3 Day Adventure Camping – Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater
Price Per Person (USD)
Overview
3-Day Tarangire, Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Crater Camping Safari
This 3-day budget-friendly camping safari is the perfect choice for travellers who want to experience three of Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations in a short, action-packed itinerary. Ideal for first-time safari-goers, adventurous travellers, or those with limited time, this journey combines the drama of Tarangire’s elephant-studded landscapes, the beauty and biodiversity of Lake Manyara, and the unrivalled wildlife density of the Ngorongoro Crater.
With all camping equipment provided, knowledgeable guides, and seamless logistics from start to finish, this safari offers an authentic, close-to-nature adventure without sacrificing comfort. Each day delivers incredible wildlife encounters — from Tarangire’s famous baobabs and herds of elephants, to Lake Manyara’s tree-climbing lions and flamingos, to the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, home to the Big Five and one of the most concentrated wildlife populations on Earth.
For travellers seeking a compact, immersive, and unforgettable Tanzanian safari, this 3-day itinerary delivers exceptional value, diverse ecosystems, and classic African wildlife moments at every turn.
Key Highlights
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Visit three iconic parks: Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and the Ngorongoro Crater
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See Tarangire’s elephants, baobab forests, and rich wildlife along the river
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Spot tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and large baboon troops in Lake Manyara
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Descend into Ngorongoro Crater — one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five
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Enjoy game drives at peak wildlife activity, including early morning sightings
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Experience authentic safari camping with all equipment provided
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Ideal for travellers wanting a short, affordable, and adventure-filled safari experience
Included/Excluded
- MealsÂ
- Game drive Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater
- vehicle feesÂ
- Park fees & camping fees
- Own chef
- Camping equipment
- Guide feesÂ
- AMREF AirliftÂ
- Coffee & TeaÂ
- Bottled WaterÂ
- Return Airport or hotel transfers
- Guide tips
- Chef tips
- Alcoholic beverages
- Additional activities not
- listed in inclusions
- Personal items required
- Personal Travel insurance
- Tanzania Visa entry fee
Tour Plan
Day 1
Day 1 – Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Collect guests from their accommodation in Arusha or from Kilimanjaro International Airport and begin the journey to Tarangire National Park. Enter the park by mid-morning and enjoy a full day of game viewing among Tarangire’s iconic baobab trees, sweeping savannahs, and large elephant herds. The park’s river system draws an abundance of wildlife, offering excellent sightings throughout the day.
Settle into camp in the evening and enjoy dinner surrounded by the sounds of the African bush.
Accommodation: Tarangire Public Campsite
Board Basis: Full Board
Approx. Drive Time: 2–3 hours from Arusha / 3–3.5 hours from Kilimanjaro Airport
Day 2
Day 2 – Tarangire National Park to Ngorongoro Crater Rim
Rise early for a light breakfast before setting out on an early morning game drive in Tarangire National Park. Early hours offer some of the best wildlife activity, with predators still on the move and large elephant herds beginning their day along the riverbanks.
Return to camp by mid-morning for an early lunch, then depart for Lake Manyara National Park. Spend the afternoon game viewing in this compact but wildlife-rich park, known for its groundwater forest, flamingo-fringed lake, large baboon troops, and the famous tree-climbing lions.
Continue onward to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, arriving in the early evening at Simba Campsite, perched on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Enjoy sweeping highland views as you settle in for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Simba Public Campsite
Board Basis: Full Board
Approx. Drive Time: 3–4 hours total (including Tarangire → Manyara → Ngorongoro)
Day 3
Day 3 – Ngorongoro Crater to Kilimanjaro International Airport
Rise before dawn for breakfast, then descend into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater for a full morning of game viewing (6-hour pass). Explore the crater floor’s diverse habitats — from open grasslands to swamps and acacia woodland — with excellent chances of spotting lions, elephants, buffalo, hyenas, abundant plains game, and, with luck, the endangered black rhino.
Enjoy lunch at the Hippo Pool, a peaceful spot where hippos wallow and birdlife thrives along the water’s edge.
After lunch, ascend the crater walls and begin the return journey to Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your tour concludes.
Accommodation: —
Board Basis: Breakfast & Lunch
Approx. Drive Time: 4–5 hours (Ngorongoro to Kilimanjaro Airport, excluding crater tour)
