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tanzania safari from zanzibar_

3-Day Tanzania Safari from Arusha to Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara

A Journey Across Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit with The Image of Tanzania Safari

Best 3 Day Safari in Tanzania - Start from Arusha / Kilimanjaro

A 3-day Tanzania safari is the perfect way to experience the thrill of African wildlife without a long commitment. Designed for those short on time but high on adventure, this immersive journey with The Image of Tanzania Safari takes you through three of Tanzania’s most iconic parks, each offering breathtaking beauty and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

 

In just three days, you’ll traverse:

  • The elephant-filled plains of Tarangire National Park

  • The world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater, home to the legendary Big Five

  • And the lush landscapes of Lake Manyara National Park, where tree-climbing lions and flamingos await

 

This 3-day Tanzania safari from Arusha is ideal for couples, families, or solo travellers looking to explore the best of northern Tanzania in a private, personalised setting. With your choice of comfortable mid-range lodges or exclusive luxury camps, you’ll enjoy expert-guided game drives, scenic beauty, and warm Tanzanian hospitality from start to finish.

You’ll Experience on This 3-Day Safari

  • 🛻 Game drives in Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara

  • 🏨 Stay in mid-range or luxury lodges with all meals

  • 👨‍✈️ Expert local safari guide (English, French & German available)

  • 🚐 Start & end in Arusha – no flights needed

  • 📅 Available year-round, best wildlife viewing June–October

 

📌 Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights

💰 From: $990 per person (sharing)

3 day tanzania safari

3 Day Tanzania Safari, Itinerary,Price & Inclusions

🗓️ Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire National Park

Scenic Drives, Majestic Baobabs & Elephant Herds

Your journey begins at 7:30 AM with a personalised pickup from your Arusha hotel by your dedicated safari guide. As you drive through the countryside, watch villages and farms pass by before entering the vast wilderness of Tarangire National Park, just two hours away.

Tarangire is a park of giants—giant elephants, giant baobabs, and big game in big numbers. It’s one of the most underrated parks in Tanzania, and a favourite among photographers and seasoned safari-goers. Here, you’ll enjoy a full-day game drive, with the chance to spot:

  • Massive herds of elephants bathing or grazing

  • Lions resting under acacia trees

  • Giraffes, impalas, buffalo, zebras, and more

  • Vibrant birdlife, including lilac-breasted rollers and secretary birds

 

Pause midday for a scenic picnic lunch under the shade of a baobab or near the Tarangire River, then continue exploring until the golden afternoon light settles in.

 

In the late afternoon, exit the park and ascend the escarpment to the Karatu region, where your handpicked lodge or luxury retreat awaits. Enjoy a warm Tanzanian welcome, dinner, and a restful evening surrounded by nature.

 

🏨 Overnight Accommodation (Choose Your Comfort):

  • Lodge Option: Marera Valley Lodge / Eileen’s Trees Inn

  • Luxury Option: The Retreat at Ngorongoro / Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge

 

🍽️ Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations Options - Camping | Mid-range | Luxury 

heart and soul lodge

Heart and Soul Lodge | Marera Valley Lodge

Heart & Soul Lodge is a stylish 4-star retreat located between Mto wa Mbu and Karatu, near Lake Manyara. Surrounded by lush gardens, it offers spacious suites, a swimming pool, a sky-bar, and a peaceful farm setting. Guests love its warm hospitality, delicious food, and serene atmosphere.

🗓️ Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater – Full Day Game Drive

A UNESCO World Heritage Site & Home of the Big Five

Wake up early for breakfast, then head to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area—a haven of dramatic beauty and unmatched wildlife concentration. After a scenic drive, you’ll reach the crater rim and descend into one of the world’s largest intact volcanic calderas.

Prepare to be awestruck. Ngorongoro Crater is often described as Africa’s Garden of Eden, home to around 25,000 animals living within its steep walls. On today’s game drive, expect to see:

  • Lions, hyenas, and jackals on the hunt or lazing in the grass

  • Elephants, hippos, flamingos, and possibly a black rhino

  • Dramatic landscapes—forests, lakes, swamps, and open plains

 

You’ll break for a picnic lunch beside a hippo pool, where you can eat while watching the animals wade nearby. After lunch, continue your game drive before slowly ascending the crater wall in the afternoon and returning to your lodge.

 

🏨 Overnight: Same lodge or luxury camp as Day 1
🍽️ Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations Options - Mid-range | Luxury 

heart and soul lodge

Heart and Soul Lodge | Marera Valley Lodge

Heart & Soul Lodge is a stylish 4-star retreat located between Mto wa Mbu and Karatu, near Lake Manyara. Surrounded by lush gardens, it offers spacious suites, a swimming pool, a sky-bar, and a peaceful farm setting. Guests love its warm hospitality, delicious food, and serene atmosphere.

