A 3-day safari itinerary from Zanzibar to visit Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater is a great way to experience Tanzania’s diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. Below is a suggested itinerary for this adventure:

Day 1: Zanzibar to Tarangire National Park

• Early Morning: Depart from Zanzibar
  • Take an early morning flight from Zanzibar to Arusha (approximately 1-hour flight). Alternatively, you can opt for a combination of ferry and drive, but the flight is more time-efficient.
• Arrival in Arusha:
  • On arrival in Arusha, meet your safari guide and head towards Tarangire National Park, which is around a 2-hour drive.
• Tarangire National Park:
  • Enjoy a game drive in Tarangire, known for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. Tarangire is one of the best places to see elephants up close.
  • Wildlife here also includes lions, zebras, giraffes, and various bird species.
• Lunch:
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch within the park or at a lodge.
• Evening Game Drive:
  • Continue exploring the park in the late afternoon when animals are more active.
• Overnight:
  • Stay at a lodge or campsite in or near Tarangire National Park.

Day 2: Tarangire to Ngorongoro Crater

• Morning:
  • After breakfast, depart for Ngorongoro Crater, which is about a 3-hour drive from Tarangire.
• Ngorongoro Crater:
  • Arrive at the Ngorongoro Crater and descend into the caldera for a half-day game drive. The crater is home to an impressive variety of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), making it one of the best wildlife viewing areas in Tanzania.
  • Take a picnic lunch on the crater floor or at a designated site.
• Evening:
  • Drive back to the rim of the crater for the night.
• Overnight:
  • Stay at a lodge on the crater rim, with stunning views of the caldera.

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater to Lake Manyara and Return to Zanzibar

• Early Morning:
  • After breakfast, head to Lake Manyara National Park, which is approximately a 2-hour drive from Ngorongoro.
• Lake Manyara National Park:
  • Enjoy a morning game drive in Lake Manyara. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions and the scenic beauty of the lake with its flamingo populations.
  • The park is also home to elephants, giraffes, zebras, and a variety of bird species, especially in the wetlands.
• Lunch:
  • Enjoy lunch at a lodge or picnic spot within the park.
• Afternoon Drive:
  • Continue exploring the park in the afternoon before heading back to Arusha.
• Evening:
  • Return to Arusha for a flight back to Zanzibar in the evening.

Additional Notes:

• Flights: The quickest and most convenient option is to fly from Zanzibar to Arusha on day 1 and return on day 3. Zanzibar to Arusha flights are frequent, but it’s essential to book in advance.
• Accommodation: There are many lodges, camps, and hotels around Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara that offer a range of experiences from luxury to mid-range. Depending on your budget, you can choose accordingly.
• Safari Operator: It’s advisable to book through a trusted safari operator who can arrange logistics, game drives, and transfers between the parks.
• Packing: Bring light clothing for the day (safari clothes), a hat, sunscreen, and a camera. Evening temperatures can drop, so pack a jacket.