3 Days midrange Tanzania safari

Trip Overview
Itinerary
Cost Info

Trip Overview

Embark on a thrilling 3-daysTanzania safari adventure, perfect for travelers short on time but eager to experience the country’s iconic wildlife and landscapes. Begin your journey from Zanzibar and head straight to Tarangire National Park, famous for its massive elephant herds and baobab-studded scenery. Spend the night at the charming Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge before descending into the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater, home to Africa’s Big Five. On your final day, explore the lush ecosystem of Lake Manyara National Park, known for its tree-climbing lions and birdlife, before heading back to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport for your onward flight. This compact itinerary offers a rich and immersive safari experience, showcasing the best of northern Tanzania in just three unforgettable days.

Itinerary

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1
Arrival – Tarangire National Park – Overnight at Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge
Upon arrival from Zanzibar, you’ll be warmly welcomed by a Gardenia Safaris representative and begin your journey to Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s most scenic and wildlife-rich parks. Known for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and sweeping savannah landscapes, Tarangire offers a captivating first taste of safari. During your game drive, keep your eyes peeled for lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and even elusive predators like leopards. The Tarangire River draws a wide range of animals, especially during the dry season, offering excellent wildlife viewing. After a rewarding afternoon exploring the park, you’ll continue your drive toward the Ngorongoro highlands. Tonight, unwind at the peaceful Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge, surrounded by coffee plantations perfect for a relaxing evening, a delicious dinner, and preparing for tomorrow’s crater adventure.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge

Meals: Full Board
Day 2
Ngorongoro Crater Exploration with Picnic Lunch.
Enjoy an early breakfast before descending into the stunning Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best locations in Africa to see the Big Five lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard. This vast caldera, formed from a collapsed volcano, creates a unique ecosystem that supports a dense concentration of wildlife year round. Your experienced guide will take you across the crater floor, where you’ll encounter herds of zebra, wildebeest, and grazing hippos around the freshwater lakes. Predators like lions and hyenas are commonly spotted here, while the chance to see a rare black rhino adds extra excitement. You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic site often near the hippo pool surrounded by the sounds and sights of nature. After a full day of exploration, you’ll return to Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge for a relaxing evening and a well-deserved rest.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge

Meals: Full Board
Day 3
Lake Manyara National Park – Return to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport
Start your final safari day with breakfast, then set off toward Lake Manyara National Park, a compact but richly diverse park at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Known for its tree-climbing lions, huge troops of baboons, and vibrant birdlife, the park is a haven for nature lovers. A morning game drive will take you through lush groundwater forests, open plains, and along the soda lake’s shores, where stocks and pelicans gather. You’ll also have the chance to spot elephants, giraffes, warthogs, and maybe even a shy leopard hiding in the trees. After the game drive, begin your scenic return journey to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport, depending on your flight schedule. You may have time for a brief stop at a local craft market or for lunch en route.

Depart with cherished memories of your incredible Tanzanian safari adventure.