3-Day Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara Budget Safari

Experience Tanzania’s wildlife highlights in just three days, exploring Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park. This budget-friendly safari combines thrilling game drives, iconic landscapes, and comfortable lodge and camping accommodations.

Day 1: Arusha → Tarangire National Park

Begin your adventure with a pick-up from your lodge or Arusha Airport. Enjoy a picnic lunch as you drive to Tarangire National Park, where the Tarangire River serves as a lifeline for wildlife during the dry season.

Discover large elephant herds, majestic baobab trees, and diverse landscapes ranging from seasonal swamps to vast savannas. Keep an eye out for lions stalking prey or leopards lounging in the trees.

In the late afternoon, return to Ngedere Lodge & Camp, a budget lodge in Mto wa Mbu, for dinner and an overnight stay.

Main Destination: Tarangire National Park
Accommodation: Ngedere Lodge & Camp (Budget lodge)
Meals & Drinks: Lunch & Dinner included | Non-alcoholic drinks

Day 2: Tarangire → Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, continue your journey with your expert guide to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s natural wonders.

The crater is home to roughly 30,000 large mammals, including lions, buffalo, elephants, cheetahs, and black rhinos, alongside a diverse array of birds such as flamingos, eagles, and buzzards. Enjoy a full day of game drives in this unique ecosystem, experiencing some of Tanzania’s best wildlife in a short timeframe.

Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation: Budget camping on the crater rim
Meals & Drinks: All meals included | Non-alcoholic drinks

Best Time to Visit: June to October (Minimal rainfall, excellent wildlife viewing)
High Season: July to March

Day 3: Ngorongoro → Lake Manyara National Park → Arusha

On your final day, drive to Lake Manyara National Park for a full day of game drives. Despite being one of Tanzania’s smaller parks, Manyara offers diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich birdlife. Watch for tree-climbing lions, elephants, giraffes, and the park’s shimmering soda lake teeming with flamingos.

After your safari, return to Arusha by 3:30 PM. For same-day departures, book domestic flights from Kilimanjaro International Airport at 5:40 PM or later, or international flights departing at 7:00 PM or later. Early departures require overnight accommodation arrangements.

Main Destination: Lake Manyara National Park
Accommodation: None (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & Lunch included | Non-alcoholic drinks