Zanzibar: 3-Day Northern Safari with Flights Included

Zanzibar: 3-Day Northern Safari with Flights Included offers an exciting glimpse into Tanzania’s iconic national parks, all packed into a short, well-organized trip starting from Zanzibar. This tour combines convenient flights, experienced guides, and carefully selected accommodations, making it a popular choice for travelers eager to see the Big Five and more without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

What really makes this experience shine are the chance to see amazing wildlife in some of Tanzania’s most famous parks, the comfort of included flights saving travel time, and staying overnight right next to Lake Manyara, giving you an authentic, close-up view of Africa’s wilderness. The only thing to consider might be the limited seat availability on flights, which could mean needing some flexibility with your travel dates.

This tour is perfect for those with a passion for wildlife, a desire to maximize their African adventure in a short time, and who appreciate organized, guided experiences that take care of the logistics. If you enjoy a mix of scenic landscapes, abundant animals, and comfort, this safari will suit you nicely.

Key Points

• Efficient itinerary covering three top parks in just 3 days
• Includes flights from Zanzibar to Arusha and back, saving travel time
• Wildlife highlights include the Big Five and tree-climbing lions
• Unique overnight stay next to Lake Manyara enhances immersion
• Expert guides with local knowledge enrich the experience
• Full board accommodation in carefully selected lodges

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Breakdown of the Zanzibar 3-Day Northern Safari

Starting Your Adventure: From Zanzibar to Tanzania’s Wilderness

The trip kicks off with a morning transfer from your hotel in Zanzibar to the airport, followed by a flight to Arusha. The inclusion of domestic flights is a major perk here, especially considering the vast distances in Tanzania. While the flights are limited in availability, they significantly cut down travel time, allowing you to spend more time on game drives rather than in transit.

Once you land in Arusha, a knowledgeable driver-guide will be waiting to whisk you off to Tarangire National Park. This park is famous for its scenic baobab trees and the largest population of elephants in northern Tanzania. We loved how the guide, with their keen spotter’s eyes and friendly demeanor, provided insightful commentary on the park’s unique landscape and animal behaviors, which added depth to our game drives.

Day 1: Safari in Tarangire National Park

Expect a full day dedicated to game viewing in Tarangire. It’s a landscape of contrasting dry plains punctuated by towering baobabs and lush river valleys, creating captivating views at every turn. The park’s elephants are a major attraction, often seen grazing in large herds, and the guides are skilled at locating elusive predators if they’re around.

The reviews mention “3 parks in one visit with a lot of animals,” emphasizing the diversity and abundance of wildlife here. You’ll also have opportunities to see giraffes, lions, and perhaps even cheetahs or hyenas. The guide’s expertise ensures you get the most out of your drive, with some travelers noting the friendly, knowledgeable guide driver who made the experience memorable.

Overnight accommodation is at Africa Safari Lake Manyara, conveniently located right next to Lake Manyara. This proximity means you might spot some animals grazing near the camp even from your tent or lodge, adding to the immersive feeling of the safari.

Day 2: The Crown Jewel – Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, the journey continues with a full-day game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater, often called the “8th Wonder of the World.” This volcanic caldera is packed with wildlife, including the Big Five, and provides some of the most iconic safari scenery in Africa. The crater’s lush grasslands, salt lake, and abundant wildlife make for extraordinary viewing.

The reviews highlight how the crater is a “must-see” destination, with the chance to see elephants, lions, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards in one place. The fact that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site underlines its importance and beauty. The guides are adept at spotting animals in the dense vegetation, often pointing out details that even experienced travelers might miss.

Overnight stays remain at Africa Safari Lake Manyara, allowing for a relaxed evening after a busy day of wildlife viewing.

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Day 3: Lake Manyara and Return to Zanzibar

The final morning starts with a game drive in Lake Manyara National Park itself, famous for its tree-climbing lions—a rare sight that travelers often remember vividly. The park’s varied terrain, from acacia forests to soda lakes, offers a different perspective from the previous parks.

The reviews mention the beautiful environment and how the wildlife is often seen grazing around the camp. After this final game drive, your driver-guide will transfer you back to Arusha, where you’ll catch the flight back to Zanzibar. The return flight makes this trip ideal for those with limited time who still want a comprehensive safari experience.

