Experience an unforgettable 3 Days Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Safari from Arusha, combining the wildlife-rich landscapes of Lake Manyara National Park with the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater.
This Tanzania safari is ideal for travellers with limited time who want to experience two of northern Tanzania's most famous wildlife destinations. Enjoy exciting game drives, abundant birdlife, beautiful scenery and the opportunity to see elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, flamingos and many other animals.
The safari begins and ends in Arusha, making it a convenient short Tanzania safari before or after other travel arrangements.
Safari Highlights
- 3 Days Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Safari from Arusha
- Game drive in Lake Manyara National Park
- Large concentrations of flamingos and other bird species
- Opportunity to see elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest and giraffes
- Optional canoe experience on Lake Manyara, subject to availability
- Visit the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater
- Ngorongoro Crater game drive
- Opportunity to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, rhinos and other wildlife
- Scenic landscapes of northern Tanzania
- Private safari with an English-speaking professional guide/driver
3 Days Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha – Lake Manyara National Park
Distance: approximately 130 km | 3–4 hours
- Your 3 Days Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Safari from Arusha begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel, residence or Arusha airport.
- Drive west towards Lake Manyara National Park, one of Tanzania's scenic wildlife destinations and part of the Great Rift Valley ecosystem.
- Lake Manyara is famous for its diverse landscapes, including groundwater forests, open grasslands, acacia woodland and the alkaline lake itself.
- Along the way, enjoy views of the Tanzanian countryside as you pass villages, farms and local communities.
- After arriving at Lake Manyara National Park, enjoy a picnic lunch before beginning your game drive.
- The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, hippos and numerous other species.
- Lake Manyara is also an excellent destination for birdwatching. More than 400 bird species have been recorded in the area, and depending on the season you may see large numbers of flamingos around the lake.
- You may also have the opportunity to take an optional canoe experience on Lake Manyara, subject to availability and park conditions. This provides a different perspective of the lake and its wildlife.
- Later in the afternoon, continue your game drive before proceeding to your camp or lodge for dinner and overnight accommodation.
Accommodation Options at Lake Manyara
Standard option:
- Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp
Luxury option:
- Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park – Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Distance: approximately 64 km | 1–2 hours
- Begin your day with an early breakfast before enjoying another game drive around Lake Manyara National Park.
- The morning is an excellent time for wildlife viewing because many animals are active while temperatures are cooler.
- Enjoy opportunities to photograph the lake, wildlife and birdlife in the beautiful morning light.
- After the morning game drive, depart Lake Manyara and continue towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
- The journey takes you through some of Tanzania's spectacular highland scenery before reaching the Ngorongoro area.
- The Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa's most remarkable natural attractions. The crater was formed when a large volcano collapsed millions of years ago, creating a vast natural enclosure that supports a remarkable concentration of wildlife.
- Upon arrival in the Ngorongoro area, enjoy lunch before continuing to your accommodation.
- Depending on your accommodation and arrangements, you may have time to enjoy the spectacular views surrounding the crater.
- Spend the evening at your camp or lodge overlooking or near the Ngorongoro area.
Accommodation Options at Ngorongoro
Standard options:
- Ngorongoro Farm House
- The Castle of Ngorongoro
Luxury options:
- Acacia Farm Lodge
- Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
Day 3: Ngorongoro Conservation Area – Arusha
Distance: approximately 191 km | 3–4 hours
- Rise early for breakfast before descending into the Ngorongoro Crater for an extended game drive.
- The crater floor is one of the best places in Tanzania to experience a wide variety of wildlife within a relatively concentrated area.
During the game drive, look out for:
- Lions
- Elephants
- Buffaloes
- Hippos
- Zebras
- Wildebeest
- Rhinos
- Giraffes
- Hyenas
- Flamingos and other bird species
- Your professional safari guide will help you identify the different animals and explain the unique ecosystem of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
- Enjoy a picnic lunch during the crater experience before beginning your journey back to the crater rim.
- In the early afternoon, leave the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and drive towards Arusha.
- Upon arrival in Arusha, your driver will transfer you to your hotel, residence or local airport according to your onward travel arrangements.
- Your 3 Days Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Safari from Arusha comes to an end with unforgettable memories of Tanzania's wildlife and spectacular landscapes.
What's Included
- All transfers as specified in the itinerary
- Accommodation during the safari
- All meals and drinking water during the tour as specified
- Flying Doctors medical, emergency and rescue cover
- All game drives as included in the itinerary
- Transport in a private 4x4 safari Land Cruiser
- English-speaking professional safari guide/driver
- Applicable government taxes, levies and entry fees
- Personalized private safari service
What's Not Included
- International flights and applicable taxes
- Passport and visa application and processing fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities for drivers and guides
- Personal laundry
- Alcoholic drinks
- Optional activities and excursions
- Entrance fees for activities noted as optional
- Personal expenses
Best Time for a Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Safari
The 3 Days Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Safari from Arusha can be enjoyed throughout the year.
The dry seasons are generally excellent for wildlife viewing because animals tend to gather around available water sources and vegetation is less dense.
The green seasons can also be rewarding, with lush scenery, excellent photographic conditions and abundant birdlife.
For travellers interested in flamingos and birdwatching, Lake Manyara can offer excellent opportunities depending on seasonal conditions.
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed because animals move freely within their natural environment.
Why Choose Precious Memories Safaris?
- Experienced Tanzania safari specialists
- Private safari arrangements
- Professional English-speaking safari guides
- Comfortable 4x4 safari vehicles
- Flexible safari planning
- Carefully selected accommodation options
- Personalized service
- Local knowledge of Tanzania's national parks
- Support from booking through to the end of your safari
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a private Tanzania safari?
Yes. The itinerary is designed as a private safari, giving you greater flexibility with game drives, accommodation and travel arrangements.
Where does the safari start?
The safari starts in Arusha, Tanzania, with a morning pick-up from your hotel, residence or Arusha airport.
Where does the safari end?
The safari ends in Arusha on Day 3. Your driver can transfer you to your hotel, residence or local airport for your onward journey.
Can I customize this 3 Days Tanzania Safari?
Yes. The itinerary can be customized according to your travel dates, accommodation preferences, budget and interests.
What animals can I see?
Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro offer opportunities to see elephants, lions, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, giraffes, hyenas, rhinos and many other animals.
Can I see flamingos at Lake Manyara?
Lake Manyara is well known for its birdlife, including flamingos. However, bird numbers and locations vary depending on seasonal and environmental conditions.
Is the canoe experience included?
The canoe experience is optional and subject to availability and local conditions. Any applicable additional cost can be confirmed when booking.
What type of vehicle is used?
Private safari transportation is provided in a 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with an English-speaking professional driver-guide.
Book Your 3 Days Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Safari
Ready to explore two of Tanzania's most spectacular wildlife destinations?
Contact Precious Memories Safaris for a personalized quotation based on your preferred travel dates, accommodation level and number of travellers.
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
WhatsApp: +254 116 687 410
Website: www.preciousmemorieskenyasafaris.com
Let us help you plan your unforgettable 3 Days Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Safari from Arusha.
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