are picked up in Moshi or Arusha by your safari guide and driver and driven to Lake Manyara National Park (approximately 3–4 hours). Manyara’s main attractions are its rich birdlife – including thousands of flamingos at certain times of the year – and the rare tree-climbing lions. With luck you may spot one of these lions in the trees.
After an adventurous game drive you stop for lunch and later return to your accommodation in the Karatu / Ngorongoro Highlands area.
Day 2 – Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast you drive 30–60 minutes to the magnificent Ngorongoro Conservation Area for a half-day game drive on the crater floor. The Ngorongoro Crater is often described as one of the wonders of the natural world – not only for its geology, but because it serves as an extraordinary sanctuary for some of Africa’s largest populations of large mammals.
Expect excellent chances of seeing black rhino, lions, elephants, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, gazelles and many other species in a compact, scenic setting.
Day 3 – Tarangire National Park & return
After a short drive (30–60 minutes) you enjoy a morning game drive in Tarangire National Park. The park offers wide panoramas of open acacia woodland and grass savanna, where huge herds of elephants (often two hundred strong) and other wildlife such as fringe-eared oryx and lesser kudu roam. Lions, cheetahs and leopards are also present – keep your eyes open!
In the afternoon you return to Arusha or Moshi, where the safari ends.
Price Includes & Excludes
Included
- Full-board accommodation (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
- All game drives in a custom-built 4×4 safari Land Cruiser
- All park and entrance fees
- Transportation with viewing roofs
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide
- Bottled water in the safari vehicle
- Ngorongoro Crater vehicle supplement fee
- Airport transfers
- Current government taxes and levies
- 24-hour support from our office in Moshi
Excluded
- Internal or international flights
- Hot-air balloon excursion (approx. US$600 pp)
- Entry visa to Tanzania
- Travel and health insurance
- Gratuities to guide, hotel staff and porters
- Meals, drinks and excursions not described in the itinerary
- Items of a personal nature (laundry, telephone, postage, etc.)
Frequently Asked Questions
What parks are visited on the 3-day safari?
Lake Manyara National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park.
Will I see the Big Five?
Ngorongoro Crater offers one of the best chances in Tanzania to see the Big Five. Tarangire is excellent for elephants; Lake Manyara is known for tree-climbing lions and flamingos.
Can this be combined with Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar?
Yes. This short safari works well before or after a Kilimanjaro climb or as a wildlife add-on before a Zanzibar beach extension.
Is the itinerary flexible?
Yes. We can adjust the order of parks or the pace slightly according to your preferences and the season, while keeping the core three destinations.