A short, high-density introduction to northern Tanzania. Three days covering Tarangire elephant herds, the Lake Manyara tree-climbing lions and the Ngorongoro Crater, the highest concentration of large mammals in Africa.
Your guide meets you in Arusha at 07:30 for the vehicle briefing and a short drive south through Maasai grazing land. You reach Tarangire before mid-morning, when elephant families move down to the river. Tarangire holds the densest elephant population in the northern circuit and its baobab-studded landscape is unlike anywhere else in Tanzania. Full day game drive with a picnic lunch under the acacias. Dinner and overnight at your lodge near the park gate.
Early breakfast, then descend the Rift Valley escarpment to Lake Manyara. The groundwater forest here supports blue monkeys, baboon troops and the park famous tree-climbing lions. The alkaline lake draws pelicans and flamingos in the thousands. After lunch you climb to the Ngorongoro Highlands, arriving at the crater rim in the late afternoon for sunset over the caldera.
You descend into the crater at 06:30, ahead of the day traffic. The 260 square kilometre caldera floor holds lion prides, elephant bulls, hippo pools and one of the last viable black rhino populations in Tanzania. Picnic lunch beside Ngoitoktok Springs, then ascend and drive back to Arusha, arriving late afternoon for your onward flight or hotel.
Want this itinerary shifted a day, or a different lodge?
Every trip is private, so the plan is yours to change. Tell us what you would rather do.
Three days works well if your time is limited. You visit three distinct ecosystems and have a realistic chance of the Big Five. If you can add two days, the 5 Days Wildlife Safari adds the Serengeti, which changes the experience considerably.
June to October is the dry season, with animals concentrated around water and easy driving conditions. January to March is green, quieter and excellent for calving and birdlife. April and May bring heavy rain and some lodges close.
Yes. Every guest on a Gepard Reise Afrika safari has a guaranteed window seat, and the Land Cruiser roof opens fully for photography.
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