You can select two parks from Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. If you’re interested in canoeing or a walking safari, you might start with a visit to Arusha National Park on the first day.

For your overnight stay, you can choose from excellent lodges in Karatu, conveniently located near the three major parks, or opt for a lodge or tented camp inside a national park, depending on your budget. Example itinerary:

Enjoy a game drive in Tarangire on day 1 and Lake Manyara on day 2, returning to Arusha by late afternoon.

Alternatively, swap one of the parks for a game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater on day 2 to experience this natural wonder.

For a more relaxed safari, choose two parks over three days, allowing you to stay inside one of the parks and minimize travel time. This gives you more opportunities for early morning game drives when predators are most active.

Example Itineraries:

Tarangire & Lake Manyara/Ngorongoro: Enjoy game drives in Tarangire on the first two days, followed by a safari in Lake Manyara or Ngorongoro on day 3. Return to Arusha by late afternoon.

Serengeti & Ngorongoro (Calving Season - Dec to Mar): If you don't mind a longer drive, head to Serengeti on day 1 (approx. 7-8 hours, including a game drive). Enjoy an early morning safari in Serengeti on day 2, then a game drive in Ngorongoro Crater on day 3 before returning to Arusha in the afternoon.

Covering three parks in three days in Northern Tanzania involves significant driving, but each day offers unique landscapes and diverse wildlife. While the order may vary based on your chosen accommodations, this itinerary ensures you experience the best of each park.

Standard Itinerary:

Day 1: Travel from Arusha to Tarangire for a game drive.

Day 2: Depart Tarangire for Ngorongoro, exploring the iconic crater.

Day 3: Journey from Ngorongoro to Lake Manyara before returning to Arusha.

If you're short on time and Serengeti is your priority, skip the long drives and fly directly in. A 3-day fly-in safari allows you to fully immerse yourself in the Serengeti’s wildlife while also visiting the breathtaking Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You can even start or end your journey in Zanzibar for added convenience.

Example Itinerary:

Day 1: Morning flight from Arusha to Serengeti, followed by game drives. Overnight in a lodge or tented camp inside the park.

Day 2: Full-day game drives in Serengeti, then transfer to the Ngorongoro Crater rim for an overnight stay.

Day 3: Morning game drive in Ngorongoro Crater, then return to Arusha (or Zanzibar).