safari tanzania 3 days

3 day Tanzania safari

Whether you’re a seasoned African traveler or you’re looking into booking a safari for the first time, Tanzania has something for everybody. With just 3 days, you can see so much of this gem including the renowned Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. 

Discover the Big 5 taking (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and the African buffalo) and Great Migration with millions of wildebeest roaming the endless sun-kissed plains.

Table of Contents

The best 3 day Tanzania safari Tours 

Price of a 3 day tanzania safari.

The starting price for a 3 day Tanzania safari is $600 per person for a budget camping tour, going up to about $1,000 per person for a mid-range lodge tour. 

Safari packages to the Tanzania safari span a wide price range, influenced by several variables. The biggest factor determining the price of a safari is the level of accommodation. This will ultimately categorize tours as being budget, mid-range or luxury and of course shared tours are usually cheaper than private tours. 

This is especially the case for single travelers. On a 3 day trip you might want to consider a fly-in safari, but these are considerably more expensive than road safaris. Check out the seasons too; low-season prices can be favorable and while you’ll probably get some rain at this time, it’s when the scenery is at its best.

Tour breakdown for a typical 3 days in the Tanzania safari

Safari tour highlights.

• Discover the incredible Wildebeest Migration moving across the Serengeti
• See the Ngorongoro Crater, home to the world’s densest population of wildlife
• The Great Migration & the Big Five: The lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo 
• Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro
• Discover the Maasai people and their customs in northern Tanzania
• World’s largest lion sanctuary
• Private tour guide in English and other languages
• Game drives in comfortable, open top safari vehicles
• World class safari accommodation including lodges and tented camps
• Optional activity add-ons including walking safaris

Tour inclusions

The following details typical tour inclusions and exclusions on the best 3 day Tanzania safari package:

Safari essentials and information

Is a 3 day safari in tanzania safari sufficient.

3 days is plenty to see, hear and experience the incredible wildlife and sights of the Tanzania safari. The number of days needed to properly do a Tanzania safari can range from 1-2 days to 1-2 weeks, depending on how much time and budget a visitor has. 

Remember to take into account that quite a bit of your time will be taken up by getting to and from your start and end points thus a longer safari would be better as you’ll have more time in and really immerse yourself in the bush experience. This will however depend on your available time and budget. 

Each day consists of an early morning game drive and a late afternoon game drive, certainly sufficient time to view the big 5 and incredible scenery. On a safari trip, you can even break up the drive to or from any Tanzania safari park with an overnight stay in a park en route to your destination such as the Serengeti NP , the UNESCO world heritage Ngorongoro Crater or indeed Selous Game Reserve . 

Or you can simply spend all of your time at one reserve where you’ll have plenty of opportunity to explore the park with full-day dusk-to-dawn game drives that will include lunch at one of the picnic spots. 

Overall, 3 days is a good amount of time for a safari in the Tanzania safari if it is part of a larger Tanzania tour, but if not, allocating a few more days to your safari would be ideal where possible.

Accommodation offered on a 3 day Tanzania safari?

After a long day surveying the incredible Tanzania landscape and wildlife on offer, guests can look forward to the very best safari accommodation the Tanzania safari has to offer. The accommodation here is excellent with numerous options from tented camps, luxury lodges to camping grounds. 

From camping in the bush with amenities to mid-range and luxury lodges located inside park reserves, there’s something for everyone. On a short safari, high-end lodgings are commonly used on fly-in safari packages and excellent wining and dining is very much the norm. 

Many are small designer ecolodges, often made to blend into the environment whilst others such as the Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge are an ideal place to stay near the Grumeti River and have a front-row seat to see the wildebeest and zebras cross the river. 

Animals on a Tanzania safari?

You’ll find just about everything in the Tanzania safari! The country is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and African buffalo) and visitors will also find spotted hyenas and hippos. 

Tanzania contains the highest concentration of lions in the world with over 3,000 of them found in the Serengeti alone and about 1.5 million wildebeests, in addition to wildebeest, gazelle, giraffes, black rhinos. A view of these huge wildebeest crossing the crocodile infested river Mara has been included in the 7 wonders of natural Africa.

If you enjoy driving, it is possible to visit the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater on a 3 day road safari. This combination gives you a reasonable chance of seeing all the Big Five in a short time. Ngorongoro is the only reliable park in Tanzania to see black rhino in the wild. 

The Serengeti and the crater are both good for predators, and lions are particularly easy to find in both. A 3 day trip to Ruaha or Selous in the south can also be very productive where you’ll see lions, wild dogs, antelopes and kudu.

What’s a must do for a 3 day Tanzania safari?

There are many 3 day safaris on offer in Tanzania, so you do have choices on what you can fit into your safari. The most-popular option is the Northern circuit which comprises 4 parks including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara NP and Tarangire National Park. 

To visit all four parks in three days is not recommended and the best use of your time may be spent visiting the Serengeti and dropping into the Ngorongoro Crater en route. 

In the south of Tanzania, visitors can visit Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous) or Ruaha National Park on its own as a stand-alone fly-in safari from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar. 

How much spending money do I need for a 3 day Tanzania safari?

Visitors should budget for approximately $300 for a Tanzania safari per person per day, including food and accommodation. Tanzania safaris can be more expensive than their continental counterparts due to the higher costs of accommodation and food.

What animals will I see on a 3 day Tanzania safari tour?

Visitors on a 3 day Tanzania safari will see the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and African buffalo), hyenas, wildebeest, giraffes, cheetah, zebras, endangered black rhinos, hippos, crocodiles and much more.

What is the best time to go on a 3 day Tanzania safari?

The best time to go on a 3 day Tanzania safari is in the Dry season (from late June to October). This period offers the best wildlife viewing in general – with the wildebeest migration as its absolute highlight.

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3 Day Tanzania Tours & Trips

Filter for departure dates and price to find the right 3 day Tanzania tour with TourRadar. Choose from 380 trips with 265 customer reviews, that range from one day up to 3 days.

250+ Tanzania 3 day tour packages with 265 reviews

• Christmas & New Year

3 Days 2 Nights Safari Tarangire,Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Crater

The animals are in abundance in all of the parks and the weather during September was dry and fairly cool.

• 5% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

3 Days 2 Nights Mikumi Wildlife Lodge Safari

The variety of colorful and rare bird species I encountered was a true delight for any birdwatcher.

3 days Serengeti & Ngorongoro Fly-in Lodge safari from Zanzibar

Everything went smoothly, we had 3-days safari in the tents for the authentic adventure experience and it was so good!

Shining safari - 3 days

The food throughout the safari is good and freshly cooked by the chef from Kizumba camp.

mikumi national park classic safari

Snill, omsorgsfull og ekspert på å håndtere gjester. Vi er glade for at turen vår ble et fantastisk eventyr.

• In-depth Cultural
• Sightseeing

The safari part was remarkable (we visited Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater). Saw lots of action close up.

3 Days Safari to Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater

The pickups & Drop-offs at AIrports and Hotels are very well arranged. We did not have anything to worry about.

3 days tarangire, Ngorongoro crater & lake manyara parks group tour

• Wildlife & Nature Photography

3 Days Tarangire, Ngorongoro Craeter & Lake Manyara

The best travel company for safari. We saw a lot of animals including the big 5.

3 Day Crater Tour / Lake Manyara / Tarangire National Park

Everything we had organised via Kili slope tours was amazing. I would 100% recommend Kili slope tours to anyone doing Safari in Tanzania.

Best 3 day Tanzania Camping Safari from Arusha with Reasonable Price.

3 days Semi luxury tour featuring Serengeti & Ngorongoro crater

Amazing safari, impressive personality and driving skill.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

3 Day Serengeti Unforgettable Safari

The meals they served were excellent with more than enough food. This was an experience I won't forget.

3 days Ngorongoro Wildlife Safari

3-Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Big Five (5) Safari-

The food was delicious and always a lot and fresh. We were not expecting to see so many animals, so we really enjoyed ourselves.

What people love about 3 Day Tanzania Tours

The accommodations provided by Migration Venture Africa were comfortable and in stunning locations, allowing me to relax and unwind after each day's adventure. The staff ensured that all my needs were met and provided delicious meals that showcased the local flavors. I highly recommend Migration Venture Africa to anyone looking for an unforgettable safari experience in Tanzania. Their attention to detail, passion for wildlife conservation, and commitment to providing a seamless trip made it truly exceptional. My journey with them was a dream come true, and I can't wait to share this amazing company with my friends and family.

As a nature enthusiast, I was thrilled to witness the incredible birdlife in Ruaha, Mikumi, and Selous parks. The variety of colorful and rare bird species I encountered was a true delight for any birdwatcher.

I choose Serengeti African Tours because I got recommendations from my friend. Sure safari was amazing,our guide Kelvin (French Guide)He did wonders. Thanks Safina for arrange everything in proper way. For the best service Serengeti African Tours is the Best

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• Northern Circuit Tanzania (127)
• Southern Circuit Tanzania (15)
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• Ngorongoro National Park (18)
• Serengeti National Park (12)
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• Zanzibar (7)

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Perfect 3 Day Tanzania Safari Itinerary & Costs

By Author Ella McKendrick

Posted on Last updated: 6 April 2024

From watching fluffy leopard cubs frolicking around in the Serengeti grasslands to gazing in wonder at the massive herds of majestic African elephants in Tarangire, my experiences in Tanzania have frequently taken my breath away.

If, like me, you love watching incredible animals in their natural habitats and visiting some of the most beautiful landscapes on earth, then I have no doubt that you’ll fall in love with Tanzania too.

Boasting the world-class Serengeti National Park with its tree climbing lions, Tanzania is arguably the world’s ultimate safari destination.

The most popular safari route in Tanzania is called the Northern Circuit. This circuit includes the mystical Ngorongoro Crater, home to the rare black rhino and Tarangire National Park with its huge elephant herds.

In addition to the incredible national parks and wildlife, Tanzania is unique in its cultural diversity with over 120 tribes.

Each tribe has their own unique culture and traditions such as the famous Maasai Tribe with their iconic jumping dance and the Hadzabe bushmen who live as they did thousands of years ago and speak in a clicking dialect.

With so much to see you might be wondering if a 3-day Tanzania itinerary will cut it?

Yes – it’s certainly possible to have an incredible 3-day safari and this is actually a very popular option. However, If you have time, I would recommend adding a couple of extra days to give you a 5 day Tanzania itinerary . If you’re not limited by time, you can easily fill out a 7-10 day safari itinerary too.

The main reasons a 3-day itinerary can work well in Tanzania are:

• The sheer density of wildlife (including predators) in the national parks gives you a good chance of some amazing sightings in a short period of time*.
• The high number of airstrips, which gives you the option to quickly fly to the various parts of the best national parks such as the Serengeti, which would otherwise be an 8 hour drive from Arusha.
• For travel by road there are some fantastic parks within easy driving distance of Arusha, which I’ve covered in my 3 Day Multi-Park Northern Circuit Itinerary .
• It’s easy and popular to incorporate a 3 day safari into a 5 day safari and beach itinerary with 3 days of safari followed by 2 days of beach in Zanzibar.

*Wildlife can be unpredictable and the longer you spend on safari the greater your chances of incredible sightings.

I’ve written a more detailed answer later on in this guide: is 3 days in Tanzania enough?

In this article I’m going to take you day-by-day through all five of my ultimate 3-day Tanzania safari itineraries , created according to my own experience and those of my favourite Tanzania guides.

I’ll provide guidance on the best time to visit Tanzania for each itinerary and share tips and tricks including how to avoid some of the mistakes I made such as a terrifying night-time taxi ride .

You’ll also find useful guidance on the costs of a Tanzania safari and how to find and book the best safari tour company for each itinerary option.

Plan Your Safari Adventure

Save time and ensure an incredible experience from the local safari companies I use to organise my own trips.

I’m here to make booking your perfect safari quick, easy and risk-free. It takes less than 1 minute to fill out the form and in under 48 hours you will receive multiple, no-obligation proposals from my favourite local tour operators with glowing online reviews.

In This Guide

• 3 Day Multi-Park Northern Circuit Itinerary
• 3 Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Fly-in Safari Itinerary
• 3 Day Great Migration Wildebeest River Crossing / Calving Safari Itinerary
• 3 Day Budget Safari Itinerary
• 3 Day Cultural Tour Including Hadzabe Bushmen Itinerary

Is 3 Days Enough in Tanzania?

• How to Book a 3 Day Safari in Tanzania?
• How Much Does a 3 Day Tanzania Safari Cost?

Tanzania Safari Tips & Tricks – Avoiding my Mistakes

Five different 3-Day Tanzania Safari Itineraries

I’ve detailed five of my favourite 3-day Tanzania Itineraries below.

I’ve focused on Tanzania’s northern parks for my 3 day itineraries as the Northern Circuit contains some of the best and most popular parks in Tanzania.

The northern parks are also easily accessed from Arusha, home to Kilimanjaro International Airport, where most visitors fly into when visiting Tanzania.

Tanzania’s southern parks are drastically more spaced out and would usually require much longer than 3 days. The only exception would be flying directly into one of the southern parks from Dar es Salaam for a couple of days and then flying back. However, with the wildlife being more spaced out in these parks, I’m not sure I’d recommend them for such a short period.

3-Day Multi-Park Northern Circuit Safari Itinerary

This 3-day itinerary incorporates three Northern Circuit parks in just three days: Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara.

This is a very popular 3-day itinerary as it allows you to visit three fantastic Northern Circuit parks via road without the need for internal flights and the associated extra costs.

If it’s your first time in Tanzania, then you can’t go wrong with this popular 3-day safari itinerary. It’s also the fixed itinerary for most 3-day group camping safaris , so it can still work well if you’re on a budget.

If you have the extra budget for internal flights on a small propeller plane (around $300 per person each way) and you’d rather visit the fourth and most famous of the Northern Circuit parks, the Serengeti, you would do this instead of Tarangire and Lake Manyara and fly directly there to avoid the 8 hour drive. For this option see my 3-Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Fly-in Safari Itinerary and 3-Day Great Migration Wildebeest River Crossing / Calving Safari Itinerary

Quick Facts

• Average driving time per day: 4.5 hours.
• Best times of year: Long dry season from June to October or the short dry season from January to February.

Itinerary Map for 3-Day Multi-Park Northern Circuit Safari

Itinerary starts and ends in Arusha.

Day By Day Breakdown for the 3 Day Multi-Park Northern Circuit Itinerary

Day 1: tarangire – total drive time 5.5 hrs (or 3 hours if you spend the night in tarangire).

Embark on your adventure from Arusha, the entrance to Tanzania’s renowned Northern Safari Circuit. A scenic drive of approximately 3 hours westward from Arusha will lead you to the Northern Gate of Tarangire National Park.

Activities for Your Day in Tarangire National Park

You’ll spend the day with a thrilling game drive within the park.

The game drive can be complemented with a walking safari for those seeking a more intimate experience.

About Tarangire National Park

Established in 1970 and covering a large area of 2,850 km², Tarangire is Tanzania’s sixth-largest park. Named after the Tarangire River, which meanders through the park, Tarangire’s population of wildlife rely on this water source for survival during the dry season.

The park is famous for its huge herds of African elephants which can amount to 5,000 in total during the peak of the migration from July to October.

The landscape of Tarangire is adorned with ancient and distinctive baobab trees. The distinctive trees, with their swollen trunks and branches reaching out like roots, create a picturesque backdrop against the African sky.

Tips for Visiting Tarangire National Park

The best time to visit Tarangire is in the dry season when the migratory herds are present.

There are two lovely lunch spots in Tarangire where you can use the toilets and tuck into a packed lunch or hot lunch. Food will be arranged and brought by your safari company as there is no on-site catering.

My Personal Experience in Tarangire National Park

In my opinion the slightly lesser known Tarangire is a must-visit park in Tanzania – I had an incredible safari in the park, which is one of the most wildlife-dense National Parks I’ve visited.

I loved every minute of watching huge African elephant herds – Tarangire is the best place in Tanzania to see African elephants and one of the best places in Africa along with Amboseli National Park in Kenya and Chobe National Park in Botswana.

A memorable moment for me was observing a group of elephants quenching their thirst at a watering hole. Witnessing a playful baby elephant joyfully rolling in the water was a heartwarming sight.

