Embark on a captivating 3-day journey from Zanzibar to Arusha, exploring Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. Witness the abundant wildlife, including the Big Five, in these iconic destinations. The adventure extends to Lake Eyasi, where you'll engage with the Hadzabe community, one of the last remaining African hunter-gatherer societies. Conclude your expedition with a return flight to Zanzibar, offering a compact yet enriching taste of the Northern Circuit's biodiversity and the unique Hadzabe culture.
Day By Day
Day 1: Zanzibar to Tarangire National Park
Morning Flight: Begin your day with an early morning transfer from your Zanzibar hotel to the airport, where you'll board a small plane for a scenic flight to Arusha. The flight itself offers breathtaking views of Tanzania's diverse landscapes, including coastal views, rolling hills, and the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro if the skies are clear.
Arrival in Arusha & Transfer to Tarangire: Upon landing in Arusha, your safari guide will greet you at the airport and drive you to Tarangire National Park, a journey of approximately two hours. This drive introduces you to the rural Tanzanian countryside, passing by small villages and farmlands.
Tarangire National Park: Tarangire is famed for its impressive elephant herds and the distinctive baobab trees, some of which are hundreds of years old. The park's landscape is a mix of dry riverbeds, seasonal swamps, and rolling savannahs, creating a diverse habitat for wildlife. The Tarangire River, the lifeblood of the park, attracts a variety of animals, especially during the dry season. You’ll have a full day to explore the park in a 4x4 safari vehicle with an open roof, ideal for photography and wildlife viewing.
Wildlife Highlights: Expect to see large groups of elephants, as well as giraffes, buffalo, wildebeests, and zebras. Predators like lions and leopards are also present, often seen lounging in the shade or stalking prey. The park is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 550 species recorded, including the colorful lilac-breasted roller and the massive kori bustard.
Evening at Ngorongoro Marera Mountain View Lodge: After a day full of adventure, you’ll head to your accommodation near Karatu. The lodge offers stunning views of the surrounding highlands and is known for its comfortable amenities, making it a perfect retreat after a day of wildlife spotting.
Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater
Morning Departure to Ngorongoro Crater: After an early breakfast, you’ll depart for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive to the crater rim takes about 90 minutes, during which you’ll ascend into the lush highlands.
Ngorongoro Crater Exploration: Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most iconic natural wonders in Africa. Formed millions of years ago, the caldera spans roughly 20 kilometers in diameter and harbors an astonishing array of wildlife. The crater’s floor is a mix of open grasslands, swamps, and a salt lake, creating a microcosm of East Africa’s diverse ecosystems.
Game Drive: You’ll spend up to 6 hours exploring the crater floor. This is one of the few places in Tanzania where you can see the endangered black rhino. The crater is also home to large prides of lions, as well as other predators like hyenas and cheetahs. The abundance of herbivores, including wildebeests, zebras, buffaloes, and elephants, ensures that predators are never far away.
Lunch at Ngoitoktok Picnic Site: Enjoy a packed lunch at the Ngoitoktok picnic site, a serene spot overlooking a hippo-filled lake. The view here is breathtaking, with the steep crater walls forming a dramatic backdrop.
Afternoon Game Drive & Return to Lodge: After lunch, continue your exploration of the crater before returning to your lodge in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight will be at Ngorongoro Marera Mountain View Lodge, where you can unwind and reflect on the day’s experiences.
Day 3: Lake Eyasi to Zanzibar
Early Morning Departure to Lake Eyasi: Your day begins early with a departure at around 5:30 a.m. for Lake Eyasi. The drive takes you through the stunning landscapes of the Great Rift Valley, arriving at Lake Eyasi as the sun begins to rise.
Visit to the Hadza Community: Lake Eyasi is home to the Hadzabe people, one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes in Africa. The Hadza live a nomadic lifestyle, relying on hunting small game, gathering wild fruits, and harvesting honey. Their way of life has remained largely unchanged for thousands of years.
Cultural Immersion: You’ll have the unique opportunity to participate in a morning hunting session with the Hadza men. Using traditional bows and arrows, they hunt small animals like birds and dik-diks. The Hadza’s deep knowledge of the land and their tracking skills are impressive. You’ll also learn about their customs, including their use of a click language, and have the chance to see how they create fire and prepare food in the wild.
Return to Arusha & Flight to Zanzibar: After your time with the Hadza, you’ll return to Arusha for your afternoon flight back to Zanzibar. The flight offers a final chance to take in the stunning landscapes of Tanzania before you arrive back on the island, concluding your incredible 3-day safari adventure.
What's Included:
Park Fees: All entrance fees to the national parks and conservation areas for non-residents are covered.
Activities: All safari activities mentioned in the itinerary are included unless specifically labeled as optional.
Accommodation: All lodging during the tour is provided as per the itinerary. Upgrades to higher-tier accommodations would be extra.
Professional Driver/Guide: A knowledgeable, English-speaking driver/guide will accompany you throughout the safari.
Transportation: All ground transportation during the tour is included, typically in a 4x4 safari vehicle with an open roof for optimal game viewing.
Flights: All domestic flights during the safari, such as those between Zanzibar and Arusha, are included.
Taxes/VAT: All applicable government taxes and VAT are covered.
Roundtrip Airport Transfer: Transfers between the airport and your hotel at the beginning and end of the tour are included.
Meals: Meals are provided as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary, which typically includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Drinks: Drinks are included as specified in the itinerary, though this usually covers non-alcoholic beverages unless otherwise noted.
What's Excluded:
International Flights: Flights to and from your home country are not included.
Additional Accommodation: If you need accommodation before the tour starts or after it ends, this will be at your own expense.
Tips: While tipping is not mandatory, a guideline of US$20 per person per day is recommended for drivers/guides and other staff.
Personal Items: Costs for souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, and other personal expenses are not covered.
Government-Imposed Increases: Any unforeseen increases in taxes or park fees mandated by the government after the booking will be an additional expense.
Rates Per Person
2 people1 room $1,551
3 people2 rooms $1,463
4 people2 rooms $1,397
5 people3 rooms $1,353
6 people3 rooms $1,298
