3-Day Lake Manyara & Tarangire National Park Safari – This 3-day trip takes you to the northern part of Tanzania, beginning with breakfast in Arusha, lunch in Tarangire National Park, and ending with a final breakfast at Lake Manyara National Park.
Tarangire National Park is the closest conservation area to Arusha City, while Lake Manyara National Park is nestled between Lake Manyara and the Great Rift Valley. Both parks are known for hosting the rare tree-climbing lions. This trip highlights Africa’s Big Five—lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffaloes—as well as breathtaking landscapes and lush vegetation. Activities include game drives, photography, sightseeing, bird watching, and cultural experiences. Enjoy a taste of local dishes and learn a few Swahili words. All accommodations, transfers, and arrangements are provided.
Detailed Trip
Day 1: Pick-Up and Transfer to Tarangire National Park – Sunset Game Drive
Today, meet your driver at the agreed pick-up point in Arusha City. After a briefing on the itinerary, you’ll begin the 1-2 hour drive to Tarangire National Park, passing through the outskirts of Arusha with scenic views of rolling hills and plantations. Arrive early at the park headquarters for registration, then proceed to the lodge for check-in and lunch.
At around 15:00, set off for the first game drive of the day, lasting about 2-3 hours in the cooler evening hours when animals are winding down from the day’s activities. Besides the stunning landscape and the Tarangire River, you may spot a variety of birds, plants, primates, reptiles, prey, and predators.
Wildlife sightings may include elephants, wildebeests, lions, leopards, giraffes, rhinos, warthogs, waterbuck, zebras, olive baboons, elands, Grant’s gazelles, cheetahs, African wild dogs, dik-diks, banded mongooses, and more. The park features acacia woodlands, baobab trees, and combretum woodlands. At sunset, return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 2: Drive to Lake Manyara National Park – Game Drive
After a delicious breakfast at the lodge, depart for Lake Manyara National Park, a journey of about one hour. Enjoy an en-route stopover for lunch and relaxation, taking in stunning views of the landscape and plantations along the way.
Arrive at the park in the evening, register, and embark on a 2-3 hour night game drive. The sunset game drive offers an excellent chance to spot nocturnal animals and night hunters such as lions, leopards, owls, hyenas, cheetahs, and more. After the drive, proceed to your lodge for check-in, dinner, and a restful night.
Day 3: Departure – Cultural Encounter
Begin the day with a hearty breakfast at the lodge. Then, set off on a 2-3 hour drive back to Arusha. En route, stop at Mto wa Mbu town for a cultural exchange with the renowned Maasai warriors. During the two-hour visit, you’ll explore the Manyattas, experience the life of these seasoned pastoralists, enjoy local performances, and have the opportunity to purchase local crafts as souvenirs.
Afterward, continue the drive with a stop for lunch before reaching your preferred drop-off point, marking the end of your three-day safari in northern Tanzania.
End of Safari.
