Looking for the best 3-Day Tanzania Safari? This is the only guide you’ll need!
Picture this… Savannahs stretching as far as the eye can see, unique wildlife roaming freely, and incredible sunsets you’ve never even dreamt of – that’s what awaits you on a Tanzania Safari.
Read on to discover the best 3 Day Safari Tanzania including the itinerary, the best time to visit, and so much more!
OVERVIEW – 3 DAY TANZANIA SAFARI
Let’s start this guide with all the essentials you should know when planning a 3 day Tanzania safari, from the cost to where to book the tour, and more.
WHERE TO GO FOR A 3 DAY TANZANIA SAFARI?
Many safaris in Tanzania have a specific journey that you’ll follow for 3 days.
However, if you have the option to customize the itinerary, I recommend visiting Arusha National Park, Tarangire National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater.
This is what I personally did, and I spent 1 day in each location, with each park providing a unique experience with diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes.
The highlights of my adventure included a walking safari at Arusha National Park, wildlife spotting in Tarangire National Park, and descending into the vast Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive.
HOW MUCH DOES A 3-DAY TANZANIA SAFARI COST?
The cost of a safari will vary depending on your itinerary and choice of tour company, but it’s important to note that Tanzania is generally one of Africa’s pricier safari destinations.
That being said, there are budget-friendly options too.
For those on a tighter budget, you can expect to pay around $150 per person per day. On the other hand, for a more premium experience, you will find safaris for over $1,000 per person per day.
A mid-range option falls somewhere in between at around $300 to $500 per person per day.
WHERE TO BOOK A 3-DAYS TANZANIA SAFARI?
I personally booked a 3-day private safari with Altezza Travel which included Arusha, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire National Park.
Altezza is a premier tour operator who has extensive expertise when it comes to the service and logistics of safari tours within Tanzania’s national parks.
They have an impressive safari fleet of Land Cruisers with a convertible pop-up roof that provides a panoramic 360° view. They’re also equipped with amenities such as a fridge for your refreshments, Wi-Fi access, and power sockets.
And let’s not forget about the wildlife – we saw everything from herds of elephants to a pride of lions and giraffes in abundance.
Each safari is customizable, tailoring the ideal dream tour to align with your specific travel style and comfort preferences.
When it comes to accommodation, you’ll be presented with options that include luxurious stone-built lodges and more authentic tented lodge experiences for a memorable 3 day Tanzania safari.
Special Offer: Altezza extends a 5% discount on all Tanzania Safaris to my readers when you include the code JONNYMELON during your booking inquiry.
3 DAYS TANZANIA SAFARI ITINERARY
Now that you have an overview of what this 3 day safari in Tanzania entails, let’s go further in detail with the itinerary and what to expect each day.
DAY 1: ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK
Day one of the three-day safari in Tanzania begins with Arusha National Park.
You’ll start early in the morning and leave from Arusha town to get into the national park, a gem tucked away in northern Tanzania.
I’m talking about lush rainforests, unique wildlife, and the stunning Momella Lakes. Next thing you know, you’re staring up at the rugged peaks of Mount Meru!
The first activity you can do is a 1.5-hour walking safari with a guide and armed ranger around a section of the park.
We spotted countless wildlife such as warthogs, buffaloes, baboons, and giraffes to name a few, then we continued to check out the beautiful Tululusia Waterfall.
After the walking safari, you’ll visit the stunning Momella Lakes filled with pink flamingos, and then stop for lunch at a picnic site overlooking Mount Meru.
The safari continues with a 2-hour game drive through the park and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the black and white colobus monkeys swinging through the treetops.
You might even spot a shy bushbuck as well as herds of buffaloes and giraffes that rule these plains.
Arusha National Park was an exceptional start to the 3 day safari in Tanzania, and I couldn’t have asked for more.
READ MORE: SAFARI IN ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK
ANIMALS IN ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK
Arusha National Park isn’t the most diverse in terms of animal species, but you’ll surely see some unique wildlife.
Here are some common animals you’ll spot;
- Black and White Colobus Monkeys: Known for their black and white fur, you’ll see the monkeys swinging through the treetops.
- Bushbucks: These shy, solitary antelopes are known for their beautiful markings and can often be spotted hiding in the underbrush.
