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Perfect 3 Day Tanzania Safari Itinerary & Costs

Perfect 3 Day Tanzania Safari Itinerary & Costs

3 Day 2 Nights Safari Features

3 days safari in Tanzania

Tarangire Serengeti & Ngorongoro

Private And Group Join Safari

Camping | Mid-range | Luxury

3 Day Tanzania Safari Tours Packages

Price From $798

Three different 3-Day Tanzania Safari Itineraries

Experiencing a safari in Tanzania is something truly unforgettable, but a 3-day trip is a short safari. Your stay will only last for 2 nights and 3 days. However, even with these limitations, you'll create valuable memories, especially if you carefully plan your time.

 

Regardless of whether you are an experienced traveler in Africa or considering your first safari, Tanzania offers something for everyone. With a shorter safari, you will have to make decisions. Determine what you genuinely seek from the safari and base your choices on that.

 

To optimize your time, opting for a fly-in safari from Zanzibar, Arusha or Dar es Salaam could be a smart decision, but traveling by road to your destination, while slower, can still be worthwhile. It’s a wonderful opportunity to witness the lifestyle of the Tanzanian people in the villages and towns.

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We've outlined three of our favorite 3-day itineraries for Tanzania below.

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Our focus is on the northern parks for these itineraries, as the Northern Circuit features some of Tanzania's most renowned and outstanding parks. These northern parks are conveniently located near Arusha, where Kilimanjaro International Airport is situated, making it the main entry point for most travelers coming to Tanzania.

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In contrast, Tanzania's southern parks are much more dispersed and typically require more than three days to explore. The only exception would be to fly directly into one of the southern parks from Dar es Salaam for a brief visit and then return. However, with the wildlife being more scattered in these areas, we hesitate to recommend them for such a limited timeframe.

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Option 1

3-Day Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara Safari Itinerary

This 3-day safari tour includes three parks from the Northern Circuit: Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara. 

This itinerary is quite popular as it enables you to explore three remarkable Northern Circuit parks by road, avoiding the added expenses of internal flights. 

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If it's your first visit to Tanzania, you won't regret choosing this widely favored 3-day safari route. It's also the standard plan for most 3-day group camping safaris, making it a suitable option if you're on a tighter budget.

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Should you have the additional budget for internal flights on a small propeller plane (approximately $300 per person each way) and prefer to visit the fourth and most renowned of the Northern Circuit parks, the Serengeti, you would swap out Tarangire and Lake Manyara to fly directly there, thus sidestepping the 8-hour drive. For this alternative, refer to my 3-Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Fly-in Safari Itinerary and 3-Day Great Migration Wildebeest River Crossing / Calving Safari Itinerary.

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3-day safari tour short itinerary

Day 1: Tarangire – total drive time 5.5 hrs

Day 2: Manyara National Park – total drive time 3.5 hrs

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater (total drive time 4.5 hrs)

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Option 2

3-Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Fly-in Safari Itinerary

This 3-day fly-in safari plan will transport you to Tanzania's top two safari parks: Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. The expansive Serengeti is among the most renowned safari parks globally. However, reaching central Serengeti from Arusha requires an 8-hour drive, and traveling to the north takes an additional 5 hours by car.

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For this reason, the fly-in safari option is the only feasible way to make the most of a 3-day itinerary, as it allows you to travel directly to Serengeti from Arusha or Zanzibar via a small propeller plane. Otherwise, you would end up spending the majority of your three-day safari journeying to and from the park.

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Fly-in safaris are favored because they eliminate lengthy drives, giving you more time to explore the safari. Nonetheless, they will raise the overall costs of your 3-day fly-in safari, in addition to the elevated park fees required for entry into Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

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If your budget allows it, this is an excellent 3-day option. However, if you're visiting in January-February or July-September, you might also want to consider our 3-Day Wildebeest Great Migration Safari itinerary as an alternative.

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3-day fly-in Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari tour short itinerary

Day 1-2: Fly to Seronera (Central Serengeti)

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater​​

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Option 3

3-Day Tanzania Safari Starting From Zanzibar

Zanzibar boasts numerous attractions, yet wildlife safaris are not included among them. Therefore, after exploring everything Zanzibar offers, it's time to venture to the Tanzanian mainland for a safari. On a 3-day safari departing from Zanzibar, you'll spend 2 nights and experience one full day within a national park or reserve.

 

The destination you choose requires thoughtful planning, but it can be incredibly enjoyable to select which animals you wish to encounter and determine where to see them. Merging a safari on the mainland with a stay in Zanzibar is a popular option, with seemingly limitless tour and package choices. However, if you take your time and make informed decisions, you can prepare for an unforgettable adventure.

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3-day safari from Zanzibar short itinerary

Day 1: Fly from Zanzibar to Tarangire – total drive time 5.5 hrs

Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater full-day game drive safari

Day 3: Lake Manyara then fly back to Zanzibar

Plan My 3 day Safari In Tanzania Now!

Tanzania Short Safari in Pictures

Questions About 3-Day Safari in Tanzania

Is a 3-day Tanzania trip too short?

  • "A three-day safari may seem brief, but whether it feels insufficient really depends on what you're hoping to get from the experience. If you can manage it, I would highly suggest extending your trip by a few days. Having more time allows you to become acclimated and fully engage with the wilderness experience. Nevertheless, if you have limitations on either time or budget that steer you towards a shorter journey, I believe that even a short safari is preferable to not going at all. In three days, you can certainly step into the wild and gain a sense of what it entails. Hopefully, this will inspire you to return in the future when you can dedicate more time to it.

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  • It's generally unwise to try and cram too many activities into a safari, and this is particularly critical for a three-day itinerary. Keep in mind that a significant portion of your time will be consumed by travel to and from your starting and ending locations. As long as you have a realistic perspective on what you can experience during a safari of this length, it’s worthwhile to go."

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What can I fit in during a 3-day safari in Tanzania?

  • "There are a variety of 3-day safari options available in Tanzania, providing you with choices for your safari itinerary. Since your trip will only last for 2 nights, I suggest staying in the same place for both nights.

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  • The most sought-after choice for a 3-day safari vacation in Tanzania is the Northern circuit, which includes four national parks: Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park, and Tarangire National Park. While it is technically feasible to visit all four parks within 3 days, it is not advisable. A more practical plan would be to explore the renowned Serengeti and make a stop at Ngorongoro Crater on the way. Alternatively, both Lake Manyara and Tarangire are conveniently located near Arusha National Park and can be paired with a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater during a 3-day safari.

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  • There are also 3-day safari packages available in the southern region of the country. You can visit either Nyerere National Park (previously known as Selous Game Reserve) or Ruaha National Park as part of a fly-in safari from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar. Additionally, Mikumi National Park can be accessed through a brief road safari, with the drive from Dar es Salaam taking approximately 5 hours each way."

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What kind of accommodation can I expect?

  • "There are numerous lodging choices available for a safari in Tanzania. If you're seeking an affordable 4-day safari, a camping expedition is worth considering. Camping not only tends to be the most economical choice, but it frequently allows you to stay in prime locations within the park.

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  • If you want to keep costs low but find camping too uncomfortable, a budget lodge tour might be a suitable alternative. These accommodations are basic and often located outside the parks, though some excellent options can be found within. Either way, most budget lodges serve as a great foundation for game drives.

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  • There is a wide selection of mid-range lodges and hotels located within the parks and reserves. Typically, these consist of larger hotels or more intimate tented camps. For those who prefer a touch of luxury during their safari, tours that feature upscale accommodations should be considered. These premium lodgings are often paired with fly-in safaris. At the top tier are small, exclusive luxury boutique lodges that provide exceptional personal service, gourmet dining, and outstanding guiding. There are also some rustic options in this category, including traditional tented camps that offer an experience akin to colonial times."

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How much does a 4-day safari cost in Tanzania?

  • Determining the exact cost of a 4-day safari in Tanzania can be challenging. Safari package prices vary significantly, and even the more affordable options are not inexpensive. A typical starting price for a mid-range lodge tour is approximately US$1,300 per person. Luxury safaris come with a higher price tag. Going on an African safari is a remarkable opportunity. The unique experience is certainly worth the expense, especially considering your contribution to conservation efforts. 

  • Accommodations vary from budget to luxury levels. Camping often represents the most economical choice, particularly appealing to nature lovers seeking an authentic bush experience. Whether you choose a private safari or opt for a group tour also influences the price. 

  • Numerous 4-day road safaris are available, but a fly-in safari might be a better option. This choice can save you valuable time. Fly-in safaris typically feature luxury lodging, which results in a higher cost. 

  • To find a good offer, think about scheduling your trip during the low season. Though you may encounter some rain, this period offers fewer tourists, vibrant landscapes, and the chance to see young animals. It's always beneficial to compare quotes from various operators.

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When is the best time to go on a 3-day safari in Tanzania?

  • The best time for a 3-day safari in Tanzania is during the dry season, which runs from June to October. This period offers the best wildlife viewing conditions, as animals congregate around water sources. For those wishing to see the Great Migration, plan your trip between May and July.

Are 3 days enough for a trip from Zanzibar?

  • “I believe that spending a minimum of three days on a safari trip from Zanzibar is essential for truly enjoying your experience. This means you will likely take an early flight to the park on the first day and return on the third day, preferably later in the day.

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  • This plan allows for two nights and a full day of safari activities in the park. You can expect to go on at least four game drives (or three game drives and a boat trip on the Rufiji River if you're heading to Nyerere). This schedule also allows you to participate in game drives during the best times for animal viewing: they tend to be more active and easier to spot in the early morning and late afternoon. With three or four game drives planned, your chances of encountering the wildlife you’ve traveled to see will significantly improve.”

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Are all 3-day safaris from Zanzibar fly-in safaris?

  • “Any 3-day safari departing from Zanzibar will necessitate a flight to the mainland. This is because a traditional safari cannot be conducted on Zanzibar Island itself. While Zanzibar does have some wildlife parks, they resemble more of a zoo experience rather than a true safari where one can observe animals in their natural habitat.

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  • The option with the least amount of flying is a visit to Saadani National Park, located near Dar es Salaam. You can either fly (or take a boat) to Dar and then drive to Saadani. All other safari alternatives require a flight from Zanzibar to your selected park; typically, this is Nyerere or Mikumi National Parks located in the south.

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  • There are numerous tours and packages available, but the genuine fly-in safari consists of flying to an airstrip within (or just outside) the national park, where you will be collected and taken to your lodging. This is generally how most safaris from Zanzibar function.”

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Will I have an opportunity to see the Great Migration on a 4-day safari?

  • The Great Migration in the Serengeti is one of the most spectacular wildlife events, and depending on the time of year, a 4-day safari can offer a chance to witness it, particularly between June and September, when millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the plains.

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Can I extend my 4-day safari in Tanzania?

  • Yes, many tour operators offer options to extend your safari to explore other parts of Tanzania, such as the Selous Game Reserve, Ruinsori Mountains, or Zanzibar for a beach vacation after your safari adventure.

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