Overview

This seamless 3-day Tanzania safari starts and ends on Zanzibar Island (Abeid Amani Karume International Airport – ZNZ) with hotel pickups in Stone Town, Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Jambiani, Matemwe and Kiwengwa, then a short flight to Arusha (ARK/JRO) for the Northern Safari Circuit.

You’ll explore the Ngorongoro Crater (UNESCO)—the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera with permanent water, where the Big Five are often seen in a single day and the shallow Lake Magadi can blush pink with flamingos—followed by Tarangire National Park, famed for its huge dry-season elephant herds, ancient baobabs, superb birding and generally fewer vehicles than Serengeti/Ngorongoro.

You’ll also visit Lake Manyara National Park, a compact, diverse gem of groundwater forest, Rift Valley escarpment views and a reputation for tree-climbing lions, large baboon troops and seasonal flamingos—short drive times mean more time on game drives and less time on the road.

Travel in a private 4×4 pop-top with a professional guide in your preferred language (English, Deutsch, Français, Italiano, Español—others on request). We offer a Best-Price Promise on comparable itineraries; the trip is family-friendly (child seats, flexible pacing), perfect for couples & honeymooners (romantic lodge upgrades), and smooth for solo travellers with private guiding. To keep flying light, we offer secure luggage storage in Zanzibar for large suitcases; note that domestic flights typically allow 20–23 kg per person (airline-dependent), and soft bags are recommended.

Daily departures, airport meet-&-greet, all park & Crater fees, all meals, bottled water and hotel drop-off back on Zanzibar are included, making this the most effortless short 3-day safari from Zanzibar to the Big Five.

Safari prices

Prices are in USD per person, based on accommodation sharing and the group size shown.

Mid-range accommodation

Travellers	USD per person
2	$1,553
4	$1,389
6	$1,050

Luxury accommodation

Travellers	USD per person
2	$2,139
4	$1,889
6	$1,769

For group sizes not listed, solo travellers, children, or a different accommodation arrangement, please request a personalised quote.

Trip highlights

Fly from Zanzibar to the Northern Safari Circuit
Elephant herds and baobab trees in Tarangire
Explore the Ngorongoro Crater
Game drive through Lake Manyara National Park
Private 4x4 safari and Zanzibar hotel transfers

Day 1 :

Zanzibar to Tarangire National Park

Your safari adventure begins today! You'll start by getting picked up from your hotel in Zanzibar and taken to the airport. After a one-hour flight to Arusha in a small plane, your guide will meet you at Arusha Airport and drive you for about two hours to Tarangire National Park.

This park is famous for its large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees, some of the biggest trees in Africa. While driving through the park in a vehicle with an open roof, you'll get to see seasonal swamps, savannas, and the Tarangire River, which is teeming with wildlife, including various birds, giraffes, impalas, zebras, lions, leopards, elands, warthogs, and elephants.

Later in the day, you'll head to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 2 :

Full game drive in Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, you'll head to Ngorongoro Crater, often seen as an amazing natural wonder. This place is home to over 120 types of animals, including the famous Big Five. It's a great spot to see the endangered black rhinoceros munching on grass in solitude and also a place where you can witness many hippos cooling off in the water.

From the comfort of your open-top vehicle, you'll have the chance to observe and take pictures of some of Africa's most famous animals. The crater is a habitat for numerous predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, jackals, and hyenas, along with a large population of wildebeests, zebras, antelopes, cape buffaloes, and more. It's undoubtedly one of the top safari destinations in Africa.

After an exciting day, you'll enjoy a picnic lunch near the famous hippo pool in the park. Then,continue with last game drive and later exit the crater and drive back to your accommodation in Heart and Soul Lodge.

Day 3 :

Lake Manyara National Park and return to Zanzibar

Today marks the final incredible day of your 3-day safari adventure originating from Zanzibar. Commencing after your morning meal at the Lodge, your safari guide will arrive at 8:00 am to collect you.

The journey will kick off with a visit to Lake Manyara National Park, home to Millions of flamingos and tree-climbing lions. You will have a full game drive until afternoon, then make your way to Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro to catch your flight to Zanzibar.

Upon arrival in Zanzibar, our dedicated transfer driver will be awaiting you, ready to whisk you away to your prearranged Lodge accommodation.

Safari from Zanzibar

1-Day Mikumi Safari from Zanzibar

1-Day Tarangire Safari from Zanzibar

2-Day Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar