
3 Day Safari - Tarangire & Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Elephant Herds by Day, the Big Five in Africa's Greatest Crater
Overview
About This Safari
This three-day safari builds on the classic Tarangire experience with a full day inside the Ngorongoro Crater - the world's largest intact volcanic caldera and one of Africa's most extraordinary wildlife sanctuaries.
Day one is spent in Tarangire National Park, home to Tanzania's highest concentration of elephants and a landscape of ancient baobab trees found almost nowhere else. Day two transfers you up onto the Ngorongoro highlands, with sweeping views over the conservation area from the crater rim. Day three descends into the crater itself - 260 kmยฒ of self-contained ecosystem where lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and black rhino share the grassland, forest and soda lake floor.
Sightings inside Ngorongoro are exceptional by any safari standard, and combined with Tarangire's elephant herds, this itinerary delivers the Big Five and more in just three days.
Trip Highlights
Quick Facts
Day by Day
Detailed Itinerary
Every day has been carefully planned for optimal acclimatization, scenery, and experience.
The Experience
Early pickup and drive south to Tarangire National Park for a full-day game drive along the river circuit. Tarangire holds Tanzania's highest elephant density, with super-herds of 200 or more converging on the Tarangire River during the dry season. Ancient baobab trees tower over the open woodland, sheltering lion and leopard, while giraffe, zebra and impala roam the plains. Overnight at a lodge just outside the park.
Key Highlights
Trip Logistics
Distance
โ 2.5 hours from Arusha
What's Included
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
- All park & crater entrance fees
- Expert TANAPA-certified safari guide
- 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- 2 nights lodge accommodation
- All meals as per itinerary
- Hotel pickup & drop-off (Arusha)
- Bottled water in vehicle
- Government taxes & VAT
Not Included
- International flights
- Tanzania visa ($50)
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips for guide & lodge staff
- Personal items & souvenirs
Transparent Pricing
Prices & Booking
All prices are per person. Larger groups enjoy better rates.
* All prices per person. Park & crater fees, 2 nights accommodation, meals as per itinerary, guide & vehicle included.
Photos
Trip Gallery
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Ngorongoro Crater offers the best chance of all five on a single day. Lion, elephant, buffalo and black rhino are very reliable, and Tarangire adds further elephant and leopard opportunities. Leopard sightings are less predictable but do occur regularly.
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