Price starts from $958 pp to $2,139pp
3-Day Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar – Fly-In Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara
Fly from Zanzibar to Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara for three days of Big Five game drives—ideal for families, couples, and small groups.
Round trip Flights
All Accommodations
All Meals
Safari Jeep
3-Day Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar (Fly-In/Out) – Ngorongoro, Tarangire & Lake Manyara
This seamless 3-day Tanzania safari starts and ends on Zanzibar Island (Abeid Amani Karume International Airport – ZNZ) with hotel pickups in Stone Town, Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Jambiani, Matemwe and Kiwengwa, then a short flight to Arusha (ARK/JRO) for the Northern Safari Circuit. You’ll explore the Ngorongoro Crater (UNESCO)—the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera with permanent water, where the Big Five are often seen in a single day and the shallow Lake Magadi can blush pink with flamingos—followed by Tarangire National Park, famed for its huge dry-season elephant herds, ancient baobabs, superb birding and generally fewer vehicles than Serengeti/Ngorongoro. You’ll also visit Lake Manyara National Park, a compact, diverse gem of groundwater forest, Rift Valley escarpment views and a reputation for tree-climbing lions, large baboon troops and seasonal flamingos—short drive times mean more time on game drives and less time on the road.
Travel in a private 4×4 pop-top with a professional guide in your preferred language (English, Deutsch, Français, Italiano, Español—others on request). We offer a Best-Price Promise on comparable itineraries; the trip is family-friendly (child seats, flexible pacing), perfect for couples & honeymooners (romantic lodge upgrades), and smooth for solo travellers with private guiding. To keep flying light, we provide secure luggage storage in Zanzibar for big suitcases; note that domestic flights typically allow ~20–23 kg per person (airline-dependent) and soft bags are recommended. Daily departures, airport meet-&-greet, all park & Crater fees, all meals, bottled water and hotel drop-off back on Zanzibar are included, making this the most effortless short 3-day safari from Zanzibar to the Big Five.
Can be customized
You may request small adjustments to the accommodations or destinations included in this tour.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Private tour
This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others.
Suitable for All Ages
Ideal for travelers of any age, offering a relaxed pace and family-friendly activities.
Route Overview: 3-Day Safari from Zanzibar to Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara
3-Day Tanzania safari from Zanzibar - Highlights
Day 1: Fly Zanzibar to Arusha – Discover Tarangire’s Hidden Treasures
Morning: Begin your adventure with a flight from Zanzibar to Arusha, where your safari guide will meet you.
Afternoon: Drive to Tarangire National Park, a haven for wildlife. Explore its iconic baobab-dotted landscape and marvel at the large herds of elephants, lions, and other wildlife.
Evening: Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay near Tarangire.
Main Destination: Tarangire National Park
Best Time To Visit
July to November (Animals come to the Tarangire River)
High Season
June to October (The park is full of visitors)
Best Weather
June to October (Little rainfall)
Common - Wildlife in Tarangire NP
Elephant
Giraffe
Lion
Wildebeest
Hippo
Buffalo
Hyena
Zebra
Day 2: Journey into Ngorongoro Crater – Nature’s Masterpiece
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Morning: Drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the world’s largest unbroken caldera.
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Game Drive: Spend your day exploring the crater’s diverse ecosystem, home to the Big Five and other unique wildlife like black rhinos and flamingos.
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Evening: Enjoy stunning views from your lodge on the crater rim.
Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater
Best Time To Visit
June to October (Wildlife viewing is best)
High Season
Most of the year – July to March (Expect crowds)
Best Weather
June to October (Rainfall is little to none)
Common - Ngorongoro Crater
Elephant
Giraffe
Lion
Wildebeest
Hippo
Buffalo
Rhino
Zebra
Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park – A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
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Morning: Head to the lush Lake Manyara National Park, renowned for its diverse birdlife and unique tree-climbing lions.
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Game Drive: Discover flamingos along the lake’s shores, hippos in the water, and giraffes roaming the woodlands.
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Afternoon: Enjoy lunch amidst the scenic beauty before heading back to Arusha.
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Evening: Flight back to Zanzibar.
