Safari Overview
This 3-day Tanzania safari from Arusha takes you to Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park—two of northern Tanzania’s most rewarding wildlife destinations. Enjoy thrilling game drives, spot elephants, lions, and tree-climbing lions, and marvel at breathtaking landscapes from baobab-studded savannahs to flamingo-lined lake shores. With comfortable lodge stays, this short adventure offers an authentic safari experience in just a few days.
Tour Highlights
- Tarangire: Home to one of Tanzania's largest elephant populations.
- Excellent game viewing with lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and antelopes.
- The Tarangire River attracts abundant wildlife, especially during the dry season
- Lake Manyara: Renowned for its famous tree-climbing lions, a rare wildlife sighting.
- Scenic alkaline lake that attracts thousands of flamingos and other water birds
- Excellent opportunities to spot elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, baboons, buffaloes, and numerous antelope species.
- Stunning views of the Great Rift Valley escarpment and the surrounding landscapes.
Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
Drive Time: ~2 hrs (120 km)
Depart Arusha after breakfast and drive to Tarangire National Park, renowned for its majestic baobab trees, vast savannahs, and large elephant populations.
Enjoy a full-day game drive with picnic lunch in the park.
In the evening, transfer to your tented lodge on the park boundary for dinner and overnight.
Destinations: Arusha , Tarangire National Park
Accommodations: Sangaiwe Tented Lodge (highly rated, great views)
Main Attractions: Elephants, Lions, Baobabs, Tarangire River
Meals & Drinks: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Tarangire – Lake Manyara National Park
Drive Time: ~1.5 hrs (90 km)
After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park for a full-day game drive.
This compact park is rich in biodiversity and famous for its tree-climbing lions, hippos, and birdlife.
Explore the forest, lake shores, and open plains.
After the game drive, proceed to Karatu for overnight.
Destinations: Lake Manyara National Park
Accommodations: Marera Valley Lodge (in Karatu, near park gate)
Main Attractions: Tree-climbing lions, Flamingos, Hippos, Groundwater Forest
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Lake Manyara – Arusha (End of Safari)
Drive Time: ~2.5 hrs (130 km)
After a leisurely breakfast, begin your drive back to Arusha.
Optional stop at a local market or cultural center in Mto wa Mbu along the way.
Arrive in Arusha by early afternoon for drop-off at your hotel or airport.
Destinations: Mto wa Mbu
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch
Price Includes
- WiFi in the safari vehicle
- 4x4 Toyota minibus with a pop-up roof or safari Jeep
- Experienced driver-guide
- All park fees
- Full-board accommodation in lodges and camps
- Fresh bottled water or a water dispenser fitted in the vehicle during game drives
Price Excludes
- International flights
- Drinks during meals
- Personal expenses
- Tips for your driver/guide
- Hot air balloon safaris
- Visits to local Maasai or Samburu villages