3 Days, 2 Nights Safari – Arusha to Tarangire, Lake Manyara (with Biking), and Ngorongoro Crater
Highlights
- Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
- Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park with Biking Tour
- Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Return to Arusha
Day to Day
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
6:00 AM – Early Departure from Arusha
- What to Expect: Your adventure kicks off early in the morning with a pickup from your hotel in Arusha. After a short briefing from your guide, you’ll embark on a 2-hour drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees.
8:00 AM – Arrive at Tarangire National Park
What to Expect: Upon arrival, you’ll register at the park gate and begin your safari experience. Tarangire is rich in wildlife, including lions, leopards, zebras, giraffes, and a variety of bird species. Your guide will drive you through different ecosystems within the park, from riverine forests to open savannahs.
10:30 AM – Morning Game Drive
- What to Expect: As you traverse the park, you’ll have ample opportunities to spot wildlife. The Tarangire River, which flows through the park, is a vital water source and attracts animals year-round. Your guide will help you spot animals and provide fascinating information about their behaviors and the park’s ecosystem.
1:00 PM – Picnic Lunch in the Park
- What to Expect: Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated area within the park. This is a great time to relax and soak in the scenery. You might spot elephants or other wildlife nearby as you enjoy your meal.
2:00 PM – Continue Afternoon Game Drive
- What to Expect: After lunch, your game drive continues. You’ll explore more of the park, possibly heading to Silale Swamp, where you might see waterbucks, hippos, and large flocks of birds.
4:30 PM – Depart for Karatu
- What to Expect: After a fulfilling day in Tarangire, you’ll drive to Karatu, a small town located near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive takes about 2 hours, and you’ll arrive at your lodge in the early evening.
6:30 PM – Check-in and Dinner at Your Lodge
- What to Expect: Upon arrival at your lodge in Karatu, you’ll check in and have some time to freshen up. Dinner will be served at the lodge, where you can relax and enjoy a peaceful evening after a day of adventure.
Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park with Biking Tour
7:00 AM – Breakfast at the Lodge
- What to Expect: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the lodge, preparing you for a full day of exploration in Lake Manyara National Park.
8:00 AM – Drive to Lake Manyara National Park
- What to Expect: After breakfast, you’ll drive to Lake Manyara National Park, which is about a 45-minute drive from Karatu. The park is known for its diverse ecosystems, including dense forests, open grasslands, and the stunning lake itself.
9:00 AM – Morning Game Drive in Lake Manyara
- What to Expect: Begin your day with a game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, large troops of baboons, and vibrant birdlife, including flamingos along the lake’s shores. Your guide will help you spot these and other animals as you explore the park.
11:00 AM – Biking Tour Along Lake Manyara
- What to Expect: After the game drive, you’ll embark on a guided biking tour along the shores of Lake Manyara. The biking route takes you through the lush groundwater forest and along the lake’s edge. You’ll have a chance to see birds and other wildlife up close while enjoying the beautiful scenery. The ride is generally flat and suitable for most fitness levels.
1:00 PM – Lunch in Mto Wa Mbu Village
- What to Expect: After your biking adventure, you’ll have lunch in Mto Wa Mbu, a vibrant village near the park. Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant, where you can sample traditional Tanzanian dishes like ugali, nyama choma, and fresh fruits.
2:30 PM – Cultural Tour of Mto Wa Mbu
- What to Expect: Following lunch, you’ll go on a cultural tour of Mto Wa Mbu. The tour includes visits to local farms, banana plantations, and the bustling market. You’ll also learn about the various tribes that call this area home, including the Maasai, Chaga, and Iraqw.
4:30 PM – Return to Karatu
- What to Expect: After your cultural tour, you’ll return to your lodge in Karatu for some relaxation before dinner. The drive back is short, giving you time to unwind.
7:00 PM – Dinner at the Lodge
- What to Expect: Enjoy dinner at your lodge, reflecting on the day’s activities. You’ll have the evening to relax and prepare for your final day of safari.
Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Return to Arusha
6:00 AM – Early Breakfast and Departure
- What to Expect: Your final day starts with an early breakfast. You’ll check out of your lodge and drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which is about a 30-minute drive from Karatu.
7:00 AM – Arrive at Ngorongoro Crater
- What to Expect: After arriving at the Ngorongoro Conservation Area gate, you’ll descend into the crater for a full morning of wildlife viewing. The descent is about 600 meters down into the world’s largest unbroken caldera, home to a vast array of animals.
8:00 AM – Game Drive in Ngorongoro Crater
- What to Expect: The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the best places in Tanzania to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) in a single day. Your guide will navigate through the diverse habitats within the crater, including open savannah, woodlands, and swamps, giving you a chance to spot a variety of animals. The crater floor is also home to Maasai herders and their livestock, offering a unique cultural aspect to your visit.
12:00 PM – Picnic Lunch by the Hippo Pool
- What to Expect: Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated area within the crater, likely near the hippo pool. This serene spot allows you to relax while observing hippos lounging in the water and birds flying overhead.
1:00 PM – Ascend from the Crater and Begin the Drive Back to Arusha
- What to Expect: After lunch, you’ll ascend from the crater and start the journey back to Arusha. The drive will take approximately 3 hours, giving you time to reflect on the incredible wildlife and landscapes you’ve experienced over the past few days.
4:30 PM – Arrive in Arusha and Early Dinner at Fifi’s Cafe & Restaurant
- What to Expect: Conclude your trip with a delightful dinner at Fifi’s Cafe & Restaurant in Arusha. Fifi’s is known for its cozy atmosphere and a menu that features both local and international cuisine. Enjoy a relaxed meal, reflecting on the experiences of the past two days. Your safari adventure ends here, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Tanzania’s natural beauty and wildlife. After dinner, you will be dropped off at your accommodation.
Includes
- Park fees(For non-residents)
- All activities(Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation(Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation(Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinks(As specified in the day-by-day section)
Excludes
- International flights(From/to home)
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips(Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
There's So Much to Discover