Main Destination: Lake Manyara National Park
Best Time To Visit
June to October (Wildlife viewing is best)
High Season
Most of the year – July to March (Expect crowds)
Best Weather
June to October (Rainfall is little to none)
Common - Ngorongoro Crater
Giraffe
Lion
Wildebeest
Hippo
Buffalo
Hyena
Zebra
Other 3-Day Safari Packages from Zanzibar
We also offer unique alternatives such as the 3-Day Safari – Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Arusha National Park, which combines the elephant herds of Tarangire, Big Five sightings inside the Ngorongoro Crater, and the scenic beauty of Arusha National Park with options for walking or canoeing safaris; or the 3-Day Safari – Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Waterfall + Hot Springs, which blends classic game drives with cultural and natural highlights, including a visit to Materuni Waterfall, a coffee farm experience, and a refreshing swim at Chemka Hot Springs.
ITINERARIES
3-Day Safari from Zanzibar – Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater & Arusha National Park
This 3-day safari from Zanzibar is designed for travellers who want to combine their Zanzibar holiday with a short yet diverse wildlife adventure. In just three days, you’ll experience three of Tanzania’s most unique parks: Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees; the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering some of the best chances to see the Big Five; and Arusha National Park, where you’ll step out of the vehicle for a guided walking safari with an armed ranger, giving you the rare chance to observe giraffes, buffaloes, and monkeys on foot with stunning views of Mount Meru. This itinerary perfectly blends classic game drives with close-to-nature encounters, making it one of the most rewarding short safaris from Zanzibar.
Day 1: Zanzibar ✈️ → Arusha → Tarangire National Park
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Early morning flight from Zanzibar to Arusha Airport.
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Meet your driver-guide and transfer to Tarangire National Park (approx. 2 hours).
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Full-day game drive exploring the park’s vast savannahs, Tarangire River, and giant baobabs.
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Key wildlife: elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and 500+ bird species.
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Picnic lunch inside the park.
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Evening drive to Karatu town for dinner and overnight in a mid-range lodge (budget and luxury options available).
In Camping Safari - Migombani Campsite
In Mid-range Safari - Heart and Soul Tours
Luxury Safari - Oldeani Mountain Lodge
Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater – Full-Day Safari
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Enjoy an early breakfast, then drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
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Descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive.
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Key wildlife: the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, black rhino), as well as hippos, flamingos, hyenas, and gazelles.
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Picnic lunch at the hippo pool site.
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Late afternoon return to Arusha for dinner and overnight
In Camping Safari - The charity Hotel
In Mid-range Safari - Arusha Farm House
Luxury Safari - Hotel Gran Meliá Arusha
Day 3: Arusha National Park → Zanzibar
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Breakfast at the lodge and transfer to Arusha National Park.
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Enjoy a guided walking safari with an armed ranger — a rare opportunity to explore the bush on foot.
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Spot giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, flamingos, and colobus monkeys while walking in the shadow of Mount Meru.
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Picnic lunch inside the park.
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Afternoon transfer to Arusha Airport for your return flight to Zanzibar, arriving in the evening.
3 Day Day safari from zanzibar Features
✈️ Round-trip flights from Zanzibar to mainland Tanzania – fly directly from Zanzibar to Arusha or Serengeti for your Tanzania fly-in safari adventure.
🚙 Private 4x4 pop-up roof safari Jeep with a professional, English-speaking guide – enjoy every moment of your Zanzibar to Serengeti safari or Ngorongoro game drive.
🏕️ Top-rated safari lodge or tented camp accommodation near world-famous parks like Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, or Tarangire National Park – the best stays for your Zanzibar safari holiday.
🍽️ All meals included – breakfast, lunch, and dinner during your Tanzania safari tour from Zanzibar.
🦁 Unlimited game drives across top destinations on Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit – see the Big Five on your Zanzibar to mainland safari.
🛬 Seamless airport pick-up and drop-off – both in Zanzibar and on the Tanzania mainland, making your safari from Zanzibar to Serengeti or Ngorongoro effortless.
📍Perfect for travellers starting in Zanzibar who want a quick, immersive safari in Tanzania with flights from Zanzibar, without the tourist crowds.
Why Book a 3 -Day Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar?
A 3-Day Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar is the ultimate way to add a thrilling wildlife adventure to your island holiday without the long overland drives from Dar es Salaam or Arusha. This fly-in safari from Zanzibar blends the comfort of a beach vacation with the excitement of world-class game viewing across northern Tanzania’s famous national parks.
Quick & Convenient Fly-In Connections
Skip the long road journeys and maximize your game-drive time. Daily direct flights from Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) to Arusha Airport (ARK) take only about 1 hour 15 minutes. You can leave the beach after breakfast and begin a private game drive in Tarangire National Park before lunch—a perfect schedule for travelers who value both relaxation and adventure.