- Pink Flamingos: The Momella Lakes are a haven for these vibrant birds, creating a stunning spectacle as they wade in the shallows.
- Buffaloes: Traveling in large herds, buffaloes are often roaming around and you’ll love photographing them.
- Giraffes: With their long necks and distinctive spots, giraffes are a highlight you’ll see, often seen peacefully munching on acacia trees.
- Zebras: These iconic African animals add a touch of wild beauty to the landscape.
- Baboons: You definitely won’t miss the baboons on your safari in Arusha.
- Leopards: Though rare, Arusha National Park is known for occasional leopard sightings.
Remember, every Arusha National Park safari is unique, and nature operates on its own schedule.
You’re 99% guaranteed to spot lots of animals, but keep in mind that no guide can guarantee any sightings.
DAY 1 ACCOMMODATION
In the late afternoon, you’ll be transferred from Arusha to Tarangire National Park for a short game drive through the park while on the way to your accommodation.
Inside the national park, there are half a dozen accommodations available and we personally stayed at the beautiful Ndovu Tented Lodge by Nasikia Camps.
Ndovu Tented Camp offers an enchanting setting to unwind after the day’s adventures and you’ll even be able to spot wildlife right in front of the camp.
DAY 2: TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
Day 2 is spent exploring the stunning Tarangire National Park, one of the best places to take a safari in Tanzania.
From the stunning landscapes to the abundance of African wildlife, you’re in for a treat!
Tarangire is known for its large number of diverse wildlife, particularly during the dry season. But the park is mostly known for the elephants.
In fact, Tarangire boasts more African elephants per square kilometer than any other national park in the country!
But that’s not all – keep your camera handy because you’re also likely to spot zebras, gazelles, giraffes, lions, and even cheetahs.
A full-day game drive in Tarangire National Park is exactly what you’d come to Tanzania for!
READ MORE: SAFARI IN TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
ANIMALS IN TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
Prepare for an exciting encounter with a rich variety of wildlife as you explore Tarangire National Park.
Here are the amazing animals you can expect to see on safari;
- Elephants: Tarangire is famous for its large elephant herds.
- Lions: Known as the ‘king of the jungle,’ Tarangire is the right place to spot them in the wild.
- Fringe-eared Oryxes and Gerenuks: These antelope species add to the park’s diversity.
- Zebras and Wildebeests: Watch out for these iconic African animals, especially around the Tarangire River during the dry season.
- Giraffes: With their long necks reaching up into the tree canopy, they’re hard to miss!
- Hyenas and Leopards: Keep an eye out for these predators lurking in the shadows.
- Bird Species: With over 550 bird species, you’ll be in heaven if you like bird watching.
- Warthogs, Waterbucks, Elands, and Gazelles: These smaller mammals also play a significant role in the ecosystem.
Generally speaking, there are many animal species to see in Tarangire and this is exactly why I recommend packing your best camera gear!
DAY 2 ACCOMMODATION
In the late afternoon, you’ll be transferred from Tarangire to Ngorongoro Crater and spend one night at an accommodation to relax before your last day on safari.
Around the crater rim of Ngorongoro, there are a few accommodations available and we personally stayed at the beautiful Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp.
Intimately set in an ancient acacia forest, Ngorongoro Tented Camp has 10 spacious tents featuring two queen-size beds, roomy en-suite bathrooms, warm winter-weight duvets, and gas heaters to ensure a cozy night’s sleep.
Guests can also enjoy a sundowner while sitting around the campfire, and dinner and drinks are included for all guests.
DAY 3: NGORONGORO CRATER
The third and last day of this 3 day Tanzania safari is spent inside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, mostly known for the Ngorongoro Crater.
Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest inactive, intact, and unfilled volcanic caldera, and is home to over 25,000 animals – yes, you read that right!
You’ll start the day early and descend into the crater where you’ll be greeted by an incredible lush, fertile landscape teeming with life.
After driving around and taking hundreds of photos, you’ll head to the lakeside where you’ll have a delicious picnic lunch with your guide.
Post-lunch, you’ll resume the game drive for another hour before exiting the crater and making your way back to Arusha town to conclude this incredible 3 day Tanzania safari.
READ MORE: SAFARI IN NGORONGORO CRATER
ANIMALS IN NGORONGORO NATIONAL PARK
A safari in Ngorongoro Crater offers an incredible opportunity to see a wide variety of African wildlife in one place.
