Overview
Explore Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations: Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara National Park. From the dramatic descent into the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera to the lush groundwater forests and alkaline lake teeming with flamingos, this itinerary delivers classic East African safari experiences in just three days. You’ll encounter a rich variety of animals including elephants, lions, black rhinos, and tree-climbing lions, all while surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
Itinerary
After an early departure from Arusha, the journey winds westward toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. On arrival, you will descend into the crater for a full-day game drive, stopping along the way for a picnic lunch. The Ngorongoro Crater is home to an extraordinary concentration of animals living within the collapsed volcano’s walls, including black rhinos, buffalo, antelopes, lions, and the elusive cheetah. Elephants graze near the swamps, while hippos lounge in the central lake. By late afternoon, you’ll ascend from the crater floor and head to your campsite for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Campsite near Ngorongoro
The day begins with a hearty breakfast at camp before setting off for Lake Manyara National Park. With picnic lunch in hand, you’ll enter the park in time for an afternoon game drive. Lake Manyara is renowned for its contrasting landscapes, ranging from dense forest and open plains to the shimmering alkaline lake. It’s a paradise for bird lovers, with large flocks of flamingos and over 400 bird species recorded. The park is also known for its tree-climbing lions, large elephant herds, and troops of baboons often seen near the forested entrance. After exploring the park, continue to your campsite for dinner and a peaceful night surrounded by nature.
Overnight: Campsite near Lake Manyara
Rise early for a final game drive through Lake Manyara as the sun begins to illuminate the forest and plains. This is a perfect time to spot animals at their most active. After the drive, return to camp for breakfast, then begin your journey back to Arusha. Arrive in time for lunch, where your safari concludes.
Inclusions
Includes
- Accommodation in listed lodges/camps (or similar)
- All meals during the safari
- Park entrance and conservation fees
- All ground transport in 4x4 safari jeep with pop-up roof
- Game drives as per itinerary
- English-speaking professional safari driver-guide
- Bottled water on game drives
- Airport transfers
Excludes
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Hot air balloon safari (optional, extra cost)
- Cultural village visits (optional, small fee)
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, souvenirs)
- Extra accommodation before/after the tour (available on request)
FAQs
The Ngorongoro Crater is home to nearly all of East Africa’s iconic species, including black rhinos, hippos, elephants, lions, leopards, hyenas, and vast herds of wildebeest and zebra. It’s one of the best places in Tanzania for close-range wildlife viewing due to the crater’s enclosed geography.
Yes, this three-day safari is ideal for travelers with limited time who still want to experience two of the country’s most celebrated parks. It works well as a standalone trip or as an add-on to a longer East African adventure.
Ngorongoro features highland forests and grasslands with cooler temperatures, especially in the mornings and evenings. Lake Manyara is lower in elevation, with warmer conditions and diverse landscapes including forest, open savannah, and lakeshore.
Comfortable clothing in neutral colors, a warm layer for chilly mornings, sunscreen, binoculars, and a good camera are recommended. Hiking boots are not necessary, as all wildlife viewing is done from safari vehicles.
