3 Day Safari in Tanzania: Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Tarangire

3 Day Safari in Tanzania: Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Tarangire

A 3 day safari in Tanzania is the most popular short safari on the northern circuit, giving you two nights in the bush and visits to three iconic national parks. Choose from our Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater route, ideal for witnessing the Great Migration and spotting the Big Five, or our Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro itinerary for maximum park diversity. Both routes depart from Arusha and include a dedicated 4x4 vehicle, professional local guide, all park entry fees and full-board meals. Camping starts from $650 per person and mid-range lodges are available for an upgraded experience.

Deposit: $ 130

*Please note we need to charge a 20% deposit in order to confirm your booking. After making your booking, we will send you an email within 24 hours with payment details. If you have any questions, please send an email to info@viva-tanzania.com.

Description

The 3-day safari is a comprehensive tour of the northern circuit’s highlights, taking you to Tarangire, the Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara. This three-day journey allows you to witness the incredible diversity of Tanzania’s ecosystems, from the elephant-filled plains of Tarangire to the lush groundwater forests and alkaline lakes of Manyara. By visiting three different parks, you maximize your wildlife sightings, including giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and a vast array of bird species. The itinerary is designed to keep you immersed in nature while ensuring you see the very best the region has to offer in a short period.

Each day is packed with game drives led by our experienced guides who are passionate about the local flora and fauna. You will spend two nights in comfortable accommodations, allowing you to wake up to the sounds of the African bush. From the dramatic descent into the Ngorongoro Crater to the scenic shores of Lake Manyara, every moment is curated for maximum enjoyment and photography. This safari includes all meals and park fees, providing a hassle-free experience that focuses entirely on the majesty of the wilderness. It is the perfect choice for travelers who want to see the core of the northern circuit without a long-term commitment.

What’s Included:

  • Pick-up and drop-off in Arusha
  • Two nights of accommodation
  • All entry fees for Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara
  • All meals throughout the safari
  • Specialized safari vehicle and professional guide
  • Bottled drinking water

Additional information

3-Day Safari Locations

Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti, Tarangire, Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Crater

Group Size

1 Person, 2 People, 3 People, 4 People, 5 People, 6 People, 7 People

Private or Shared

Private Tour, Shared Tour

Safari Accommodation

Camping, Lodges

Pick Up & Drop-Off Location

Arusha, Moshi

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about the safaris you can book

If you want the most iconic experience for your 1 day Tanzania safari, Ngorongoro Crater is the one. This is an early start with pick-up from Arusha around 06:00, giving you the best possible day in one of the world’s most famous safari destinations. You’ll reach the crater entrance at approximately 10:00 and descend into the caldera, often called the “Garden of Eden” because it’s packed with wildlife. The crater floor offers incredible chances to see lions, hyena, zebra, hippos, antelope, monkeys and flamingos, with the possibility of spotting rhinos and even leopards. You’ll have a packed lunch, continue wildlife viewing until around 16:00, and then travel back to Arusha. Expect to arrive back at around 20:00, later than the other parks, but absolutely worth it for a true once-in-a-lifetime day.

Tarangire is one of the best choices for a 1 day safari from Arusha if you want that classic safari feeling — big skies, rugged landscapes, and wildlife everywhere you look. You’ll be picked up in Arusha around 08:00 and travel to the park, arriving at about 10:00 ready to start your game drive. Tarangire is especially famous for large elephant herds, plus zebra, giraffe, buffalo, warthog, monkeys and brilliant birdlife. You’ll take a break for a packed lunch, then continue exploring until around 16:00 to make the most of the day. After the drive back, you’ll arrive in Arusha at roughly 18:00, buzzing from a proper Tanzania safari in just one day.

If you want a safari that feels green, scenic and full of life, the Lake Manyara day safari is a gorgeous option. You’ll be collected from Arusha at around 08:00 and arrive in the park at approximately 10:00 for your game drive. Manyara is known for its mix of forest and open areas near the lake, which creates amazing variety in wildlife and scenery. Keep your eyes peeled for hippos, buffalo, giraffe, antelope, monkeys and an impressive number of birds, it’s a dream for nature lovers and photographers. There’s also the exciting possibility of seeing the famous tree-climbing lions (wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but this park is well known for them). You’ll enjoy a packed lunch, continue your drive until about 16:00, and return to Arusha at around 18:00.

Want the easiest, closest safari to Arusha, with something a bit different? The Arusha National Park day trip is perfect if you love nature, want less time in the car, and really want to feel the landscape around you. You’ll be picked up at around 08:00 and reach the park by roughly 10:00, ready to start spotting wildlife like giraffes, zebra, buffalo, warthogs, antelope and monkeys. One of the biggest highlights here is the chance to see the park’s striking colobus monkeys, which are a real favourite with visitors. This trip also includes a guided walking safari (around 2 hours), which makes the day feel even more immersive and memorable. You’ll stop for a packed lunch, continue exploring until around 16:00, and return to Arusha for about 18:00.

