
3 Day Safari from Zanzibar: Northern Circuit Active
A 3-day journey combining Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Arusha National Park.
About this safari
A 3-day journey combining Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Arusha National Park. Coordinate mainland flights with the Zanzibar stay so that safari time works with arrival and return schedules.
This 3 days / 2 nights private safari starts in Zanzibar and takes you to Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha National Park. Your own vehicle and guide set the pace, and every stay and transfer is confirmed around your dates.
Safari snapshot
A quick look at the route, day by day.
| Day | Place | Highlights | Hotel options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | A Scenic Beginning — Walking Safaris and Views of Mount Meru | Flight from Zanzibar · Picnic lunch · Arusha national park game drive · Walking safari | TULIA BOUTIQUE |
| Day 2 | Tarangire National Park Safari – Elephants, Baobabs and Wide Open Savanna | Tarangire National Park safari Scenic game drives · Picnic lunch | Marera valley |
| Day 3 | Ngorongoro Crater Safari – Big Five Chance and Panoramic Views | Early game drive at Ngorongoro crater · Picnic lunch · Wildlife and bird watching | Departure |
Ways to customise this trip
- Add a night in the bush, a cultural visit or a balloon flight
- Upgrade your stays or finish with beach time in Zanzibar
Route
- Day 1Arusha National Park
- Day 2Tarangire
- Day 3Ngorongoro Crater
Day by day
Here is how the days run. We can adjust the route around your dates and the pace you want.
1Day 1A Scenic Beginning — Walking Safaris and Views of Mount MeruTULIA BOUTIQUE / Lunch, Dinner

Explore Arusha National Park’s woodland and lake scenery, with wildlife stops along the planned game-drive route. The programme also includes a guided walking activity where scheduled park arrangements permit. An initial flight from Zanzibar links the island stay with the mainland safari programme.
- Main stop
- Arusha National Park
- Accommodation
- TULIA BOUTIQUE
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner
- Activities
- Flight from Zanzibar · Picnic lunch · Arusha national park game drive · Walking safari

2Day 2Tarangire National Park Safari – Elephants, Baobabs and Wide Open SavannaMarera valley / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Explore Tarangire by safari vehicle, looking across the river corridors and baobab woodland for wildlife.
- Main stop
- Tarangire National Park
- Accommodation
- Marera valley
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Activities
- Tarangire National Park safari Scenic game drives · Picnic lunch

3Day 3Ngorongoro Crater Safari – Big Five Chance and Panoramic ViewsBreakfast, Lunch

Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for wildlife viewing across the basin’s grasslands, wetlands and lake margins.
- Main stop
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
- Activities
- Early game drive at Ngorongoro crater · Picnic lunch · Wildlife and bird watching
Accommodation
Where you stay on this trip. We can move the comfort level up or down when we plan your dates.
Tour rates
Your price depends on your dates, group size and the stays you choose. We confirm it in writing once we have checked availability.
Prices are per person and assume shared rooms. Season, park fees, group size, flights and lodge availability all affect the final quote.
Get my exact quoteWhat’s included
Included
- A detailed proposal will confirm the vehicle, guide, accommodation, meals and park fees included in your chosen arrangement.
Not included
- International flights, visas and travel insurance unless explicitly stated.
- Optional activities and personal expenses not listed in the confirmed proposal.
Travellers who explored Tanzania with us
From the journal

Snorkeling and Diving in the Zanzibar Archipelago
Discover expert tips and local insights about Snorkeling and Diving in the Zanzibar Archipelago with Lucky Wild Safaris. Read our full guide to start planning your dream Tanzanian adventure.
Read guide
Understanding the History of the Spice Island: A Guide to Zanzibar
Zanzibar is famous for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and aromatic spices, but its story goes far beyond its beautiful coastline.
Read guide
Where to Stay in Zanzibar: Boutique Hotels vs Beach Resorts
Planning a Zanzibar holiday?
Read guideFrequently asked questions
Can this 3 days / 2 nights itinerary be changed?
Yes. We can review your dates, daily pace, room preferences and interests, then build a specific proposal. Changes to flights, activities or park nights may affect cost and availability.
Which accommodation will I stay in?
Your proposal will name the properties and room categories for each night. Any stays shown here are planning options and remain subject to availability; alternative properties are agreed before confirmation.
What wildlife will we see?
Wildlife sightings depend on season, weather and the animals themselves. Your guide plans around local conditions, but particular species, migration movements and river crossings cannot be guaranteed.
Can I change the route and accommodation?
Yes. The published routes are starting points. Tell us your dates, interests and preferred comfort level so we can adjust nights, transfers and activities before quoting.
What determines the final price?
The travel season, number of travellers sharing a vehicle, park fees, room arrangements, lodge availability and domestic flights all affect cost. Your written proposal will identify inclusions and optional extras.
Can the safari finish in Zanzibar?
A mainland safari can connect with Zanzibar by a separately arranged domestic flight. Leave enough time for the transfer and confirm baggage allowances before booking flights.
When is the best time for a Tanzania safari?
Wildlife can be seen all year. June to October is dry, with animals gathering near water. January to March brings the calving season in the southern Serengeti. April and May are the long rains: greener, quieter and often better value. We match the parks and camps to the month you travel.
How many days do I need?
Two or three days suit Tarangire and Ngorongoro. Four to six days let you add the Serengeti without rushing, and seven or more give time for extra parks, a cultural visit or the coast. Fewer long drives usually means a better trip.
Is the safari private?
Our tailor-made safaris are private: your own vehicle and guide, and a daily pace set around your group. Shared departures can sometimes be arranged for solo travellers — ask us and we’ll explain the options.
What vehicle will we travel in?
Game drives are in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for viewing and photography. Your proposal confirms the vehicle and seating for your group size.
Is a safari suitable for children?
Yes, with the right planning. We keep drives shorter, choose family-friendly rooms and build in rest time. Some camps and activities have minimum ages, so please share each child’s age when you enquire.
Can you cater for dietary needs?
Most lodges and camps can prepare vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other meals with notice. Tell us about allergies or requirements when you enquire and we’ll pass them to every property on your route.
Do I need vaccinations or malaria tablets?
Requirements depend on your nationality and recent travel, and a yellow fever certificate may be needed if you arrive from certain countries. Malaria precautions are generally advised. Please check with a travel health clinic before you go.
What should I budget for tips?
Tipping is not compulsory but is customary for guides and lodge staff. We include current guidance with your proposal so you can plan for it in advance.
Will there be Wi-Fi and charging?
Many lodges and camps offer charging points and some Wi-Fi, but the connection can be slow or limited to main areas in remote parks. A spare power bank is useful on game drives.
How far in advance should I book?
For July to October and the holiday season, three to nine months ahead gives the best choice of camps. Shorter notice is often possible — send us your dates and we’ll check availability.
A few details.
A good beginning.
Tell us who is coming and what you would love to find here. We’ll send back a route you can read, question and make your own.
- Planned around your dates and interests
- Midrange or luxury, at your pace
- A personal conversation with our local team




