Day 1: Tarangire National Park

• Morning:
  
  

  • Pick-up from Arusha or your hotel (typically around 7:00 AM).

  • Drive to Tarangire National Park (about 2 hours from Arusha).

• Mid-Morning:
  
  

  • Arrive in Tarangire for a morning game drive.

  • Tarangire is known for its large elephant population and distinctive baobab trees. The park also offers great opportunities for seeing lions, giraffes, zebras, and various bird species.

• Lunch:
  
  

  • Enjoy a packed lunch at a designated picnic spot or a lodge inside the park.

• Afternoon:
  
  

  • Continue with an afternoon game drive in the park to explore more wildlife and the scenic landscapes.

• Evening:
  
  

  • Head to your accommodation near Tarangire or a nearby lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park & Drive to Ngorongoro Crater

• Morning:
  
  

  • After breakfast, depart from your accommodation and head to Lake Manyara National Park (about 1 hour drive).

• Mid-Morning:
  
  

  • Explore the park’s diverse habitats: lush rainforests, grasslands, and the alkaline lake itself. Manyara is known for its tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and large herds of elephants.

• Lunch:
  
  

  • Enjoy a picnic lunch near the lake or at a lodge near the park entrance.

• Afternoon:
  
  

  • After your game drive in Lake Manyara, drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area (approximately 2.5-3 hours). The scenic drive offers incredible views as you approach the crater.

• Evening:
  
  

  • Check into your lodge or tented camp near the Ngorongoro Crater rim, where you’ll have stunning views of the caldera. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater

• Early Morning:
  
  

  • Descend into Ngorongoro Crater early in the morning for a half-day game drive (about 6:00 AM). This will allow you to see the animals while they’re most active. The crater is home to a large population of animals, including the Big Five (lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos), along with wildebeest, zebras, and various bird species.

• Late Morning:
  
  

  • Continue exploring the crater. Depending on the time of year, you might also witness the wildebeest migration or observe predators on the hunt.

• Lunch:
  
  

  • Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the designated spots within the crater, with stunning views of the wildlife.

• Afternoon:
  
  

  • Continue your game drive. Spend some time watching the animals in the vast plains and near the crater’s lakes.

• Evening:
  
  

  • Head back to your accommodation or return to Arusha (about 4-5 hours), depending on your travel plans.

Suggested Accommodation Options:

• Tarangire National Park:
  
  

  • Tarangire Treetops, Oliver's Camp, or a tented camp for a more immersive experience.

• Lake Manyara National Park:
  
  

  • Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge or a lodge outside the park with great views.

• Ngorongoro Crater:
  
  

  • Ngorongoro Crater Lodge or a more affordable option like Simba Campsite (for camping) or the Ngorongoro Serena Lodge.

Tips:

• Pack essentials: Camera, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, binoculars, a hat, and light clothes for the day and warmer clothes for the evening, especially in Ngorongoro.

• Bring cash for park entry fees and other expenses.

• Game drives: Be prepared for bumpy roads, especially in remote areas like Ngorongoro.