What You Need to Know: The 3-day Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro safari costs from US$1,320 per person for 2 travelers at mid-range level (US$1,090 budget, US$1,780 luxury), with two nights in Karatu and no long drives. It is our recommended 3-day safari after a Kilimanjaro climb or for families. To add the Serengeti, see the 4-day Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari.
Is the 3-Day Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Safari Right for You?
Choose this for three parks with short drives: after a Kilimanjaro climb, with children, or if you simply don't want hours in the vehicle. It doesn't include the Serengeti; if that is your priority, take the 3-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari or add a day.
| This safari suits you if… | Consider another safari if… |
|---|---|
| You want three parks with short drives | The Serengeti is a must: the 3-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro |
| You have just climbed Kilimanjaro | You can add a day: the 4-day Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro |
| You are traveling with children | You have only two days: the 2-day Tarangire and Ngorongoro |
The 3-Day Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Safari Route at a Glance
Arusha – Tarangire – Karatu – Lake Manyara – Karatu – Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha.
| Day | Route | Driving or flying | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arusha – Tarangire – Karatu | About 2.5 hours, then 2 hours | Karatu |
| 2 | Karatu – Lake Manyara – Karatu | About 30–45 minutes each way | Karatu |
| 3 | Karatu – Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha | 4–5 hours after the crater | — |
3-Day Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Safari Itinerary, Day by Day
Day 1 is Tarangire, Day 2 is Lake Manyara and Day 3 is the Ngorongoro Crater, with both nights in the same Karatu lodge, so you unpack only once.
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Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire, then Karatu
About 2.5 hours to Tarangire for a day of game drives along the river, with your lunch box at a picnic site, then about 2 hours to Karatu.
Elephants and baobabsTarangireLunch box, dinner -
Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park
A game drive through groundwater forest, woodland and along the lake shore, with lunch in the park, then back up the escarpment to Karatu for a relaxed evening.
Forest, lake and birdsLake ManyaraBreakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater, return to Arusha
An early crater game drive with a picnic lunch, then the drive back to Arusha, arriving in the evening.
The crater floorNgorongoroBreakfast, picnic lunch
How Much Does the 3-Day Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Safari Cost?
The 3-day Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro safari costs from US$1,320 per person for 2 travelers at mid-range level, US$1,090 on a budget basis and US$1,780 at luxury level. Two nights outside the parks in Karatu keep it one of our lower-priced multi-park trips.
| Travelers | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | US$1,725 | US$2,110 | US$2,535 |
| 2 | US$1,090 | US$1,320 | US$1,780 |
| 3 | US$860 | US$1,060 | US$1,500 |
| 4 | US$795 | US$1,025 | US$1,480 |
| 5 | US$715 | US$925 | US$1,375 |
| 6 | US$695 | US$925 | US$1,385 |
Park fees on the 3-Day Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Safari
All of these fees are already in the price; the 2026 rates are listed for reference:
| Fee | 2026 rate (incl. VAT) |
|---|---|
| Tarangire National Park | About US$59 per person per 24 hours |
| Lake Manyara National Park | About US$59 per person per 24 hours |
| Ngorongoro Conservation Area (also charged when you drive through) | US$70.80 per person per 24 hours |
| Ngorongoro crater service fee | US$295 per vehicle per descent |
What the 3-Day Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Safari Price Includes
The price covers:
- Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and your own driver-guide
- All park fees and the Ngorongoro crater service fee
- 2 nights' accommodation at the level you choose
- Lunch box on Day 1; other meals at your lodges
- Drinking water in the vehicle
Not included in the 3-Day Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Safari price
Budget separately for:
- International flights and visas (US$100 for US citizens)
- Tanzania's mandatory inbound travel insurance, US$44 per adult from October 1, 2026 (we can help you buy it)
- Travel insurance, including medical evacuation
- Tips for your guide and lodge staff
- Drinks at lodges and personal items
- Arusha hotel nights and airport transfers, which we can add
- Optional activities such as a Serengeti balloon flight
When Is the Best Time for the 3-Day Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Safari?
Tarangire is best from June to October, when elephants crowd the river; Lake Manyara and the crater are good all year.
Which 3-Day Safari Should You Choose?
Our two 3-day safaris both end in the crater. The difference is the Serengeti, and the driving that comes with it.
| Tarangire, Manyara, Ngorongoro | Serengeti and Ngorongoro | |
|---|---|---|
| Parks | 3 | 2 |
| Long drives | None | Days 1 and 2 |
| Serengeti | No | One night |
| Price from (2, mid-range) | US$1,320 | US$1,565 |
See the 3-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari.
How to Book the 3-Day Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Safari
Send your dates, group size and the lodge level you'd like in Karatu via the form, WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or jaynevytours@gmail.com. A 30% deposit holds it, the remainder is paid on arrival, and refunds are described in our terms.
Each park has its own guide: Tarangire, Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater. If you want the Serengeti after all, compare this trip with our 3-day Serengeti and crater safari.
Common Questions About the 3-Day Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Safari
Which is better: this or the 3-day Serengeti safari?
This one has shorter drives and three parks. The Serengeti version has the Serengeti but long driving days.
Is this safari private?
Yes, private: your own driver-guide and Land Cruiser, never more than 6 guests in it.
Is there Wi-Fi in the vehicle?
Yes, with charging points too; inside the parks the connection comes and goes.
Should You Book the 3-Day Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Safari?
For three days without long drives, this is the safari we recommend: elephants in Tarangire, forest and birds at Lake Manyara, and the crater, with both nights in Karatu. Add a day if you want the Serengeti.