3 Day Tanzania Safari Starting from Zanzibar
Best Accommodation
Private 4x4 Safari Jeep
Round-Trip Flight
All Meals Included
3 Day Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar (Fly-In/Out) – Ngorongoro, Tarangire & Lake Manyara
Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire & Lake Manyara
Enjoy an easy and unforgettable 3-day Tanzania safari from Zanzibar, starting and ending on Zanzibar Island. This fly-in safari includes hotel pickup from Stone Town, Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Jambiani, Matemwe, and Kiwengwa, followed by a short domestic flight from Zanzibar (ZNZ) to Arusha (ARK/JRO). From there, you explore Tanzania’s famous Northern Safari Circuit, saving time and maximizing wildlife viewing.
Ngorongoro Crater – Big Five in One Day
Your safari includes a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Thanks to its permanent water sources, the crater is home to a high concentration of wildlife. You have excellent chances to see the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino in a single day. You may also spot flamingos at Lake Magadi and enjoy breathtaking crater views.
Tarangire National Park – Elephants and Baobabs
Next, explore Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds, especially during the dry season. The park is known for its ancient baobab trees, open savannahs, and excellent birdlife. Tarangire is quieter than Serengeti and Ngorongoro, offering relaxed game drives and great wildlife sightings, including lions, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest.
Lake Manyara National Park – Small Park, Big Variety
You will also visit Lake Manyara National Park, a compact but very diverse park. It features groundwater forests, open plains, and stunning views of the Rift Valley escarpment. The park is famous for tree-climbing lions, large baboon groups, hippos, and seasonal flamingos. Short driving distances mean more time for game drives and less time on the road.
Private Safari with Professional Guides
Travel in a private 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, guided by a professional safari guide. Guides are available in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and other languages on request. This safari is suitable for families, couples, honeymooners, and solo travelers, with flexible pacing and private guiding.
Smooth Flights & All-Inclusive Safari
To make travel easier, we offer secure luggage storage in Zanzibar for large suitcases. Domestic flights usually allow 20–23 kg per person, and soft bags are recommended. This safari includes daily departures, airport meet-and-greet, all park and Ngorongoro Crater fees, all meals, bottled drinking water, and hotel drop-off back in Zanzibar. This 3-day fly-in safari from Zanzibar is one of the easiest ways to experience Tanzania’s top wildlife parks and the Big Five in a short time perfect for travellers who want a smooth, well organized safari adventure.
3 Day Tanzania safari from Zanzibar - Highlights
Day 1: Fly Zanzibar to Arusha – Discover Tarangire’s Hidden Treasures
Morning: Start your journey by flying from Zanzibar to Arusha, where your safari guide will greet you.
Afternoon: Travel to Tarangire National Park, known for its wildlife. Discover the beautiful baobab trees and see large groups of elephants, lions, and other animals.
Evening: Have dinner and rest overnight near Tarangire.
Day 2: Journey into Ngorongoro Crater – Nature’s Masterpiece
Morning: Travel to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the world’s largest intact volcanic crater.
Daytime Game Drive: Spend the day exploring the crater floor, which is rich in wildlife. You’ll have the chance to see the Big Five, including lions and elephants, as well as rare animals like black rhinos and colorful flamingos.
Evening: Relax at your lodge on the crater rim and take in the beautiful views of the landscape below.
Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park – A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
Morning: Head to the lush Lake Manyara National Park, renowned for its diverse birdlife and unique tree-climbing lions.
Game Drive: Discover flamingos along the lake’s shores, hippos in the water, and giraffes roaming the woodlands.
Afternoon: Enjoy lunch amidst the scenic beauty before heading back to Arusha.
Evening: Flight back to Zanzibar.
Accommodation Option
Migombani Campsite | Jua Manyara Campsite
Migombani Campsite is a scenic, eco-friendly camping site located on a hillside overlooking Lake Manyara, offering stunning sunrise and sunset views. It features clean facilities, spacious tents, and a serene natural setting perfect for travelers seeking a relaxed camping experience close to nature.
Other 3-Day Safari Packages from Zanzibar
🦒🐘🦏 3 Day Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar
Arusha National Park Walking Safari, Tarangire National Park & Ngorongoro Crater
Safari Overview
This 3 day safari offers a perfect balance of active exploration, classic game drives, and iconic wildlife destinations in northern Tanzania. Starting with a walking safari in Arusha National Park, continuing to the elephant-rich plains of Tarangire, and ending with the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, this itinerary is ideal for couples, families, and small groups seeking a diverse and memorable safari experience.
🗓️ Day 1: Arusha National Park – Walking Safari & Game Viewing
After breakfast, your professional safari guide will pick you up from your hotel in Arusha (or Kilimanjaro International Airport). You will drive to Arusha National Park, one of Tanzania’s most scenic parks, set beneath the slopes of Mount Meru.The highlight of the day is a guided walking safari, led by an armed ranger and experienced guide. Walking through the park allows you to connect deeply with nature, learning about animal tracks, plants, insects, and the ecosystem while encountering wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, warthogs, and a variety of monkeys, including the famous black-and-white colobus monkeys.After the walk, enjoy lunch before continuing with optional game viewing around the Momella Lakes, known for flamingos and other bird species.In the late afternoon, depart the park and drive to your lodge for relaxation and dinner.