The park fees are also around 50% of the Serengeti making it a great value park to visit.

You can watch a video of my Tarangire safari experience on Youtube .

Where to Spend the Night

You can spend the night in Tarangire which will allow you to have a second game drive in the park on your way to Manyara National Park tomorrow.

Alternatively, it’s more cost-effective vs in-park accommodation to drive for around 2.5 hours to accommodation in the Mto Wa Mbu area. Lake Manyara National Park is in Mto Wa Mbu, so this allows for a short 30 minutes drive to the gates for an early game drive in the park tomorrow.

Day 2: Manyara National Park – total drive time 3.5 hrs (or 6.5hr if you spend the night in Tarangire)

Lake Manyara offers excellent value for park fees and is renowned for its tree-climbing lions, massive flocks of pink flamingos, and 250 other bird species. Additionally, the park provides an opportunity to witness the impacts of climate change, with the lake having expanded in recent years and engulfed significant portions of the surrounding forest.

From accommodation in the Mto Wa Mbu area it’s only around a 30 minute drive to the entrance gates to Lake Manyara National Park.

If you opted to spend the night in Tarangire National Park, then after your game drive to the gates of the park, it’s a further 3 hours or so to Lake Manyara.

Activities for Your Day in Manyara National Park

You’ll usually start off with a 3-4 hours game drive which should allow enough time to cover the whole of Lake Manyara National Park.

To view the park from a different perspective, there is a great tree top canopy walk which takes around 45 minutes.

The lake takes up a large part of the park and the best way to experience the lake is to take a canoe trip over the lake. You can see huge flocks of pelicans and pink flamingos and hear the sometimes not-so-distant sounds of hippos bellowing.

Finally, you can immerse yourself in Tanzania’s culture with a 1 hour visit to a local Maasai tribe where they will greet you with their famous jumping dance and show you around their traditional village.

About Lake Manyara National Park

In 1960 Lake Manyara was given National Park status to protect the large herds of elephants which wander through the park. Previously it was a game reserve which was formed in 1957.

Lake Manyara is quite different to many of the other national parks such as Tarangire in that it’s mostly covered by dense forest including acacia and sausage trees. These trees are home to the park’s residents including tree-climbing lions – one of the few places you can see them in Tanzania.

Although Lake Manyara National Park covers an area of 325 km2 (125 mi2), over half of this, 230 km2 (89 mi2) to be precise, is actually a large yet shallow lake.

Tips for visiting Manyara National Park and Mto Wa Mbu

The lake is very shallow which means that during very dry spells the water levels can drop so low that it’s not possible to canoe. This will normally only occur around the middle of the long dry season in June / July.

Due to climate change the lake has swallowed up part of the forest, which can be seen by the tree standing upright in the water. For this reason I’d only recommend half a day driving around the park as it’s smaller than it once was. There are however, other great activities for the afternoon such as canoeing, visiting ta Massai boma or a cultural tour in Mto Wa Mbu which you can see in my Youtube video linked below

My Personal Experience in Lake Manyara National Park

I thoroughly enjoyed canoeing on Lake Manyara alongside local fishermen. The serene experience of being on the water without the noise of motors was incredibly soothing. Although hippos remained unseen, their distinctive calls echoed around me. Instead, I spotted playful vervet monkeys along the lake’s banks and observed Maasai herders guiding their cattle through the outskirts of the forest.

You can watch a video of my Lake Manyara canoe safari & Mto Wa Mbu tour on YouTube .

It takes around 3 hours to reach the Ngorongoro Conservation area, home to the mysterious Ngorongoro Crater, where you’ll spend the night, usually on the rim of the crater ready for an early morning descent into the crater.

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater (total drive time 4.5 hrs)

I’ve designed this itinerary to ensure you’re positioned on the rim of the crater to make an early morning decent into the crater possible (without having to get up at an obscene time), which will give you the best possible chance of seeing the rare black rhinos who congregate in the morning before they separate for the day.

From your accommodation, you’ll drive along the rim of the crater through the misty and dramatic forests. You’ll then begin your epic 2,000 meter descent into the base of the crater.

The Ngorongoro Crater is a truly unique place, with towering walls enclosing a vast, flat plane filled with an array of wildlife. As I descended into the crater I felt a sense of excitement as I entered what felt like a lost world.

Activities for Your Day in Ngorongoro Crater

Your morning will be dedicated to a game drive within the crater, and afterward, you’ll enjoy lunch on the shores of Lake Magadi. This beautiful alkaline lake serves as a habitat for flamingos, hippos and prehistoric looking stalks.

Time permitting, you can take part in a guided walk with the Maasai along the rim of the crater, where you will be treated to breathtaking views and gain insights into the Maasai community’s profound connection with the crater.

About Ngorongoro Crater

Established in 1959, the wider Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO world heritage site , is the only conservation in Tanzania which allows the coexistence of wildlife with semi-nomadic Maasai pastoralists.

However, no one is allowed to live inside the crater itself which is a massive caldera formed millions of years ago by the collapse of a volcano.

The Maasai Tribe named the crater after the sound created by the cowbell, known as “ngoro ngoro,” echoing as their cattle moved about the crater.

Tips for Visiting Ngorongoro Crater

There are 30 rare black rhinos which call the crater home. The rhinos usually congregate together around sunrise before splitting off in search of food, making this the best time to spot one.

I’d recommend enjoying a pre-prepared hot lunch on the shores of Lake Magadi within the crater—an arrangement your safari company can easily facilitate. Enjoy the picturesque scene of lesser flamingos in flocks and the occasional, prehistoric-looking marabou stork.

Since the majority of wildlife remains in the crater throughout the year, Ngorongoro Crater is great to visit year-round . However, the optimal periods are during the brief dry spell in January and February, ideal for observing baby animals, and the extended dry period from June to October when shorter grass on the crater floor improves wildlife visibility.

My Personal Experience in Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater stood out as a highlight during my Tanzania adventure. Driving along the crater rim, we became immersed in mist, generating an eerie yet electrifying atmosphere.

My first view of the crater itself is one that will stay with me for the rest of my life. It evoked a sense of stepping into a prehistoric, lost world akin to Jurassic Park.

The floor of the crater is quite barren, especially in the dry season, which makes wildlife spotting very easy. Upon entering the crater, I sighted a solitary hyena, followed by a cluster of buffalos. Soon after, I found myself encircled by herds of wildebeest and zebras.

Without a doubt the highlight of my safari in Ngorongoro Crater was stumbling across a family of servals. Servals are one of the smaller cats that you can see on the savannah and due to their nighttime habits they’re pretty rare to see in the daytime. You can imagine my delight then when I watched them pounce on small rodents which were scurrying through the grass. Servals are famous for their ability to leap high into the air to catch birds mid-flight. They can jump up to 15 feet in the air.

You can watch a video of my Ngorongoro Crater safari experience on YouTube .

After the day’s activities you’ll drive back to Arusha for the night which takes around 4 hours.

For this 3-day itinerary, full board Tanzania safari costs for private safaris start at around $330 per person per day for 4 people and $360 for two people. Prices assume working with a small local safari company and will vary depending on the level of accommodation chosen and number of people sharing the safari truck.

Prices per day tend to be higher the shorter the safari as with longer safaris you’ll usually have cultural, rest and beach days which incur no park fees and thus reduce the average cost per day.

For budget and mid-range safaris, park fees make up the biggest proportion of the total safari costs.

In Tanzania it’s normal practice for the safari companies to arrange the whole trip on a full board basis and give you a single price for your safari. However, if your interested, let me give you a quick example of how the pricing breaks down:

Ngorongoro Crater is the most expensive of Tanzania’s safari parks and entry fees for one safari truck plus 2 adults at the time of writing are $613 + 18% Tanzania tax = $723.34.

On top of the park fees, you have around $350 per day for the private safari truck and your driver / guide. This is shared between you and anyone else in your group such as your partner.

That’s a running total of $536.5 per person for that particular day before adding accommodation and other costs.

Due to the high park fees, local tour companies don’t usually make much profit on the safaris. In my experience their profit margins are around 10% – 15% and much of this is offset against the special trade prices they receive for accommodation, so they end up working out very cost effectively.

After taking off the safari companies’ overheads and direct staff costs for organising the trips and other fees I would estimate they are only making around 5% profit. Therefore, although Tanzania safari costs can seem high, this is largely down to the high park fees which go towards conserving the animals and ecosystems for future generations to enjoy.

Recommended Booking Options For This 3 Day Tanzania Itinerary

Private Safari

Most popular & best experience – typical prices for this itinerary start from $330 per person per day .

Visit safarisbyella.com for free quotes from trustworthy local tour companies I use to book my own trips.

Group (Shared) Safari – Usually Camping

Good for budget or solo travellers – from $180 per person per day.

My recommended Tanzania tour operators only provide private safaris, however, I’ve listed the best group options for this itinerary, on Safari Bookings below.

Click the links below to request quotes for the group safari options on the safari bookings website.

3 Day Group Multi-Park Northern Circuit Itinerary package with budget camping accommodation.

3 Day Group Multi-Park Northern Circuit Itinerary package with lodge accommodation

3 Day Group Multi-Park Northern Circuit Itinerary package with budget lodge accommodation. To reduce costs, this package replaces Manyara National Park with a walk to Materuni Waterfalls in Arusha.

Jump back to the table of contents to select another 3 day itinerary to view or keep scrolling to read the next itinerary.

3-Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Fly-in Safari Itinerary

This 3-day itinerary will take you to the two best safari parks in Tanzania: Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. However, it’s not a cheap itinerary. Let me explain why:

The vast Serengeti is one of the most famous safari parks in the world. However, it’s an 8 hour drive to central Serengeti from Arusha and the north is a further 5 hours by car.

For this reason It’s only really viable on a 3-day itinerary if you fly on a small propeller plane directly to the Serengeti from Arusha aka a ‘fly-in safari’. Otherwise you’d be spending most of your three day safari driving to and from the park.

Fly-in safaris are popular as they avoid long drives and allow you to spend more time on safari. However, they will increase your 3-day fly-in safari costs along with the higher park fees payable for entry into the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

If you’ve got the budget, then this fantastic 3 day option. However, if you’ve visiting in January – February or July – Sept you might also want to consider my 3-Day Wildebeest Great Migration Safari Itinerary too.

• Average driving time per day: 2.3 hours.

Itinerary Map for 3 Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Fly-in Safari

Day By Day Breakdown for the 3-Day Multi-Park Northern Circuit Itinerary

Day 1 – 2: seronera (central serengeti) – total drive time 2.5 hrs * + 1 hour flight.

*2 hours of the driving is on day 2

You’ll start from Arusha, known as the gateway to the northern Circuit. From Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha, you’ll board a small propeller plane and begin your short 1 hour flight to Seronera airstrip in central Serengeti.

You’ll then be met by your driver guide in a safari truck at the airstrip and your Serengeti adventure will begin.

Activities for Your Day in Seronera (Central Serengeti)

You’ll spend the morning on an exciting game drive through the endless planes and then call at your accommodation within the park for lunch before embarking on an afternoon game drive.

On the second day you’ll go on a morning game drive.

Balloon safaris (normally around $450-550 per person) are very popular in central Serengeti and run daily before sunrise, subject to calm weather. Although they’re not cheap, it’s an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience to effortlessly drift above the African wilderness, with the possibility of witnessing the great migration from the air.

About Seronera (Central Serengeti)

The world-famous Serengeti which means ‘endless plains’ in the local Maasai language, became a national park in 1940 and is known for the great migration as well as its large lion population.

The park boasts all of the Big Five and is absolutely huge, spanning 30,000 km² and dwarfing the neighbouring Masai Mara which sits on the northern side of the Mara River in northern Serengeti.

To give you a sense of the scale, the Serengeti is 8 times bigger than Kenya’s Maasai Mara.

The great Migration takes place throughout the year and incorporates 1.5 million blue wildebeests along with zebras, Thomson’s gazelle and eland.

The Serengeti is home to the largest lion population in Africa and central Serengeti has the highest destiny of predators. This density gives you a great opportunity to see lions as well as having the chance to see cheetahs and leopards.

Tips for Visiting Seronera (Central Serengeti)

Make sure to understand what’s happening with the great migration at the time of year you’re visiting to optimise your trip. Generally speaking, the best time to visit the Serengeti is during the dry season from June to October or January and February.

Stay at accommodation within the park to avoid long drive times. Due to the massive scale of the Serengeti, If you stay at accommodation outside the park, in many cases you’ll waste hours getting to the prime wildlife viewing locations. Staying in the park is more expensive as there are Serengeti overnight park fees included in the rates but it’s a price worth paying.

Tented camps offer a more intimate safari experience with incredible sounds of wildlife in the evening and throughout the night. You’ll feel closer to nature whilst being safe as the camps I’ve visited always had night time guards. I heard the hyenas whooping as well as many other animals which added to my experience. Tented camps typically have normal beds, western toilets and hot showers.

A game drive first thing in the morning around sunrise gives the best opportunity to see predators hunting before they rest in the heat of the day.

You’ll spend the night of day 1 in the Serengeti.

After your game drives on day 2, you’ll drive to accommodation on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater in the Ngorongoro Highlands which sets you up for an early descent into the crater on day 3.

My Experience in the Serengeti National Park

I’ve been to the Serengeti in a few occasions now and can confidently say it’s my favourite national park in the world! The landscape itself is simply breathtaking and I always see such a high density of animals here.

I’ve had a number of memorable sightings including of two male cheetahs devouring a freshly-caught wildebeest, a lioness chasing a zebra and, of course, the renowned wildebeest river crossing.

You can watch a video of my wildebeest river crossing experience here .

You can watch my video on finding the big cats of the Serengeti here .

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater – total drive time 4.5 hrs

Ngorongoro crater ranks as one of my most memorable safari experiences as the location is so unique and epic – you’re in for a treat.

As with my other 3 day itineraries including the crater, I’ve crafted this itinerary to ensure you’re positioned for an early morning game drive in the crater which not only beats the crowds but gives you the best possible change of seeing one or more of the 30 rare black rhinos which inhabit the crater.

At the end of the day you’ll drive back to Arusha.

You’ll spend the morning on a game drive in the crater.

You can have a hot or cold pre-prepared lunch within the crater on the shores of Lake Magadi.

After lunch you can either spend more time game driving in the crater or stretch your legs on a walking safari with the Maasai around the crater rim where you’ll learn more about the Maasai’s cultural connections with the crater.

Ngorongoro Crater is believed to have been formed around 2.5 million years ago when a volcano erupted and collapsed inwards leaving the crater known as a caldera in its place.

The floor of the crater is inhabited by a wide array of wildlife including rare black rhinos, elephants, leopards and the densest population of lions in the world.

Ngorongoro Crater is great to visit year-round as most of the animals don’t migrate. However, if you want to see baby animals then the short dry season from January to February is ideal. For the best wildlife visibility, the long dry season from June to October means shorter grass on the crater floor which makes wildlife easier to spot.

I’d recommend having lunch in the crater, on the banks of Lake Magadi, a shallow soda lake ringed by extinct volcanoes. you’ll be surrounded by great flocks of pink flamingos and you might even be visited by the occasional prehistoric looking stalk.

Ngorongoro Crater is like nowhere else on earth. When I first laid eyes on the crater from the towering crater walls, the beauty of it took my breath away. It’s like an enchanted lost word, concealed by forest-coated walls.

On my safari I was able to spot a variety of wildlife. I saw elephants foraging in the forests on the fringes of the crater, a pride of lions resting beside a stream and a great herd of buffalo. The two highlights for me however was catching my first ever glimpse of servals in the wild and coming across a golden jackal which is actually a wolf.

At the end of the day, you’ll head back to Arusha by road which takes around 4 hours.

Compared to the first 3-day itinerary, this second itinerary has a couple of extra costs which make it more expensive:

• Internal flight between Arusha and Central Serengeti – a guide price for 1 person flying one-way to Seronera Airstrip (Central Serengeti) from Arusha is about $300 and takes around 1 hour.
• Serengeti park fees, which are higher than Tarangire plus Serengeti overnight fees for accommodation in the park.

