3 Day – Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater Lake Manyara- Mid – Range

Few safari experiences can match the thrill of spotting lions lounging in the grass, elephants crossing dusty plains, or a herd of zebras grazing under an expansive sky. This 3-day tour of Tanzania’s iconic parks—Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara—promises just that, blending exciting game drives with comfortable mid-range accommodations. It’s a well-balanced choice for those wanting a comprehensive taste of Tanzanian wildlife without the luxury price tag.

What we love about this trip is the expert guiding that enhances every stop, the varied landscapes that make each park unique, and the all-inclusive approach that removes the stress of planning. A potential consideration is that the tour is quite packed, so if you prefer a more relaxed pace, you might find it a little rushed. Still, for active travelers eager to maximize their safari experience in just a few days, this tour hits the mark.

Ideal for first-timers, family travelers, or anyone wanting a value-packed safari with knowledgeable guides, this tour offers a mix of adventure and comfort. Let’s explore what makes this trip stand out, park by park, and what you can expect along the way.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 3-day itinerary covering three of Tanzania’s top parks
• Small group size (max 6 travelers) for personalized attention
• Expert guides with extensive knowledge about wildlife and parks
• All accommodation and meals included for a hassle-free experience
• Focus on wildlife viewing, including the Big Five and many other species
• Flexible cancellation policy with free cancellation up to 24 hours before

What to Expect from the Tour Experience

This tour, priced at $1,350 per person, offers a well-rounded snapshot of Tanzania’s diverse ecosystems in just three days. The group sizes are kept small (up to six people), ensuring you get more personalized attention from the guides, who reviewers consistently praise for their professionalism and wildlife knowledge.

Day 1: Tarangire National Park

We start early after breakfast, with a pickup from your Arusha hotel, and head straight into Tarangire, known for its impressive elephant herds and striking baobab trees. The game drive begins by 10:00 AM, meaning you’ll already be spotting animals within hours of starting. Reviewers mention seeing “tons of elephants” and various prides of lions, which highlights Tarangire’s reputation as an elephant haven and lion territory.

You’ll enjoy your packed lunch in the park—most likely at a scenic picnic site—then continue game viewing into the late afternoon. The landscape here is characterized by vast grassy plains dotted with acacia trees and iconic baobabs, making it a photographer’s paradise.

In the evening, the group is transferred to Twiga Lodge for dinner and overnight. One reviewer noted that the lodge offers a cozy, comfortable setting after a day filled with wildlife encounters, confirming the value of this mid-range accommodation. The full board arrangement ensures you’re well-fed and rested for the days ahead.

Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater

The highlight of the tour for many, the Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, often called “the eighth wonder of the world” for its incredible density of animals. The early start at 6:30 AM is crucial—reviewers emphasize that morning is the best time to spot the most active animals, such as buffalo, zebras, and wildebeests.

You’ll descend into the crater, which is a natural amphitheater teeming with wildlife. Expect to see not only the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino) but also hyenas, jackals, servals, and a variety of antelope species. The crater’s lush environment supports a surprising diversity of life, and guides often share fascinating insights about animal behavior and ecology.

Lunchtime is spent at a designated picnic site within the crater, giving you a true safari experience. The reviews mention that the Ngorongoro visit is “among the most interesting parks in Tanzania,” thanks to its density of animals per square kilometer and the opportunity to see predators and prey in close proximity.

Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park

The final day involves a visit to Lake Manyara, known for its stunning scenery and tree-climbing lions (though sightings vary). After breakfast and packing up, you head out early to maximize your game viewing. This park is smaller—only about 205 square miles—but packs a visual punch with its lush forests, soda lake, and the famous acacia trees.

Expect to see a lively troop of baboons and blue monkeys, as well as hippos in the lake. The landscape offers excellent photo opportunities, especially around the groves of giant figs and mahogany trees. Reviewers appreciated the park for its peaceful, scenic environment and the chance to see a variety of bird species.

Lunchtime at the picnic site is followed by more game drives until late afternoon, when the tour concludes and you are driven back to Arusha. Most travelers note the flexible timing as helpful, especially if you need to catch a flight or stay longer in Tanzania.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

While $1,350 might seem like a significant investment, the value lies in the all-inclusive package, small group size, and the quality of guides. Reviews frequently praise guides like Jonas, Felix, and Anton, who are described as knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to enrich the safari with extra facts about animal lifestyles and behavior. Many mention that their guides went above and beyond to show them as many animals as possible and provided a wealth of information, making the experience both fun and educational.

