3 Day:
Ngorongoro, Tarangire
Experience Tanzania’s wildlife highlights in just three days with this carefully designed short safari covering two of the country’s most spectacular destinations. Witness Tarangire’s famous elephant herds and ancient baobab trees, then descend into the dramatic Ngorongoro Crater for guaranteed Big Five viewing in nature’s amphitheater.
This compact itinerary maximizes wildlife encounters while minimizing travel time, making it perfect for travelers with limited schedules or those adding a quick safari to beach holidays. Despite its short duration, you’ll experience authentic African wilderness and world-class wildlife viewing that will create lifelong memories.
Drive Time: 2 hours | Activities: Afternoon game drive
Depart Arusha after breakfast for Tarangire National Park, famous for its massive elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. During dry season, over 3,000 elephants gather along the Tarangire River creating spectacular wildlife concentrations. Arrive for lunch at your lodge then enjoy afternoon game drive spotting lions, leopards, giraffes, and over 550 bird species across diverse landscapes.
Accommodation: Tarangire Safari Lodge.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
Drive Time: 3 hours | Activities: Morning game drive, cultural visit option
Final morning game drive in Tarangire before departing for Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The scenic journey takes you through highlands and Maasai lands with spectacular crater rim views. Optional visit to traditional Maasai village to learn about pastoral culture and customs. Arrive at crater rim lodge with stunning views into this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Drive Time: 3 hours | Activities: Morning crater descent and game drive
Early descent into Ngorongoro Crater, the “Eighth Wonder of the World” sheltering over 25,000 animals in just 260 square kilometers. Spot all Big Five including rare black rhino, massive hippo pods, flamingo flocks on the alkaline lake, and large lion prides. Enjoy picnic lunch on the crater floor before ascending and driving back to Arusha for evening departure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
✔ All park entrance fees and conservation fees.
✔ Professional English-speaking safari guide throughout.
✔ Private 4WD safari vehicle with pop-up roof and guaranteed window seat.
✔ All accommodation as specified in the itinerary.
✔ All meals as indicated in daily program.
✔ Ngorongoro Crater descent fees.
✔ Airport transfers on arrival and departure.
✔ Drinking water during all game drives.
✔ Game drives as per itinerary schedule.
✔ Cultural village visit (optional activity).
✘ International flights to and from Tanzania.
✘ Tanzania visa fees ($50 USD for most nationalities).
✘ Travel and medical insurance coverage.
✘ Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks.
✘ Tips for driver-guide ($10-15 per person per day recommended).
✘ Tips for lodge staff ($5-10 per person per day).
✘ Personal items and souvenirs.
✘ Optional activities not mentioned in itinerary.
✘ Emergency evacuation insurance.
✘ Laundry services and spa treatments.
Find your ideal Tanzania adventure with our comprehensive range of safari itineraries, each carefully crafted to deliver exceptional wildlife viewing, cultural insights, and authentic African experiences.
“Excellent guides who not only know how to guide a raft through the rapids, but can explain the geology and the history of the area. This trip gives you the opportunity to see a part of Dinosaur National Monument that most people never get to see”
Tourist, Canada
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