A full afternoon in Tarangire instead of a drive-through.
Escarpment night above Lake Manyara, forest and floodplain the next morning.
Crater descent with a picnic on the floor, then the road home to Arusha.
Overview
Three days is the shortest loop that does not feel like theft. You sleep twice in the highlands, you see three different habitats, and you still miss the Serengeti. We say that in the first paragraph because other companies bury it.
Day one is Tarangire. Day two is Manyara in the morning and a transfer toward Karatu. Day three is Ngorongoro. The two-day trip drops Manyara; the four-day trip finally adds Serengeti hours.
This is also the itinerary we give to families flying out of JRO on day three in the evening, as long as the flight is not before 6 p.m.
Day1Tarangire National ParkTarangire National Park
Arusha to Tarangire after breakfast. River circuit, picnic, then a last drive toward the gate. Overnight on the Manyara escarpment or in Mto wa Mbu, depending on the lodge we confirmed.
Day2Lake Manyara to KaratuLake Manyara National Park
Morning in the groundwater forest and on the floodplain. Tree-climbing lions if they are using the groves. Afternoon transfer to Karatu with a village or market stop only if you ask for one.
Day3Ngorongoro Crater to ArushaNgorongoro Conservation Area
Crater floor from the descent road, picnic, climb out, tarmac to Arusha. Drop at hotel or airport.
Photos from the trip
What’s included
Park and conservation fees for the itinerary as written
Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof and a TeenVibe driver-guide
Nights in the lodges or tented camps named on your quote, full board while on safari
Bottled water in the vehicle
Airport or hotel collection in Arusha at the start, and drop-off at the end
AMREF flying-doctor evacuation cover while you are on this safari
Not included
International flights and Tanzania visa
Lunches on arrival and departure days in Arusha unless the quote says otherwise
Balloon flight, Maasai boma visits and other extras not written on the day plan
Drinks at the lodge, laundry, and tips for guide, cook and camp staff
Travel insurance (required) and any COVID or medical tests
Prices by season
Per person in USD, 2026 rates, based on 2 travellers sharing.
High season
1 Jun – 31 Oct
$1,290
Shoulder season
1 Jan – 31 Mar
$1,190
Shoulder season
1 Nov – 15 Dec
$1,190
Green season
Best value
1 Apr – 31 May
$1,090
Travelling in a group? You save
Per-person price for the Green season rate.
1 traveller
$1,657
--52%
2 travellers
$1,090
-0%
3 travellers
$1,057
-3%
4 travellers
$1,036
-5%
5 travellers
$1,014
-7%
6 travellers
$992
-9%
7 travellers
$981
-10%
8 travellers
$970
-11%
Frequently asked questions
Will we see the Big Five?
Buffalo, elephant and lion are likely across the three parks. Leopard is luck. Rhino is a crater maybe. We do not print Big Five on the invoice as a promise.
Joining or private?
Both. Joining uses a shared 4x4 up to 7 people. Private is your vehicle, your photo stops.
