3-Day Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara Safari
Tanzania Northern Circuit Tour
From $650 USD / Per Person
This exciting 3-day, 2-night safari immerses you in the diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes of Tanzania’s renowned Northern Safari Circuit. Departing from Arusha, you’ll explore three of the country’s most iconic national parks, offering an incredible array of wildlife encounters and unforgettable experiences.
This itinerary is perfect for those seeking a comprehensive yet concise safari experience, maximizing wildlife sightings and diverse landscapes in a short timeframe.
When is the best time to go on a Tanzania safari?
The best time depends on what you want to experience.
- June to October (dry season) is ideal for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around water sources and vegetation is thinner.
- January to March is perfect for the Great Migration calving season in the southern Serengeti National Park.
- April and May are the rainy months, offering fewer crowds and lower prices, but more challenging travel conditions.
Overall, Tanzania offers excellent safari experiences year-round.
What animals can I expect to see?
Tanzania is one of the best wildlife destinations in the world.
You can expect to see:
- Lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos (the Big Five)
- Giraffes, zebras, wildebeest
- Hippos and crocodiles
Top parks include:
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Tarangire National Park
Each park offers a different landscape and wildlife experience.
How many days do I need for a safari?
A typical safari lasts:
- 5–7 days → ideal for first-time visitors
- 7–10 days → more relaxed and covers multiple parks
- 10+ days → includes remote areas or beach extensions (e.g., Zanzibar)
Shorter safaris are possible, but longer trips provide a richer experience.
Is a Tanzania safari safe?
Yes — Tanzania is considered a safe and well-established safari destination.
- Lodges and camps follow strict safety standards
- Professional guides are trained and experienced
- Wildlife encounters are managed carefully
As with any travel, it’s important to follow your guide’s instructions and basic travel precautions.
How much does a Tanzania safari cost?
Safari costs vary widely depending on:
- Level of accommodation (budget, mid-range, luxury)
- Number of days
- Season
- Included services (flights, private guide, etc.)
Typical ranges:
- Budget: $200–400 per person/day
- Mid-range: $400–800 per person/day
- Luxury: $800–1500+ per person/day
The Safari Calculator you’re building helps generate accurate pricing based on all these factors.
Public Campsite
| Group Size | Per Person |
| 2 Pax | $1,300 |
| 4 Pax | $800 |
| 6 Pax | $600 |
| 8 Pax | $800 |
| 10 Pax | $670 |
| 11–12 Pax | $650 |
Lodge Safari
| Group Size | Per Person |
| 2 Pax | $1,400 |
| 4 Pax | $1,000 |
| 6 Pax | $800 |
| 8 Pax | $1,000 |
| 11–12 Pax | $750 |
Highlights
- Tarangire: Massive elephant herds & iconic baobab trees.
- Ngorongoro Crater: “Big Five” wildlife in a stunning caldera.
- Lake Manyara: Unique tree-climbing lions & diverse birdlife.
- Convenient: Starts and ends in Arusha (or JRO).
- Choice: Public Campsite or Safari Lodge accommodation.
Turn your dream safari into reality with Wanyama African Safaris.
Customize every detail of your journey to match your preferences, using flexible sample itineraries as your starting point. Our experienced safari specialists work closely with you to design a personalized adventure that reflects your vision and delivers an unforgettable travel experience.
Day 1: Tarangire National Park
Begin your adventure with a full day of game drives in Tarangire, famous for its massive elephant herds, majestic baobab trees, and diverse plains game. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush before settling in for dinner and overnight at either Jua Public Campsite or At Bougainvillea Safari Lodge.
Jua Public Campsite: For an authentic, immersive camping experience under the vast African sky.
Bougainvillea Safari Lodge: For comfortable rooms, modern amenities, and a relaxing lodge atmosphere.
Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater
Wake up to the sounds of the African bush. After an early breakfast, you’ll embark on your final morning game drive in Serengeti National Park. This early start often provides prime opportunities to witness predator activity, such as lions hunting or hyenas scavenging, before the heat of the day sets in.
- Morning Game Drive: Continue your exploration of the Serengeti, focusing on areas known for diverse wildlife sightings and potentially the Great Migration (seasonal). Capture those last iconic photos of this magnificent ecosystem.
- Lunch in the Serengeti: A satisfying lunch will be served, providing energy for the afternoon’s journey.
- Drive to Ngorongoro: In the afternoon, you will begin your scenic drive out of the Serengeti and into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You’ll ascend to the rim of the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
- Dinner & Overnight: Settle in for dinner and overnight at your chosen lodge or campsite, ready for tomorrow’s exploration of the crater.
Jua Public Campsite: For an authentic, immersive camping experience under the vast African sky.
Bougainvillea Safari Lodge: For comfortable rooms, modern amenities, and a relaxing lodge atmosphere.
Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park
Conclude your safari with a full day of game viewing in Lake Manyara National Park. This park is unique for its tree-climbing lions, large troops of baboons, and a vibrant birdlife, including thousands of flamingos along the lake shore. Enjoy a final picnic lunch before driving back to Arusha for drop-off or transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your onward flight.
What is included:
- Land cruiser safari jeep in Private or group with a pop-up roof for best game viewing;
- Fuel/gasoline,
- Services of a courteous & professional English speaking Driver/guide(s)
- Bottled mineral water in the vehicle,
- Accommodation as shown,
- Meals as shown (B-Breakfast; L-Lunch and D-Dinner), applicable Park entrance fees,
- Camping fees,
- Game viewing and adventure activities as shown,
- Medical emergency evacuation cover (to Arusha, does not include hospitalization) 1.5 litre of mineral water per person per day,
- All camping equipments like tent,
- Sleeping bag and mattresses on the tour and government taxes and levies and airport transfers
What is excluded:
International flights
Travel insurance
Visa fees for Tanzania
Tips for guides and staff
Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, drinks)
Optional activities (balloon safaris, village visits, night drives)
Vaccinations or medical preparations (e.g. malaria tablets, yellow fever shots)
Tailor Made Tours
Custom safari itinerary for you.
Let us plan your dream holiday!
Why Wanyama African Safari?
- Price Guarantee
- We Know Tanzania
- Unique Experience
- Fast Friendly Response
- 24/7 Support
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