3-Day Safari Tarangire Park & Ngorongoro Crater
- Tarangire & Ngorongoro Crater
Trip Overview
This 3-day safari is perfect for travelers with limited time who want to explore the highlights of northern Tanzania.
You will visit Tarangire National Park, renowned for its large herds of elephants and iconic baobab trees. The park is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, giraffes, and zebras, all set within beautiful and diverse landscapes.
Your journey continues to the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife destinations. It is one of the few places where you have a high chance of spotting the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and the endangered black rhinoceros—all within a single day.
This safari offers a rich and rewarding experience, combining incredible wildlife, stunning scenery, and comfortable travel within a short time.
Day-by-Day Itinerary: 3-Day Safari Tarangire Park & Ngorongoro Crater
Upon arrival at either Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), our representative will be on hand to welcome you and transfer you to your accommodation in Arusha. You’ll spend the night at the Mtoni River Lodge, a stunning property nestled at the base of Mount Meru in the heart of Arusha city.
• Accommodation: Mtoni River Lodge
• Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
After an early breakfast, you will depart for Tarangire National Park.
The park is named after the Tarangire River, which serves as the main water source for wildlife during the dry season. This attracts a wide variety of animals, making it one of the best places for game viewing, especially during dry periods.
Tarangire features diverse landscapes, including dense vegetation with elephant grass, acacia woodlands, and lush groundwater forests. It is particularly famous for its large elephant herds, often seen gathering along the riverbanks.
You may also encounter giraffes, bushbucks, and hartebeests, while predators such as lions and leopards are commonly seen following the herds. The park is also a haven for bird lovers, with more breeding bird species recorded here than in almost any other place on Earth.
After lunch and an extensive game drive, you will continue to Karatu in the Ngorongoro Highlands, where you will arrive in the late afternoon for dinner and an overnight stay at your lodge – Eileen’s Trees Inn.
Main Destination: Tarangire National Park
Accommodation: Lodge in Karatu (Eileen’s Trees Inn)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After an early breakfast at the lodge, you will depart for the Ngorongoro Crater and descend to the crater floor for a full-day game drive.
The crater floor is dotted with water sources and supports a remarkable concentration of wildlife, with nearly 30,000 animals living within this natural enclosure formed by the slopes of an ancient volcano.
Ngorongoro is the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world, surrounded by steep walls rising about 610 meters from the crater floor and covering an area of approximately 259 square kilometers. It is recognized as one of the “Eighth Wonders of the Natural World” and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This unique environment is a true haven for wildlife, offering excellent opportunities to see a wide range of animals, including lions, elephants, buffalo, zebras, wildebeests, and the endangered black rhinoceros.
You will enjoy a packed lunch at the hippo pool picnic site inside the crater. After an extensive game drive, you will ascend and drive back to Arusha, marking the end of your unforgettable safari adventure.
Travel Time: Approx. 4–5 hours (Ngorongoro → Arusha)
Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch (Dinner not included)
| 2 Pax | 3 Pax | 4 Pax | 5+ Pax | Number of People |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,075 | $980 | $892 | $791 | Price Per Person |
| Here are some important things to know and prepare before your safari. These tips will help you stay safe, comfortable, and ready to explore Tanzania's incredible wildlife with full confidence. | |
| What to Pack | Neutral-colored clothing, wide-brim hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, and a dust-proof camera bag |
|---|---|
| Health & Safety Tips | Consult your doctor about malaria prophylaxis, carry a basic first-aid kit, drink bottled water, and use sunscreen daily |
| Visa & Entry Info | Tourist visa required for most nationalities; available online or on arrival at the airport |
| Local Etiquette | Greet with "Jambo," ask permission before photographing local people, dress modestly in towns, tipping guides is customary |
| Photo Tips | Golden hour (early morning and late afternoon) offers the best light for wildlife shots in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro |
| We offer airport pickup and drop-off services from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport. Please confirm your flight details in advance so we can coordinate your arrival and departure smoothly. | |
| Airport Pickup | Included in this package |
|---|---|
| Transfers to/from Hotel | Included in this package |
| Safari Vehicle | Pop-up roof 4×4 vehicle — shared within your private group |
| Private Vehicle Upgrades | Available for an extra charge |
| Tipping is customary and greatly appreciated by the safari crew. Below are suggested amounts per day based on the quality of service received. | |
| Lead Safari Guide | $20–25 per day |
| Assistant Guide | $10–15 per day |
| Hotel/Camp Staff | $2–5 per safari |
| Tips are usually given at the end of the safari. You can tip in cash (USD or Tanzanian Shillings) directly to each crew member or through your lead guide for group distribution. | |
Inclusions/Excluded
What's Included
- Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
- All game drives in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Accommodation (lodge, camp, or tented camp)
- All meals as specified (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Park entrance fees & conservation fees
- Professional safari guide
- Flying doctors / emergency evacuation insurance
- Government taxes & levies
What's Excluded
- International flights (From/to your home country)
- Tips & gratuities for guides and camp staff
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government-imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Extra accommodation before and after tour
- Alcoholic & soft drinks
- Optional activities (hot air balloon, cultural visits)
- Items of personal nature (sunscreen, medication, etc.)
- Single supplement (extra charge for solo travelers)
3-Day Safari Tarangire Park & Ngorongoro Crater
Group size: 1–15 Trekkers
Private or group departures available
| Mid Luxury Tour — Lodges & Hotels Throughout |
| Private Tour — Exclusively Yours, Not Shared |
| Flexible Start — Can Begin Any Day (Subject to Availability) |
| Customizable — Itinerary Changes Available on Request |
| Game Drives in Pop-Up Roof 4×4 Vehicles |
| Airport Transfers Included — Both Ways |
| Minimum Age: 3 Years |
| 10+ Years of Expert Safari Guiding Across Tanzania's Top Parks |
| Fully Licensed & Registered by MNRT (Tanzania Tourism Authority) |
| Ranked #1 on TripAdvisor — Tanzania's Top-Rated Safari Operator |
| Private & Small-Group Safaris for a More Intimate Experience |
| Expert Naturalist Guides With Deep Knowledge of Local Wildlife |
| Tailor-Made Safari Itineraries — Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire & More |
| Comfortable, Well-Equipped Safari Vehicles With Pop-Up Roofs |
| Authentic Bush Meals & Sustainable Safari Practices |
| Transparent Pricing — No Hidden Fees |
| End-to-End Support, From Airport Transfer to Final Drop-Off |
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