3 Days Safari
Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater
- Day 1 – Drive to Lake Manyara for game drive with picnic lunch. Dinner and overnight.
- Day 2 – Breakfast, Proceed to Ngorongoro Crater for game drive with picnic lunch. Dinner and overnight.
- Day 3 – Breakfast, Proceed to Tarangire for game drive with picnic lunch. Return to Arusha.
3 Days Safari Detailed Overview
A three-day safari to Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater offers a compact but richly rewarding experience of northern Tanzania’s wildlife and landscapes. Each park provides unique attractions, making this a diverse and exciting itinerary. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect each day:
Day 1: Tarangire National Park
Overview:
- Location: Approximately 120 km (75 miles) southwest of Arusha.
- Size: About 2,850 square kilometres (1,100 square miles).
- Highlights: Known for its large elephant herds, iconic baobab trees, and diverse birdlife. The Tarangire River runs through the park, attracting wildlife, especially during the dry season.
Activities:
- Morning Drive from Arusha: Start early to maximize your time in the park. The drive from Arusha to Tarangire takes about 2-3 hours.
- Game Drives: Upon arrival, begin exploring the park. Tarangire is home to elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and various antelope species. The Tarangire River is a lifeline for wildlife, especially in the dry season.
- Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch at designated spots within the park, surrounded by nature.
- Afternoon Game Drive: Continue exploring different areas of the park. Look out for the ancient baobab trees and the resident bird species, such as the yellow-collared lovebird and rufous-tailed weaver.
Accommodation:
Spend the night in or near Tarangire National Park. Options range from luxury lodges to tented camps and budget accommodations.
Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park
Overview:
- Location: Located about 126 km (78 miles) from Arusha, between Tarangire and Ngorongoro.
- Size: Approximately 330 square kilometers (125 square miles), of which about two-thirds is covered by the lake.
- Highlights: Known for its diverse ecosystems, ranging from dense forests to grassy plains and hot springs. Lake Manyara is famous for its tree-climbing lions, large flocks of flamingos, and hippo pods.
Activities:
- Morning Drive to Lake Manyara: After breakfast, drive from Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park, which takes around 1.5 hours.
- Game Drives: Lake Manyara offers a variety of habitats, including groundwater forests, acacia woodlands, and open grasslands. Spot elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and the unique tree-climbing lions. The lake itself is home to large numbers of flamingos, pelicans, and other water birds.
- Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot within the park, often near the lake or other viewpoints.
- Afternoon Game Drive: Continue exploring the park, focusing on the lake shores for birdlife and the forested areas for monkeys and baboons.
Accommodation:
Spend the night at a lodge or camp near Lake Manyara or proceed to accommodations closer to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, preparing for an early start the next day.
Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater
Overview:
- Location: Part of the larger Ngorongoro Conservation Area, located about 180 km (112 miles) from Arusha.
- Size: The crater floor is about 260 square kilometers (100 square miles), with a diameter of about 16-19 km (10-12 miles).
- Highlights: The world’s largest inactive, intact, and unfilled volcanic caldera. The crater is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to a high density of wildlife, including the Big Five: lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, and leopards.
Activities:
- Early Morning Descent into the Crater: Start early to make the most of the day. The descent from the crater rim to the floor takes about 30-45 minutes.
- Game Drives on the Crater Floor: The Ngorongoro Crater is a unique ecosystem, offering some of the best wildlife viewing in the world. Look for large prides of lions, spotted hyenas, and black rhinos. The Lerai Forest is a good place to spot elephants and leopards. The crater floor also has a soda lake (Lake Magadi), where flamingos and other waterbirds can be seen.
- Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated spot within the crater, often near a hippo pool where you can observe these large mammals up close.
- Afternoon Game Drive: Continue exploring the crater, with a focus on capturing the diverse wildlife and dramatic landscapes. The late afternoon light is ideal for photography.
Return to Arusha:
After the game drive, begin the drive back to Arusha, which takes about 3-4 hours. Alternatively, you can be dropped off at a different location if your safari continues or if you have arranged onward travel.
Tips for the Three-Day Safari:
- Packing: Bring lightweight clothing in neutral colors, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Early mornings and evenings can be cool, so pack a warm layer.
- Photography Gear: A good camera with a zoom lens (200-400mm) is recommended for wildlife photography. Binoculars are also helpful for spotting animals at a distance.
- Health Precautions: Carry a basic first-aid kit, any personal medications, and hand sanitizer. Consult a travel doctor about vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially during game drives, as the weather can be hot and dry.
- Respect Wildlife: Maintain a safe distance from animals and follow your guide’s instructions. Avoid loud noises and sudden movements that might startle the wildlife.
Conclusion:
A three-day safari to Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro Crater is a fantastic way to experience Tanzania’s rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Each park offers unique wildlife encounters and scenic beauty, providing a well-rounded introduction to the wonders of the African.