The accommodations are described as comfortable, and the meals are well-organized, allowing travelers to enjoy the full day’s adventure without worrying about logistics. Reviewers particularly appreciated the professionalism of the tour operator, who handled everything from park entries to meal arrangements seamlessly.

The Wildlife Viewing Experience

From the reviews, it’s clear that wildlife sightings are a major highlight. Travelers consistently mention seeing the Big Five, with some lucky guests witnessing lion cubs and baby animals thriving in the parks. The guides’ local knowledge ensures that you’re in the right place at the right time, making each game drive as rewarding as possible.

The parks’ diverse environments—grassy plains, volcanic craters, lush forests—offer different backdrops for each day, meaning you won’t get bored with the scenery. Reviewers noted that Tarangire’s elephants and Ngorongoro’s dense animal populations were unforgettable, making this trip worth every penny.

The Guide and Group Dynamic

One recurring theme across reviews is how much travelers appreciated the guides’ professionalism and enthusiasm. Jonas, Felix, and Anton receive high praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to keep the group engaged and comfortable. Many mention that their guides shared interesting facts about animal behavior, local culture, and conservation, adding depth to their safari experience.

The small group setup (max 6 travelers) means you get more personalized attention, which is especially noticeable during game drives, where guides can focus on each visitor’s interests. Reviewers say this makes the experience more intimate and enjoyable.

Practical Considerations

The tour is designed to be fairly packed, with early starts and full days of game drives. Travelers should be prepared for some long hours in the vehicle—reviewers find this worthwhile but note that it’s best suited for active, mobile guests who don’t mind early mornings and a full schedule.

The package includes all accommodation and meals, which simplifies planning and budgeting. However, alcoholic beverages are not included, so if you want a beer or wine to unwind, you’ll need to budget separately.

Who This Tour Is Perfect For

This safari appeals most to travelers seeking value for money with a focus on wildlife and landscapes. It’s ideal for first-time visitors to Tanzania wanting a well-organized, comprehensive experience without the luxury price tag. Families, small groups, or solo travelers will appreciate the small group size and personalized guidance.

If you love bird watching, big game, and photography, this tour’s stops cover Tanzania’s most iconic parks, providing ample opportunities to capture unforgettable moments. However, if you prefer a slow-paced, luxury safari experience, this might feel a bit too busy.

Final Thoughts

This 3-day safari with Professional Safari Africa offers an authentic, well-structured introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife and landscapes. The expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and all-inclusive setup make it a practical choice for those wanting to see the highlights without fussing over logistics.

While the schedule is packed, the shared focus on wildlife and scenery ensures you’ll leave with memories that last a lifetime—and lots of fantastic photos. The tour’s reviews reflect a high level of satisfaction, especially praising the guides’ professionalism and the diverse parks visited.

All in all, this trip represents great value for travelers eager to experience Tanzania’s natural wonders within a short timeframe. It’s particularly well-suited for those new to safaris, families, or anyone looking for a reliable, enjoyable adventure with an experienced team at your side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is designed to be family-friendly, especially since it’s a small group and the guides are experienced with different travelers. Just ensure your children are comfortable with early mornings and long game drives.

What is included in the price?
The $1,350 fee covers all accommodation, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), bottled water, and park entry fees. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

How many people will be in the group?
The tour caps at six travelers, providing a more intimate experience and personalized guide attention.

Are the accommodations comfortable?
Yes, reviewers describe Twiga Lodge as cozy and well-organized, fitting a mid-range standard—comfortable enough for a safari after long days of game drives.

What kind of wildlife will we see?
Expect to see the Big Five, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. Tarangire is known for elephants, Ngorongoro for high animal density, and Lake Manyara for its birdlife.

Is the itinerary flexible?
While the schedule is scheduled tightly to maximize park time, the guides are praised for their professionalism and efforts to show as much wildlife as possible, making the experience adaptable within the day.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather, but if canceled due to poor conditions, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund, thanks to the flexible cancellation policy.

This safari is a solid choice for adventurers eager to see Tanzania’s most famous parks with the assurance of a trusted operator. Expect memorable wildlife encounters, expert guidance, and scenic landscapes—all within a well-priced, thoughtfully organized package.