4 Days - Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire
This itinerary includes Lake Manyara National Park(1N), with diverse habitats, rich birdlife and tree-climbing lions; Ngorongoro Crater, renowned for its breathtaking views and high wildlife density; and Tarangire National Park(2N), known for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees; and , before returning back to Arusha.
Short Itinerary
Day 1 (March 13, 2026) - Arusha to Lake Manyara. Game drives in Lake Manyara park.
Day 2 (March 14, 2026) - Ngorongoro Crater Tour (5 hours) & transfer to Karatu/Tarangire.
Day 3 (March 15, 2026) - Transfer to Tarangire for game drives.
Day 4 (March 16, 2026) - Tarangire game drives and transfer to Arusha.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arusha to Lake Manyara
Pick up at 8:30 AM from your hotel in Arusha and depart for Lake Manyara National Park with a picnic lunch for a full day game drive. As you enter the national park, lush forests of Acacia and Mahogany trees begin to set the mood for what is waiting ahead. The game drive will go on till evening with a small break for picnic lunch. During the game drive watch out for buffaloes, giraffes, impalas, baboons and the blue monkeys. Another spectacle of Lake Manyara National park is the tree climbing lions, however spotting them is a game of luck. In the right season, you can see the shoreline turning pink with millions of flamingos flocking there. Post the game drive, you will head back to your camp/lodge where a delicious dinner awaits you.
Day 2 - Ngorongoro Crater Tour (5 hours)
After an early breakfast, descend to the crater floor for game drive(5 hours). You can expect to see lions, elephants, Zebras, Hippos, Flamingos, Jackals, Rhinos Antelopes and many birds. The birds seen here include eagle, vulture, and flamingos in the Crater Lake, stork, bats, giant vulture, sacred ibis, kori bustard, blacksmith plover, long necked heron and the cattle eagle. Post the picnic lunch at the beautiful Hippo pool, you will begin a steep ascend to the top exit of the crater. With a 2hr drive left to your accommodation in Karatu, the day will come to a close. Freshly made delicious dinner is kept ready for you at your chosen accommodation. All these days of the safari, will have you quite tired and a good rest is essential. The next day you will begin the last leg of your safari.
Day 3 - Tarangire
Your day will begin after a breakfast by about 8AM with a full day game drive in Tarangire National Park ahead of you. The national park is extremely famous and special for its diverse landscape and nine different vegetation zones. As you begin your game drive, you will be welcomed by the ancient and gigantic Baobab trees, which make even animals like the giraffe look tiny. The game drive goes on till about late afternoon and includes a small stop for a picnic lunch. The 3,000 Sq Kms park gets its name from the Tarangire river that flows through it. The river attracts a lot of diverse animals and you should be able to spot a lot of elephants, giraffe, lions, antelopes and zebras. If it’s your lucky day, you might be able to spot the tree climbing python and the long necked Gerek. The Tarangire National Park has the highest concentration of elephants, which offers a unique chance for you to observe interactions between elephant families. Don’t forget to capture this beautiful scenery with your camera ready at hand. Post the game drive, you will head back to your camp/lodge where a delicious dinner awaits you. Have a good night’s sleep for tomorrow's adventure.
Day 4 - Tarangire to Arusha
The final day of your safari will begin as usual by 8:00 AM after a luscious breakfast. The destination for today is Arusha to Tarangire National Park where you will have a half day game drive. Tanzania’s third largest National park is known for its majestic baobab trees that dot the landscape, dwarfing the animals that feed beneath them. The Tarangire River is the centerpiece of this park which is famous for some of the largest herds of elephants in Africa. Here you may see lion, leopard, cheetah, lesser kudu, buffalo, Oryx, eland, giraffe and zebra. By mid afternoon, you will branch out and head towards Arusha where you will be dropped off to your preferred location by about 6PM in the evening. With an incredible experience and loads of memories to cherish, this is the time you bid goodbye to your team.
Maps
Weather Information
In March, Tarangire, Tanzania typically experiences warm and humid weather as it is part of the rainy season. Average temperatures during this month generally range from about 20°C (68°F) at night to around 30°C (86°F) during the day. Rainfall is quite common, with March receiving a significant amount of precipitation, often totaling around 100-150 mm (4-6 inches). This period is characterized by lush green landscapes and abundant wildlife, making it a vibrant time for visitors. However, be prepared for occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms.
In March, Lake Manyara, Tanzania typically experiences warm and humid weather as it falls within the rainy season. Historical averages indicate that daytime temperatures usually range from 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop to about 18°C (64°F). Rainfall is common during this month, with March often seeing significant precipitation, averaging around 100-150 mm (4-6 inches). The landscape becomes lush and green, making it a beautiful time for wildlife viewing, despite the occasional rain.
In March, Karatu, Tanzania typically experiences warm and wet weather. Historical averages indicate that daytime temperatures generally range from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop to around 15°C to 18°C (59°F to 64°F).
March is part of the rainy season in this region, with significant rainfall occurring throughout the month. On average, Karatu receives about 100-150 mm (4-6 inches) of rain, often in the form of heavy afternoon showers or thunderstorms. The humidity levels tend to be high due to the increased precipitation. Overall, visitors should prepare for warm temperatures and the likelihood of rain during their stay.
