4-Day Manyara, Ngorongoro & Tarangire
Overview
This compact 4-day safari packs three incredible parks into a short but action-packed itinerary. Perfect for those with limited time who still want an authentic Tanzanian safari experience. Explore the elephant paradise of Tarangire, the tree-climbing lions and flamingos of Lake Manyara, and descend into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater — Africa's Garden of Eden. All without the longer drives required to reach the Serengeti.
Highlights
Gallery
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Depart Arusha in the morning and drive to Tarangire National Park, approximately two hours away. Named after the Tarangire River that winds through the park, this reserve is famous for its huge elephant herds, iconic baobab trees, and diverse landscapes. Enjoy a full afternoon game drive, spotting elephants, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, impalas, and an impressive array of bird species. Overnight at Tarangire Safari Lodge with panoramic river views.
Accommodation
Farm of Dreams Lodge
Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 — Tarangire to Ngorongoro Crater
After an early breakfast and a brief morning game drive in Tarangire, drive through the Great Rift Valley highlands to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend 600 meters into the crater for a full-day game drive. The crater floor is a natural sanctuary for over 25,000 large mammals, and your chances of seeing lion, elephant, buffalo, hippo, and the rare black rhino are excellent. Picnic lunch by a hippo pool, then ascend to Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge on the crater rim.
Accommodation
Rhino Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 — Ngorongoro to Lake Manyara National Park
After a relaxed breakfast with stunning crater views, depart Ngorongoro and drive to Lake Manyara National Park. Nestled at the foot of the Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara is a gem of a park known for its tree-climbing lions, large troops of baboons, and exceptional birdlife. Spend the afternoon game driving through the groundwater forest, acacia woodlands, and along the soda lake shore, where flocks of flamingos create a pink haze. Overnight at Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge.
Accommodation
Eileen's Trees Inn
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 — Lake Manyara to Arusha
Rise early for a final morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, when the forest is alive with birdsong and wildlife is most active. Search for the park's famous tree-climbing lions draped over acacia branches and watch hippos wallowing in the lake. After a relaxed brunch at the lodge, begin the scenic drive back to Arusha, arriving by mid-afternoon in time for your onward flight or connection.
Included
- Three nights mid-range lodge accommodation
- All meals as per itinerary
- 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Services of an expert English-speaking driver-guide
- Park entry fees for Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara
- Ngorongoro Crater descent fee
- Bottled water on all game drives
- Round-trip transfers from Arusha
Excluded
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips and gratuities for guide and lodge staff
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Optional Maasai village visit
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