Ngorongoro Crater 3 Days / 2 Nights easy

3-Day Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara Safari | Crater Big Five & Tree-Climbing Lions

Experience two of Tanzania's most spectacular parks on a 3-day safari. Ngorongoro Crater's Big Five and densest wildlife concentration, plus Lake Manyara's famous tree-climbing lions and flamingos. Affordable short safari with expert guides.

3 Days

Max 12 People

5.00 Rating

Arusha, Tanzania

Starting from

$500

per person

Budget: $500

Standard: $650

Luxury: $1,800

Overview

3-Day Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara Safari

Discover two of Tanzania's most iconic parks on this 3-day safari. From the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater - home to the densest concentration of wildlife in Africa - to Lake Manyara - famous for its tree-climbing lions and flamingo-filled shores - this safari offers incredible diversity in a short timeframe.

Why Choose This Safari?

✓Two Iconic Parks: Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara
✓Ngorongoro Big Five: Lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and black rhinos
✓Densest Wildlife: 25,000+ animals in the Ngorongoro Crater
✓Tree-Climbing Lions: Lake Manyara is famous for lions in trees
✓Flamingos: Thousands of pink flamingos at Lake Manyara
✓UNESCO Heritage: Ngorongoro is a World Heritage Site
✓Affordable: Best value 3-day safari from Arusha
✓Expert Guides: Professional guides with deep knowledge of wildlife
✓Short Duration: Perfect for travelers with limited time

The Perfect Short Safari

This 3-day safari is perfect for travelers who want to experience the best of northern Tanzania without committing to a longer itinerary. Both parks are easily accessible from Arusha and offer incredible wildlife viewing opportunities.

The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most spectacular wildlife destinations on Earth. Within its 20-kilometer wide volcanic caldera, you can see the Big Five - including the rare black rhino - plus thousands of other animals. Lake Manyara offers intimate encounters with tree-climbing lions and flamingo-filled shores.

3 Days

Duration

Max 12

Group Size

Arusha, Tanzania

Start Point

easy

Difficulty

Day by Day

3 days of unforgettable adventure

Day 1 of 3

Arusha to Ngorongoro Crater - Descend into the Eighth Wonder

Your safari begins with an early morning pickup from your Arusha hotel at 6:00 AM. Drive through the spectacular Great Rift Valley escarpment with panoramic views. As you ascend towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the landscape changes from farmland to lush forest. Stop at the crater rim viewpoint for your first breathtaking look into the world's largest intact volcanic caldera. The view is spectacular - the crater floor stretches 20 kilometers across with grasslands, forests, and the shimmering Magadi Lake visible below. Descend 600 meters into the crater floor for a full day game drive. The Ngorongoro Crater is home to approximately 25,000 large animals, making it one of the most densely populated wildlife areas on Earth. Wildlife to spot: - The Big Five: Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and black rhino - Lion prides: One of the highest densities of lions in Africa - Black rhinos: One of the best places in Tanzania to see these rare animals - Flamingos: Thousands gather at the alkaline Magadi Lake - Hippos: Watch them wallow in the crater swamps - Hyenas, jackals, and other predators - Zebras, wildebeest, and gazelles Enjoy a picnic lunch at the famous Hippo Pool. Continue your game drive across the crater floor. Ascend the crater wall as the sun sets. Head to your campsite on the crater rim. Dinner with stunning views of the crater below.

Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation Budget Campsite on Ngorongoro Crater Rim

Day 2 of 3

Ngorongoro to Lake Manyara - Tree-Climbing Lions

Optional early morning game drive in the crater (additional cost). The early morning light is spectacular, and predators are more active in the cool morning hours. Return to camp for breakfast with crater views. Pack up and drive to Lake Manyara National Park, approximately 2 hours through the Great Rift Valley. The scenery is spectacular as you descend the escarpment with panoramic views of the valley below. Lake Manyara is a compact park with incredible diversity. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions - one of only two places in Africa where lions regularly climb trees. Look for these magnificent cats resting in the branches of acacia trees. The park is also home to large elephant herds, hippos, and the alkaline Lake Manyara which attracts thousands of flamingos. The lush groundwater forest is home to baboons, blue monkeys, and incredible birdlife. Afternoon game drive through the park. Arrive at your campsite near the park. Dinner under the stars.

Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation Budget Campsite near Lake Manyara

Day 3 of 3

Lake Manyara to Arusha - Farewell Safari

Early morning game drive in Lake Manyara for any wildlife you may have missed. This is often the best time to spot the tree-climbing lions as they descend from their nighttime perches. The early morning light creates magical conditions for photography. Look for: - Tree-climbing lions descending from acacia trees - Flamingos feeding along the lake shores - Elephants in the groundwater forest - Baboons and blue monkeys playing in the trees After breakfast, begin your drive back to Arusha. Stop at viewpoints along the Great Rift Valley escarpment for final photos. The views of the valley below are breathtaking. Arrive in Arusha in the late afternoon. Farewell lunch at a local restaurant. Transfer to your hotel or the airport.

Meals Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation N/A - Return to Arusha

What's Included

Included

Ngorongoro Conservation Area entry fees

Ngorongoro Crater service fee

Lake Manyara National Park entry fees

Professional English-speaking safari guide

4x4 safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof

All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Camping equipment and sleeping bags

Cook and camp assistant

Drinking water throughout safari

Hotel pickup and dropoff in Arusha

Not Included

International flights

Tanzania visa fees

Travel insurance

Tips for guide and camp staff

Personal expenses and souvenirs

Alcoholic beverages

Guest Reviews

"Manyara and Ngorongoro in three days — a brilliant combination. The crater was the highlight of our trip."

Karen O'Brien

Ireland

Related Safaris

You might also be interested in these packages

2 Days

Book This Safari

Get a free quote within 24 hours

Group Pricing (per person)

1–1 travelers

$800

2–3 travelers

$650

4–6 travelers

$575

7–12 travelers

$500

Full Name *

Email *

Phone

Travel Date *

Travelers

Message

Thank you! We'll contact you within 24 hours.

or contact directly

WhatsApp Us

Ready for This Safari Adventure?

Let our experts customize this itinerary for your perfect Serengeti experience. No obligation, just expert advice.

WhatsApp Us Contact Us