Big Five Game Viewing in Just Three Days
In a short getaway you can see the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and black rhino—inside the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater and the open savannahs of Tarangire National Park. Your professional guide will position you for unforgettable sightings and photographs of elephants, prides of lions, and rare black rhinos.
Iconic Parks on One Seamless Itinerary
This itinerary showcases three of Tanzania’s best safari parks in a single trip:
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Tarangire National Park, home to the country’s largest elephant population and iconic baobab trees.
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Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with breathtaking volcanic scenery and dense wildlife.
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Lake Manyara National Park, renowned for shimmering flocks of pink flamingos, tree-climbing lions, and incredible birdlife.
Flexible for All Types of Travelers
Whether you’re planning a family safari from Zanzibar, a romantic honeymoon safari, or a trip with friends, this program offers options for private safaris or small-group tours. Your itinerary, accommodation, and pace can be tailored to match your budget and travel style.
Comfort, Style, and Expert Local Guides
Travel in a custom 4×4 Land Cruiser with a multilingual Tanzanian driver-guide who knows every corner of Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara. Stay in carefully selected mid-range or luxury lodges such as Marera Valley Lodge and Ngorongoro Farm House, where you’ll enjoy en-suite rooms, hot showers, and freshly prepared meals after each exciting day.
Year-Round Safari Adventure
A 3-Day Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar is spectacular in any season.
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Dry Season (June–October): Clear skies and concentrated wildlife near rivers and waterholes make it the best time to visit Tanzania for a safari.
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Green Season (November–May): Lush scenery, vibrant colors, and excellent bird-watching create fantastic photographic opportunities, especially for flamingos at Lake Manyara.
Booking a 3-Day Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar lets you relax on the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar and, within hours, be tracking elephants in Tarangire, observing lions in the Ngorongoro Crater, and photographing flamingos at Lake Manyara—a seamless combination of tropical paradise and unforgettable African wilderness.
Highlights & Wildlife – Big Five Safari in Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara
Your adventure begins with a morning flight from Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) to Arusha Airport (ARK), followed by a private transfer to Tarangire National Park.
Tarangire is renowned for its massive elephant herds, giant baobab trees, and predators such as lions and leopards.
Next, descend 2,000 feet into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can spot black rhinos, hippos, buffalo, elephants, and lions in a single game drive.
On the final day, explore Lake Manyara National Park, known for tree-climbing lions, giraffes, and shimmering flocks of pink flamingos, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and photographers.
Best Time to Visit 3-Day Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar – Dry and Green Season Travel Guide
The best time to visit Tanzania for a safari depends on what you’d like to experience.
Dry Season – June to October
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Clear skies and dry roads
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Wildlife concentrates around rivers and waterholes
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Ideal for fly-in safaris from Zanzibar and excellent Big Five sightings
Green Season – November to May
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Lush, vibrant scenery with fewer tourists
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Incredible birding and dramatic skies
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January to March offers wildebeest calving near Ngorongoro and Serengeti
Typical daytime temperatures range from 20–28 °C (68–82 °F) in Tarangire and Lake Manyara, while mornings on the Ngorongoro rim can drop to 5 °C (41 °F), so pack a warm layer.
Flights & Transfers – Zanzibar to Arusha Safari Connections
Daily flights with Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, and Flightlink connect Zanzibar to Arusha in about 1 hour 15 minutes. Soft bags up to 15 kg are recommended for these aircraft. Early-morning departures allow you to land in Arusha and begin your first game drive before noon, maximizing every safari moment.
Pricing & What’s Included – 3-Day Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar Cost Breakdown
The 3-Day Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar starts at USD 1,250 per person (approximately TZS 3,250,000), offering excellent value for a fully guided adventure.
Included in the package:
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Round-trip flights Zanzibar ↔ Arusha
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Private 4×4 Land Cruiser with a professional, multilingual guide
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All park entry fees for Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara
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Two nights of full-board accommodation
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Daily game drives and bottled water throughout your trip
Optional upgrades include luxury lodge stays, a hot-air balloon safari over the savannah, or a cultural village visit.
Questions About 3-Day Tanzania Safaris From Zanzibar
What are the best parks to visit on a 3-day safari from Zanzibar?
"The top destinations for a 3-day safari from Zanzibar are Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) and Mikumi National Park, both located in southern Tanzania. These parks are among the finest in East Africa.