For this 3 day itinerary, full board Tanzania safari costs for private safaris start at around $500 per person per day for 4 people and $550 for two people. Prices assume working with a small local safari company and will vary depending on the level of accommodation chosen and number of people sharing the safari truck.

Most popular & best experience – typical prices for this itinerary start from $500 per person per day .

Good for budget or solo travellers – from $220* per person per day

* Group safari options currently available have no internal flights so require an 8 hour drive to Serengeti.

3 Day Group Camping Serengeti Safari . Involves 8 hour drive to the Serengeti instead of flying.

3 Day Group Tented Camp Serengeti Safari . Involves 8 hour drive to the Serengeti instead of flying.

3-Day Great Migration Wildebeest River Crossing / Calving Safari Itinerary

The Great Migration in Tanzania and Kenya is one of the wonders of the natural world – this 3 day itinerary is going to take you right into the heart of the action.

Viewing part of the great migration is simply breathtaking and it’s the last opportunity to witness a wildlife migration of this scale anywhere on earth.

The Great Migration takes place all year round as 1.5 million blue wildebeests along with zebras make the long and sometimes perilous journey across the Serengeti and Maasai Mara.

There are a number of key events in the Great Wildebeest Migration which take place at certain times of year. Exact timings can vary according to the timings of the rains.

January and February: The wildebeest calving season with up to 8,000 baby’s wildebeest’s born each day and related big cat activity. This takes place on the Ndutu Planes in Southern Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation area.

May to July: The Grumeti River crossing where millions of wildebeests cross the crocodile-infested river in Western Serengeti

Mid-July to late September or mid-October to mid-November: The pinnacle of the Great Migration, the Mara River crossing in northern Serengeti. Millions of Wildebeests cross over the crocodile-infested Mara River travelling between the Maasai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti In Tanzania. This can be viewed from Kogatende (northern Serengeti) or southern Masai Mara.

For the January / February calving season you could get away with driving as it’s in the south of the Serengeti so around 5-6 hours drive. However, for the river crossings, you’d need to fly as for example, the Mara River crossing is in northern Serengeti so it could take 13 hours to drive from Arusha which isn’t practical on a 3 day itinerary. On a longer itinerary you’d tend to break up the driving over multiple days.

• Average driving time per day: <0.5 hours.
• Best times of year: The highlights of the migration take place around: January to February, May to July, mid-July to late September and mid-October to mid-November

Itinerary Map for 3-Day Great Migration Safari Itinerary

Day By Day Breakdown for 3 Day Great Migration Wildebeest River Crossing / Calving Safari Itinerary

Day 1 – 3: serengeti (part of serengeti will depend on location of great migration) – total drive time : 1 – 1.5 hour flight.

From Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha, you’ll board a small propeller plane and begin your short 1 – 1.5 hour flight to the location of the Great Migration in the Serengeti. If you’re visiting in January / February to see the Wildebeest calving you could get away with driving to Ndutu which is 5-6 hours each way. However, for a 3 day safari, flying will ensure you spend maximum time on safari. The other locations in the Serengeti all require flights for a 3 day safari.

Your location in the Serengeti will change depending on the time of year as the Great Migration moves location throughout the year.

January and February: Fly to Ndutu Airstrip near Southern Serengeti in the Ngorongoro Conservation area. Driving is also possible but can take around 6 hours each way.

May to July: Fly to Kirawira Airstrip in Serengeti’s western corridor.

Mid-July to late September or mid-October to mid-November: Fly to Kogatende Airstrip in northern Serengeti.

Activities for Your Days in the Serengeti

You’ll spend your days on exhilarating game drives to see the Great Migration action as well as related big cat activity.

You can either return to your accommodation for lunch or your safari company can arrange to bring lunch with you to eat in the park. This can usually be either a cold lunch or hot cooked lunch provided by your accommodation.

About The Great Migration in the Serengeti

The herds of the Great migration follow a circular route starting in January / February on the southern plains where they give birth on the nutrient dense grasses of the Ndutu plains.

From here they make their way to the Serengeti’s western corridor. The herds then make the treacherous crossing of the crocodile infested Grumeti River before continuing north for yet another perilous crossing of the Mara river to the delight of the hungry Nile crocodiles.

On the other side of the Mara river the millions of wildebeests enter the Maasai Mara in Kenya before finally returning back over the Mara River and making their way back to the Ndutu plains in the south which completes their annual cycle.

The migration of 1.5 million blue wildebeests, zebras and other herbivores does not go unnoticed by the Serengeti’s huge predator population.

The hotspots for predator dramatic hunting action tend to be around crossing points such as Mara and Grumeti River as well as during the birthing season the Nduto Planes.

Tips for Visiting the Serengeti for the Great Migration

For the river crossing it’s recommended to allow a couple of days to maximise your chance of seeing the crossing. Sometimes you can be waiting for up to 4 hours from seeing a huge herd of blue wildebeests waiting on the banks of the river to the first brave wildebeest making its way down the banks and jumping into the river. As herd animals, once the first one goes in the river the rest usually follow.

The Ndutu plains, the location of the wildebeest calving is the only park in Tanzania which allows you to drive off the paths in order to get a better sight of the action.

There are mobile tented camps which move around following the great migration – these will give you the closest proximity to the action. Other fixed position camps can be more luxurious but may require slightly more driving each morning to find the herds location.

My Personal Experience of the Great Migration in Serengeti

Although it can sometimes take 4 hours of patiently waiting to witness the epic river crossing, I was very lucky and managed to see two river crossings within an hour of reaching the Mara River.

At the first crossing the crocodiles seemed to be preserving their energy and simply watched as the Wildebeests herds jumped into the water and scrambled up the other side.

However, at the second crossing there was a young wildebeest who seemed to be struggling to get up the steep banks at the other side and decided to turn around to try to retrace his steps to the other bank.

Exhausted after failing to get out of the water at the other bank, a crocodile who had been patiently watching disappeared under the water and suddenly emerged next to the unfortunate wildebeest and in one foul swoop dragged the wildebeest under the water.

I had mixed feelings – I felt bad for the wildebeest but at the same time the crocodile probably hadn’t eaten for months and needed food to live and reproduce. Predators are an important part of maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Without predators the prey animal populations become too big for the ecosystem to support.

You can view my video on the wildebeest river crossing here .

You’ll spend the nights of days 1 and 2 in the Serengeti and then fly back to Arusha at the end of day 3 and either spend the night in Arusha or take a connecting flight to your home country or next holiday destination.

Compared to the 3-day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater fly-in itinerary above, this itinerary is more expensive as it requires return internal flights as well as outbound flights.

For this 3-day itinerary, full board Tanzania safari costs for private safaris start at around $600 per person per day for 4 people and $650 for two people. Prices assume working with a small local safari company and will vary depending on the level of accommodation chosen and number of people sharing the safari truck.

Most popular & best experience – typical prices for this itinerary start from $600 per person per day .

Good for budget or solo travellers – from $427* per person per day

* No 3 day Group safari options are available for a migration safari so I have provided the closest matches which go to Ndutu for the calving season. The only group options are 5 days and there is a budget private camping option for 4 days. All involve a 6 hour drive.

4 Day Private Camping Ndutu Migration Safari . This is private but it’s budget camping.

5-Day Group Wildebeest Calving Safari – travel via road (no internal flights)

5-Day Group Wildebeest Calving Safari without Ngorongoro Crater – travel via road (no internal flights)

3-Day Budget Tanzania Safari Itinerary

One way to have a 3-day budget safari is to opt for a group camping safari. Most of the group camping safaris follow my first 3-day itinerary and can be seen here .

However, if you want to avoid the downsides of a group safari and have the flexibility of a private safari as well as more comfortable accommodation, then my 3-Day Budget Safari Itinerary will give you the best value private Tanzania safari.

You’ll be visiting the lesser known, amazing value Arusha National park, the world-class and great value Tarangire National Park, home of the huge elephant herds and finally the equally great value Lake Manyara National park.

You could also easily spend two days in Tarangire but the accommodation in the park is quite expensive which is why you’re staying near Lake Manyara.

When creating this itinerary, I was torn between the itinerary I’ve made and an alternative which is Tarangire and then Lake Natron National park (a soda lake which has the ability to turn animals to stone) which would take 3 days in total.

In the end I opted for the current itinerary as it gives you the most wildlife viewing and works at most times of the year.

Lake Natron on the other hand can be difficult to visit in the rainy season as I found out myself when a flooded road made my visit impossible. Although Lake Natron has fewer animals, you can still see flocks of less and greater flamingos, giraffes, kudu, oryx, zebras and ostriches.

If you do decide to try my alternative Lake Natron itinerary, bear in mind that it’s at its best between August and October. I’ve included a group safari with the Lake Natron itinerary.

• Average driving time per day: 2.8 hours.

Itinerary Map for the Budget Tanzania Safari Itinerary

Day By Day Breakdown for the Budget Tanzania Safari Itinerary

Day 1: arusha national park – total drive time 2 hrs.

Arusha National Park is a hidden gem and hardly features on any of the standard safari itineraries. However, it’s just as good if not better than the much better known Manyara National Park. I only found out about it by talking to one of my guides and decided I’d included it in my next visit – which I did.

The park is fantastic value and it only takes around 1 hour to reach Arusha National Park from the centre of Arusha. Sure, It doesn’t have the same density of predators as much more expensive and comparatively remote parks such as Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater but unlike those two it does allow walking safaris and features some great wildlife including its famous black-and-white colobus monkeys.

Activities for Your Day in Arusha National Park

You’ll start by driving through the park to the other end.

At the other end of the park, you’ll have the option for a walking safari which I’d fully recommend. It takes around 2 hours. You also have the option of canoeing on small Momella Lake or horse riding.

You’ll then spend the rest of the day on a game drive around the park.

About Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park was established in 1960 and lies to the north east of the city of Arusha.

The park incorporates Mount Meru, an impressive volcano and popular hiking route. It usually takes 4 days to reach the 4,566m summit although it is possible to complete the hike in 3 days.

Arusha National Park is relatively small, covering 552 km² yet boasts the largest population of giraffes in the world and an incredibly varied ecosystems.

The park boasts a large number of colobus and blue monkeys which can’t be seen in the other Northern Circuit parks.

Within the park, there is a mini version of the renowned Ngorongoro Crater known as Ngurdoto Crater. This smaller crater is home to buffaloes and elephants.

There is also a mini version of the Serengeti known as Serengeti Ndogu (little Serengeti) which is a great walking safari destination as well as the forests including Tululusia Hil.

There are 7 shallow alkaline lakes known as the Momella Lakes in Arusha National Park, The most well known being big Momella and small Momella. The other 5 lesser known lakes are: El Kekhotoito, Kusare, Rishateni, Lekandiro and Tulusia.

Tips for Visiting Arusha National Park

You can walk to Tululusia Hill, a former lookout dating back to Tanzania’s tribal wars which provides incredible 360 degree views.

If you’re planning on going on the walking safari, wear some good walking boots and bring plenty of water in a backpack. Wear sunscreen and a cap or sunhat. It’s also good to give the walking guide a small tip – around 5 USD should be sufficient for a group of 2 people.

Only eat at designated picnic areas and do not feed the monkey as this causes them to become pests.

As this is a budget safari, I’d recommend spending the night in Arusha as it has some very cost-effective accommodation. You can then drive to Tarangire tomorrow. Tarangire on the other hand had mostly mid-range and luxury accommodation.

Day 3: Tarangire – total drive time 4 hrs

Tarangire is both great value whilst being a world-class National Park boasting huge herds of elephants.

The only catch (for a budget safari) is that accommodation in the area is quite expensive (mostly mid-range and luxury). However, we’re going to overcome that hurdle with this itinerary by spending the night before in Arusha and the night of the Tarangire safari in Mto Wa Mbu, which sets you up nicely for your Lake Manyara safari the following day.

It takes around 3 hours to drive west from Arusha to Tarangire National Park’s Northern Gate.

Activities for Your Day in Tarangire National park

You’ll go on a full day game drive around the park. You also have the option of a walking safari if you want an even more intimate experience.

Covering 2,850 km², Tarangire ranks as Tanzania’s 6th biggest park and is one of the jewels of Tanzania’s northern safari circuit.

The park, which was established in 1970 , gets its name from the Tarangire River which flows through the middle of the park and provides a much needed source of water in Tanzania’s dry season.

The park is most famous for its herds of African elephants which can total over 5,000 during the peak of the migration from July to October.

Predators including lions are a common sight in the park.

Tips for Visiting Tarangire

Ensure that your safari company brings a hot to cold lunch for you to enjoy at one of the fantastic lunch spots in the park as these are un-catered.

My Personal Experience in Tarangire

I didn’t have many expectations of Tarangire as it wasn’t a place I had heard much about prior to visiting. However, the park quickly earned its place as one of my favourites in Tanzania. The landscape itself is breathtaking, long grass stalks lapping at the legs of elephants and giraffes in between baobab trees of all kinds of shapes and sizes.

The highlight however was the elephants. I was left in awe as an entire family crossed the road right in front of us and made their way down to a watering hole. Watching the elephants throw water over themselves in contentment was a magical sight. I particularly loved watching a young calf roll around in the water, seemingly having the time of its life.

Tarangire is more than just elephants, as I quickly found out. I saw lots of giraffes, the largest troop of baboons that I’d ever seen and some lions resting in the shade.

You’ll drive for around 1 hour to Mto Wa Mbu, where you’ll spend the night. This sets you up nicely for your Lake Manyara safari the following day.

Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park (total drive time 2.5 hrs)

Lake Manyara National Park is a popular and great value park on Tanzania’s northern circuit. The entrance to the park is only a short 30 minute drive from the town of Mto Wa Mbu.

Mto Wa Mbu is Swahili for river of mosquitos so it goes without saying pop some mosquito repellent on , especially when in the town. Although I picked up a few bites at first as soon as I put my repellant on I didn’t get a single bite.

Activities for Your Day in Lake Manyara National Park

You’ll spend the morning on a game drive around the park – this is usually enough time to cover the whole park.

Afterwards you have a few options or you could potentially squeeze them all in!

If you fancy a walking safari from the tree tops, there is a 45 minute treetop canopy walk.

See the park from the make with a canoeing safari on lake Manyara (subject to the water levels being high enough).

Take the opportunity to go on a nighttime safari as this is one of the only parks to allow this.

Visit a Maasai Boma in Mto Wa Mbu to watch their traditional jumping dance and learn more about their customs and way of life. Visits usually take around an hour unless you want to stay longer such as for a nighttime fire or goat bbq.

Lake Manyara was given National Park status in 1960 to protect the vast elephant herds which stroll through the park.

The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions and huge flocks of pink flamingos as well as 250 other bird species.

Visiting the park provides a great experience due to the diverse landscape with dense forests, steep mountainsides and a massive yet shallow soda lake which covers two thirds of the 325 km2 (125 mi2) park.

Tips for Visiting Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is great to visit all year round. However, the very best time to visit for wildlife spotting is during the long dry season from June to October. As with other parks, it becomes very beautiful during the rains when the vegetation is lush and waterfalls are full. However, wildlife spotting is harder at these times due to the dense vegetation making spotting harder.

I went on a canoeing safari in Lake Manyara with local fishermen, in locally-built canoes made from fig trees. The bellows of hippos echo through the forest of half-submerged trees, a reminder that the park had suffered in recent years as a result of too much rain. Vast swathes of forest were taken by the rising lake levels but I believe it is now gradually receding.

I saw vervet monkeys playing on the banks of the lake and in the distance I saw a herd of cows making their way through the forest, accompanied by a Maasai herder. The sound of cowbells filled the air. Whilst the Maasai cannot graze their cattle within the national park, they do take them to the edges of the park, such as here.

You’ll spend the night back in Arusha which is around a 2 hour drive.

For this 3-day itinerary, full board Tanzania safari costs for private safaris start at around $250 per person per day for 4 people and $270 for two people. Prices assume working with a small local safari company and will vary depending on the level of accommodation chosen and number of people sharing the safari truck.

Most popular & best experience – typical prices for this itinerary start from $270 per person per day .

Good for budget or solo travellers – from $264* per person per day

*I couldn’t find any group safaris that match this exact itinerary. I’ve listed the most similar ones below.

