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3 Day Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar Overview
Start your 3-day Tanzania safari from Zanzibar and experience an exciting mix of relaxation and wildlife adventure. Visit Tanzania’s top national parks Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara, see amazing animals including the big five and enjoy the beautiful landscapes. This trip is perfect for nature lovers or anyone looking for an unforgettable experience.
🌟 The Safari Highlights
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Seamless round-trip flights between Zanzibar and Arusha
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Classic Big Five game viewing in diverse ecosystems
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Baobab-studded landscapes of Tarangire with large elephant herds
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The UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater – a wildlife haven
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Birdlife and tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara National Park
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Comfortable lodges or tented camps with full board
📅 Day-by-Day Itinerary
🐘 Day 1: Zanzibar – Fly to Arusha – Tarangire National Park
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Morning flight from Zanzibar Airport to Arusha
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Meet your professional safari guide upon arrival
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Drive to Tarangire National Park (approx. 2 hours)
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Enjoy a game drive through a landscape dominated by ancient baobab trees, river valleys, and open savannahs
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Spot large herds of elephants, as well as lions, giraffes, zebras, and a variety of antelopes
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Picnic lunch inside the park
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Late afternoon transfer to your lodge near Karatu or Lake Manyara
🦁 Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater – Full-Day Game Drive
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Descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive
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Explore the crater floor, home to the Big Five, including one of the few places in Tanzania to see black rhinos
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Picnic lunch at a scenic spot near a hippo pool
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Wildlife highlights include lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas, and rich birdlife
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Afternoon ascent from the crater and return to your lodge
🦓 Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park – Fly Back to Zanzibar
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Early breakfast and short drive to Lake Manyara National Park
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Half-day game drive in this lush park nestled between the Rift Valley escarpment and the lake
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Search for tree-climbing lions, elephants, baboons, and hippos
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Enjoy the vibrant birdlife, including flamingos and pelicans
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Picnic lunch before heading back to Arusha
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Afternoon flight back to Zanzibar
🌄 Why Choose This Safari?
This route is ideal for those who want to experience a wide variety of wildlife and landscapes in just three days. From the elephant-rich savannah of Tarangire to the unique caldera ecosystem of Ngorongoro, and the lush, green forest of Lake Manyara—you’ll enjoy a rich and rewarding safari with minimal travel time.
Our top-selling safari packages
Guided private tours
Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro crater
From $1,915 per person
Guided private tours
Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro crater & Lake Manyara National park
From $1260 per person
Guided private tours
Tarangire National Park & Ngorongoro crater
From $950 per person
Guided group tours
Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro crater & Lake Manyara National Park
From $1,550 per person
Guided private tours
Tarangire, Ngorongoro crater & Lake Manyara National Park
From $1260 per person
Frequently Asked Questions About the 3-Day Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar:
1. How do I travel from Zanzibar to the safari destinations?
To reach the safari destinations in northern Tanzania, you will take a domestic flight from Zanzibar to Arusha, the main gateway for safaris. The flight lasts about 1 hour and offers beautiful views of the Tanzanian landscape. Upon arriving in Arusha, your safari guide will meet you and provide transport to the national parks. Depending on your itinerary, you may visit parks like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or Tarangire, all of which are within a few hours’ drive from Arusha.
2. What type of accommodation is provided?
Accommodations during your safari are typically offered in different styles, depending on your preferences and budget. You can choose between comfortable lodges, tented camps, or luxury resorts located inside or near the national parks. Tented camps provide a more authentic bush experience, often with tents equipped with private bathrooms and modern amenities. Lodges and luxury resorts offer more comfort, with full-service restaurants, pools, and stunning views of the wildlife and landscapes. All options allow you to experience the beauty of the Tanzanian wilderness up close while still enjoying modern conveniences.
3. What wildlife will I see during the safari?
On a 3-day safari, you will have the chance to see a wide variety of wildlife. The Big Five – lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino – are often a major highlight, especially in Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti national Park. You’ll also encounter zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, hippos, and numerous antelope species like impalas and gazelles. In Tarangire National Park, large herds of elephants are common, along with fascinating bird species and other animals such as warthogs and cheetahs. The diversity of wildlife is one of the main attractions of Tanzania’s national parks, offering a new experience at every turn.
4. Is the safari guided?
Yes, your safari will be guided by an experienced and knowledgeable guide. These guides are experts in the local wildlife and ecosystems, and they’ll help you spot animals while sharing detailed information about their behavior, habitats, and the surrounding environment. A guide is essential for ensuring your safety and enhancing your experience. They are trained to lead game drives through the parks, tracking animals and bringing you closer to some of the most incredible wildlife on the planet. The guide can also adjust the itinerary based on your interests, whether you want to focus on big game or birdwatching, making the safari experience more personalized.
5. What is the best time of year for a 3-day safari?
The best time to go on a 3-day safari from Zanzibar is during the dry season, which runs from June to October. During this period, the vegetation is less dense, and animals gather around water sources, making it easier to spot them. This is also the time of the Great Migration in the Serengeti, a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle where millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the plains in search of greener pastures. However, Tanzania’s parks are open year-round, and the rainy season from November to May can also offer unique advantages, such as fewer tourists, lush landscapes, and the chance to see newborn animals during the calving season.
6. What should I pack for the safari?
For a 3-day safari, pack light, comfortable clothing in neutral colors (such as khaki, beige, or olive) to blend in with the environment and avoid attracting insects. Layers are essential, as mornings can be cool and afternoons warm. Bring a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a good pair of walking shoes or boots for comfort. A camera and binoculars are highly recommended for capturing wildlife moments, and don’t forget to pack personal items like toiletries and any medications you may need. A small daypack is useful for carrying water, snacks, and other essentials during game drives.
7. Can I combine this safari with a beach stay in Zanzibar?
Absolutely! One of the great things about starting a safari from Zanzibar is that you can easily combine it with a relaxing beach holiday. Many travelers spend a few days enjoying Zanzibar’s white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters before or after their safari. This combination of beach and wildlife makes for a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure, offering you the chance to experience the best of both worlds. Whether you prefer a peaceful stay on the beach followed by an exciting safari or vice versa, you’ll leave Tanzania with memories of both its stunning coastlines and its extraordinary wildlife.