Serengeti National Park is a World Heritage Site teeming with wildlife: over 2 million ungulates, 4000 lions, 1000 leopard, 550 cheetahs and some 500 bird species inhabit an area close to 15,000 square kilometers in size. Join us on a safari and explore the endless Serengeti plains dotted with trees and kopjes from which majestic lions control their kingdom; gaze upon the Great Migration in awe or find an elusive leopard in a riverine forest. Or perhaps see everything from a bird’s-eye view and soar over the plains at sunrise during a hot air balloon safari. Accommodation options come in every price range - the sound of lions roaring at night is complimentary.

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Why Do People Choose Viva Tanzania For Their African Adventure?

We Provide Experienced, Locally-Led Volunteer Programs

Our Tanzanian team grew up in Arusha and has been running locally-led volunteer programs & tours in Tanzania since 2015. We match you to experiences that genuinely need support, schools, clinics and animal welfare partners, so your time is well spent. Expect clear role briefs, classroom resources and on-site mentors. Whether you’re interested in education, volunteer in Tanzania placements, or medical volunteer in Tanzania experiences, we’ll guide you from enquiry to impact with practical training and cultural insight.

Personal Support & Safe Volunteer Accommodation

From airport pickup to your first day at project, you’re backed by 24/7 in-country support. We provide a city orientation, help with SIM cards and transport, and arrange ethical weekend trips like a safari from Arusha. Our hostel offers safe volunteer accommodation in Arusha with Wi-Fi, meals and friendly staff. You’ll focus on your placement while we handle logistics, ideal for gap year Tanzania volunteering or short-term stays.

Unforgettable Tours & Cultural Experiences In Tanzania

Beyond volunteer projects, we offer safari tours and mountain treks from Arusha and cultural excursions that bring Tanzania’s beauty to life. Spend a weekend spotting elephants in Tarangire, climb Mount Kilimanjaro, or relax on Zanzibar’s beaches. Our team also arranges day trips in Arusha like waterfalls, hot springs, and local markets. These adventures are ethical, guided by locals, and designed to complement your volunteering. It’s the perfect way to combine meaningful work with once-in-a-lifetime travel.

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Explore What Else You Can Do With Viva Tanzania

We lead you through the breath-taking experiences that Tanzania has to offer. Marvel at the most beautiful places of the country, experience the different tribes and ethnic groups up close and enjoy a hike through the impressive mountain landscape in the North. Whether it is a camping safari in the vast expanses of the Serengeti, a day trip to the Moshi Hot Springs, a hike to the summit of Kilimanjaro, or a yoga retreat on the beaches of Zanzibar - We are ready for any adventure with you! No matter what you decide, we guide you all the way from the start to the end of your trip! This is the best way to get your individual memories of wonderful Tanzania. Explore now!

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Frequently Asked Questions

There are two airports near Arusha, Kilimanjaro (JRO) and Arusha (ARK). Kilimanjaro is an international airport, and Arusha is a domestic airport. You can often find cheaper flights to JRO, so that should be your first choice. We will pick you up at any time, day or night, so please choose the flight that suits you best.

Information about travel vaccines and health advice for Tanzania can be found on your country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, and on the World Health Organization’s website. We recommend you visit a doctor who specialises in tropical diseases before your trip, to get any vaccines or medicines you may need.

To volunteer in Tanzania you will need an Ordinary visa for the purposes of humanitarian and charity activities. Most countries can easily obtain the visa on arrival at the airport. It costs $US50 ($US100 for American citizens), is valid for three months and can be renewed once. If you plan to stay longer than six months you need to apply for a Resident Permit.

We recommend you have health insurance for your trip to Tanzania. Health care is not expensive here, but in case of an emergency your insurance can arrange for you to return to your home country for better treatment.

Fluctuation in the exchange rate is common but currently it is: 
1 Euro = 2.700 Tsh
1 GBP = 3.000 Tsh
1 Dollar = 2.500 Tsh

English and Swahili are both official languages in Tanzania, although English is not widely spoken. At your project we will make sure that there is at least one person who speaks English. Also we offer Swahili lessons for a small fee to make your everyday life easier. Read more about Tanzania here.

Our house has a secure two-meter-high wall, a daytime watchman, a night guard and our guard dogs. Arusha is generally safe but it is best to take a taxi in the evenings rather than walking. When you arrive we will give you all the tips you need to know on how to stay safe.

We welcome anybody who is open to new cultures, and who wants to contribute to meaningful projects in Tanzania. Work experience in the chosen field is welcome but is usually not a requirement. If a project has specific requirements they will be listed on the project page. A basic knowledge of English, and the willingness to learn some Swahili words are necessary.