3-Day group camping / tented camp safari to Tarangire and Lake Manyara

3-Day group budget safari to Tarangire, Lake Manyara NP and Materuni Waterfalls

3-Day group budget safari to Tarangire and Lake Natron

3-Day Tanzania Cultural Tour Itinerary

Although most visitors come to Tanzania to go on safari in its world-class national parks, its culture is just as incredible.

The country boasts over 120 incredible tribes, each with their own unique customs and traditions. Some of my peak experiences in Tanzania have involved spending time with tribes including the Maasai and Hadzabe bushmen.

There is a danger that over time some of these authentic cultural experiences can become more commercialised. For this reason I always make an effort to seek out authentic and ethical experiences with the help of my safari company.

The results have been some of the most memorable and eye opening experiences of my life.

Whilst this itinerary will focus purely on cultural activities, you may wish to mix some of these cultural activities into the other itineraries above. The activities are located near to national parks and many of them can be completed in a few hours after a morning safari.

• Average driving time per day: 4.6 hours.

Itinerary Map for the 3-Day Cultural Tour Itinerary

Day By Day Breakdown for the 3-Day Cultural Tour Itinerary

Day 1: maasai in mto wa mbu – total drive time 3.5 hrs.

From Arusha it’s a 2 hour drive to Mto Wa Mbu, where you can visit a Maasai Boma. The Maasai are Tanzania’s most famous tribe and very welcoming.

Activities for Your Day The Maasai in Mto Wa Mbu

You can spend anywhere from an hour up to a whole day with the Massai tribe. When you visit the Maasai, they will usually put on their traditional jumping dance where the men of the village try to jump the highest to show their strength and to attract a wife.

You can even spend the evening by joining the tribe for a traditional goat bbq. If you’ve really adventurous you can spend the night with some of the Maasai tribes and try out living in their traditional nomadic huts.

Other local activities include:

A cultural tour through the banana plantations and rice paddies in Mto Wa Mbu (Swahili for ‘river of mosquitos’)

A canoe safari in Lake Manyara (subject to the water being high enough)

A 45 minute tree top canopy walk in Lake Manyara National Park.

About The Maasai in Mto Wa Mbu

The Maasai tribe are fearsome warriors known as the cowboys of Tanzania due to their nomadic lifestyle tending to the cattle.

The word Maasai comes from Maa speaking Sai people.

For Maasai cows are sacred and their lives revolve around their cows. Their cows are everything to them. Cows are food, money, status, medicine and even a gift to the father of the bride when getting married.

The Maasai are poly monogamous meaning they have multiple wives. Try to keep an open mind as you learn about their culture as it is fascinating and quite different from our Western culture.

Tips for visiting Maasai in Mto Wa Mbu

Whilst most Maasai visits provide an authentic experience, there are some which have become a bit overly commercialised – usually those on the main roads which have a very high volume of visitors. Choosing a good safari company and also letting them know you want see a slightly more remote Maasai Bom for an authentic experience will help ensure you have the most authentic and unique experience.

Reputable safari companies will have already given the Maasai boma you are visiting a monetary contribution as a thank you for hosting you so don’t feel obliged to give more than a small tip. I would suggest around $10 as a tip for two visitors or a little more if it was a half day or full day experience. Remember than money goes a lot further for locals in Tanzania compared to the West.

Alternatively, instead of providing a tip, you can simply buy some jewellery made by the tribe. Its perfectly normal to negotiate on price. I normally pay around $6 – $15 for a metal bracelets where negotiation may start as high as $30. To negotiate you can simply set your price you’re prepared to pay and then walk away if it’s not met – they will usually agree to your price or give you a counter offer slightly higher. I probably always end up paying a bit more than I could probably get them for but I try to be fair in my negotiations as they do reply on income from tourism.

My Personal Experience of visiting the Maasai in Mto Wa Mbu

I’ve visited a couple of different Maasai bomas in the area. On each occasion that I visit, the Maasai put on a beautiful display of song and dance followed by some traditional Maasai jumping. The higher a Maasai warrior can jump, the more desirable he is.

For one of my visits, I decided to veer away from the traditional experience that most tourists get and spent an entire morning with a Maasai family. I watched as they prepared a traditional Maasai meal – boiled goat. It was an experience that I’ll never forget as I got to see the entire process, start (when the goat was alive and walking) to finish. You can have a similar experience if you request it with your safari company beforehand.

You can see my video of my immersive Maasai tribe experience here .

You’ll drive for around 1 – 1.5 hours to spend the night in Lake Eyasi, ready for an early start visiting the Hadzabe in the morning.

Day 2: Hadzabe Bushmen & Datoga in Lake Eyasi – total drive time 4

Visiting the the Hadzabe bushmen was one of the most authentic cultural experiences I’ve had in my travels. Uninterested in money and the trappings of modern life the Hadzabe life, they share everything.

This is one of the last opportunities in the world to step back in time to see how our hunter gather ancestors lived thousands of years ago.

From you accommodation in Lake Eyasi it can take around an hours drive for your hadzabe guide to locate the Hadzabe.

Activities for Your Day Visiting the Hadzabe Bushmen & Datoga Tribes

You can visit the remote Hadzabe village made up of tiny bare nomadic huts or sometimes they live in caves in the rainy seasons. You will have the opportunity to go on a small hunt with the tribe where they will show you have they catch their food with bows and arrows. They are fast walkers so you need to be physically fit to keep up.

In the afternoon you’ll visit the nearby Datoga (aka Datooga or blacksmiths) tribe and watch them make jewelary and tools such as arrow heads from scrap metal.

About the Hadzabe Bushmen & Datoga Tribes

The Hadzabe bushmen have lived in the Lake Eyasi basin for around 5,000 years and in this time their way of life has changed very little.

They live a simple life hunting and gathering all their food. They get their water from the roots of plants and share everything with the other members of the tribe.

There are only a small number of Hadzabe left and they only speak in their own unique clicking dialect so your safari company will enlist the help of a special guide who has lived with the Hadzabe and learned to communicate with them. The Hadzabe are nomadic, moving around in search of food, so it can sometimes take a while to locate them in the wilderness around Lake Eyasi.

The Datoga aka Datooga, (Wamang’ati, in Swahili), who live nearby, moved from their first home in southern Sudan and the highlands of western Ethiopia to the Lake Eyasi area about 3,000 years ago.

In the past, the Datoga tribe used to be nomads, always on the move to find food for their cattle, goats, and sheep. But now, they have decided to live in one place and set up small villages made up of around 5 wooden huts. In these villages, they’ve become really good at making things with metal, like arrowheads and jewellery. The tribe trade these items with other tribes, such as the Hadzabe.

Tips for Visiting the Hadzabe Bushmen & Datoga Tribes

Stay open-minded when visiting the Hadzabe as they live a very different life to what we’re used to in the west.

Although at first you might find it shocking to see them hunting animals with bows and arrows such as small birds, remember that in the West, most of us still eat meat, we’re just much less connected with where that meat comes from.

The Hadzabe only hunt and gather what they need to survive, nothing is wasted. For example, the tendons of the animals the eat are used as string for their bows.

I bought some metal bracelets from the Datoga tribe=, spending around $35 per bracelet. You could probably negotiate them down to around $15 each if buying a few of them but $35 is similar to what I’d pay in the UK so I didn’t bother.

My Personal Experience Visiting the Hadzabe Bushmen & Datoga Tribes

Visiting the Hadzabe tribe had been on my bucket-list ever since I saw them in a documentary. But I didn’t just want to go on a typical visit, where you only briefly meet and interact with the tribe. I wanted to see how they lived – what a typical day was like for them.

I’ve visited the Hadzabe tribe a couple of times now and been on several hunts with them. They go on a long hunt early in the morning, around 6:30am and the hunt lasts for as long as it takes to catch enough to feed the tribe.

My first hunt with the Hadzabe was in the dry season. We walked swiftly across dry river beds and down well-worn trails. The tribe caught three birds, a mouse, a dik-dik and a white-tailed mongoose. The hunt was a huge success! I then watched as they prepared the meat and was even offered to try some dik-dik heart and liver – it was delicious!

You can view my video on this Hadzabe experience here .

My second hunt was in the short rainy season and was a completely different experience. Due to the rains, the tribe had moved to a cave atop a rocky hillock that was surrounded by other hills. The hunt took us up and down steep rocky hills, meandering through thickets of acacia trees with terribly sharp thorns. The rough terrain meant it was slow going and the hunt dragged onto the afternoon. I foolishly brought only one bottle of water with me, which ran out after a couple of hours. Under the heat of the midday sun, I became pretty dehydrated. Finally, they caught what they had been tracking all morning, a huge bush pig.

My experience with the Datoga tribe was vastly different. The Datoga are herders and more uniquely, blacksmiths. After being given a tour of one of their houses, I watched two Datoga tribesmen make arrowheads from recycled metals. These arrowheads will be sold to the Hadzabe tribe.

You can view my video of my time with the Datoga here .

You’ll drive back to Arusha for the night which will take around 3 hours.

Day 3: Chaga Tribe on Kilimanjaro & Chemka Hot Springs (total drive time 6.5 hrs)

From Arusha you’ll drive for around 3 hours to Materuni village in the foothills of Kilimanjaro and home to the Chaga tribe.

In the afternoon you finish your tour with a relaxing visit to the Chemka Hot Springs.

Activities for Your Day Visiting the Chaga Tribe & Chemka Hot Springs

From Materuni village, it’s a not-too-hard 45-minute walk to the amazing Materuni Waterfalls. You can take a swim there if you want, but be ready for cold water. If you prefer, you can also drive closer, and then it’s only a 15-minute walk.

Back at Materuni village you’ll spend time with the Chagga people and will cook you a delicious traditional lunch.

After lunch you’ll learn more about how they villagers grow and harvest coffee on the banks of Kilimanjaro. You’ll be invited to take part in the process of preparing and roasting the coffee beans by hand before finally tasting the amazing fresh coffee.

In the afternoon you’ll go on a 1 – 2 hour drive down to the Chemka Hot Springs for a relaxing afternoon floating or swimming in the springs.

About the Chaga Tribe & Chemka Hot Springs

The Chaga tribe are descendants of immigrants of various Bantu tribes who migrated to the once forest-covered foothills of Kilimanjaro around 1,200 years ago.

The tribe are famous for the strong work ethic, growing many crops including coffee on the fertile foothills of Kilimanjaro. Members of the tribe also work as porters carrying sleeping equipment and supplies up and down Kilimanjaro for tourists who hike the mountain.

Chemka Hot Springs are mineral springs which originate from Kilimanjaro ground waters. The water in the hot springs is warm because the water underground gets heated by the Earth’s natural heat, and then it comes up to the surface, making the spring warm.

The hot springs are comprised of two lagoons connected by a narrow channel. The source of the hot springs is a mysterious underground cave in the larger of the two lagoons – you can spot it by the bubbles coming up.

Despite what the name would suggest, the hot springs are actually a rather pleasant at around 20°C.

Tips for Visiting the Chaga Tribe & Chemka Hot Springs

For the walk to Materuni Waterfalls, wear good walking boots and be prepared for some mud if there has been rain recently especially in the short and long rains.

The Chemka Hot springs are sometimes referred to as Kikuletwa Springs (Maji Moto).

Take a small amount of cash with you so you have the option of renting a rubber ring which will allow you to float on the on the water.

There is a rope swing into the smaller of the two lagoons which is great fun.

If you can, bring a snorkel mask as it’s very pretty underwater.

There is a fantastic restaurant at the springs which serves traditional food.

My Personal Experience Visiting Chemka Hot Springs

I absolutely loved my visit to Chemka Hot Springs! The springs are a beautiful vibrant turquoise colour which glitters under the sun. I’ve honestly never seen water like it!

I particularly loved the rope swing which you can use to swing into the springs. It was exhilarating and splashing into the springs is extremely refreshing.

I did however expect the springs to be hotter than they were. They’re not cold but they’re certainly not hot. Maybe lukewarm is the best description.

Marvelling at the source of the springs was also a highlight. In the deepest part of the springs it looks like an underwater volcano!

Finally, I had fun at the fish spa. Before my swim I sat with my feet in the water and watched as dozens of tiny fish flocked to nibble at the dead skin. It was ticklish but a fun experience.

You can view my experience at Chemka Hot Springs here .

You’ll spend the night back in Arusha, which is a 2 hour drive.

This cultural tour is around the same cost the the budget safari itinerary but may come out slightly cheaper depending on your exact itinerary. There will be some savings on safari safari fees with this itinerary but this will be balanced out by park fees in Kilimanjaro and Lake Eyasi and your safari company will need to arrange a special Hadzabe guide for your day with the Hadzabe.

For this 3 day itinerary, full board Tanzania safari costs for private safaris start at around $250 per person per day for 4 people and $270 for two people. Prices assume working with a small local safari company and will vary depending on the level of accommodation chosen and number of people sharing the safari truck.

Most popular & best experience – typical prices for this itinerary start from $250 per person per day .

Good for budget or solo travellers – from $215* per person per day.

3-Day group budget camping cultural tour and Arusha National Park

3-Day group mid-range cultural tour with Maasai, Hadzabe & Datoga

Yes – it’s certainly possible to have an incredible 3 day safari and this is actually a very popular option.

However, If you have time, I would recommend adding a couple of extra days to give you a 5 day Tanzania itinerary . If you have the time you can easily fill out a 7-10 day safari itinerary too.

The main reason a 3 day itinerary can work well in Tanzania is the sheer density of wildlife in the national parks. The high density of animals including predators gives you a good chance of some amazing sightings in a short period of time.

With over 4,000 lions in the Serengeti and connected Maasai Mara ecosystem, Central Serengeti has the highest density of big cats of any national park and is one of the top 5 most important places in Africa for lion conservation.

In many cases you’ll have fantastic sightings within hours of entering a National Park – I was lucky enough to see a magnificent leopard, lazing in a tree within 15 minutes of entering the Serengeti on my most recent visit.

However, wildlife can be unpredictable and the longer you spend on safari the greater your chances of incredible sightings.

By contrast in other national parks such as Ranthambore National Park in India, you might have to wait days to see their most famous inhabitant, the bengal tiger.

Another reason the 3 day safari works well in Tanzania is the number of airstrips which gives you the option to quickly fly to the various parts of the best national parks such as the Serengeti, which would otherwise be an 8 hour drive from Arusha.

Alternatively, If you’d prefer to travel exclusively by road, you have a great option of incorporating Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara National Parks in a 3 Day Multi-Park Northern Circuit Itinerary .

It’s popular to incorporate a 3 day safari into a 5 day safari and beach itinerary with 3 days of safari followed by 2 days of beach in Zanzibar.

How to Book a 3 day Safari Itinerary in Tanzania?

In my opinion, the easiest way to plan a safari in Tanzania is to let a safari company take care of everything, like booking your safari and where you’ll stay. Tanzania is set up for using safari companies because planning it on your own can be tricky with more challenges compared to other places.

For example, If you start booking the accommodation yourself you have to also arrange for the driver / guide to stay at your accommodation too as distances are too great for them to go home and things quickly start to get complex. This, along with great rates is why I leave accommodation up the safari company.

In Tanzania, I like to have a local safari company plan my whole trip, which includes everything like where I stay, game drives, and other activities. But I prefer to book my own International flights to and from Tanzania.

Safari companies generally fall into the following groups:

Local Tanzania Safari Companies

Local safari companies are typically run by locals and offer the best value for money.

I like to choose smaller local tour companies because it gives me a great experience, helps the local economy, and is good value for my money. They often get deals on hotels, making it affordable and less of a hassle. Plus, I get more personal service.

You can get quotes from the local tour companies I use to book my own trips on safarisbyella.com

International Travel Agents

International travel agents from your own country usually cost more, and usually, they just hire a local safari company for the safari part. Often they cover so many countries that they lack the up-to-date country specific local knowledge to give the best advice.

On the plus side, International travel agents can book international flights and offer ATOL protection (in the UK). However, I’ve always found that that my travel insurance and paying deposits with a credit card give me similar protection when I book directly.

In additional to deciding which type of tour operator to use, you also have a choice of both private and group safaris.

Private vs Group Tanzania 3 day Safaris

Private Tanzania safaris

You can request quotes for private safaris from the local tour operators I use on safarisbyella.com

Group or shared safaris in Tanzania follow a planned schedule and start at specific times. You join a tour that’s already scheduled, and you share the safari truck with others on the same tour. These safaris typically last for either 3 or 6 days.

