The “4-Day Explore: Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara & Arusha National Park” itinerary offers a dynamic safari experience in Tanzania’s northern circuit. It covers visits to Tarangire, known for its elephant herds and baobabs, the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater, the dramatic Lake Manyara with its tree-climbing lions, and a walking safari through Arusha National Park, where you can explore diverse habitats and spot over 400 bird species. The safari is designed for those with limited time yet wanting an enriching wildlife adventure.
Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
Non-game-viewing travel time: 2 ½ hours
Distance: 152.7 km
We will pick you up from the lodge at 9:00 am, and then we will drive to Tarangire National Park for game viewing. The park runs along the line of the Tarangire River and is mainly made up of low-lying hills on the Great Rift Valley floor. Its natural vegetation mainly consists of Acacia woodland and giant African Baobab trees, with huge swamp areas in the south. Both the river and the swamps act like a magnet for wild animals during Tanzania’s dry season. Tarangire National Park is reputed to contain some of the largest elephant herds in Africa. This African national park is also home to three rare species of animals: the Greater Kudu, the Fringed-eared Oryx, as well as a few Ashy Starlings. Dinner and overnight will be at the lodge/tented camp/hotel/campsite.
Day 2: Tarangire – Ngorongoro Crater Tour
Non-game-viewing travel time: 2 hours
Distance: 150 km
We’ll start our day early, equipped with a picnic lunch, and descend 2,000 feet down to the Crater floor in our 4×4 wheel drive vehicle for an unforgettable game-viewing experience. Let’s explore this Garden of Eden, Ngorongoro Crater, a massive and deep volcanic wonder. The Crater’s floor is home to rich pastures, swamps, forests, and permanent water sources, making it a haven for an incredible array of wildlife. With over 25,000 larger animals calling the Crater home, we’re in for a treat. This is one of the best opportunities to spot the elusive Black Rhino, as well as other rare species like the black-manned lion. We’ll have a fantastic day, witnessing wildlife at its best. Late afternoon, we’ll drive back to the lodge/tented camp/hotel/campsite for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Lake Manyara Tour – Arusha National Park
Non-game-viewing travel time: 3 hours
Distance: 133 km
After breakfast, we drive to Lake Manyara National Park. This impressive national park is one of Tanzania’s most dramatically located wildlife areas, consisting of a massive but shallow soda lake (covering two-thirds of the park) at the foot of the Great Rift Valley’s western escarpment. The park’s varied habitat attracts a wide variety of animals, including one of Africa’s largest concentrations of elephants; Manyara is famous for its tree-climbing lions, as well as large flocks of flamingos attracted by the algae in the lake. Late afternoon, we drive to Arusha National Park and stay overnight at the lodge/tented camp/hotel/campsite for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Arusha National Park – Walking Safari and Game Drive – Arusha
Non-game-viewing travel time: 30-40 minutes
Distance: 48.8 km
After breakfast, we will drive to Arusha National Park. You will enjoy a half-day guided walking safari through the forest, where you’ll explore the natural beauty of the hills, mountains, and river beds. Your guide will take you through the rainforest to the waterfalls, where you’ll have the opportunity to see black and white Colobus monkeys, zebras, buffalo, and a variety of antelopes. You’ll also have a chance to observe over 400 bird species, including the Crowned Eagle, Lanner Falcon, and Levaillant Cuckoo.
After lunch in the bush, you’ll embark on a game drive through the park, where you’ll enjoy the flora and fauna. We’ll drive you to the seven Momella lakes, which are home to pink flamingos and other water birds. On the way back, you’ll have the opportunity to capture some great photos of giraffes, which will pose undisturbed for your family album. Late afternoon, around 5 pm, we’ll drive you back to Arusha city and drop you off at your hotel or lodge. This marks the end of our four-day safari.
Price Includes:
– All park entry fees
– Concession fees
– Flying Doctor Service for emergency evacuation
– All park camping fees
– Airport pickup
– Ngorongoro Crater service fees
– Accommodation at hotels, lodges, tented camps, or campsites as per the safari program
– Chef services
– Meals as per the itinerary
– English-speaking driver/guide
– Transport in a 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof
– Bottled drinking water (1.5 liters per person per day during the safari)
– One-night complimentary hotel accommodation in Arusha upon arrival, including breakfast
– Camping equipment, including tents, sleeping mats, sleeping bags, pillows, chairs and tables
Price Does Not Include:
– International and domestic flights
– Fees for passports, visas, immunizations, and insurance
– Tips for staff, including driver-guides, chefs, and porters
– Personal expenses such as souvenirs
“Please note that these are sample itineraries. We will tailor your safari according to your preferences.”
“Book your trip today and experience an unforgettable safari adventure”