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Tanzania · Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro

3-Day Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Safari

3 Days / 2 Nights·Gosheni SafarisVerified Operator

Overview

Tanzania's most affordable safari — explore Lake Manyara's tree-climbing lions and Ngorongoro Crater's Big Five on a 3-day budget camping trip from just $350 per person.

This pocket-friendly 3-day safari is the perfect introduction to Tanzania for budget-conscious travellers. Lake Manyara National Park, nestled beneath the Rift Valley escarpment, is famous for its tree-climbing lions, vast flocks of flamingos, and lush groundwater forest teeming with monkeys and elephants. The following day takes you to the Ngorongoro Crater — a collapsed volcano that shelters one of the highest densities of wildlife on the planet. With all park fees, meals, and camping included, this tour delivers incredible value for an authentic northern Tanzania experience.

Safari Highlights

  • Lake Manyara's famous tree-climbing lions
  • Flamingo flocks on the alkaline lake
  • Groundwater forest with blue monkeys and elephants
  • Ngorongoro Crater Big Five game drive
  • Tanzania's most affordable two-park safari

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park

Depart Arusha mid-morning and drive 2 hours to Lake Manyara National Park, located at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Enter the park through the lush groundwater forest and begin searching for elephants, blue monkeys, and baboons. Drive along the lakeshore looking for flamingos, pelicans, and hippos. Lake Manyara is one of the best parks in Tanzania for tree-climbing lions — keep your eyes on the mahogany and fig trees. End the day at a nearby campsite.

Accommodation: Budget camping — Manyara area campsite

Meals: Lunch (packed), Dinner

Transfer to Lake ManyaraAfternoon game driveForest walkLakeshore birdwatching
2

Lake Manyara to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

After breakfast, continue with a morning game drive in Lake Manyara if time allows, then drive up the Rift Valley wall to the Ngorongoro Highlands. Pass through Karatu town — the gateway to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area — and continue to the crater rim. Set up camp at Simba Campsite with jaw-dropping views into the 600-metre-deep caldera below. In the late afternoon, take a stroll along the rim and watch elephants and buffalo moving on the crater floor far below.

Accommodation: Budget camping — Simba Campsite, Ngorongoro

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning game drive in ManyaraScenic Rift Valley driveNgorongoro Crater rim arrivalEvening rim walk
3

Ngorongoro Crater & Return to Arusha

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater at first light for a spectacular morning game drive. The crater floor hosts approximately 25,000 animals including the Big Five. Search for black rhino near the Lerai Forest, lion prides in the grasslands, and large herds of buffalo and wildebeest. Flamingos line the soda lake, and hippo pods inhabit the marshes. Enjoy a packed lunch at the picnic site, then ascend from the crater and drive back to Arusha, arriving by late afternoon.

Accommodation: End of tour — Arusha drop-off

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (packed)

Dawn crater descentCrater floor game driveBig Five spottingReturn to Arusha

What's Included

  • Arusha hotel pickup and drop-off
  • All park fees and crater service fee
  • English-speaking safari guide
  • 4x4 safari vehicle
  • Full-board meals
  • Camping accommodation
  • Drinking water

What's Excluded

  • International flights
  • Tanzania visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Beverages
  • Sleeping bag rental
  • Personal expenses
From

$350

per person sharing

Duration3 Days
CountryTanzania
DestinationLake Manyara, Ngorongoro
Difficultyeasy
Group Size1–12

Group Pricing

Solo Traveller$455
2 People$350
4-6 People$298
Book This Safari

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Tour Operator

Gosheni Safaris

Verified Operator

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