3-DAY VIP SAFARI: LAKE MANYARA & NGORONGORO CRATER
- Best Time: June to November
- High Season: July to September
Welcome to Tanzania!
If you’re short on time but eager to experience the best of northern Tanzania, this tour with GreyJoy Safari Adventures is the perfect fit. You’ll explore the stunning Lake Manyara National Park, nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. This park is famous for its lush scenery, incredible birdlife—including thousands of flamingos—and unique wildlife viewing opportunities in a compact area.
Next, you’ll journey to the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places in Africa to see the legendary Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—all in one place. With breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable wildlife encounters, this short adventure offers a rich and rewarding safari experience.
Let the adventure begin!
Tour Features
Luxury tour
This luxury tour uses lodges and hotels.
Private tour
This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won’t be shared with others.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can be customized
You can request changes to this tour.
Not for solo travelers
Solo travelers cannot book this private tour.
Minimum age of 3 years
The minimum age for this tour is 3 years.
Day 1: Welcome to Arusha
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), a friendly representative from GreyJoy Safari Adventures will be there to greet you with a warm Tanzanian welcome. From there, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Arusha, a vibrant city nestled at the base of Mount Meru.
Tonight, you’ll stay at the elegant Mount Meru Hotel, where you can unwind and soak in the calm ambiance. With the soothing rhythm of nature all around, it’s the perfect place to rest and prepare for your safari adventure ahead.
Main Destination: Arusha (City)
Accommodation: Mount Meru Hotel
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast included (Lunch & dinner at your own cost)
Drinks: Drinking water provided (Other beverages not included)
Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park – Wildlife & Rift Valley Views
After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll depart Arusha and head west towards Lake Manyara National Park. Along the way, enjoy scenic views of the Great Rift Valley escarpment.
Your first wildlife encounters may include large troupes of baboons playing by the roadside. Lake Manyara is famously home to the elusive tree-climbing lions, as well as an incredible variety of birds, from thousands of flamingos painting the lakeshore pink, to yellow-billed storks and graceful herons soaring above. Keep your eyes peeled for hippos, elephants, and other wildlife as well.
You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the bush. In the afternoon, your journey continues with a short drive to the beautiful Ngorongoro Highlands, where you’ll spend the night at the charming Kitela Lodge.
Main Destination: Lake Manyara National Park
Accommodation: Kitela Lodge
Meals & Drinks: All meals included
Drinks: Soft drinks, local beer, and house wine included (Spirits/liquor not included)
Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater Exploration & Return to Arusha
Rise early for a hearty breakfast before descending into the legendary Ngorongoro Crater, often called the eighth Wonder of the Natural World. This enormous volcanic caldera spans over 259 square kilometers and is home to nearly 30,000 animals, including elephants, lions, buffalo, hyenas, and even the rare black rhino.
You’ll enjoy a game drive on the crater floor, with lunch served at a scenic hippo pool picnic site. The steep crater walls, lush plains, and abundant wildlife make this one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations.
After your wildlife-filled morning, you’ll drive back to Arusha, marking the end of your unforgettable journey with GreyJoy Safari Adventures.
Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation: None (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast and lunch included (Dinner not included)
Drinks: Drinking water provided (Other beverages not included)
END OF THE TOUR
Included
- Park fees(For non-residents)
- All activities(Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation(Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation(Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinks(As specified in the day-by-day section)
Excluded
- International flights(From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips(Tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
- Personal items(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- The government imposed an increase in taxes and/or park fees
- Some meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)
- This tour starts and ends in Arusha/Moshi/Zanzibar
- Book your own international flights when using this operator
- A transfer from and back to the airport is included
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Important to Know
- This tour is not available to solo travelers.
- Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
- This tour accepts children who are 3 years and older. Children under 4 are free.
Rates Per Person
Start dates | Solo 1room | 2 people 1 room | 3 people 2 rooms | 4 people 2 rooms | 5 people 3 rooms | 6 people 3 rooms | 7+ people |
Jun 1, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025 | n/a* | $1,290 | $1,174 | $1,004 | $1,004 | $1,004 | Get Quote |
*n/a = not available. This tour is unavailable for solo travelers.