Accommodation: Arusha Farm House
Alternative Accommodation: Rivertrees Country Inn
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Arusha area
🗓️ Day 2: Tarangire National Park – Full-Day Game Drive
After an early breakfast, depart Arusha and drive to Tarangire National Park (approximately 2–2.5 hours). Tarangire is renowned for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and diverse wildlife, especially during the dry season when animals gather along the Tarangire River.Enjoy a full day game drive through the park, exploring riverine areas, open savannahs, and seasonal swamps. Wildlife sightings may include elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, lions, leopards, and a wide variety of bird species.A picnic lunch will be served inside the park, allowing you to make the most of your time in the wilderness.In the late afternoon, exit the park and drive toward the Ngorongoro Highlands or Karatu area for overnight.
Accommodation: Lodge in Karatu / Heart & Soul Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Karatu / Ngorongoro area
🗓️ Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater – Game Drive & Departure
After an early breakfast, drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most extraordinary natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.The crater floor is home to a high concentration of wildlife, offering outstanding game viewing in a compact area. During your game drive, you may encounter lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, and, with some luck, the endangered black rhino.After enjoying the crater experience and a picnic lunch, ascend from the crater and begin your journey back to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward travel.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
🌅 Why Choose This Safari?
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Combines walking safari, classic game drives & crater experience
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Diverse landscapes in just 3 days
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Excellent for first-time safari travelers
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High chances of seeing the Big Five
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Comfortable lodges and scenic routes
Questions About 3-Day Tanzania Safaris From Zanzibar
What are the best parks to visit on a 3-day safari from Zanzibar?
The best parks for a 3-day safari from Zanzibar are located in southern Tanzania, mainly Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) and Mikumi National Park. These parks are rich in wildlife and are quick and easy to reach from Zanzibar, making them ideal for short safaris.You can often fly directly from Zanzibar to an airstrip near Nyerere National Park, close to its main eastern gate. Another affordable option is to fly to Dar es Salaam and then drive to Saadani National Park, which lies along the coast.Alternatively, travelers can choose a fly-in safari to northern Tanzania, visiting famous parks such as Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park, and Tarangire National Park.
Is southern or northern Tanzania better for a 3-day safari from Zanzibar?
For most travelers, southern Tanzania is the better choice for a 3-day safari from Zanzibar. Parks like Nyerere and Mikumi are closer, which means less travel time and more time for game drives. This is very important when you only have three days. Saadani National Park is another option because of its close distance to Zanzibar, although wildlife sightings may be fewer compared to other parks.Northern Tanzania safaris are possible, but they involve more flights and transfers, usually flying from Zanzibar to Arusha and then onward to the park, which can reduce time spent on safari.
Are three days enough for a safari from Zanzibar?
Yes, three days is the minimum recommended time for a safari from Zanzibar. Most 3-day safaris include a flight on day one, two nights in the park, and a return flight on day three.This schedule allows for at least three to four game drives, or a mix of game drives and activities such as a boat safari in Nyerere National Park. Game drives are usually done early in the morning and late afternoon, when animals are most active.
Are all 3-day safaris from Zanzibar fly-in safaris?
Yes, all 3-day safaris from Zanzibar involve flying to mainland Tanzania. Zanzibar itself does not offer a true wildlife safari experience.The shortest flight option is to Saadani National Park near Dar es Salaam, which may also involve a short drive. Most other options, such as Nyerere and Mikumi National Parks, require a direct flight to an airstrip inside or near the park.
How much does a 3-day safari from Zanzibar cost?
The cost of a 3-day safari from Zanzibar depends on the level of comfort and the park visited.Budget safaris, such as camping trips to Saadani National Park, usually cost around USD 200–250 per person per day. These typically include transfers, park fees, accommodation, meals, a guide, and game drives.Mid-range and luxury safaris to parks like Nyerere or Mikumi usually start from USD 400 per person per day and can go higher depending on lodge quality. Safaris to northern Tanzania are generally more expensive due to additional flights.
Is this safari suitable for families with children?
Yes, 3-day safaris from Zanzibar can be family-friendly, depending on the itinerary and lodge choice. Fly-in safaris are especially suitable for families because they reduce long driving hours.Many lodges offer family rooms, child-friendly meals, and flexible game drives. Shorter game drives are recommended for young children, and experienced guides help keep safaris fun and educational. Some activities may have age restrictions, which will be discussed in advance.
What type of vehicles are used during the safari?
Safaris are conducted in customized 4×4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs, ideal for wildlife viewing and photography. Vehicles are equipped with charging ports, a cooler or fridge for drinks, and first aid kits to ensure comfort and safety during game drives.
How do I book a 3-day safari from Zanzibar?
Booking is simple. You can click the “Plan Your Safari Now” button on the website or contact us directly by email or phone. A deposit is required to confirm your booking, with flexible payment options available.What happens if there are flight delays or cancellations?If there are flight delays or changes, our team will adjust your itinerary to ensure you still enjoy your safari. We also recommend purchasing 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 professional guides follow all safety procedures, and safari vehicles and lodges meet high safety standards to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
What kind of food is provided during the safari?
Meals are included during the safari and usually consist of:Breakfasts and dinners at lodges or campsPacked lunches during game drives. Special dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free meals can be arranged in advance upon request.
