Africa Merit Safaris
3-Day Group Ngorongoro & Manyara

3-Day Group Ngorongoro & Manyara

Overview

Short on time but big on ambition? This 3-day group safari packs two of Tanzania's most rewarding parks into a weekend-sized adventure. With a maximum of six travellers, you will share a full-day descent into the Ngorongoro Crater and a game drive through Lake Manyara's diverse habitats. Perfect for a quick escape, an add-on to a business trip, or a first taste of African safari in the company of like-minded explorers.

Highlights

Compact 3-day group safari — ideal for short trips and weekend adventures
Full-day Ngorongoro Crater game drive shared with a small group of up to 6
Explore Lake Manyara National Park — tree-climbing lions, flamingos, baboons
Solo-traveller-friendly with no single supplement on request
Fixed departure dates for easy scheduling and guaranteed group departures

Gallery

3-Day Group Ngorongoro & Manyara — image 1
3-Day Group Ngorongoro & Manyara — image 2
3-Day Group Ngorongoro & Manyara — image 3

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 — Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park

Meet your driver-guide and fellow group members at a morning briefing in Arusha. The shared vehicle departs for Lake Manyara National Park, arriving within two hours. Spend the afternoon on a game drive through the groundwater forest, acacia woodlands, and along the shores of the soda lake. The group works together to spot tree-climbing lions, large troops of baboons, elephants, and the colourful flamingos that line the lake. In the late afternoon, drive up the escarpment to Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation

Luxury: Kitela Lodge
Luxury

Kitela Lodge

Mid-Range: Eileen's Trees Inn
Mid-Range

Eileen's Trees Inn

Budget: Fig Tree Lodge
Budget

Fig Tree Lodge

Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 — Ngorongoro Crater Full-Day Game Drive

An early group breakfast is followed by the drive up through the Karatu highlands to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The shared vehicle descends 600 metres into the crater for a full-day game drive in the world's largest intact caldera. The group spends the day exploring this natural wonder — the rare black rhino, dense lion prides, elephants, buffalo, hippos, and countless plains game. A picnic lunch is shared on the crater floor beside a hippo pool. In the late afternoon, ascend to Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, perched on the rim with jaw-dropping views.

Accommodation

Luxury: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Luxury

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

Mid-Range: Rhino Lodge
Mid-Range

Rhino Lodge

Budget: Simba Public Campsite
Budget

Simba Public Campsite

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 — Ngorongoro to Arusha

Enjoy a relaxed group breakfast on the crater rim, soaking in the panoramic views one last time. If the group wishes, a brief stop can be made at a Maasai village or the Mto wa Mbu market on the drive back. Arrive in Arusha by early afternoon for airport transfers or hotel drop-offs. Though brief, the shared experience of the crater and the camaraderie built over three days leaves a lasting impression.

Included

  • All accommodation as per itinerary
  • Meals as indicated (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Shared 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof (max 6 travellers)
  • Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Park entry fees for Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater
  • Ngorongoro Crater service and descent fees
  • Bottled drinking water during all game drives
  • Airport transfers in Arusha

Excluded

  • International flights
  • Tanzania visa fees
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Tips and gratuities for driver-guide and lodge staff
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks at lodges
  • Optional activities (Maasai village visit)

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