Thinking about group safaris might be a good idea if you’re traveling alone (because private ones can be more expensive without others to share the costs) or if your budget is tight. However, keep in mind that group safaris are often designed for those on a budget. The places you stay might be simple tents with shared bathrooms, and the guides might have less experience.

The feedback I’ve had from people who’ve tried both private and shared safaris has been that their private safari experience was much better.

If you’d like to consider a group safari, you can jump to my recommended group safaris .

How Much Does a 3 day Tanzania Safari Itinerary Cost?

Private 3 day Tanzania Safaris start at around $300 per person per day without internal flights and $400 with internal flights. 3 Day safaris typically cost more per day than 5 and 7 day safaris because you’re going to be each day on safari compared with longer itineraries when you will usually cultural, rest or beach days which will bring down the average cost per day.

Shared / group safaris start at around $180 per person per day.

The key factors effecting the cost of your tanzania safari include:

• Your choice of accommodation has a big impact on your safari cost
• Which parks you visit with Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti being two of the most expensive for park fees.
• Number of people in your group – for private safaris the cost the driver / guide is split between the number of people in your group so if you are traveling solo the fixed costs will be much higher compared to traveling in a group of 2 or 4. The safari trucks usually fit a maximum of 7 people.

1. If your flight gets in late, it’s a good idea to have your safari company pick you up in their safari truck or use a high-quality taxi service. In many African countries, it’s better to avoid / minimise driving at night because drivers might speed more, and it’s harder to see due to lower police presence and poor visibility. You can read about how I learn this the hard way here .

2. Pick a safari company that genuinely cares about your trip and can give you a personalised experience, not just the cheapest option. Since you’ll be spending a lot of time with the company’s driver / guide, choosing a great safari company can make the difference between having the experience of a lifetime and having a mediocre one.

3. Avoid wearing black or navy blue clothes on safari because they attract tsetse flies. If you can, wear safari colours like beige and green.

4. To spot the most animals, go on some game drives early in the morning or during the evening.

5. Put on several layers because it can be really cold at night but very hot during the day.

Read More Tanzania Guides

Ultimate 7-10 Day Tanzania Safari Itinerary & Costs

Ultimate 5 Day Tanzania Safari Itineraries & Costs (6 unique Itineraries)

Perfect 3 Day Tanzania Safari Itinerary & Costs

Ultimate 2-Week Kenya & Tanzania Safari Itinerary

Tanzania Safari Cost – Everything You Need to Know!

Best Time to Visit Tanzania For Your Safari

Tanzania in January: Weather, Tips and More

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The BEST 3 Day Tanzania Safari To Book In 2024

Looking for the best 3-Day Tanzania Safari? This is the only guide you’ll need!

Picture this… Savannahs stretching as far as the eye can see, unique wildlife roaming freely, and incredible sunsets you’ve never even dreamt of – that’s what awaits you on a Tanzania Safari.

Read on to discover the best 3 Day Safari Tanzania including the itinerary, the best time to visit, and so much more!

Table of Contents

OVERVIEW – 3 DAY TANZANIA SAFARI

Let’s start this guide with all the essentials you should know when planning a 3 day Tanzania safari, from the cost to where to book the tour, and more.

WHERE TO GO FOR A 3 DAY TANZANIA SAFARI?

Many safaris in Tanzania have a specific journey that you’ll follow for 3 days.

However, if you have the option to customize the itinerary, I recommend visiting Arusha National Park, Tarangire National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater.

This is what I personally did, and I spent 1 day in each location, with each park providing a unique experience with diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes.

The highlights of my adventure included a walking safari at Arusha National Park, wildlife spotting in Tarangire National Park, and descending into the vast Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive.

HOW MUCH DOES A 3-DAY TANZANIA SAFARI COST?

The cost of a safari will vary depending on your itinerary and choice of tour company, but it’s important to note that Tanzania is generally one of Africa’s pricier safari destinations.

That being said, there are budget-friendly options too.

For those on a tighter budget, you can expect to pay around $150 per person per day. On the other hand, for a more premium experience, you will find safaris for over $1,000 per person per day.

A mid-range option falls somewhere in between at around $300 to $500 per person per day.

WHERE TO BOOK A 3-DAYS TANZANIA SAFARI?

I personally booked a 3-day private safari with Altezza Travel which included Arusha, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire National Park.

Altezza is a premier tour operator who has extensive expertise when it comes to the service and logistics of safari tours within Tanzania’s national parks.

They have an impressive safari fleet of Land Cruisers with a convertible pop-up roof that provides a panoramic 360° view. They’re also equipped with amenities such as a fridge for your refreshments, Wi-Fi access, and power sockets.

And let’s not forget about the wildlife – we saw everything from herds of elephants to a pride of lions and giraffes in abundance.

Each safari is customizable, tailoring the ideal dream tour to align with your specific travel style and comfort preferences.

When it comes to accommodation, you’ll be presented with options that include luxurious stone-built lodges and more authentic tented lodge experiences for a memorable 3 day Tanzania safari.

Special Offer: Altezza extends a 5% discount on all Tanzania Safaris to my readers when you include the code JONNYMELON during your booking inquiry.

3 DAYS TANZANIA SAFARI ITINERARY

Now that you have an overview of what this 3 day safari in Tanzania entails, let’s go further in detail with the itinerary and what to expect each day.

DAY 1: ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK

Day one of the three-day safari in Tanzania begins with Arusha National Park.

You’ll start early in the morning and leave from Arusha town to get into the national park, a gem tucked away in northern Tanzania.

I’m talking about lush rainforests, unique wildlife, and the stunning Momella Lakes. Next thing you know, you’re staring up at the rugged peaks of Mount Meru!

The first activity you can do is a 1.5-hour walking safari with a guide and armed ranger around a section of the park.

We spotted countless wildlife such as warthogs, buffaloes, baboons, and giraffes to name a few, then we continued to check out the beautiful Tululusia Waterfall.

After the walking safari, you’ll visit the stunning Momella Lakes filled with pink flamingos, and then stop for lunch at a picnic site overlooking Mount Meru.

The safari continues with a 2-hour game drive through the park and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the black and white colobus monkeys swinging through the treetops.

You might even spot a shy bushbuck as well as herds of buffaloes and giraffes that rule these plains.

Arusha National Park was an exceptional start to the 3 day safari in Tanzania, and I couldn’t have asked for more.

READ MORE: SAFARI IN ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK

ANIMALS IN ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK

Arusha National Park isn’t the most diverse in terms of animal species, but you’ll surely see some unique wildlife.

Here are some common animals you’ll spot;

• Black and White Colobus Monkeys : Known for their black and white fur, you’ll see the monkeys swinging through the treetops.
• Bushbucks : These shy, solitary antelopes are known for their beautiful markings and can often be spotted hiding in the underbrush.
• Pink Flamingos : The Momella Lakes are a haven for these vibrant birds, creating a stunning spectacle as they wade in the shallows.
• Buffaloes : Traveling in large herds, buffaloes are often roaming around and you’ll love photographing them.
• Giraffes : With their long necks and distinctive spots, giraffes are a highlight you’ll see, often seen peacefully munching on acacia trees.
• Zebras : These iconic African animals add a touch of wild beauty to the landscape.
• Baboons : You definitely won’t miss the baboons on your safari in Arusha.
• Leopards : Though rare, Arusha National Park is known for occasional leopard sightings.

Remember, every Arusha National Park safari is unique, and nature operates on its own schedule.

You’re 99% guaranteed to spot lots of animals, but keep in mind that no guide can guarantee any sightings.

DAY 1 ACCOMMODATION

In the late afternoon, you’ll be transferred from Arusha to Tarangire National Park for a short game drive through the park while on the way to your accommodation.

Inside the national park, there are half a dozen accommodations available and we personally stayed at the beautiful Ndovu Tented Lodge by Nasikia Camps .

Ndovu Tented Camp offers an enchanting setting to unwind after the day’s adventures and you’ll even be able to spot wildlife right in front of the camp.

DAY 2: TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK

Day 2 is spent exploring the stunning Tarangire National Park, one of the best places to take a safari in Tanzania.

From the stunning landscapes to the abundance of African wildlife, you’re in for a treat!

Tarangire is known for its large number of diverse wildlife, particularly during the dry season. But the park is mostly known for the elephants.

In fact, Tarangire boasts more African elephants per square kilometer than any other national park in the country!

But that’s not all – keep your camera handy because you’re also likely to spot zebras, gazelles, giraffes, lions, and even cheetahs.

A full-day game drive in Tarangire National Park is exactly what you’d come to Tanzania for!

READ MORE: SAFARI IN TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK

ANIMALS IN TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK

Prepare for an exciting encounter with a rich variety of wildlife as you explore Tarangire National Park.

Here are the amazing animals you can expect to see on safari;

• Elephants : Tarangire is famous for its large elephant herds.
• Lions : Known as the ‘king of the jungle,’ Tarangire is the right place to spot them in the wild.
• Fringe-eared Oryxes and Gerenuks : These antelope species add to the park’s diversity.
• Zebras and Wildebeests : Watch out for these iconic African animals, especially around the Tarangire River during the dry season.
• Giraffes : With their long necks reaching up into the tree canopy, they’re hard to miss!
• Hyenas and Leopards : Keep an eye out for these predators lurking in the shadows.
• Bird Species : With over 550 bird species, you’ll be in heaven if you like bird watching.
• Warthogs, Waterbucks, Elands, and Gazelles : These smaller mammals also play a significant role in the ecosystem.

Generally speaking, there are many animal species to see in Tarangire and this is exactly why I recommend packing your best camera gear!

DAY 2 ACCOMMODATION

In the late afternoon, you’ll be transferred from Tarangire to Ngorongoro Crater and spend one night at an accommodation to relax before your last day on safari.

Around the crater rim of Ngorongoro, there are a few accommodations available and we personally stayed at the beautiful Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp .

Intimately set in an ancient acacia forest, Ngorongoro Tented Camp has 10 spacious tents featuring two queen-size beds, roomy en-suite bathrooms, warm winter-weight duvets, and gas heaters to ensure a cozy night’s sleep.

Guests can also enjoy a sundowner while sitting around the campfire, and dinner and drinks are included for all guests.

DAY 3: NGORONGORO CRATER

The third and last day of this 3 day Tanzania safari is spent inside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, mostly known for the Ngorongoro Crater.

Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest inactive, intact, and unfilled volcanic caldera, and is home to over 25,000 animals – yes, you read that right!

You’ll start the day early and descend into the crater where you’ll be greeted by an incredible lush, fertile landscape teeming with life.

After driving around and taking hundreds of photos, you’ll head to the lakeside where you’ll have a delicious picnic lunch with your guide.

Post-lunch, you’ll resume the game drive for another hour before exiting the crater and making your way back to Arusha town to conclude this incredible 3 day Tanzania safari.

READ MORE: SAFARI IN NGORONGORO CRATER

ANIMALS IN NGORONGORO NATIONAL PARK

A safari in Ngorongoro Crater offers an incredible opportunity to see a wide variety of African wildlife in one place.

Below are some of the key animals you can expect to see;

• The Big Five : Ngorongoro is one of the few places in Africa where you can see all of the “Big Five” – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino.
• Hippos : The crater’s lakes and swamps are home to large populations of hippos.
• Zebra and Wildebeest : These two species are among the most common in the crater, and you can often see large herds roaming around.
• Giraffes : While not as common as in other parks, giraffes can still be spotted.
• Antelopes : Several different species of antelope live in the crater, including gazelles.

3 DAY SAFARI TANZANIA – FAQ

Now that you have a better idea of what to expect on a 3 Days Tanzania Safari, below are some answers to the most frequently asked questions from first-time visitors.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN A 3 DAY SAFARI IN TANZANIA?

Here is what’s included on the 3 day safari Tanzania when you book with Altezza Travel:

• All park fees
• All meals on safari and drinks including water, soft drinks, and coffee
• Transfers from and to Kilimanjaro International Airport
• Accommodation with breakfast before and after safari
• Land Cruiser 4×4 with pop-up roof for game-viewing
• Medical kit, binoculars, wet wipes, and other essentials
• Experienced tour guide

BEST TIME TO TAKE A 3-DAY TANZANIA SAFARI?

The best time to take a 3-day safari in Tanzania largely depends on the weather and the wildlife you want to see.

The dry season, which runs from June to October, is generally regarded as the best time for safaris.

During this time, the weather is cooler, and wildlife tends to gather around water sources, making it easier to spot animals.

That being said, for those interested in seeing newborn animals, January to March can be a great time for a safari.

WHAT TO PACK FOR A 3-DAY TANZANIA SAFARI?

Here is a quick overview of what to pack for a 3 day safari Tanzania;

Clothing: Comfort is key on a safari. Pack lightweight cotton clothes, long-sleeved shirts, and pants to protect against mosquitoes. I suggest packing layered clothing, as mornings and evenings can be cool while days are warm.

Footwear: Comfortable shoes like trainers are recommended.

Essentials: Don’t forget your sunscreen and hat for protection against the sun. Also, carry a day bag for your everyday essentials.

Camera Gear: A camera with extra memory cards, batteries, a power bank, and a charger will help you capture the best memories from your trip.

RELATED ARTICLE: BEST CAMERA GEAR FOR TRAVEL

IS THERE WI-FI ON THE SAFARI?

If you have a local SIM card, the mobile network is relatively consistent throughout Tanzania.

This means that you will be able to use your mobile data for browsing the internet, posting on social media, and staying connected as a whole.

The safari vehicles are also conveniently fitted with a Wi-Fi dongle.

Some lodges inside the park offer free Wi-Fi and most hotels in cities and towns also have Wi-Fi available for guest use.

Yet, keep in mind that you’re in a remote location and the connection might not always be strong.

3 DAYS VS 5 DAYS SAFARI IN TANZANIA

Choosing between a 3-day and a 5-day safari in Tanzania depends on several factors, including your budget, the time available, and what you want to experience.

I have personally done a 3-day safari in Tanzania as well as a 5-day safari and there were several differences.

A 3-day safari is a more condensed experience that allows you to explore some of Tanzania’s most famous parks. It’s perfect if you’re short on time or working with a tighter budget.

Typically, a 3-day safari can include visits to Arusha, Tarangire, and Ngorongoro. That being said, the tour operator you’ll book with will probably offer customization of the itinerary, just like I did with Altezza Travel.

A 5-day safari offers a more relaxed pace and a broader range of experiences. You can visit more parks, such as Serengeti National Park in addition to Tarangire and Ngorongoro.

You’ll have more time to observe the wildlife, take photographs, and soak in the natural beauty of the landscapes.

Note that the Serengeti is one of the largest national parks in Tanzania, and you’ll need 2-3 days to explore it, so a 5-day safari is a better option.

All in all, both the 3 days Tanzania Safari and 5 days Tanzania Safari have their perks.

FINAL THOUGHTS – 3 DAYS TANZANIA SAFARI

With so many different Tanzania tours available, it can be hard to know which one is the best for you. Hopefully this article has helped make your decision a little bit easier.

If you have any questions, please leave a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

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THANKS FOR READING

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The ultimate 3 Days Safari in Tanzania

The ultimate 3 days Safari trip! You’ll be visiting Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara and the impressive Ngorongoro Crater. Look out for the famous tree climbing lions in the forest of Lake Manyara Safari Park!

#day 1 TARANGIRE

#day 2 NGORONGORO

#day 3 LAKE MANYARA

Day 1 – Tarangire National Park

Your Tour starts with the drive to Tarangire Safari Park , Tanzania’s fifth largest national park and sanctuary for an unusually large elephant population. Majestic baobab trees are an interesting feature of the park, dwarfing the animals that feed beneath them. Animals concentrate along the Tarangire River, which provides the only permanent water supply in the area. There is a great diversity of wildlife including lion, leopard, cheetah and up to six thousand elephant. You will overnight in the beautiful Africa Safari Lake Manyara Lodge where you can relax in the large swimming pool after your first Game Drives in Tanzania.

