4 Days Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Safari

This 4 Days Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Safari from Arusha offers a well-balanced Tanzania northern circuit experience covering three diverse wildlife destinations. The safari includes Tarangire National Park, known for large elephant herds and baobab trees, Ngorongoro Crater, one of the best wildlife viewing areas in Africa, and Lake Manyara National Park, known for birdlife, groundwater forest, elephants and occasional tree-climbing lions. This itinerary is ideal for travellers who want a short safari with varied landscapes, strong wildlife encounters and comfortable lodge stays while starting and ending in Arusha

Safari Highlights

Pick up from Arusha hotel or airport
Game drive in Tarangire National Park
Overnight stay in Karatu near Ngorongoro
Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for wildlife viewing
Visit Lake Magadi, known for flamingos and hippos
Explore Lake Manyara National Park with game drives
Stop at Mto wa Mbu for local experience and crafts
Enjoy a guided walking safari near Lake Manyara
Travel in a private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser
Professional English-speaking safari guide

Detailed itinerary

Day 1, Arusha to Tarangire National Park, Elephant Game Drive and Transfer to Karatu

You will be picked up from your hotel in Arusha or from the airport and meet your safari guide for a short briefing. Proceed to Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant herds, baobab trees and seasonal wildlife concentrations. Upon arrival, begin a game drive in the park while looking for elephants, zebras, giraffes, lions, leopards, buffaloes, wildebeests and antelopes. After the game drive, enjoy lunch and later continue to Karatu for check-in, dinner and overnight stay. Accommodation Karatu Tented Lodge

Day 2, Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive, Big Five Wildlife and Lake Magadi

Hippos in water pools on Ngorongoro crater floor — Hippos in water pools on Ngorongoro Crater floor

After breakfast, drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the crater for a game drive. The Ngorongoro Crater is home to over 25,000 animals, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, hyenas and, with luck, the rare black rhino. You will also visit Lake Magadi, a seasonal lake that attracts flamingos and other bird species. Enjoy your packed lunch in the crater before continuing with wildlife viewing. Later, ascend and return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay. Accommodation Karatu Tented Lodge

Day 3, Lake Manyara National Park Game Drive, Mto wa Mbu and Walking Safari

Tree climbing lion in Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park, a scenic park known for groundwater forest, lake views and birdlife. On the way, stop at Mto wa Mbu where you may visit craft shops and interact with the local community. Proceed into the park for a game drive while looking for elephants, baboons, monkeys, buffaloes, giraffes, antelopes and bird species including flamingos along the lake shore. After lunch, enjoy a guided walking safari near the park. This experience allows you to explore the environment on foot and observe smaller wildlife, plants and tracks with guidance from trained rangers. Later, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay. Accommodation Twiga Lodge

Day 4, Morning Game Drive in Lake Manyara and Return to Arusha

After breakfast, head out for a short morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. This gives you another opportunity to see wildlife before beginning your journey back to Arusha. After the game drive, drive back to Arusha with a packed lunch en route. Upon arrival, you will be dropped off at your preferred location or at the airport for your onward travel. This marks the end of your 4-Day Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Safari.