A 3-day adventure through Arusha, Tarangire, and Ngorongoro Crater offers an exciting opportunity to experience some of Tanzania's most iconic wildlife and landscapes. Here’s a suggested itinerary for a jam-packed but thrilling experience:
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Morning: Start your day early with a pickup from Arusha. The drive to Tarangire National Park is approximately 2-3 hours. You'll pass through small villages and scenic landscapes as you head towards the park.
Midday: Arrive at Tarangire and embark on a game drive. The park is famous for its large elephant herds, baobab trees, and diverse wildlife. Keep an eye out for lions, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests.
Lunch: A picnic lunch or a meal at a lodge, depending on your tour package.
Afternoon: Continue your game drive through the park, exploring different areas and getting closer to nature. Tarangire is known for its birdlife as well, so it’s a great spot for birdwatching.
Evening: Head to your accommodation, either inside or near the park, for dinner and overnight stay. Many lodges offer sundowner views over the park, so it’s a good chance to unwind after a day of adventure.
Day 2: Tarangire to Ngorongoro Crater
Early Morning: After breakfast, drive towards Ngorongoro Crater, which takes around 2.5-3 hours. The route offers beautiful scenery of the Great Rift Valley.
Late Morning: Arrive at the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino). The crater is often referred to as a “Garden of Eden” for its lush greenery and abundant wildlife.
Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the designated sites within the crater, with breathtaking views.
Afternoon: Continue your game drive through the crater floor, which offers incredible opportunities to see wildlife up close, including black rhinos and large herds of wildebeest and zebras.
Evening: Return to your accommodation for the night. There are a variety of lodges and camps in the Ngorongoro area that offer a high standard of comfort and stunning views of the crater rim.
Day 3: Ngorongoro to Arusha
Morning: Depending on your preference, you can either take a morning game drive inside Ngorongoro Crater to catch the early morning wildlife activity, or you can enjoy a more leisurely breakfast with panoramic views.
Late Morning: After your game drive, begin your journey back to Arusha (approximately 3-4 hours). You can make stops along the way to stretch, take photos, or visit local villages if you're interested in cultural experiences.
Afternoon: Arrive in Arusha in the late afternoon, where your safari ends.
Tips for Your Safari:
- Packing: Bring comfortable clothing, a hat, sunscreen, a camera, binoculars, and insect repellent. If you're visiting during the dry season, also pack light layers for the heat and something warmer for the cooler mornings and evenings.
- Wildlife: Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, and remember that some animals are easier to spot early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
- Guides: Consider booking a guided tour for better insight into the ecosystems, wildlife, and culture.