3-Day Ngorongoro Crater & Tarangire Escape
Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
Destinations: Tarangire National Park → Ngorongoro Crater (overnight in Tarangire & Karatu/crater area)
Safari Types: Private • Short Break • Photographic • Honeymoon/Couples
Starting Point/End: Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Overview
A compact, high-impact getaway that covers two Northern Circuit icons. Day 1 is all about Tarangire’s baobabs and large elephant herds; Day 2 dives into the Ngorongoro Crater for classic Big Five viewing. Comfortable lodges, a private 4×4, and an expert guide keep the pace smooth from pickup to drop-off.
Itinerary (Day by Day)
Day 1: Arusha → Tarangire National Park
Depart after breakfast for Tarangire (about 2.5–3 hours). Game drives among ancient baobabs, elephants, giraffe, zebra and (in season) large buffalo and wildebeest herds. Golden-hour viewing before heading to the lodge.
Overnight in Tarangire area.
Day 2: Tarangire → Ngorongoro Highlands → Crater Tour
Early drive through the highlands to the Ngorongoro Crater. Descend for a full morning on the crater floor—look for black rhino, lions, elephants, hippos and plentiful plains game. Picnic by the hippo pool, then ascend and settle into your Karatu/crater-area lodge.
Overnight in Karatu or on the crater rim.
Day 3: Return to Arusha / Departure
Leisurely breakfast. Drive back to Arusha (about 3 hours). Depending on your flight time, add a stop at Mto wa Mbu market or a coffee estate tour before your airport drop-off.
Safari Booking
Private 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof, cooler, and charging points
Professional English-speaking safari guide
Park/conservation fees for Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater
2 nights in quality lodges/tented camps (Tarangire & Karatu/crater area)
Meals during the safari: breakfasts, packed lunches on game-drive days, and dinners at lodges
Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
Pick-up and drop-off in Arusha/JRO
Government taxes and VAT
International flights and any optional domestic flights
Tanzania visa and comprehensive travel insurance
Optional activities (e.g., guided walks where available), premium beverages, laundry, and personal items
Tips/gratuities for guide and lodge/camp staff
Extra nights before/after the itinerary and any services not listed as included