3 days Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara package

A Closer Look at the 3-Day Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara Safari

If you’re dreaming of experiencing the best of Tanzania’s iconic wildlife parks in a manageable, well-organized package, this 3-day safari from Moorland Safari and Trekking might just be what you’re looking for. It offers a compact yet well-rounded adventure, giving you enough time to soak in the sights without feeling rushed. After reading reviews from travelers who’ve recently taken this tour, it’s clear that this trip combines expert guides, comfortable logistics, and unforgettable scenery—along with a few considerations to keep in mind.

What We Love About This Safari

Firstly, the expert guides receive high praise, with travelers often mentioning their knowledge, patience, and friendliness—like Lucas, a guide who made every moment informative and enjoyable. Secondly, the stunning landscapes in each park—especially the Ngorongoro Crater’s natural amphitheater—are breathtaking, providing picture-perfect moments at every turn. Lastly, the delicious food and thoughtful organization mean travelers don’t have to worry about the small stuff, enjoying meals and accommodations that feel both comfortable and well-suited to a safari.

A potential downside is the shorter duration—some may wish to extend their experience to explore parks more leisurely or see additional sights. But overall, the tour strikes a good balance for those wanting a comprehensive taste of Northern Tanzania’s highlights.

This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a well-structured, authentic safari experience, especially those with limited time but a strong desire to see elephants, lions, flamingoes, and the Ngorongoro’s legendary wildlife.

Key Points

• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable, patient, and friendly guides enhance the experience.
• Iconic Parks: Visits to Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro offer diverse landscapes and wildlife.
• Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see elephants, lions, flamingoes, hippos, and possibly tree-climbing lions.
• Comfort & Organization: Well-running logistics, including pickup, meals, and accommodations.
• Value for Money: Priced at $779 per person, offering a comprehensive safari for a competitive rate.
• Authentic Experience: Small group size (max 6 travelers) ensures personalized attention and better wildlife sightings.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Tarangire National Park – Elephants and Baobabs

Your adventure begins early, with a pickup in Arusha around 7:30 am. The journey to Tarangire National Park is a scenic drive through rolling countryside dotted with majestic baobab trees and open plains. The park is renowned for its large herds of elephants and an astonishing variety of bird species—more than anywhere else in the world according to some reports. The Tarangire River, a constant water source, attracts abundant wildlife, making it a prime game-viewing spot.

Travelers have consistently appreciated the seamless organization of this part of the trip, with many mentioning how the guides keep the game drives lively and informative. As one reviewer puts it, “We enjoyed the trip, and the organization was second to none.”

After a morning game drive, you’ll settle in at your camp or lodge for lunch. The afternoon offers free time to relax by the pool or prepare for another round of wildlife watching in the park. Expect to see lions, monkeys, wildebeest, buffaloes, warthogs, zebras, and impalas—all within reach of your camera.

Day 2: Lake Manyara – Flamingoes and Tree-Climbing Lions

The next morning, after a hot breakfast, the journey continues to Lake Manyara National Park. This smaller park punches above its weight with a vibrant bird population and a surprise: the rare tree-climbing lions. Many travelers have expressed excitement about spotting these elusive predators, often declaring it a highlight of their trip.

The flocks of pink flamingoes on the lake’s surface are a sight to behold, making it a bird-watcher’s paradise. The park’s diverse habitats, from lush groundwater forests to open plains, support a variety of wildlife. Visitors frequently mention their appreciation for the beautiful scenery and the opportunity to see hippos up close at the hippo pool.

Like in Tarangire, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch before more game viewing in the afternoon. The reviews emphasize the educational value of the guides, who are well-informed about the flora and fauna, enhancing the overall experience.

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater – The Eighth Wonder

The final day is reserved for the Ngorongoro Crater, a true highlight of any Tanzanian safari. Departing early, you’ll descend 2,000 feet into the crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous wildlife destinations in Africa.

The crater’s ecosystem boasts the highest concentration of animals in Africa—lions, elephants, black rhinos, wildebeest, and more. Travelers often describe the scenery as breathtaking, with the crater rim providing panoramic views. The small size of the park makes wildlife easier to spot, and the density of animals on the crater floor is impressive.

Guides like Nasir have been praised for their local expertise and friendly attitude, making the experience both educational and safe. The trip wraps up with a descent back to Arusha, arriving by late afternoon.

The Value and Practicalities

At $779 per person, this 3-day package offers quite a bit of value, especially considering the included admission tickets, organized transportation, and meals. The small group size (up to six travelers) ensures a more intimate experience, with better chances of wildlife sightings and personalized attention.

The tour’s timing—starting at 7:30 am—is designed to maximize your time in the parks, avoiding the heat of midday and increasing animal activity. The accommodations and meals have been consistently praised for quality, which is essential after long game drives.

One of the biggest perks is the seamless organization—from pickup to drop-off, everything runs smoothly, freeing you up to focus on the experience. Travelers also appreciated the flexibility to relax during midday, a welcome change from more frenetic safaris.

Transportation & Group Size

The safari uses comfortable transportation, typically a 4×4 vehicle suitable for game viewing. The maximum group size of 6 travelers keeps the experience personalized, and the guides’ local knowledge significantly enhances wildlife sightings and understanding.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Planning flexibility is available with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind for travelers with unpredictable schedules.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This safari is ideal for those who want a high-quality, guided experience without the hassle of planning every detail. It’s perfect for first-timers wanting a well-rounded introduction to Tanzania’s northern parks, or repeat visitors seeking a compact, efficient trip. The focus on authentic wildlife encounters, combined with good organization and friendly guides, makes it suitable for families, couples, or small groups.

Travelers who enjoy small group adventures and value local knowledge will appreciate the personal touch. If you’re after luxury, this may be a bit more modest, but if you’re seeking value for money and genuine encounters, this trip hits the mark.

The Sum Up

This 3-day safari from Moorland Safari and Trekking offers a well-balanced, authentic, and value-packed introduction to northern Tanzania’s wildlife. The expert guides, stunning scenery, and carefully organized itinerary make it a standout choice, particularly for travelers with limited time but big wildlife dreams.

The trip’s small group setting fosters a more personal experience, and reviews highlight how much guides like Lucas and Nasir contribute to making the journey memorable. The combination of iconic parks—Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro—ensures a variety of landscapes and animals, from elephants and lions to flamingoes and hippos.

While the tour’s pace is brisk, it’s tailored for those who want to tick off the major highlights efficiently. If you’re seeking a trustworthy, engaging, and scenic safari that maximizes your chances of iconic sightings, this package is worth considering.

FAQs

Is pickup included in this tour?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from your Arusha meeting point, making logistics straightforward.

How long are the game drives each day?
Each day involves approximately 6 hours of game driving, allowing ample time to spot wildlife and enjoy the scenery.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 6 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.

Are meals included?
Yes, meals are included as part of the organization, with options for hot lunches during the day.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour starts, offering flexibility.

What are the main highlights of this safari?
Expect elephants in Tarangire, flamingoes and tree-climbing lions at Lake Manyara, and the incredible concentration of animals in Ngorongoro Crater.

Is this tour suitable for families or solo travelers?
Absolutely, the small group size and friendly guides make it suitable for all types of travelers who love wildlife and natural scenery.

This tour offers a fantastic, accessible way to experience some of Tanzania’s most famous parks. With careful organization, expert guides, and authentic wildlife encounters, it’s a trip that can truly define a memorable African adventure.