Package Overview
Overview
This 3-day safari combines the elephant-rich plains of Tarangire, the dramatic flamingo-laden shores of Lake Natron, and the wildlife-dense Ngorongoro Crater. Together they offer a journey through some of Tanzania's most spectacular and varied landscapes.
| Destination | Key Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Tarangire | 3,000+ elephants, ancient baobabs, 550+ birds | Elephant encounters |
| Lake Natron | Flamingo breeding grounds, waterfalls, Rift Valley scenery | Scenery and adventure |
| Ngorongoro Crater | Big Five, black rhino, 25,000 large animals | Wildlife density |
Tarangire National Park is renowned for its elephant population — over 3,000 individuals, the densest concentration in Tanzania — and its iconic baobab trees, some over 1,000 years old. Lake Natron is one of the most important flamingo breeding grounds in East Africa, with thousands of birds gathering on its alkaline waters, and offers dramatic Rift Valley scenery including waterfalls and volcanic landscapes. The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, supports an estimated 25,000 large animals, including all of the Big Five.
Three days is enough to experience each destination meaningfully. Day one explores Tarangire's elephants and baobabs, day two journeys to Lake Natron for flamingos and waterfalls, and day three descends into the Ngorongoro Crater before returning to Arusha.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
You are picked up from your hotel in Arusha in the morning and driven to Tarangire National Park, approximately two hours away. Upon arrival, you begin your game drive through the park's diverse habitats.
Tarangire is famous for its elephant population, with herds of 80 to 120 individuals routinely seen during the dry season. The park's landscape is defined by ancient baobab trees, some over 1,000 years old, which create dramatic photographic backdrops. Lions, leopards, and African wild dogs are also found in the park, along with over 550 bird species.
You enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated site within the park, followed by further game viewing in the afternoon. As evening approaches, you depart Tarangire and drive toward Lake Natron, passing through dramatic Rift Valley scenery.
You arrive at your lodge or camp near Lake Natron in the evening.
Dinner and overnight are at your accommodation.
Day 2: Lake Natron
You wake early and visit Lake Natron, a shallow soda lake at the base of the Great Rift Valley. The lake is one of the most important flamingo breeding grounds in East Africa, with thousands of birds gathering on its alkaline waters. The scenery is dramatic, with volcanic landscapes, escarpments, and the nearby Ol Doinyo Lengai, an active volcano sacred to the Maasai.
Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha
You depart early in the morning and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest inactive volcanic caldera. The crater floor covers approximately 260 square kilometers and is enclosed by walls rising 600 meters.
A full morning game drive offers the best chance in Tanzania to see the Big Five — lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and the critically endangered black rhinoceros. The crater's varied habitats support zebras, wildebeests, cheetahs, hyenas, hippos, and over 500 bird species. You enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor, surrounded by wildlife and the towering crater walls.
In the afternoon, you ascend the crater rim and begin the return journey to Arusha. You are dropped off at your hotel or the airport in the late afternoon, concluding your safari.
Included services in itinerary
- Park entry fees
- Professional safari guide
- 4×4 safari vehicle
- All meals
- Drinking water
Excluded
- International flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips and gratuities
Trip Information
PDF format with full itinerary