Below are some of the key animals you can expect to see;
- The Big Five: Ngorongoro is one of the few places in Africa where you can see all of the “Big Five” – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino.
- Hippos: The crater’s lakes and swamps are home to large populations of hippos.
- Zebra and Wildebeest: These two species are among the most common in the crater, and you can often see large herds roaming around.
- Giraffes: While not as common as in other parks, giraffes can still be spotted.
- Antelopes: Several different species of antelope live in the crater, including gazelles.
3 DAY SAFARI TANZANIA – FAQ
Now that you have a better idea of what to expect on a 3 Days Tanzania Safari, below are some answers to the most frequently asked questions from first-time visitors.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN A 3 DAY SAFARI IN TANZANIA?
Here is what’s included on the 3 day safari Tanzania when you book with Altezza Travel:
- All park fees
- All meals on safari and drinks including water, soft drinks, and coffee
- Transfers from and to Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Accommodation with breakfast before and after safari
- Land Cruiser 4×4 with pop-up roof for game-viewing
- Medical kit, binoculars, wet wipes, and other essentials
- Experienced tour guide
Special Offer: Altezza extends a 5% discount on all Tanzania Safaris to my readers when you include the code JONNYMELON during your booking inquiry.
BEST TIME TO TAKE A 3-DAY TANZANIA SAFARI?
The best time to take a 3-day safari in Tanzania largely depends on the weather and the wildlife you want to see.
The dry season, which runs from June to October, is generally regarded as the best time for safaris.
During this time, the weather is cooler, and wildlife tends to gather around water sources, making it easier to spot animals.
That being said, for those interested in seeing newborn animals, January to March can be a great time for a safari.
WHAT TO PACK FOR A 3-DAY TANZANIA SAFARI?
Here is a quick overview of what to pack for a 3 day safari Tanzania;
Clothing: Comfort is key on a safari. Pack lightweight cotton clothes, long-sleeved shirts, and pants to protect against mosquitoes. I suggest packing layered clothing, as mornings and evenings can be cool while days are warm.
Footwear: Comfortable shoes like trainers are recommended.
Essentials: Don’t forget your sunscreen and hat for protection against the sun. Also, carry a day bag for your everyday essentials.
Camera Gear: A camera with extra memory cards, batteries, a power bank, and a charger will help you capture the best memories from your trip.
RELATED ARTICLE: BEST CAMERA GEAR FOR TRAVEL
IS THERE WI-FI ON THE SAFARI?
If you have a local SIM card, the mobile network is relatively consistent throughout Tanzania.
This means that you will be able to use your mobile data for browsing the internet, posting on social media, and staying connected as a whole.
The safari vehicles are also conveniently fitted with a Wi-Fi dongle.
Some lodges inside the park offer free Wi-Fi and most hotels in cities and towns also have Wi-Fi available for guest use.
Yet, keep in mind that you’re in a remote location and the connection might not always be strong.
3 DAYS VS 5 DAYS SAFARI IN TANZANIA
Choosing between a 3-day and a 5-day safari in Tanzania depends on several factors, including your budget, the time available, and what you want to experience.
I have personally done a 3-day safari in Tanzania as well as a 5-day safari and there were several differences.
A 3-day safari is a more condensed experience that allows you to explore some of Tanzania’s most famous parks. It’s perfect if you’re short on time or working with a tighter budget.
Typically, a 3-day safari can include visits to Arusha, Tarangire, and Ngorongoro. That being said, the tour operator you’ll book with will probably offer customization of the itinerary, just like I did with Altezza Travel.
A 5-day safari offers a more relaxed pace and a broader range of experiences. You can visit more parks, such as Serengeti National Park in addition to Tarangire and Ngorongoro.
You’ll have more time to observe the wildlife, take photographs, and soak in the natural beauty of the landscapes.
Note that the Serengeti is one of the largest national parks in Tanzania, and you’ll need 2-3 days to explore it, so a 5-day safari is a better option.
All in all, both the 3 days Tanzania Safari and 5 days Tanzania Safari have their perks.
FINAL THOUGHTS – 3 DAYS TANZANIA SAFARI
With so many different Tanzania tours available, it can be hard to know which one is the best for you. Hopefully this article has helped make your decision a little bit easier.
If you have any questions, please leave a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.
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