🗓️ Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park – Return to Arusha

Tree-Climbing Lions, Flamingos & Lush Forests

After breakfast, drive just 45 minutes to Lake Manyara National Park, a hidden gem nestled between the Great Rift Valley wall and a shallow alkaline lake. Though compact in size, this park offers incredible diversity:

  • The famous tree-climbing lions

  • Huge troops of baboons—some of the largest in Africa

  • Hippos, giraffes, impalas, warthogs, and cape buffalo

  • Flamingos and pelicans lining the shimmering lakeshore

  • Lush groundwater forest filled with monkeys and birds

 

Enjoy a relaxed game drive until late morning, then begin the return journey to Arusha. After lunch en route or at a local lodge, you'll arrive in Arusha in the late afternoon (around 4:30–5:00 PM), with drop-off at your hotel or airport.

 

🍽️ Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
End of Safari

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Start Your Adventure – Book Your Tanzania Safari

Why Book a 4 -Day Tanzania Safari  ?

✅ Perfect Balance of Time & Adventure

Four days is just right to explore Tanzania’s top parks without rushing. Experience the Big Five, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultures all in one short, powerful trip.

🐘 Visit 3 Iconic Parks

Spot elephants in Tarangire, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, and witness predators on the endless plains of the Serengeti.

🏨 Comfort in the Wild

Enjoy cozy mid-range or luxury lodges with stunning views, delicious meals, and warm hospitality after every game drive.

🛩️ Optional Fly-In Options

Save time with direct flights from Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam and start your adventure right away.

👨‍✈️ Expert Local Guides

Travel with experienced guides who speak English, French, or German and know where to find the action.

📅 Year-Round Departures

Whether it's calving season or the Great Migration, every month offers a unique wildlife spectacle.

Frequently Asked Questions About a 4-Day Safari in Tanzania from Zanzibar

Which parks are included in a 3-day safari?

Most 3-day safaris cover two of Tanzania’s top national parks. A popular route includes:

  • Day 1: Tarangire National Park – famous for elephants and giant baobab trees.

  • Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater – home to the Big Five in a stunning natural amphitheatre.

  • Day 3: Lake Manyara (optional) – known for tree-climbing lions and flamingos.
    Some itineraries can include the Serengeti (via fly-in), depending on your interests and budget.

Is 3 days enough to see wildlife?

Yes! With well-planned game drives, experienced guides, and early starts, you can spot a wide range of animals including elephants, lions, zebras, buffalo, hippos, and possibly leopards and rhinos. It’s a great option for those short on time but still want a meaningful safari experience.

Can I start the safari from Zanzibar?

Yes, we offer fly-in safaris from Zanzibar directly to Arusha or the Serengeti.

 

Flights are included in the package.

You’ll be picked up from your hotel or airport in Zanzibar.

It saves time and allows for a smooth connection to your safari adventure.

What type of accommodation is included?

You can choose based on your travel style and budget:

  • Mid-range lodges with en-suite bathrooms and full board.

  • Luxury tented camps or boutique lodges with high-end service and stunning views.

  • Budget camping is available for more adventurous travellers.
    All options include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Are park fees and transport included in the price?

Yes. Our safari packages are fully inclusive, covering:

  • National park entry fees

  • Safari guide/driver

  • Custom 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof

  • Accommodation & meals

  • Bottled water during game drives

  • Round-trip airport or hotel transfers

What should I pack for a 3-day safari?

Essentials include:

  • Light, neutral-colored clothing (avoid bright colours)

  • A light jacket or fleece for mornings

  • Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Camera/binoculars

  • Personal medications
    We’ll provide a full packing checklist after booking.

Is this safari private or group-based?

You can choose:

  • Private Safari: Personalized service, flexible timing, ideal for couples, families, or friends.

  • Group Safari: Lower cost, set itinerary, and a fun way to meet other travelers.

Is this safari suitable for kids and older travelers?

Yes. The fly-in option makes it convenient for families, older travelers, or anyone looking to avoid long, bumpy drives.

How much does a 3-day safari cost in Tanzania?

Determining the exact cost of a 3-day safari in Tanzania can be tricky, as prices vary depending on several factors. Budget camping safaris typically start from $600 per person, while mid-range lodge options may range up to $1,000 per person. Luxury safaris are significantly higher. You might secure better rates during the low (green) season. Once you decide on your travel style and priorities, it's wise to request multiple quotes for comparison.

Tanzania offers some of Africa’s most spectacular parks, delivering unforgettable experiences—but they do come at a premium.

Accommodation options range from basic campsites to high-end lodges, with camping being the most affordable choice if you're comfortable with minimal amenities and want to stay close to nature. The overall cost also depends on whether you choose a private tour or join a shared group safari. While most 3-day safaris are overland, fly-in safaris offer added comfort and time-saving convenience, though at a higher price point.

What languages do your guides speak?

Our guides are fluent in:

  • English (standard)

  • French and German (upon request)

  • Other languages can be arranged with advance notice.

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