Day 2 – Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast you will proceed to Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the crater for a wonderful game drive (with a picnic lunch) inside this ‘natural zoo’ often described as one of the wonders of the world. It is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and a a natural sanctuary for some of Africa’s densest animal populations. It is one of the few places where the rare black rhino can be observed in their natural setting. As very few animals migrate in and out of the crater with its 2000 ft. high walls, you can expect to see lions, elephants, zebras, hippos, flamingos, jackals, rhinos, antelopes, many birds and other species. With a bit of luck the ‘Big Five’ can be spotted during one game drive only. After the game drive we will drive back to Africa Safari Lake Manyara Lodge.

Day 3 – Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast we depart for Lake Manyara Safari Park . Nestling at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, the park is recognized for its incredible beauty. You can see many game animals such as Buffalo, Elephant, Giraffe, Impala, hippo and others. The protected area lies picturesquely as a narrow strip of shore between the western slope of the approximately 800-metre-high rift valley steep face and the soda-rich lake that lends the park its name. You will encounter very different habitats in a small area: the rocky Rift Valley escarpment, a green forest, acacia forests, the open grass savanna, swamps and of course the lake and its shore – truly an exotic environment. After leaving the park you will drive back to Arusha.

What is this?

• 3 days Lodge Safari • one of our shortest itineraries (2 nights) • Safari to Tarangire National Park , Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara • classic game drives without any specific physical challenges

Where to stay?

• 2x nights in a fully furnished comfort tent, at Africa Safari Lake Manyara  Lodge • with wild animals grazing on the wide lodge grounds • close to the Lake Manyara National Park area

This is a private Safari which can be adjusted in accommodation and routing to fit your needs.

When to travel?

• can be done all year long; no objections even during rainy season • daily departure

• ideal for couples, families, friends, small groups etc.

From where to where?

• starting in Arusha / ending in Arusha • best: flights into Kilimanjaro

• HIGH season: 1 September – 14 March
• PEAK season: 16 May – 31 August
• LOW season: 15 March – 15 May

3 Days Safari in Tanzania Map

This map serves to give you an approximate outline of the trip itinerary. The number in each map pin corresponds to the day of this Safari proposal. The exact routing will be determined by our experienced local tour guides.

Game drives with Nissan or Toyota Land Cruiser with pop up roof and experienced guide

National Park entrance, special camping & concession fees

Overnight at (tented) lodges with ensuite bathroom – full board (3 meals per day)

Drinking water (1,5 liter per day)

Booking and Reservation charges

International flight

Airport transfers (can be arranged)

Overnight before and after safari (can be arranged)

Tourist visa & Personal travel insurance

Drinks & Snacks

Optional activities for your 3 Days Safari in Tanzania

• Maasai Boma (village) visit
• Famous Treetops / Canopy Walk in the rain forest of Lake Manyara Safari Park
• Walking Safari Lake Manyara (2 hrs)
• Air balloon Safari in Tarangire National Park
• Walking Safari in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (1,5 hrs)
• Mountain bike tour

Interested to see the complete itinerary and price?

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Safari itineraries Safari parks Safari accommodation

Safari & Zanzibar Accommodation Things to do

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Information.

Shemeji Safari Tanzania is part of: Paradise & Wilderness Group PO Box 265 Dar es Salaam Tanzania

[email protected] +255 (0) 677 066 651

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3 Days Tanzania Safari

3 Days Tanzania Safari is a short Tanzania safari tour that travelers with very limited time to spare can book for an opportunity to explore the wild game in Tanzania. Tanzania is one of the most famous and sought after safari destinations which rewards travellers with amazing wild game viewing, seeing a variety of animals. This 3 Days Tanzania Safari is a short Tanzania safari that takes you to Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Serengeti National Park, the two most sought after Tanzania safari destinations, which are among the Seven natural wonders of the world.

3 Days Tanzania Safari has you enjoying the Ngorongoro Crater drive which takes you the world’s largest in-active caldera and seeing the big 5 animals among so many others; before proceeding to the Serengeti National Park which is one of the most famous safari destinations in the world, famous for the great wildebeest migration and diverse wildlife not forgetting the beautiful scenery. Enjoy extensive game drives in both Ngorongoro and Serengeti, and be blown away with the immense beauty in such a short time. You can customise this 3 Days Tanzania Safari, by adding a couple more days to it if you still have time in the Tanzania.

This 3 Days Tanzania Safari is one of the best Tanzania safari tours you can book and get to enjoy the prime and most sought after Tanzania safari destinations, also on budget given you spend less time in the parks.

Tanzania Safari Highlights of 3 Days Tanzania Safari

• Ngorongoro Crater
• African big 5 animals
• Extensive game drives
• Amazing scenery

Summary Itinerary of 3 Days Tanzania Safari

Day 1: Pick up, Ngorongoro Crater Drive

Day 2: Serengeti National Park

Day 3: Early Morning Game Drive, Departure

Detailed Itinerary

You shall be picked up from your hotel, or airport (best if it is a morning flight), by your Tanzania safari guide. He will welcome you for the safari, and brief you about your 3 Days Tanzania Safari . Thereafter, you shall proceed on a transfer to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the “Garden of Eden” as it is often times referred to. You shall be rewarded with some of the most scenic views and landscape.

You shall get to enjoy the famous and sought after Ngorongoro Crater drive which has you descending the 600m deep crater floor for a game drive. You shall look out for a variety of wildlife species including the sought after Ngorongoro Crater big 5 animals , birds, and so much more. You shall also visit Lake Magadi for an opportunity to see large flocks of pink flamingos among other birds in Ngorongoro Crater.

You shall drive to the lodge, relax as you wait for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Karatu Tented Lodge-Budget/Eileen’s Tree Inn-Mid-range/Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge-Luxury

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner

Wake up to an early sumptuous breakfast at the lodge on this 2 nd day of your 3 Days Tanzania Safari. After breakfast, you shall proceed to transfer to Serengeti National Park, transiting through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area yet again, giving you an opportunity to marvel and the amazing scenery and landscape views, let alone the diverse wildlife.

Once in the Serengeti, look out for a variety of wildlife as you drive to a select area from where you shall enjoy your lunch and relax. After lunch, you shall enjoy an afternoon game drive in Serengeti National Park . Look out for a variety of wild game, including lions, leopards, elephants, cape buffalos, wildebeests, gazelles, zebras, warthogs and so much more. Immerse yourself in the sheer beauty of the Serengeti Plains.

Thereafter, you shall drive to your lodge of stay, check in and relax as you wait for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Osinon Camps and Lodges-Budget/Osero Serengeti Tented Lodge-Mid-range/Melia Serengeti Lodge-Luxury

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

On this last day of your short 3 Days Tanzania Safari, wake up to a hot cup of coffee or tea, and then head out to wilderness for an early morning game drive in Serengeti National Park , at 06:00am. Watch the Serengeti Plains come to life, and see a number of nocturnal animals return from their nightlife, and get to catch the early risers as they head out for the day. Get to see more and more animals in Serengeti National Park which you may have otherwise missed, including a variety of bird species.

Return to the lodge, enjoy a sumptuous breakfast and with your packed lunches head out for a departure transfer to Arusha, and be dropped off at your hotel of stay, or airport to catch  flight, bringing your 3 Days Tanzania Safari to an end.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

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Diba Adventure

3-Day Reasonable Safari Ngorongoro - Serengeti

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$1,684 pp (USD)

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If preferred, you can contact the operator directly

This trip will take you into two unique National Parks of Serengeti and Ngorongoro. After pickup you will go straight to Serengeti National Park and spend overnight at Zawadi Camp for two nights then departure to Ngorongoro for a full game drive in the crater of Ngorongoro.

Tour Features

Mid-range tour.

This mid-range tour uses tented camps.

Private tour

This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others.

Can start any day

If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.

Can be customized

You can request changes to this tour.

Suitable for solo travelers

Solo travelers can book this private tour.

Minimum age of 5 years

The minimum age for this tour is 5 years.

Activities & Transportation

Accommodation & meals.

• Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
• Day Accommodation Meals

• 3 End of tour (No accommodation) – All Meals Included All Meals Included

Interested in This Tour?

Request a Quote

• We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators ( Learn why )
• Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
• If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly

Best price guarantee

• This tour is offered by Diba Adventure , not SafariBookings.
• This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
• If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
• The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
• If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
• This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Diba Adventure .
• What is included in this tour

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• More About This Operator

• Kilimanjaro Treks
• Wildlife Safaris
• Zanzibar Holiday
• Tanzania Travel Guide
• Kilimanjaro Reviews & Pictures

3 Day Safaris In Tanzania | Tanzania Safari Vacation Packages – Tanzania

• 3 Day Camping Safari Tour Camping Safari Start Time: 08:00 Available: 25 seats
• 3 Day Lodge Safari Tour Lodge Safari Start Time: 08:00 Available: 25 seats

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• Get free & unlimited deferrals at no additional cost.
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Compare 3-day Tanzania safari packages and realize guaranteed wildlife fun and an unforgettable wilderness excitement.

This 3 day Tanzania safari tour will take you to the deep ends of the Serengeti wilderness. You will sleep in the wild, encounter wildlife, and experience the Masai tribal songs and dances.

Safaris in East Africa make for stunning personal and private honeymoons, as well as the most treasured family holidays.

All of our safaris are distinctly and professionally guided. We guarantee an unforgettable experience when you tour the safari plains with XPATS International. Even the most knowledgeable among you will walk away having learned something new.

• More than 1.5 million wildebeest migrate in an enormous loop every year
• Because so many animals rely on wildebeest and zebra for food, the Migration attracts many other species while moving through the landscape, making for unique sightings of diverse species
• The Ngorongoro crater is also the world’s largest inactive caldera. The crater floor covers about 260 square kilometers wide and about 600 meters deep
• The Big Five in the Serengeti

Attractions From This 3 Day Tanzania Safari Itinerary

Best time to visit tanzania.

•  January through mid-March
•  Mid-June through October

Dietary Food Preferences Served On Gamedrives

All of your meals during the safari are freshly cooked by excellent chefs and served according to your dietary preference.

• Normal diet
• Vegetarian diet
• Gluten-free diet

Meet Your Tour Guide

Katuzi (florian).

Florian is a well rounded safari tour guide with extensive knowledge of the Serengeti National Park. He is one of our best lead safari tour guides and is well trained to handle emergencies in the wilderness. His outgoing personality and dedication to his work is the reason many of our guests have never had a dull moment during their safari trips.

• 42 years of age
• Has 12 years of experience as a safari tour guide
• Received emergency safety training

Safety Material & Equipment

Medication & Sanitary Treatments

• Hand Sanitizer
• Anti-Acid Tablets
• Throat Lozenges
• Loperamide Tablets
• Insect Sting Relief Treatment
• Oral Rehydration Salts
• Dexamethasone
• Hydrogen Peroxide

Wraps, Splints & Wound Coverings

• Triangular Cravat Bandages
• Rolled Gauze
• Homeostatic Gauze
• First-Aid Cleansing Pads With Topical Anesthetic

Tools & Supplies

• Paramedic Shears
• Standard Thermometer
• Small Mirror
• Surgical Gloves
• Small Notepad & Pencil
• Stethoscope
• Portable Stretcher

Meeting Point

• You will be met at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to Arusha’s Venus Premier Hotel.
• The next day, you’ll be picked up and transfered to Manyara National Park, where your gamedrive will begin.

Departure Time

3 day tanzania safari packages.

Camping Safari

Uncover Tanzania’s most authentic wilderness journey with this 3 day Tanzania camping safari tour. Package includes:

• Park fees & taxes
• Lodging before and after the safari
• Camping accommodation during the safari
• 3 meals & water throughout the entire trip
• Airport pick-up and drop-off
• Transportation to and from the hotel
• 4×4 safari cruiser with a pop-up top
• Support team (certified multilingual guides and cooks)

Lodge Safari

Experience 3 days of wilderness relaxation and uninterrupted fun when you opt for this 3 day Tanzania lodge safari tour. Package includes:

• Lodge accommodation during the safari

Packages Exclude

• Private Expenses

Payment Process

Paying For Camping Safaris

• Pay a small $200 deposit when booking; then
• Pay the remaining balance upon arrival; and
• Get unlimited deferrals at no additional cost

Paying For Lodge Safaris

• Pay an $400 deposit when booking; then

Price Breakdown

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3 Day Tanzania Safari Itinerary

Day 1 — arrival.

All travelers will have to arrange their own flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and apply for their own visas through the online immigration portal. Visa guidelines are also available on the official immigration website. 

Note, if you’re arriving from a country subject to yellow fever, you will be required to show proof of vaccination. A 72-hour PCR test is required for entry.

A transfer will be arranged to drop off you and your luggage at the hotel to unwind from your travels. Briefing will take place in the evening or early morning.

Airport Pick-Up

Car transfer, hotel drop-off, day 2 — arusha town to serengeti national park.

Early in the morning, you’ll be picked up at your hotel and transferred to Serengeti National Park. Once there, you’ll enjoy a full-day game drive with a lovely picnic in the afternoon. The park is known for the great migration, the Big Five and array of antelopes. After your game drive you’ll be transferred to your accommodation for dinner and a full night’s rest.

Safari Accommodation

Safari game drive, day 3 — serengeti national park to ngorongoro conservation area.

The game drive will continue at the Serengeti National Park after breakfast packed with lunch boxes. The tour will make its way toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area for an overnight stay. This is so we can beat the sunrise as we descend down to the crater in the morning.

DAY 4 — NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA TO ARUSHA TOWN

Early in the morning, we’ll descend down to the crater and continue our game drive before making our way back to Arusha.

S afari Accommodation

Day 5 — departure/transition.

If you have booked a Zanzibar Beach Holiday package with us, you’ll  be transferred to the next chapter of your journey. If you have not booked an additional trip with XPATS International, you’ll be transferred to the airport.

Hotel Pick-Up

Next expedition, accommodations, pre & post safari accommodations, accommodations during standard camping safaris, accommodations during standard lodge safaris, 4×4 safari vehicle, the 3 day tanzania safari tour map, got questions about this safari program.

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Related topics to understand:

How much does a 3 days Tanzania safari cost?

3 day safaris in Tanzania cost $2,280pax and above depending on the accommodation used during the safari and whether the safari package is shared or private.

Related Tours

5 day serengeti migration safari tour | tanzania safari vacation packages – tanzania, 6 day safari tour in tanzania | tanzania safari vacation packages – tanzania, jaytblankenfeld.

Xpats International Delivered! Xpats was there from day one. They helped us climb Kilamanjaro and after that, we had a smooth transition to a safari in Serengeti and Ngorongoro. I highly recommend Xpats and will use them again.

Gabriel Santos

My girlfriend and I made a 3 day safari in Tarangire Park, Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater and it was really good. We were just the two of us in a private safari, and this gave us the opportunity to take all the time we wanted, where we wanted, to enjoy the wildlife, and taking pictures. The organization was perfect, as we didn’t have to think about anything else than having fun.

Guido Bräuer

Thanks for a wonderful and very impressing trip. And also thanks Mansoor for driving us quickly and safely through our most favorite country in the world. Asante sana

I have been on two safaris. Both were equally exciting and satisfying. One was with my partner and the second was with my small group of friends.

From my initial inquiry to the conclusion of our trip, Ibrah was very clear and accommodating of our dietary restrictions and complicated itinerary. We had a limited budget and a short time frame for our first trip and were so impressed with our service we booked an additional tour two years later with some friends.

We were picked up from the airport upon our arrival in TZ by a very friendly and helpful driver named Freddie.

Our favorite tour spot was Ngorongoro crater. There were many animals in a small region with spectacular views from the rim of the crater. Our guide (Haji) was very informative and easy going. The food on safari was simple but surprisingly tasty.

We also booked a two-day Kilimanjaro hike and a trip to Zanzibar. Both were fun! I would highly recommend this company for any travel in Tanzania or the Great Lakes region!

