Introduction

This 3-day mid-range Tanzania safari is designed for travelers who want to experience the country’s iconic wildlife and landscapes in a short time, without compromising comfort or quality. Perfect for first-time visitors and short-stay travelers, the itinerary combines expertly guided game drives, carefully selected mid-range lodges, and access to some of Northern Tanzania’s most celebrated national parks. Expect unforgettable wildlife encounters, scenic drives, and an authentic safari experience delivered at a relaxed, well-paced rhythm.

Highlights

Serengeti National Park

Lake Manyara National Park

Ngorongoro Crater

Tarangire National Park

Map

Tanzania

Start Point: Arusha

Day 1

Tarangire NP Manyara's Secret

Day 2

Ngorongoro Crater Manyara's Secret

Day 3

Lake Manyara NP (No accommodation)

End Point: Arusha

Day 1

Tarangire National Park

Everything seems to be cast on a grander scale in Tarangire National Park, from the giant baobab trees that bring such personality to the park's landscapes to the massive elephants for which the park is famous. Although a popular place to visit for travelers on safari through northern Tanzania, Tarangire rarely feels crowded, and that becomes even more true the further south you go in the park. Other wildlife to look forward to here includes big cats, zebra, hippo, buffalo, wildebeest and more. If you're really lucky, you might spy the park's transient population of African wild dog.

Activities Day 1

Morning

Transfer by Road, Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Transfer time; 2 to 3 hours

Morning till Afternoon

Explore fantastic Tarangire on a guided game drive that will take you out among the baobab trees to look for lions, elephants and more.

Afternoon

Bush lunch, Tarangire National Park

Evening

Transfer to, Manyara's Secret

Rest of Day

Relax and generally take it easy to allow yourself to both process and recover from all of the excitement that you’ve enjoyed on your safari so far.

Accommodation Day 1

Manyara's Secret

Lodge

Surprisingly few of the lodges and camps that surround Lake Manyara National Park take advantage of the lake views, but Manyara's Secret makes up for that. In a special position on the eastern shore of the lake, this place has large, luxury villas, multiple swimming pools (some villas have their own), and terrific food. Get a massage, meet the local Maasai or simply soak up the views.

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 2

Tarangire National Park

Explore the Ngorongoro Highlands, the high-altitude forests that cover the landscape close to Ngorongoro Crater. The climate here is much cooler than elsewhere in northern Tanzania, and the views of craters and mountains can be spectacular. Watch also for wildlife, including lions, buffaloes and even leopards, in the forests.

Serengeti National Park

In the Unesco World Heritage–listed Serengeti, you’ll see big cats, very big elephants, giraffes and wildebeest herds, and classic Africa scenery that seems to go on forever.

Ngorongoro Crater

Whether admiring the view from the crater rim or viewing wildlife down upon the crater floor, you’ll have a safari experience to remember in and around Ngorongoro Crater.

Central Serengeti National Park

Come and get to know the Central Serengeti, one of the best places to see wildlife in Tanzania.

Evening Game Drive, Serengeti National Park

Going on an evening game drive is one of the highlights of any safari. This is when temperatures cool, the light becomes softer and the wildlife begins to get active. Not only will you be out when the light is best for taking photos, but it's also one of the best times of day for seeing the animals.

Activities Day 2

Morning

Transfer by Road, Manyara's Secret to Ngorongoro Crater
Transfer time; about 90 minutes

Morning till Afternoon

You're in for one of the best safari experiences you can have on your guided game drive through Ngorongoro Crater. As you explore the crater floor, your guide will help you look for lions, black rhinos, spotted hyenas and so much more.

Afternoon

Take a break in your day by enjoying lunch with us this in Ngorongoro Crater.

Rest of Day

Relax and generally take it easy to allow yourself to both process and recover from all of the excitement that you’ve enjoyed on your safari so far.

Accommodation Day 2

Manyara's Secret

Lodge

Surprisingly few of the lodges and camps that surround Lake Manyara National Park take advantage of the lake views, but Manyara's Secret makes up for that. In a special position on the eastern shore of the lake, this place has large, luxury villas, multiple swimming pools (some villas have their own), and terrific food. Get a massage, meet the local Maasai or simply soak up the views.

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara is one of the most underestimated national parks in Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. Everything you’ll see here is on a different scale, at once compact (this is one of the narrowest parks in Africa) and epic (the Rift Valley escarpment towers over Lake Manyara’s western boundary). You’ll see plenty of baboons and elephants in the park’s thick evergreen forest, and watch for the tree-climbing lions that have become famous throughout Africa. Thanks to the proximity of lake, forest and rock walls, the birdlife will also tease out your inner birder – don’t forget your binoculars.

Mto wa Mbu

Watch the world hurry past in ethnically diverse Mto Wa Mbu, a small town where Lake Manyara meets the Great Rift escarpment.

This marks the end of your safari in Tanzania. We hope that you have enjoyed your trip and that you're already planning your next safari.

Activities Day 3

Early Morning

In Lake Manyara National Park, your early morning game drive gets you close to the wildlife when they’re most active, and the landscapes are at their most beautiful.

Afternoon

Lunch is always a highlight, so relax and enjoy our food.
This afternoon in Mto wa Mbu, we'll take you on an excursion to visit the Maasai.

Evening

Transfer by Road, Mto wa Mbu to Arusha

Tanzania Essentials: A 3-Day Mid-Range Wildlife Safari

Tanzania Essentials: A 3-Day Mid-Range Wildlife Safari

Introduction

Highlights

Tarangire National Park

Activities Day 1

Morning

Morning till Afternoon

Afternoon

Evening

Rest of Day

Manyara's Secret

Tarangire National Park

Serengeti National Park

Ngorongoro Crater

Central Serengeti National Park

Evening Game Drive, Serengeti National Park

Activities Day 2

Morning

Morning till Afternoon

Afternoon

Rest of Day

Manyara's Secret

Lake Manyara National Park

Mto wa Mbu

Activities Day 3

Early Morning

Afternoon

Evening

Pricing

Detailed Price Information

Overview Tour

3 Days / 2 Nights

Tanzania Essentials: A 3-Day Mid-Range Wildlife Safari

From Price

Included

Excluded

Ready to Share

Tanzania Essentials: A 3-Day Mid-Range Wildlife Safari

Introduction

Highlights

Tarangire National Park

Activities Day 1

Morning

Morning till Afternoon

Afternoon

Evening

Rest of Day

Manyara's Secret

Tarangire National Park

Serengeti National Park

Ngorongoro Crater

Central Serengeti National Park

Evening Game Drive, Serengeti National Park

Activities Day 2

Morning

Morning till Afternoon

Afternoon

Rest of Day

Manyara's Secret

Lake Manyara National Park

Mto wa Mbu

Activities Day 3

Early Morning

Afternoon

Evening

Pricing

Detailed Price Information

Overview Tour

3 Days / 2 Nights

Tanzania Essentials: A 3-Day Mid-Range Wildlife Safari

From Price

Included

Excluded