3 Days Joined Group Safari Ngorongoro,Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Park

Tanzania’s iconic wildlife and breathtaking scenery come together in a 3-day group safari that takes you through some of the country’s most celebrated parks. Whether you’re a seasoned safari enthusiast or a first-timer eager for a taste of Africa’s wild heart, this tour promises a blend of stunning views, diverse animals, and authentic cultural encounters.

What we love about this experience? First, the convenience of expertly guided game drives in modern 4×4 vehicles, allowing close-up wildlife viewing. Second, the chance to visit legendary sites like Ngorongoro Crater and the flamingo-flushed edges of Lake Manyara. And third, the authentic interactions with Maasai communities, offering a rare glimpse into local traditions.

A possible consideration? The busy schedule means some long days with early starts, which might be tiring for some travelers. However, for those who want to see a lot in a short time, this is a fantastic value.

This tour suits travelers seeking a balanced mix of wildlife, scenery, and cultural experiences, especially if they prefer guided group travel that maximizes efficiency without sacrificing authenticity.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Itinerary: Visits to Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro Crater—three of Tanzania’s most renowned parks.
• Expert Guides & Small Groups: Knowledgeable guides in a small group setting (max 6 travelers) enhance the experience.
• Comfort & Convenience: All accommodation, meals, and equipment are included, making logistics smooth.
• Authentic Encounters: Opportunities to meet Maasai families and learn about their way of life.
• Value for Money: At $738.47 per person, considering all included activities and accommodations, it offers solid value.
• Early Starts & Long Days: Be prepared for early mornings and full days of game drives.

Introduction: An Authentic Tanzanian Safari in 3 Days

Imagine a journey that condenses the best of Tanzania’s wildlife and landscapes into just three days. That’s exactly what this group safari offers. Designed for travelers eager to tick off some of Africa’s most famous parks without the hassle of planning every detail, this tour provides a well-organized, immersive adventure.

What sets this tour apart are three key elements. First, the expert guides and small group size—with a maximum of six travelers—meaning more personalized attention and better chances for wildlife sightings. Second, the diverse itinerary offers a varied mix of environments and animals, from the elephants of Tarangire to the flamingos of Lake Manyara and the Big Five in Ngorongoro. Third, the authentic cultural experience with visits to Maasai villages, giving you a richer understanding of local customs.

That said, the tour’s packed schedule involves early mornings and several hours of game drives each day. If you’re not a morning person or prefer a more leisurely pace, this might require some adjustment. Still, for those who want a comprehensive snapshot of Tanzania’s wildlife and scenery, this trip has a lot to offer.

What You’ll Love About This Safari

1. The Game Drives in Modern 4×4 Vehicles
Traveling in open-air, pop-up safari jeeps means you’re right in the action. The guides use their knowledge to find the best spots—whether it’s a cluster of elephants or a pride of lions—making every drive exciting. Reviewers have praised the professionalism of guides like Bernard and Dulla, citing their responsiveness and local expertise as highlights.

2. Visiting Iconic Parks
Tarangire is famous for its large elephant herds and distinctive baobab trees. Lake Manyara’s diverse habitats attract birdwatchers, especially flamingos, and offer lush, green landscapes. Ngorongoro Crater is a highlight, with its fertile volcanic soils supporting a dense concentration of wildlife, including big cats, rhinos, and buffalo. One reviewer called it a “safari of a lifetime,” emphasizing the awe of seeing the Big Five in a single day.

3. Authentic Cultural Encounters
The tour includes a visit to Maasai villages where you can meet local families, learn about their traditions, and perhaps even take part in simple activities. These moments provide a meaningful contrast to the wildlife viewing and deepen your appreciation of Tanzania’s rich cultural tapestry.

4. Quality Accommodation & Meals
Staying at the Fig Big Tree Lodge during the safari offers a comfortable base, with amenities like swimming pools and good dining options. All meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—are supplied, often at scenic picnic spots, allowing you to relax between game drives. Reviewers have appreciated the quality of the lodge and the variety of meals provided.

5. Value for Money
Priced at around $738.47 per person, the tour packs in a lot. Included are all park fees, guiding, accommodations, meals, and even some extras like drinking water and wine. This makes it an accessible, all-in-one safari experience that doesn’t skimp on quality.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Day 1: Tarangire National Park

Your adventure begins with an early breakfast at Arusha Tourist Hotel. The drive to Tarangire takes around two hours, giving you a chance to settle into the safari vibe. The park’s unique landscape, characterized by sparse vegetation and enormous baobabs, sets the scene for your first game drive. The park’s reputation for high concentrations of elephants and other wildlife makes it an excellent starting point.

After a picnic lunch at a designated site, you’ll spend about six hours exploring in a pop-up 4×4. Expect to see herds of elephants, giraffes, and possibly predators stalking prey. The day ends with dinner and an overnight stay at Fig Big Tree Lodge, where reviews mention the comfort and scenic setting as a highlight.

Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast, you’re off to Lake Manyara, just an hour’s drive away. This park’s diverse habitats—earthy underground water forests, lush woodlands, and alkaline lakes—are a haven for birdlife. Expect to spot flamingos, pelicans, and over 500 bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Your six-hour game drive will likely be filled with sightings of baboons, giraffes, and elephants. The park’s varied terrain offers great photo opportunities, especially at the lake’s edge where flamingos congregate. Lunch is again at a picnic site, with time to relax before returning to the lodge. Reviewers appreciated the scenery and the variety of wildlife, calling it “beautiful” and “a good scheduled safari.”

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater

The final day begins early with breakfast, followed by a drive to Ngorongoro, one of the most famous conservation areas in Africa. The crater, a massive volcanic caldera, is a natural amphitheater home to hundreds of species. As you descend into the crater, the landscape transforms into an abundant wildlife reserve—expect to see lions, rhinos, elephants, and possibly even cheetahs.

You’ll spend at least six hours exploring the crater floor, with a picnic lunch included. The crater’s fertile environment supports a dense concentration of animals and offers some of the best photographic moments of the trip. Post-lunch, you’ll begin the drive back to Arusha, ending your safari with a final dinner at the Arusha Tourist Inn.

Practical Details & What to Expect

Transportation & Group Size:
Traveling in a small group (up to six travelers), you’ll enjoy a more personalized experience. The modern, open-air 4×4 jeeps are designed for optimal wildlife viewing and comfort. The drives are scheduled early in the morning and throughout the day, with some long stretches—so packing snacks and water is wise.

Meals & Accommodation:
All meals are included, mostly enjoyed at scenic picnic spots or at the lodge. Accommodation during the safari is at the Fig Big Tree Lodge, which reviewers describe as comfortable, with amenities like a swimming pool and good food.

Guides & Language:
Guides speak English, Spanish, and French, making communication accessible for many travelers. The guides’ local knowledge and responsiveness received praise, often making the game drives educational and fun.

Cost & Value:
At $738.47, the tour offers comprehensive inclusions—park fees, lodging, meals, park visits, and guiding. Considering the quality of the experience and the diversity of sites visited, it’s a solid value for a three-day safari.

Timing & Group Size:
The tour starts early at 7:00 am from Arusha, with pickups arranged at the beginning. The maximum of six travelers ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the small group helps facilitate more flexible and engaging safaris.

What Reviewers Say

Feedback on this tour highlights the professionalism of guides like Bernard and Dulla, with one reviewer mentioning Bernard’s organization and responsiveness. Guests have also appreciated the scenic beauty, with some calling their experience “a safari of a lifetime.” The combination of well-planned logistics, comfortable accommodations, and knowledgeable guides creates a well-rounded safari experience.

One reviewer noted the beauty of the hotel (Fig Tree Lodge) with a swimming pool, adding to the comfort after long days of game drives. Another mentioned the excellent scheduled nature of the itinerary, which maximizes wildlife sightings and cultural interactions.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Safari Best For?

This 3-day group safari is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive, well-organized introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife and landscapes without the hassle of planning each detail. It offers great value with inclusions that cover transport, lodgings, meals, and cultural experiences, making it perfect for those with a limited timeframe but a strong desire to see the Big Five and iconic parks.

If you’re someone who appreciates small group sizes, expert guides, and authentic encounters, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s especially suitable if you prefer a structured itinerary that balances wildlife, scenery, and culture.

While the schedule can be intense with early mornings, the overall experience is enriched by the variety of landscapes and the opportunity to meet Maasai families, making it a well-rounded adventure for first-timers and seasoned safari lovers alike.

FAQ

What is included in the price?
The price covers all activities, park fees, guiding services, accommodations, meals during the safari, and transfers from Arusha. It also includes supplies like drinking water, wine, and all camping equipment if applicable.

Are airport transfers included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off at Arusha Airport or a designated meeting point.

What is the group size?
The tour accommodates a maximum of 6 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and flexible experience.

Are meals provided?
Yes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included, often at scenic picnic spots or the lodge.

What kind of vehicle is used for game drives?
A modern, open-aired 4×4 safari jeep is used, facilitating good wildlife viewing and photo opportunities.

Can I customize the tour or add activities?
Additional activities like a day tour or walking safaris can be arranged on request, with some reviews mentioning flexibility.

What should I pack?
Bring comfortable clothing for hot daytime weather, a hat, camera, sunglasses, and some snacks and water for long drives.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally suitable for most travelers, but inquire about age restrictions or specific needs if traveling with young children.

What is the best time of year for this safari?
While not specified, Tanzania’s dry season (June to October) typically offers better wildlife viewing conditions.

In summary, this 3-day guided group safari offers a balanced, value-packed taste of Tanzania’s most iconic parks, combining wildlife, culture, and scenic beauty. It’s perfect for travelers wanting an efficient, comfortable, and authentic experience with expert guides and small groups. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply eager to see the Big Five, this tour delivers a memorable adventure that captures the essence of Africa.