You can often fly directly from Zanzibar to these parks, particularly to an airstrip near Nyerere's main eastern gate. Another cost-effective option is to fly to Dar es Salaam and drive to Saadani National Park, which is nearby on the coast.
Alternatively, you could opt for a fly-in safari to some of northern Tanzania's renowned parks such as Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park, or Tarangire National Park."
Is the south or north of Tanzania better for a 3-day safari from Zanzibar?
"Most travelers on a 3-day safari from Zanzibar prefer parks in southern Tanzania, such as Nyerere or Mikumi National Parks, because they are quicker to reach, allowing more time for the actual safari experience. This is crucial when you only have three days.
Saadani National Park is another option. Although it may have less wildlife, its proximity to Zanzibar minimizes travel time.
Visiting northern parks on a 3-day safari is possible but involves more logistics. Typically, you'll need to fly from Zanzibar to Arusha and then take another flight to your chosen park, consuming more time."
Are three days enough for a safari from Zanzibar?
"A 3-day safari from Zanzibar is the minimum recommended duration to enjoy the experience fully. Typically, you'll fly from Zanzibar to the park on the first day, spend two nights there, and return on the third day. This schedule allows for at least four game drives or a combination of game drives and a boat excursion if visiting Nyerere National Park.
With three or four game drives, timed for early mornings and late afternoons when animals are most active, you'll significantly increase your chances of seeing a variety of wildlife."
Are all 3-day safaris from Zanzibar fly-in safaris?
"Yes, a 3-day safari from Zanzibar will involve a flight to the mainland, as Zanzibar itself doesn't offer a true safari experience. While the island has some wildlife parks, they resemble zoos.
The shortest flying option is to Saadani National Park near Dar es Salaam, which you can reach by flight or boat followed by a drive. Most other options, like Nyerere or Mikumi National Parks, require a direct flight to the park.
Most 3-day safaris from Zanzibar are fly-in safaris, where you fly to an airstrip within or near the national park and are then transported to your accommodation."
How much does a 3-day safari from Zanzibar cost?
"For a budget-friendly 3-day safari from Zanzibar, consider a camping trip to Saadani National Park, costing around $200 to $250 per person per day. This typically includes transfers, park fees, accommodation, food, some drinks, a guide, and game drives. You might be expected to help with some camp chores.
For a more luxurious experience in parks like Nyerere or Mikumi, prices start at $400 per person per day and can rise significantly for high-end accommodations. Safaris to northern parks may be even more expensive due to additional flight costs."
Is this safari suitable for families with children?
Absolutely, this safari is designed to be family-friendly! We encourage you to reach out to us for a detailed discussion, especially if you have young children in your group. By doing so, we can tailor the itinerary to better suit their needs and ensure that every family member has an enjoyable and safe experience.
Whether it’s suggestions on suitable activities, optimal viewing times, or specific accommodations, we’re here to help create a memorable adventure for your family.
Is this safari suitable for families with children?
Yes – most safaris from Zanzibar can be tailored for families with children, but it depends on the parks, travel time, and lodge choice.
For example, fly-in safaris to destinations like Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire are ideal because they reduce long driving hours, offer family-friendly lodges with child-appropriate meals, and allow flexible game drives. Many lodges also provide family tents or interconnecting rooms.
However:
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Some parks have minimum age restrictions for certain activities (e.g., walking safaris).
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Early morning and full-day game drives may be tiring for younger kids, so shorter, customized drives are recommended.
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Always choose lodges with safety measures (fenced areas, trained staff) and experienced guides who know how to make safaris engaging for children.
What type of vehicles are used during the safari?
We use customized 4x4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs for optimal wildlife viewing and photography. All vehicles are equipped with charging ports, a fridge or cooler for drinks, and first aid kits.
How do I book this safari?
Booking is easy! Click the "Plan Your Safari Now" button on this page or contact us directly via email or phone. A deposit is required to secure your spot, with flexible payment options available.
What happens in case of flight delays or cancellations?
Our team will coordinate any necessary changes to your itinerary to ensure you can still enjoy your safari. We recommend booking travel insurance for extra peace of mind.
Is it safe to travel in Tanzania?
Yes, Tanzania is a safe and welcoming destination for travelers. Our guides prioritize your safety and ensure that all aspects of the safari run smoothly.
What kind of food is provided during the safari?
You’ll enjoy a variety of meals, including:
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Breakfast and dinners at your lodges or campsites.
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Packed lunches during game drives.
Special dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.) can be accommodated upon request.