Pre & Post Tour Hotels
Arusha is the base for safari tours in North Tanzania. If you need accommodation in Arusha before/after your safari tour you can check some popular hotel prices on bed and breakfast basis below (Prices are per person).
Single room:
- Kutoka Lodge - USD 69
- Gold Crest Hotel - USD 106
- The African Tulip - USD 167
- Four Points by Sheraton, Arusha - Traditional queen room - USD 229
- Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge - Plantation room - USD 417
Double sharing room:
- Kutoka Lodge - USD 44
- Gold Crest Hotel - USD 59
- The African Tulip - USD 129
- Four Points by Sheraton, Arusha - Traditional queen room - USD 132
- Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge - Plantation room - USD 282
Triple sharing room:
- Kutoka Lodge - USD 41
- Gold Crest Hotel - USD 52
- The African Tulip - USD 108
- Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge - Plantation room - USD 214
All of the above prices are on per person per night on bed and breakfast basis. More hotel options can be shared upon request
Transfers
This tour starts from Arusha. Kilimanjaro airport is the nearest international airport and Arusha airport is the nearest domestic airport. Please check our page on how to get to Arusha
Airport Pickup/Drop
Pickup or drop off at Arusha airport on the day of safari: No extra charge
Pickup or drop off at Kilimanjaro airport on the day of safari: USD 50 per vehicle
Airport to Hotel transfers
Transfer from Arusha airport to Arusha hotel or vice versa: USD 25 per vehicle
Transfer from Kilimanjaro airport to Arusha hotel or vice versa: USD 50 per vehicle
InterCity transfers
Transfer from Moshi to Arusha or vice versa: USD 100 per vehicle
Transfer from Nairobi to Arusha or vice versa: USD 275 per vehicle
Flights
We do not book International Flights.
We can book local flights based on availability. Below are indicative additional costs for local flights.
Intercity Flights
From Zanzibar to Arusha: From USD 100 per person (Morning flight)
From Dar es salaam to Arusha: From USD 90 per person (Morning flight)
From Arusha to Zanzibar: From USD 170 per person (Late Afternoon flight)
From Arusha to Dar es salaam: From USD 110 per person (Late Afternoon flight)
Note: Rates mentioned above are indicative and subject to change based on airlines and party(group) size
Meals
Day 1 (March 13, 2026) - Lunch & Dinner
Day 2 (March 14, 2026) - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 (March 15, 2026) - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 (March 16, 2026) - Breakfast & Lunch
Transfer Times
Day 1 (March 13, 2026) - Arusha to Lake Manyara takes about 2.5 to 3 hours (114 km)
Day 2 (March 14, 2026) - Lake Manyara to NCA takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour (42 km)
Day 3 (March 15, 2026) - NCA to Tarangire takes about 1.5 to 2 hours (108 km)
Day 4 (March 16, 2026) - Tarangire to Arusha takes about 2.5 to 3 hours (106 km)
Note: These are estimated drive times. Because of the traffic, location of the accommodations, and several other factors, actual drive times may vary. Driving distances are approximate and do not account for exact places.
Inclusions
Daily game drives while on Safari.
Meals as per itinerary.
Park Fees (for Non-Residents).
All Taxes and VAT.
Drinking water while on safari (2 litres per person per day).
4x4 Land Cruiser.
Concession/ Camping Fees.
A professional English speaking driver/ guide.
Exclusions
International flights.
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour (Unless mentioned otherwise).
Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
Personal Items (Souvenirs, Travel Insurance, Visa Fees, etc.).
Tips (Tipping guidelines).
Airport Transfers (Unless mentioned otherwise).
Government imposed increase of Taxes and or Park Fees.
Addons
Add-on tours in Ngorongoro
Masai Village Tour: USD 25 per person
Olduvai Gorge museum visit: USD 35 per person
Ngorongoro Crater Rim Hike: USD 35 per person
Information on Ngorongoro Add-on tours
Add-on tours in Lake Manyara
Canoeing in Lake Manyara: USD 74 per person
Night Game drives in Lake Manyara NP: USD 114 per person
Treetop Walkway: USD 54 per person
Information on Lake Manyara Add-on tours
Add-on tours in Tarangire
Hot Air Balloon Ride: USD 540 per person
Short Walking Tour (upto 4 hours): USD 45 per person
Long Walking Tour (upto 6 hours): USD 60 per person
Night Game Drives (for clients staying inside): USD 100-200 per person depending on lodge
Add-on tours in Karatu
Coffee Plantation Tour: USD 20 per person
Iraqw Village Tour: USD 25 per person
Endoro Falls & Elephant Caves visit: USD 35 per person
Information on Karatu Add-on tours
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4 Days - Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire
This itinerary includes Lake Manyara National Park(1N), with diverse habitats, rich birdlife and tree-climbing lions; Ngorongoro Crater, renowned for its breathtaking views and high wildlife density; and Tarangire National Park(2N), known for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees; and , before returning back to Arusha.
We use equipment of international standards & our guides are trained in First aid & personal protection equipment
We reward our staff based on your feedback & that results in all of us working towards making your trip memorable
Our guides are trained to pay attention to each clients requirements & situation & customize the program accordingly
Once a tour is booked, its guaranteed to go, even if there is only single client for the entire trip
Book by paying advance by card on our website. Balance can be paid upon arrival, before the tour
Our minimum requirement for operation is only one client. So we can offer the tour any day of the year for you