We booked a 3 day Northern Circuit Camping Safari, a 4 day Zanzibar trip, and a day hike of Kilimanjaro. This company did a great job organizing our trips and picked us up from the airport upon our arrival. We had a great time camping out on our safari, especially in the Serengeti. When we arrived at our camp site, there were Zebra drinking from a watering hole nearby as well as Giraffes in the distance. The food was great and the chef was very attentive to what we liked to eat. We saw pretty much every animal except for the elusive Rhino so I guess we will just have to come back again. Our Zanzibar trip was a great way to finish our vacation. We stayed at the beautiful Tembo Hotel in Stonetown and at the Kendwa Rocks beach resort. In Stonetown we took a historical tour of the city and went to Prison Island for snorkling and to check out the giant tortoise sanctuary. Overall, we were thrilled with our whole experience and hope to be able to come back sometime in the future

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3-day Tanzania Safari | 3-day lodge safari in Tanzania

• Northern Tanzania

This is the best 3-day Tanzania Safari Package that takes you to Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, and the famous Ngorongoro Crater which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world biosphere reserves in Tanzania. You will then finish your tour with a visit to the small gem of a park; Lake Manyara National Park, after which you will be dropped back at Arusha.

This 3-day Tanzania safari tour starts and ends at Arusha, the hub for safaris in Tanzania . If arriving early morning at Kilimanjaro International Airport, we can always pick you up from there and you will head straight to the park for safari game drives. A small supplement for the transfer will be charged. Please contact our safari experts for more information.

The three-day taste of the Tanzania safari starting and ending at Arusha will be as per the below-outlined tour itinerary;

3-day Tanzania Safari at a Glance

Day 1 – Pick up from your hotel in Arusha or hotel in Arusha. Transfer to Tarangire National Park for safari. Overnight at a lodge in Karatu.

Day 2 – Descend to Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day safari. Transfer back to your lodge at Karatu.

Day 3 –   Drive to Lake Manyara National Park for a safari up to later in the afternoon. Depart Manyara in the afternoon and transfer back to Arusha.

End of your 3-day safari in Tanzania.

3-day Tanzania Safari Where to visit?

This package takes you to two of the most famous parks in Tanzania which makes part of the more visited Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit.

Tarangire National Park

Are elephants your favorite animals? Tarangire National Park harbors thousands of them. Large herds of elephants roam this wilderness in Northern Tanzania. You will be treated to great sightings of huge elephants dwarfed by the gigantic baobab trees of Tarangire. Tarangire River which is a permanent river that crosses the park ensures a constant supply of water, which draws lots of animals that come to drink at the banks.

Other animals that can be seen in Tarangire include lions, zebras, giraffes, elands, gazelles, hartebeests, Buffaloes, impalas, lions, cheetahs, leopards, and many others. Many birds can be spotted in Tarangire, both resident and migratory.

Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater is a small area of 21 Km in Diameter, full of wildlife, both animals and birds. No other place can compare to Ngorongoro Crater in terms of wildlife concentration per square kilometer. The small area is believed to harbor more than 20,000 animals, no wonder the place is referred to as the ‘Africa’s Garden of Eden’.

Lake Manyara National Park

This small park covers a total of 330 Km square of which 110 is the landmass while 220 is the lake itself. The park is usually lush green with rainforests which have underground rivers that provide constant water supply to the lake and therefore wildlife wildlife as well. Lake Manyara National Park is well known for the legendary tree-climbing lions, but many other animals call the park home.

3-day Tanzania Lodge safari – Where to stay?

During this 2 days / 1 night safari in Tanzania, you will be accommodated in a lodge or tented camp within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area or in Karatu just outside the NCAA. No human habitation is allowed at the base of the Crater, while a few lodges and camps are located inside the conservation area but at the crater’s rim. Most of the accommodations at Ngorongoro are located in Karatu within a short driving distance from the main gate; Loduare.

If you have an extra day to spend, our 4-day Tanzania safari will be a great alternative for you. Please get in touch for free advice from our Tanzania safari experts.

Safari add-ons

After the safari, you will be dropped back at Arusha from where you can take a flight to Zanzibar Island for a beach extension. We normally can include a flight from Arusha or from Kilimanjaro depending on availability. While at Zanzibar you will be staying in nice beach hotels and the cost depends on the level of comfort.

Apart from a beach vacation in Zanzibar , we can also arrange a hike to the rooftop of Africa; Mount Kilimanjaro. The climb to Mount Kilimanjaro can take from 5 days to 9 days depending on the route that you choose.

This will be a private tour and you can get in touch with our able safari experts for more information and free advice on the best way to take this 3-day Tanzania Lodge safari .

Additional information

3-day tanzania safari itinerary, arusha – transfer to tarangire national park.

You will have a picnic lunch at one of the picnic sites and proceed with safari game drives through the afternoon until around 4.30 Pm when you will exit the park and transfer to Karatu, in the Ngorongoro Highlands. Check-in for dinner and overnight at the Marera Valley Lodge . Lunch and Dinner Included.

Meals included: Lunch and Dinner

Safari in the Ngorongoro Crater floor

Early morning pick up from your lodge at Karatu, and transfer to Loduare Gate where you will make a brief stop for registration to enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area at the Loduare Main Gate. The earlier you descend to the Crater floor, the better because that gives you a better chance to spot animals while they are still most active.  The descent down the 600-meter-high walls of the Crater is a highlight in itself, and once you arrive at the Crater floor you will start the safari game drive right away. Lunch will be served at the Hippo poolside picnic site. Explore the different habitats in the Crater floor in search of animals and with a little luck, you will spot the Big Five; Lions, Elephants, Leopards, buffalos, and Rhinos among many other animals.  Late in the afternoon (or early afternoon if you wish), you will be taken back to your lodge for relaxation and later dinner and overnight. Overnight at Marera Valley Lodge .

Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Lake Manyara tour, transfer back to Arusha

This is the last day of your 3 days Tanzania Lodge safari. You will wake up for an early morning breakfast then you will say goodbye to the lodge staff and take off for Lake Manyara National Park. It is a nice scenic short drive (of around 20 minutes) down the Great Rift Valley Escarpment walls to the park’s main gate where you will make a brief stop for registration.

You will do game drives in Lake Manyara National Park in search of wild animals, up to the shores of the lake where you will watch hippos and many aquatic birds including geese and colorful flamingos. Many animals migrate between Tarangire and Lake Manyara including large herds of elephants. Lunch will be at a picnic site, then after satisfactory game drives, you will be transferred back to Arusha where the safari ends.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

Please Note:

At the end of the 3-day Tanzania safari in Arusha town, we can arrange your airport transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport at a small supplement, if departing on the same afternoon. In case you are heading to Zanzibar for beach extension please indicate your requirements and we will be able to tailor make your combined safari and beach package.

3-day Tanzania Safari Prices

We only offer private tours. The price for the 3 days safari in Tanzania from Arusha will be as per below depending on the number of persons travelling together.

For groups of more than 6, for children under 16 years old, and for Solo travelers, please get in touch with our safari experts for a price quote.

We can customize the program according to your interests and budget.

The Price includes

03 days private Tanzania safari for 2 – 6 persons or more

Transfers and safari game drives in a 4×4 safari land cruiser with photographic roof hatch

Services of a professional English-speaking safari guide

Park entry fees and Ngorongoro Crater fees

02 x FB at safari lodges camps as per your itinerary

Bottled water in the safari car during game drives

Value Added Tax by Tanzania Revenue Authority

The price does not include

Airport transfers in Arusha (if needed)

All items of a personal nature

Tips and gratuities for safari guide & lodge /camp staff

Travel insurance

Laundry services during the safari

Alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks & beverages

This package can be customized with cheaper accommodation or basic camping if you like. The same package can be also offered using luxury lodges or tented camps in case you want an upgrade.

You may also be interested in our 4-day Tanzania Lodge safari in case you have one more day to spare for the best wildlife safari in Tanzania. The four-day package includes Tarangire, Ngorongoro but also The Serengeti National Park .

Get in touch with us for free customization and advice on the best 3-day Tanzania safari .

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3 Days Safaris

Join us on a 3 day safari in 3 different parks.

Visit three of Tanzania’s best safari destinations on this tour, each with their own unique twist! Ngorongoro is our best to witness the Big Five (buffalo, elephant, rhino, lion and leopard); Tarangire is home to huge numbers of elephants and teeming with a wide variety of birds, and Lake Manyara is a perfect place to see the entertaining baboons and the tree-climbing lions. Unfortunately, many of these majestic animals are threatened or endangered, so an opportunity to see them in their natural habitat and learn about conservation efforts is something not to be missed.

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Meeting Point

We’ll come and collect you at your hotel in Arusha

 Availability

 January – March May – December

3 days, 2 nights

At this moment in time, we offer private safari tours and there are no restrictions on group sizes

What to Bring

Waterproof jacket

Soft jacket, fleece or soft-shell, for cold temperatures at night

Long sleeve shirt, for protection from the sun

Short sleeve shirt, light-weight

Hiking pants

Shorts (optional)

Bathing suit (optional)

Rimmed hat, for sun protection

Bandana, buff or dust mask, for face coverage for dust and sweat (optional)

Hiking boots or shoes

Sandals or flip-flops (optional)

Accessories

Daypack, small

One local, certified safari guide

Visit Lake Manyara, an alkaline soda lake filled with pink flamingos

Visit the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater and see some of the 25,000+ animals that live there

Keep our eyes peeled for the tree-climbing lions who love this area

The perfect opportunity to witness the big 5; buffalo, elephants, rhino, lions, and leopards

We’ll also keep our eyes peeled for some tree-climbing lions, which love this side of the park. Lake Manyara is also tipped to have the largest number of primates on earth, so we’ll also have to look out for the fun and energy that the local baboon population brings!

Referred to as ‘Africa’s Eden’, this UNESCO World Heritage crater is over 260km² (100 miles²) long and was formed 2-3 million years ago after a volcano exploded and collapsed on itself.

We’ll arrive at the rim after a journey through the Ngorongoro Highlands and then descend down 610m (2000 ft) onto its floor to start your safari experience.

Today is also a brilliant opportunity to spot the Big 5, as the Tarangire River runs through the park attracting a huge number of elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and antelope, particularly in the dry season between June to October. Large herds of elephants often pass through the area and love cooling off under the Baobab (upside-down trees). Following our exciting morning’s game drive, we’ll then transfer to your hotel in Arusha or to Kilimanjaro Airport.

• Full board accommodation at safari lodges as per itinerary
• Exclusive use of 4WD safari vehicle and English-speaking driver-guide
• All park fees and crater fees
• Game drives as indicated in the itinerary
• Bottled mineral water while on game drives
• A tasty boxed lunch will be provided for each safari day
• Prices are based on 2 people sharing a room at the safari lodges
• Extra excursions/services available at safari lodges
• Items of a personal nature, such as laundry, phone calls & snacks
• Deviation from the safari itinerary provided
• Tips and gratuities for guide and lodge staff
• Hotel accommodation in Arusha; can be booked on request

Welcome to Zanzibar for the Best Beach Experience

• Tanzania Office Contact:
• [email protected]
• Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

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• Beach Safaris

We are locally owned and based in Tanzania. We also operate our own fleet of vehicles and employ our own drivers and guides which makes our prices competitive as it eliminates commission to third parties.

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• Tanzania Safari Tours
• Lodge Safaris

• Taste of Tanzania

3 Days from 780 USD (based on 7 persons)

Taste of Tanzania – 3 Day Private Lodge Safari

This 3 day Tanzania safari offers you the chance to see a wide variety of wildlife amongst some of the most diversified landscapes. Not only will you visit the Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Park but also the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will see huge herds of elephants, in season flocks of flamingos and troops of baboons.

Lodges & tented camps

Accommodation style

from 780 USD (based on 7 pers.)

Starting price per person

Private safari

Travellers (window seat guaranteed)

Any day of your choice

Departure dates

Day 1-3 | Tanzania

Expert local guide, window-seat guaranteed

Private Safari

Alkaline lake, many birds and primates

Lake Manyara National Park

World-famous area for safaris, biggest intact caldera in the world

Ngorongoro Crater

Tarangire River, diverse wildlife, many elephants, Baobab trees

Tarangire National Park

Who should go.

This 3 day Tanzania safari is for those who want to experience the rich diversity of wildlife and scenery of East Africa. As nature and safari lovers you will see many different animal species in their natural habitats. Comfort seekers will be happy to know that you spend two nights in the same accommodation, making you feel right at home. If this is your first visit to Tanzania, you will visit three of the best-known parks in the region.

Safari Enthusiasts

Comfort seekers, tanzania newbies.

“Our trip was great. We had a fantastic time and saw so many animals!! We were very pleased about the calm and modest nature of our guide. He was always there for us and did not only know about the big game, but also the many birds we saw along the way. We would definitely want to travel with him again.”

Accommodation

1 lodge over 3 days/2 nights.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Karatu)

Tour Itinerary

Private lodge safari, start arusha, ends arusha.

Day 1 | Arusha – Lake Manyara National Park – Karatu

Distance approx. 160 km; driving time approx. 2-3 hours

Arusha – Lake Manyara National Park – Karatu

After a short briefing in the morning, you will travel to the Lake Manyara National Park, one of the smallest but most diverse parks in Tanzania. The shallow and alkaline Lake Manyara covers a large area of the park, and it is the seasonal home to thousands of flamingos – an awesome (pink) sight. However more than 500 other bird species are also found here as well as some wonderful mammals. Troops of monkeys live in the forests, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras and wildebeests on the grassy plains and elephants and lions in the acacia woodlands. From the open roof of the vehicle, you will be able to watch the animals and absorb the landscape. After an extensive game drive and a picnic lunch, you will leave the park to make your way to the cooler regions of the Ngorongoro highlands. You will overnight at the Marera Valley Lodge.

Day 2 | Karatu – Ngorongoro Crater – Karatu

Distance approx. 50 km; driving time approx. 1-2 hours

Karatu – Ngorongoro Crater – Karatu

After an early start you will drive into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and down into the crater. The Ngorongoro Crater is almost 600 metres deep, approximately 20 kilometres wide and the massive caldera is home to an amazing variety of animals. On your game drive you have the possibility of seeing all different kinds of mammals ranging from the Big Five – lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard – to Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelles and mountain reedbucks. You might also see spotted hyenas, rare wild dogs and some of the more than 500 bird species of the area. After a picnic lunch in the crater and some more game viewing, you will leave the crater in the afternoon and travel back to Karatu, where you will spend another night at the Marera Valley Lodge.

Day 3 | Karatu – Tarangire National Park – Arusha

Distance approx. 250 km; driving time approx. 3-4 hours

Karatu – Tarangire National Park – Arusha

After breakfast you continue to another park on the Northern Circuit, the Tarangire National Park. This park with its endless grasslands, huge baobab trees, the perennial Tarangire River and seasonal swamps is home to the largest elephant herds in northern Tanzania. Animals gather at the river, and you should be able to see elephants, giraffes, bushbucks, hartebeests, dik-diks, waterbucks, warthogs and reedbucks all year round. Furthermore, the park is also home to buffaloes, zebras and wildebeests which are always closely followed by a range of predators such as lions. Leopards are seen every once in a while but cheetahs are rarely spotted. After an extensive game drive, you will leave the park in the afternoon and return to Arusha by early evening.

• transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle
• professional, English-speaking guide
• 2 nights stay in lodges and tented camps
• meals according to the itinerary
• drinking water
• activities and transfers as per itinerary
• all national park fees
• Flying Doctors insurance (AMREF) during the safari
• flights (international and domestic)
• meals not indicated in the itinerary
• alcoholic and soft drinks
• optional activities
• personal expenses, visa fees, travel insurance

Upcoming Departures

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Safari Tanzania 3 days

• magilanisafaris
• June 14, 2022

Home » Info » Safari Tanzania 3 days

Life is too short to be able to discover the whole world, but seeing it in a hurry is perhaps not the best choice; despite the fact that we understand the need for travelers to find quick solutions to discover as much as possible in a few days, we can even say it is not always the best choice. In this article we want to tell you what you can see during a safari in Tanzania in 3 days .

Alternating the beauty of the coastal areas like those of Zanzibar and a safari can be a great idea; but having only a week of holiday, can be a very little time spent on an experience in nature. So, what to see in just 3 days ? Here are some ideas.

Safari in 3 days in Tanzania: what to see

Although our advice is to dedicate at least 5 days as in the Asante Sana safari program, we want to provide you with some alternative of just three days to discover, at least in part, the most authentic heart of Tanzania.

In three days you could discover Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro area . On your first day, you can visit the lake, discover the 11 different ecosystems and see flamingos and pelicans up close, but also eagles and herons. You can then reserve the next two days to Ngorongoro : first by visiting the crater with its many ecosystems; discovering lakes and salt marshes here but also savannah and spending the rest of your time looking for the animals that live there. You could spot flamingos, wildebeests and zebras, but also lions, hyenas and elephants.

Using Serengeti as a starting point, you could on a 3-day safari to Tanzania visit this incredible UNESCO heritage in search of the Big Five in two days and close your tour with a stop at Lake Natron : a very particular basin known for its particular ph able to petrify the animals; the only immune ones are the flamingos of which you can see a very vast community.

Another option? You can spend three days discovering firstly Ngorongoro and then Serengeti . Once again, you’ll start from the crater and the many ecosystems that you can here discover, seeing many animals up close and then spend two days at the UNESCO World Heritage Site to see up close the so-called “big five”. Alternatively, you could spend two days at Serengeti and finish the tour by visiting Tarangire .

How many days are recommended for a safari in Tanzania

If you are asking yourself how many days are recommended for a safari in Tanzania we must give you bad news: these are not the 3 days you were thinking about but at least 6 . Considering the trips and the many things to see, it would be a shame to waste such a long trip leaving important points behind.

On the other hand, we also understand how nice it is to discover the area of Zanzibar with some of the most beautiful beaches; the island certainly has its attractions and thanks to the possibility of diving and snorkeling should certainly not be left aside. However, if you can’t get at least 10 days off, you’ll have to compromise.

The best idea that we can suggest is to avoid DIY and turn to industry experts who deal with safaris asking if there are shorter tours or if there’s a way to join only part of the tour . Another option would be to request a private safari so that both the stages and the experience are 100% tailored to your needs. Keep in mind that the latter option will be slightly more expensive. If you’ve reconsidered, you can take a look at our safaris to see some slightly longer options starting from 5 days that might get your attention.

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Safari Tanzania 2 days

Safari Tanzania 2 days We know that many people leave for Tanzania in order to reach Zanzibar and enjoy some sun and sea but the

Safari Tanzania 3 days Life is too short to be able to discover the whole world, but seeing it in a hurry is perhaps not

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Tanzania – Renato

Italy – Ivan

+39 348 857 5988

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ti aspettiamo in tanzania!

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Camping Luxury Mid-Range 3 Days Short Tanzania Wild Safari

• Trip Overview
• Trip Itinerary
• Similar Tours

What's included

• Airport pick up and drop off
• All meals included
• All mentioned activities
• All park entrances fees
• Flying Doctors insurance (AMREF) during the safari for emergence evacuations
• Overnight stays in Luxury Lodges, Tented Camps OR Budget Camping Area
• Private Jeep 4×4 equipped with refrigerator, portable charging stations and pop-up roof
• Professionally guided tour
• Unlimited bottled water
• Unlimited mileage game drive
• Alcoholic and soft drinks
• Entry visa for Tanzania
• Government imposed increase of taxes and /or park fees
• Laundry Services
• Medical insurance and emergency insurance
• Other International flights
• Personal expenses
• Services not specifically stated in the itinerary
• Tips to guide and driver
• Visa arrangements

3 Days Short Tanzania Wild Safari – KILINGE ADVENTURES

Tanzania wildlife safari.

A 3 days short Tanzania wild safari is a great way to experience the beauty and diversity of Tanzania’s wildlife and landscapes in a short amount of time.

Moshi to Tarangire National Park

We will depart from Moshi in the early hours of the day and drive to Tarangire National Park where colossal termite mounds and ancient baobab trees await us. This park is renowned for their immense elephant population, their picturesque scenery and diverse bird life. Tarangire has an enticing wildlife that includes elephants, lions, giraffe, warthogs, ostriches, impalas, cheetah, mongoose, buffaloes and baboons. When our game drive comes to an end we will proceed to the Ngorongoro Crater rim campsite where we will witness the glorious sunset.

Ngorongoro Crater

We will have a timely start to the day to ensure that we arrive at the Ngorongoro Crater promptly – early morning game drives provide you with an excellent opportunity to spot wildlife. We will enjoy a wonderful game drive with an appetising picnic lunch inside the crater. The elevated structure encourages the animals to settle inside the crater which means you are capable of spotting every member of ‘The Big 5’ in one day. The big five tend to dominate the savannah and consist of buffalo, lions, elephants, rhinos and leopards.

The Ngorongoro Crater developed its structure nearly three million years ago when a colossal volcano erupted, making it the largest un-flooded, unbroken caldera in the world. You can also expect to encounter zebra, hippo, wildebeest and hyenas. You will find the flamingos gracefully lounging around the Soda Lake and the vultures are always corroding the discarded prey of a predator. Other birds include storks and geese. Your guide will be in close contact with the other safari drivers and his impressive ability to track down hidden animals will assure that you have an eventful day. We will have dinner and spend the night at the Fanaka Campsite. Comprehensive camping facilities are on offer.

Lake Manyara to Moshi

In the morning we will depart to Lake Manyara where we will spend the day and enjoy a delectable picnic lunch. The park is nestled at the base of the rusty gold Great Rift Valley escarpment and the scenic landscape is breathtakingly magnificent. An abundance of species are able to reside in the park due to the wide range of habitats. The park record consists of over 380 species of birds, some of which are migratory, making it the ideal location for bird watchers.

Thousands of pink-hued flamingos occupy the margin of the lake, other large water birds include pelicans, storks and cormorants. The wildlife you can expect to see are buffalo, elephants, giraffe, impalas and the ferocious hippos that inhabit the water. Our trip will come to an end in the late afternoon. We will proceed to Moshi but transportation to the airport can be arranged on request.

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Kilinge Adventures dreamed of bringing tourists into this beautiful country, having the best Kilimanjaro Trekking experiences with the African wildlife experiences and be able to share the best of what Africa has to offer especially our lovely country Tanzania.

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3 Days Short Tanzania Wild Safari

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3 Days Budget Safari

3 Days Tanzania safari

Day 01: Arusha-Tarangire National Park

After breakfast the tour departs. First stop is Arusha Town for any last minute purchases before we head off on safari. Afterwards we head towards the Tarangire National Park for a game drive with picnic lunch at the park. Tarangire is well known for its huge elephant population and baobab trees. It forms the center of an annual migratory cycle that includes up to 3000 elephants, 25,000 wildebeest and 30,000 zebras. Dinner and overnight at  Kizumba Campsite

• MEALS: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner FB
• ACCOMMODATION: Kizumba Campsite

Day 0 2: Tarangire- Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast the tour departs from Bougainvillea Safari Lodge to Lake Manyara National Park. Lake Manyara National Park offers breathtaking views and a large variety of habitats. Acacia woodlands, water forests, baobab strewn cliffs, algae-streaked hot springs, swamps and the lake itself. And thanks to this the small Park is able to support a large number of animal species and incredible bird life. Manyara has the largest concentration of baboons than anywhere in the world and the lions here are also renowned for their tree climbing. Drive back to Migombani Camp for dinner and overnight .

• MEALS : Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner FB
• ACCOMMODATION :   Migombani Camp

Day 03: Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha

After an early breakfast, you will descend over 600 meters into the crater to view wildlife. Supported by a year round water supply and fodder, the Ngorongoro conservation Area supports a vast variety of animals, which include herds of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, eland, warthog, hippo and giant African elephants. Another big draw card to this picturesque national park, it’s dense population of predators, which include lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs and the ever-elusive leopard, which sometimes requires a trained eye to spot. We will visit Lake Magadi, a large but shallow alkaline lake in the southwestern corner, which is one of the main features of the crater. A large number of flamingos, hippos and other water birds can usually be seen here. Late afternoon transfer to Arusha as the end of 3 days Tanzania budget Safari.

• Roundtrip Airport Transfers
• Guarantee Safari on confirmation
• Accommodations on safari
• Meal plan as described, B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner
• Services of English speaking skilled and experienced driver/guide
• All park entrance fees including government taxes
• Extensive Game Drives in the National Parks
• Service of a safari cook & Utensils
• Crater tour services
• 3 meals per day while on safari, vegetarian & non vegetarian
• Drinking water 1.5 Ltr per person per day
• Safari transport by 4 x 4 Land Cruiser (6 seat) with a roof hatch that ‘pops up’ to enable easy viewing and photography.
• Airport departure Tax apart the one we arranged
• Personal & baggage insurance
• Canoeing Safari
• Olduvai Gorge entrance fee
• Balloon Safari
• laundry services
• Optional travel insurance
• Health requirements
• Medical and trip cancellation insurance
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• Excess baggage or shipping charges
• Tips or Gratitude
• Personal Toiletries and items of a personal nature
• Beverages/Drinks
• International flights
• Optional activities/excursions
• Any other extras not detailed in the above itinerary

Optional Activities

• Balloon Safari ( USD 590 per person )
• Maasai Visit ( USD 60 per Vehicle )
• Ngorongoro Crater Rim walk ( USD 40 per person )
• Visit the Olduvai Gorge ( USD 50 per person )

Note: Don’t be limited with this sample itinerary as you can still craft a plan depends on the number of days you would love to explore in Africa by combining either Kilimanjaro or Meru climbing, Cultural, historical or Zanzibar tour if not lengthen the number of safari experience.

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Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar in Nov 2024 end - Tanzania Forum

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Night 1 Arusha -> Taragire -> Central Serengeti -> central serengeti -> Ngorongoro crater - > Day 6 drive to arusha to fly to zanzibar for 3 nights.

Roughly Nov 23 through Dec 1st.

1. Is this a good itinerary or too much drive? I am skipping Manyara so we can avoid too many stops. Any feedback on tarangire vs manyara for Nov end?

2. Should we be concerned with short rains hampering the drive or safety of safari?

3. Do these make sense where animals will be? Will the tall grass hide animals? Any specific spots to focus based on where migration be heading at this time. I understand we can't see actual migration of wildebeest but hoping to see concentration of wildebeest.

4. Would you recommend any must do activities - village tours, hot air balloons etc. We are well traveled so less interested in curated experience for tourists. Hoping we can see the slice of life across towns while driving.

5. Any tour operator recommendations. Based on forum I have reached out to easy travel, Gilman, kilimanjaro adventure, soul tanzania.

Thanks so much for help.

7 replies to this topic

With only 5 nights I would do:

1 night Arusha

2 nights Tarangire, to have a full day of game-driving. There are so much animals.

2 nights Ngorngoro, to drive down into the crater.

Day 6 drive back to Arusha.

Tripadvisor staff removed this post because it did not meet Tripadvisor's forum posting guidelines with prohibiting self-promotional advertising or solicitation.

We have seen climbing lions also in Tarangire. So it seems not a special thing of Lake Manyara. And on the other side: Lake Manyara for us was the least interesting Nationalpark.

I would advise you to do Lake Manyara so you can see also climbing lions over there this means;....

I would also skip Lake Manyara. It has been heavily damaged in recent years and climbing lions can be seen in most parks.

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3 Days Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar

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• Zanzibar Safari

This 3-day safari in Tanzania starts and ends in Zanzibar Island; and perfect option for anyone who is based on the spice island of Zanzibar or anyone enjoying a Zanzibar beach vacation. This 3-day safari from Zanzibar is actually the best package one can do as a short safari from Zanzibar if you want to experience the real traditional wildlife safari in the Northern Circuit and are interested in the Big Five.

3 Days Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar at a glance

• Day 1: Fly from Zanzibar to Arusha. Transfer to Tarangire National Park for safari.
• Day 2: Descend to the Ngorongoro Crater’s floor for safari game drives
• Day 3: Visit Lake Manyara National Park in the morning, take a flight back to Zanzibar

The 3-day tour is a great package for all ages due to the short distances involved because all the 3 parks that you will visit are located not very far from one another. Starting and ending from Zanzibar Airport the 3 day Tanzania safari takes you to three of the best parks in the Northern Circuit including; the Ngorongoro Crater (one of the two most famous wildlife parks in Tanzania) the Tarangire National Park and the Lake Manyara National Park a small evergreen gem of its own kind.

If you wish to go as far as Serengeti National Park and have the budget to do so, you should consider our 3 days Flying Serengeti safari starting from Zanzibar .

3 Day Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar – Where to visit

You will then proceed with your 3 day Tanzanian safari adventure with a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater ; a UNESCO world heritage site and world-famous for extraordinary numbers of wildlife which can be spotted at very close range. Think of lions, elephants, leopards, black rhinos, buffaloes; all the big five can be spotted in this ‘Eden of Africa’ in one day with a little bit of luck! Accommodation on this day can be in a lodge located directly at the Crater rim (at extra cost) or at the nice mid-range lodge that we have included in this published tour in Karatu which is just a few minute’s drive away from the main gate to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area ie Loduare Gate.

The three-day Tanzania safari, which starts and ends at Zanzibar Airport, takes you to three of the best parks in Tanzania’s Northern Circuit, including the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the country’s two most well-known wildlife parks, the Tarangire National Park; best placcing for spotting eleohnats, and the tiny yet unique Lake Manyara National Park; the land of the legendary tree climbing lions.

Your third and last day of your 3 days safari in Tanzania from Zanzibar will be visiting the evergreen Lake Manyara National Park , well known for its legendary tree-climbing lions among many other animals and birds that can be seen in this small park. The park is a good place to see the hippos at the lakeside but also you may be lucky to spot flamingos, and many other aquatic birds, with over 400 bird species having been recorded here. Lake Manyara is one of the must-visit parks for bird lovers.

Later in the afternoon, you will be dropped back at the Arusha Domestic Airport for your flight back to Zanzibar Island. You can also be dropped (at a small fee) at the Kilimanjaro International Airport if departing on this day from Kilimanjaro or take a flight to Dar es Salaam instead in case your international departure is from Dar es Salaam on the last day of your 3 day safari in Tanzania starting from Zanzibar. That marks the end of your amazing ‘taste of Tanzania’ 3-day Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar.

If you want to spend less for a 3 days safari from Zanzibar then you should consider our 3 days Mikumi National Park safari from the Zanzibar Island . let us know which option you prefer.

3 Days Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar itinerary

Zanzibar - arusha – tarangire national park, 3 days tanzania safari - ngorongoro crater, lake manyara - arusha - zanzibar island.

End of the  03 days Safari in Tanzania from Zanzibar

Note that:   We can arrange your airport transfers at Zanzibar at a small fee and also accommodation At Arusha on your arrival day before the safari starts if you need to fly to Arusha one night before the safari starts. This safari can also be taken from Dar es Salaam and we can also book the return flight to Dar es Salaam instead if you are finishing and departing out from Zanzibar back home.

This package has a return domestic flight included.

You can request your preferred accommodation option. Luxury or Mid-range lodges/tented camps both available.

See you soon in Africa when you come for your next Tanzania safari tour !

3 Days Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar – Prices

A Group of 2 Persons – USD 1,395 per person sharing (Double room or Twin room)

A Group of 4 Persons – USD 1,115 per person sharing (2 Double rooms or Twin rooms)

A Group of 6 Persons – USD 1,035 per person sharing (3 Double rooms or Twin rooms)

Single Traveler – Ask for price

Group of more than 6 Travelers – Ask for a special group price

We can customize the program according to your interests and budget.

The Price includes

Flights from Zanzibar to Arusha and back to Zanzibar.

03 days private safari from Moshi / drop off at Arusha

Transport and game drives in clean well maintained 4WD Land Cruiser with photographic roof hatch

Services of a professional English speaking safari guide

All game reserve entry fees

All game drives as mentioned

02 x FB at safari lodges or tented camp as per your itinerary

One and a half liter mineral water per person / day during game drives

Tourist Development Levy

Wildlife Management Area Fees where applicable

Value Added Tax by Tanzania Revenue Authority

The Price does not include

International Airfare

Airport transfers in a private car (if needed)

All items of a personal nature

Tips and gratuities for safari guide & lodge /camp staff

Travel insurance

Accommodation at Arusha before/after the safari

Laundry services during the safari

Alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks & beverages

* Luxury accommodation also available at Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Karatu   . Please ask.

*Cheaper options also available at Karatu including staying at the Eileen’s Tree Inn or doing a basic camping safari for the same 3 days Tanzania safari from Zanzibar.

Go back to Tanzania safaris starting from Zanzibar Island .

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