3 Days Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Tour (2026 / 2027 / 2028)
What does the 3 Days Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Safari include?
You’ll enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in Lake Manyara, a full-day tour of the Ngorongoro Crater, two nights of lodge/camp accommodation, all meals, park fees, transport from Arusha, and expert guiding.
Set off on a captivating 3 Days Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Tour 2026 / 2027 / 2028, the perfect short safari for travelers looking to experience the best of Northern Tanzania’s wildlife wonders. Your journey begins from Arusha, venturing first to Lake Manyara National Park, a compact but ecologically rich park known for its lush groundwater forests, soda lake fringes, and the occasional tree-climbing lions. Over this first day and a half, you’ll traverse forested zones, marshes, and open plains, spotting elephants, baboons, giraffes, buffalo, and hundreds of bird species.
On day two, after an early breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the world’s most spectacular natural amphitheaters. Spend the full day inside the Crater, home to dense concentrations of wildlife — lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, zebra, wildebeest, and occasionally black rhino. The dramatic scenery and biodiversity are unmatched. After a night near the crater rim or in Karatu, depart on day three, returning to Arusha via scenic routes and optional stops in Mto wa Mbu or Rift Valley overlooks.
All lodging, meals, game drives, park fees, transport, and expert guiding are included — no hidden costs. This 3 day Manyara Ngorongoro safari is also tailorable, and you can seamlessly extend it via our Other Safari Packages to include Tarangire or Serengeti. For further reading about these protected areas, check the Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) resource for official park information.
What makes this tour unique? You get deep immersion in both forest-edge and high-wildlife-density zones across just three days, maximizing your chances of dramatic encounters in minimal time.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha → Mto wa Mbu → Lake Manyara Game Drive
Your safari begins with a morning pickup in Arusha, then drive through the verdant farmland to the vibrant town of Mto wa Mbu, where local agriculture, crafts, and culture come alive. After a short stop, proceed to Lake Manyara National Park. In the afternoon, begin your first game drive across forest fringes, marshes, and soda lake edges, seeking wildlife like elephants, buffalo, giraffe, waterbirds, and ducks. Keep an eye out for the iconic tree-climbing lions resting in acacia branches. In the evening, move to your lodge or camp just outside or near the park edge. Dinner under the stars and overnight in Manyara / Karatu area.
Day 2: Morning Drive & Transfer → Ngorongoro Rim → Crater Descent
Rise early for sunrise game viewing in Lake Manyara to catch wildlife on the move. After breakfast, depart toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, ascending through scenic highlands. Arrive at the crater rim for lunch, then descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full afternoon of game drives. The crater floor is teeming with species including lions, elephants, buffalo, zebra, hippos, and abundant birds. Your guide will navigate the crater’s habitats: woodland, open grasslands, marshes, and hippo pool zones. Late afternoon, ascend out of the crater and transfer to your overnight accommodation on the rim or in Karatu.
Day 3: Optional Morning Activity → Return to Arusha
On your final morning, optionally enjoy a short walk or birding near the crater rim, or revisit lookout points before breakfast. Then begin the journey back toward Arusha, with optional stops at local markets or scenic views in the Rift Valley corridor. Arrive in Arusha by mid-to-late afternoon, where your safari concludes and we drop you at your hotel or airport, leaving you with unforgettable memories from your 3-day Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro safari.
Price Comparison Table
Package Type | Price per Person* | Inclusions | Notes / Upgrades |
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Standard / Shared | USD 550 | Lodges/camps, meals, transport, park fees, guiding | Shared vehicle |
Private | USD 750 | Private 4×4, dedicated driver-guide, flexible timing | Ideal for couples/families |
Luxury | USD 1,050 | Premium lodges, elevated services, photography support | Best for discerning travelers |
* Indicative for years 2026–2028; subject to seasonal variation, exchange rates, and group size.
What This Tour Offers & Unique Highlights
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Two contrasting ecosystems: forest-fringed Manyara and high-density wildlife crater
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Chance to see tree-climbing lions, elephants, hippos, buffalo, and the Big Five in crater context
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Full-day immersive experience in the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Earth’s greatest natural amphitheaters
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Balanced pace: early drives, scenic injects, and time to absorb landscapes
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All logistics included: lodging, meals, transport, park fees, guiding
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Option to extend this into longer Northern Tanzania circuits via Other Safari Packages
FAQs
Q: Is 3 days enough to explore Manyara & Ngorongoro?
A: Yes — you’ll enjoy morning & afternoon drives in Manyara and a full-day crater tour in Ngorongoro, with time to travel and rest.
Q: Where do we stay overnight?
A: Lodging is typically near Manyara or in Karatu, and on or near the Ngorongoro rim — comfortable lodges or tented camps.
Q: When is the best time to take this safari?
A: The dry season (June to October) offers optimal sightings. However, the green season (Nov–Mar) presents lush landscapes and bird abundance.
Q: Can this tour be extended to Tarangire or Serengeti?
A: Absolutely — many guests extend via our Tanzania Safari Tours or Other Safari Packages.
Inclusions
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All Park Entrance Fees for Lake Manyara National Park and Ngorongoro Crater
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2 Nights’ Accommodation in comfortable lodges or tented camps (full board: breakfast, lunch & dinner)
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Professional English-Speaking Driver-Guide experienced in Tanzania’s northern circuit
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Private or Shared 4×4 Safari Vehicle with pop-up roof for panoramic viewing and photography
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Unlimited Game Drives in both Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater
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Bottled Drinking Water provided throughout the safari
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All Government Taxes, VAT & Concession Fees included in the tour cost
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Transport to & from Arusha (hotel or airport pickup and drop-off)
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Emergency Evacuation Cover via AMREF Flying Doctors (for added peace of mind)
 Exclusions
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 International or local flights to/from Arusha (arranged on request)
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 Optional activities (e.g. night game drives, Maasai village visit, cultural walk in Mto wa Mbu)
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 Travel insurance & personal medical cover
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 Soft drinks, alcohol, and personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, tips)
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 Visa fees or travel documentation costs
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 Tips and gratuities for your driver-guide and camp staff (recommended: $10–$20 per person per day)
 Insider Tip:
Upgrade to a mid-range or luxury package for lodge stays near the Ngorongoro rim offering spectacular crater views at sunrise — a highlight of any Tanzania safari.
Ready to Begin Your 3-Day Tanzania Adventure?
Experience the magic of Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater on a perfectly curated 3-day safari designed for wildlife lovers, couples, families, and small groups. Our local guides, hand-picked lodges, and personalized service ensure a once-in-a-lifetime Tanzania experience — all at unbeatable value.
Book your 3 Days Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Tour now and secure your spot for the 2026–2028 travel seasons!
100% Customizable — choose your lodges, vehicle type & optional activities
Flexible Payment Options — reserve with a 30% deposit
Trusted Local Experts — operating in Tanzania, Kenya & Uganda
Optional Add-Ons
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 Extend to Serengeti or Tarangire (4–6-Day packages)
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Add a Hot Air Balloon Safari over Ngorongoro (extra cost)
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 Combine with Zanzibar Beach Escape for a full Tanzania holiday