Westway safaris ltd

3 Days Tanzania Safari

Top Safari Holidays in Tanzania

Ngorongoro , Tarangire & Manyara Safari

Ngorongoro Crater

Unique and diverse, the Ngorongoro Crater, although a “must-see” , is surprisingly small once inside and most people find that one day is quite sufficient to drive around. Its size compared to the vast expanse of the Serengeti means that you will see many other vehicles, especially in peak season. The Ngorongoro Highlands are great for walking and there are many interesting Masaai villages to explore

We would recommend only one full day in the Crater since although the Crater is memorable it is very touristy (it is not uncommon to see about 250 vehicles in the Crater at any one time !). Most clients stay at either the Sopa or the Serena Lodge on the Crater Rim, both of which have great views into the Crater. Almost all the East African game is represented in the Crater although leopard and Cheetah are extremely rare. There are Rhino in the crater which is often seen and a surprisingly large number of habitats. Due to its altitude nights on the crater are usually very cold. Driving time from the Serengeti is about 6 hours

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire is a large and characteristic park reached most easily from Arusha. The largely forested areas and high grasses most of the year make game viewing harder than on the short grass plains of the Serengeti. The Tarangire River cuts a swathe through the middle of the park, allowing for fantastic views through the valley. Tarangire is best visited in the dry months of July to September when large numbers of animals gather along the banks of the river.

Tarangire attracts large herds of elephants and the signs of their activity are apparent on most of the old baobab trees dotted around the parks.

Bird-life is especially prolific in Tarangire and probably better than the other parks in the North. Unfortunately, the park became a park as a result of the tsetse flies endemic in the region. These can be a nuisance on safari but are best endured with all the windows up. They do not carry any sleeping sickness.

Lake Manyara

Lake Manyara is the park that is combined with the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater to start and / or end the northern circuit. It is a lovely location to walk around the top of the Rift Valley where the views are spectacular

Usually visited for an afternoon at the start of a safari or a morning in the end. A small but scenic park, good for birds and elephant (and occasionally tree-climbing lion). One game drive is usually enough to see the park. The Lake is in the middle of the Rift Valley depression and all of the hotels and lodges are on the rim of the Rift Valley which affords great views over the lake.

Driving time from Arusha is about 3 hours

2 Days Safari

Day 1 : After breakfast drive to Lake Manyara National Park with lunch box for the full day game drive, dinner, and overnight at the lodge / public campsite

Day 2 : After breakfast drive to Ngorongoro Conservations and descend down into the crater for a game drive with a lunch box, later afternoon return to campsite or Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 3 : After breakfast drive to Tarangire National Park with picnic lunch for a full day game drive, later afternoon drive back to Arusha for drop off.