Practical Details: What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour offers excellent value considering the length and inclusions. The package covers:

• Park fees, landing fees, and village taxes, ensuring no out-of-pocket surprises
• Private guided safaris with experienced drivers who know the parks
• Full-board accommodation at a well-located lodge
• Domestic flights between Zanzibar and Arusha, a big time-saver

Not included are international flights, visas, and travel insurance, which are standard for such packages. The tour also mentions optional accommodations, like Africa Safari Rift Valley or Africa Safari Karatu, for those seeking alternative options or specific preferences.

The tour is priced at $1,989 per person, which might seem steep at first glance, but considering the flights, park fees, guide services, and accommodations, it offers a very practical way to see a lot in a short time. Travelers who value comfort and convenience will appreciate the full organization that takes the hassle out of planning Tanzania safaris.

What Travelers Say

Reviewers rate this experience at 4.7 out of 5, with comments like “Super” and “3 parks in one visit with a lot of animals.” These quick summaries suggest an efficient, rewarding adventure with plenty of wildlife and scenic views. The guides receive praise for their friendliness and knowledge, which enhances the overall impression.

Who Will Love This Safari?

This 3-day journey is ideal for travelers who want to see big game in their natural habitat without dedicating multiple weeks to Tanzania safaris. It’s well-suited to those who appreciate organized tours that handle logistics, as well as anyone eager to experience iconic parks like Ngorongoro and Tarangire in a short window.

If you’re after a comfortable, guided experience that maximizes wildlife sightings and offers impressive scenery, this safari will suit you perfectly. However, it might not be ideal for travelers with back or heart problems, or those needing wheelchair access, as the tour isn’t tailored for mobility issues.

The Sum Up

This Zanzibar-based safari offers an excellent balance of convenience, wildlife viewing, and authentic experience. The flights save time and add a layer of comfort, while the parks visited are among Tanzania’s most celebrated, ensuring you’ll encounter some of Africa’s greatest treasures. The overnight stay near Lake Manyara adds a special touch, allowing for early morning animal sightings and a more intimate connection with nature.

The experience is best suited for adventurous travelers who value guided expertise, scenic landscapes, and animal encounters. It’s especially appealing for those with limited time but a serious interest in African wildlife. The tour’s thoughtful design ensures you’ll leave with unforgettable memories of elephants, lions, and perhaps even the elusive tree-climbing lions.

This safari combines the essentials of a top-tier African adventure in a package that’s both practical and inspiring.

FAQ

Are international flights included?
No, the tour only covers domestic flights between Zanzibar and Arusha. You’ll need to arrange your international flights separately.

What should I bring for the safari?
Bring your passport or ID card, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, and camera. Since accommodations are full board, packing some snacks for long drives can also be helpful.

Is this tour suitable for families?
The tour isn’t explicitly labeled for families, and it mentions that it’s not suitable for people with certain health or mobility issues. Check the details with your provider if traveling with children.

Will I see the Big Five?
Yes, the Ngorongoro Crater is famous for the Big Five, making it a highlight of this tour.

How many people are in each vehicle?
While not specified, private guided safaris typically involve small groups or private vehicles, enhancing the experience and comfort.

Can I book the tour with flexible payment options?
Yes, you can reserve your spot and pay later, offering flexibility in planning.

Is the accommodation air-conditioned?
The provided info does not specify, but lodges like Africa Safari Lake Manyara generally offer comfortable amenities suitable for safari travelers.

What if flights aren’t available on my preferred date?
The tour notes that flights are limited, and your departure might need rescheduling to match flight availability.

Are there vegetarian or special meal options?
Since full-board is included, dietary requests should be communicated in advance; most lodges accommodate special diets.

What’s the best time of year to join?
While not specified, Tanzania’s dry season (June to October) is generally preferred for wildlife viewing, but you might find animals in the parks year-round.

This safari offers a well-rounded, immersive taste of Tanzania’s wildlife with the convenience of included flights and guided expertise. It’s a smart choice for those who want a compact, memorable adventure filled with iconic scenery and animal encounters.

You can check availability for your dates here: