3-Day Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Materuni Safari From Zanzibar
3-Day Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Materuni Waterfalls Safari 2025/2026
This safari is the ideal choice for travelers who want to experience the highlights of Tanzania but do not have much time. The itinerary is short, but it has been carefully crafted to give you a complete adventure. In just three days, you will go on exciting wildlife safaris, see some of Africa’s most iconic animals, and also enjoy the natural beauty and traditions of Tanzania’s people.
The journey begins with Tarangire National Park, a destination famous for its large elephant herds and striking landscapes dotted with ancient baobab trees. On the second day, you will explore the Ngorongoro Crater, which is often called the “Garden of Eden” for its rich concentration of wildlife, including the Big Five. On the third day, the adventure changes pace as you visit the lush Materuni village, where you can hike to the waterfalls and learn about local coffee-making traditions.
Another reason to choose this safari is its convenience. Everything is organized for you, including your flights, transfers, accommodations, meals, and park fees. You will be accompanied by a professional safari guide from Tanzania Safari Experience, who will not only drive you safely but also share expert knowledge about the wildlife and culture of Tanzania. This is not just a trip – it is a complete experience designed to give you unforgettable memories.
💡Safari Tip
With Tanzania Safari Experience, every detail of your safari is carefully planned to ensure comfort, safety, and excitement. In just a few days, you will enjoy thrilling game drives in Tarangire National Park, descend into the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, and connect with local culture while trekking to the enchanting Materuni Waterfalls at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. Whether you are flying in from Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, or starting in Arusha, this safari is designed to give you the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and discovery.
3-Day Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Materuni Safari Photo Gallery
These are real photos from our clients on their Tanzania safaris. They show the wildlife, landscapes, and special moments you can experience on your own safari adventure.
Expert recommendation
At Tanzania Safari Experience, we specialize in tailor-made safaris, and our expert recommendation for the 3-Day Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Materuni Safari is that it’s the perfect choice for travelers with limited time who still want a complete adventure. In just three days, you’ll witness Tarangire’s elephants, Ngorongoro’s Big Five, and the scenic Materuni Waterfalls, creating the ideal mix of wildlife, culture, and nature. It’s especially convenient for those flying in from Zanzibar, and a great fit for couples, families, or small groups seeking both excitement and relaxation. If you have more time, extending to a 4 days Tanzania safari with Serengeti is highly recommended, though even the 3-day version is unforgettable. We suggest booking at least six months in advance, especially for the dry season, while November to March offers fewer crowds and greener scenery. Every safari we design is rooted in authenticity, safety, and personalization, ensuring you enjoy not just a trip, but a truly meaningful journey.
Laurent Karume
Tanzania Safari Specialist
3-Day Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Materuni Safari Highlights
- See Tarangire’s giant elephant herds and baobab trees.
- Spot the Big Five inside Ngorongoro Crater.
- Trek to the stunning Materuni Waterfalls near Kilimanjaro.
- Easy flight connection from Zanzibar to Arusha.
- Stay in comfortable lodges with full-board meals.
- Perfect blend of wildlife, culture, and nature in just 3 days.
At a glance
- Tanzania
- Safari
Tailormade itineraries
Every Tanzania Safari Experience adventure is customized just for you—no fixed tours or set dates. Speak with our Tanzania Safari experts to help you plan your perfect Tanzania Safari itinerary.
Safari Spots
These are the safari spots—Tanzania safari destinations—you will visit on your journey. Each stop offers unique wildlife, landscapes, and unforgettable experiences.
Detailed Itinerary – 3-Day Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Materuni Waterfalls Safari From Zanzibar
Your safari is carefully planned to maximize wildlife viewing while still giving you time to relax and enjoy the journey. Here’s what you can expect day by day.
Day 1: Zanzibar Flight – Tarangire Game Drive – Karatu
Your safari begins bright and early as you are picked up from your hotel in Zanzibar. After a short transfer to Zanzibar Airport, you will board your morning flight to Arusha Airport, located in northern Tanzania. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your professional safari guide, who will welcome you warmly and give you a short briefing about the adventure ahead.
From Arusha, the journey continues by road as you drive for about three hours towards Tarangire National Park. This park is one of Tanzania’s hidden gems, famous for its incredible wildlife and dramatic landscapes. As you approach the park, you will notice the iconic baobab trees standing tall over the savannah. Once inside, the adventure begins with a game drive through Tarangire’s diverse habitats.
Tarangire is known for having the largest concentration of elephants in Tanzania. It is not unusual to see herds of 50 or more elephants walking gracefully across the plains. The park is also home to predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, and more than 550 species of birds. As you drive through the park, your guide will share fascinating insights about the wildlife, plants, and ecosystems that make Tarangire so special.
In the evening, after an exciting day, you will leave the park and head towards the charming town of Karatu. Here you will check into Marera Valley Lodge, where you can relax, enjoy a delicious dinner, and spend the night in comfort.
DAY FLIGHTS
DEPT: 8:00 FROM: Zanzibar Airport
ARRV: 9:15 TO: Arusha Airport (ARK)
Day Highlights:
- Scenic game drive into Tarangire National Park
- Picnic lunch in the park
- Evening transfer to Karatu
Tarangire National Park Photo
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Karatu
- Room Type: Standard
- Meal Plan: FB - Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
Safari Tip – Tarangire National Park
When visiting Tarangire National Park, plan your game drives during the dry season (June to October). This is when thousands of elephants, wildebeest, and zebras gather around the Tarangire River, creating some of the best wildlife viewing in Tanzania. The park is also famous for its giant baobab trees, which make for stunning photography backdrops. For the best experience, start your game drives early in the morning or late in the afternoon when animals are most active.
Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive – Arusha
On the second day of your safari, you will wake up early and enjoy breakfast at your lodge before setting out for the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater. The drive takes you into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to one of the most remarkable wildlife reserves in Africa.
The highlight of the day is the descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, which is the largest unbroken volcanic caldera in the world. Measuring 20 kilometers wide and about 600 meters deep, the crater is a natural enclosure for thousands of animals. As you descend, the view from the rim is breathtaking, with rolling green hills stretching as far as the eye can see.
Inside the crater, you will find one of the densest concentrations of wildlife on the continent. This is one of the best places in Tanzania to see the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino – all in a single day. You may also encounter zebras, wildebeests, gazelles, hippos, flamingos, and even hyenas. The combination of stunning scenery and rich wildlife makes Ngorongoro a must-visit safari destination.
Around midday, you will stop at the hippo pool for a picnic lunch while enjoying the peaceful surroundings. After your meal, you will continue your game drive, exploring different areas of the crater floor before ascending back to the rim. Later in the afternoon, you will return to Arusha, where you will check into Under The Shade Safari Lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day Highlights:
- Enter Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Game Drive In Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater Photos
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Arusha City
- Room Type: Standard
- Meal Plan: FB - Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
Day 3: Materuni Waterfalls Experience – Arusha
The final day of your adventure takes you away from the savannah and into the lush landscapes of the Kilimanjaro region. After breakfast, you will set off on a scenic drive to Materuni village, which lies at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Once you arrive, your guide will lead you on a hike through the village and into the forest towards the Materuni Waterfalls. The trail takes you past banana farms, coffee plantations, and local homesteads, giving you a chance to experience the culture and traditions of the Chagga people. Along the way, your guide will share stories about the community and the history of the region.
When you reach the waterfalls, you will be rewarded with the sight of a stunning 80-meter cascade surrounded by tropical greenery. You can relax, take photos, and even swim in the natural pool at the base of the falls if you wish. After the hike, you will also have the opportunity to participate in a coffee-making demonstration, where local farmers show you how to prepare coffee the traditional way – from bean to cup.
This cultural and natural experience is the perfect way to end your safari, as it connects you not only to Tanzania’s landscapes but also to its people. After the excursion, you will return to Arusha, marking the end of your unforgettable 3 days Tanzania safari.
Day Highlights:
- End of Safari – transfer as per your onward arrangements.
- Transfer to JRO /Arusha
Materuni Waterfalls & Village Day Trip with Coffee Tour
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Our tours are top-notch but give you great value. The price we tell you upfront covers most of the costs for one person, like flights and all transfers.
- Park fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- Air Ambulance Service by AMREF Flying Doctors;
- At Least 1 Pair Of Binoculars;
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips to your safari guide ($30-50 per day per car).
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Alcohol drinks
- Visas and visa fees where relevant
- Additional activities not offered as scheduled by the accommodation
- Lunch and dinner in hotel (only before and after safari);
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Plan your 3-Day Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Materuni Safari today
3 Days Tanzania Safari Price & Packages
The 3 days Tanzania safari price depends on several factors such as the season of travel, the type of accommodation you choose, the size of your group, and whether you are opting for a private or shared safari. Because of this flexibility, it is possible to find a safari package that fits almost every budget.
For travelers looking for a budget-friendly safari, group sharing options are often available. These usually include camping or budget lodges, with prices starting from around $900 per person for the three days. If you prefer more comfort and mid-range accommodation, you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,800 per person. For those seeking a luxury safari experience, with exclusive lodges and high-end services, prices generally start from $1,800 upwards.
The cost typically covers park entry fees, professional guides, transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle, accommodation, and meals on a full-board basis. Flights from Zanzibar to Arusha can also be included depending on your booking arrangement. Extra expenses may include drinks, tips for guides, and personal purchases.
One of the best things about traveling with Tanzania Safari Experience is that every package is tailored to your needs. Our team ensures transparent pricing, and we provide detailed breakdowns of what is included so you can plan without surprises. Whether you want a budget adventure or a luxury escape, there is a 3 days Tanzania safari package for you.
Best Time for a 3-Day Tanzania Safari
When planning your safari, one of the most common questions is: What is the best time for safari in Tanzania? The answer depends on what you want to experience.
The dry season (June to October) is considered the best time for wildlife viewing. During these months, animals gather around waterholes and rivers, making it easier to spot them. The skies are clear, the roads are more accessible, and the risk of malaria is lower. This period is particularly good for visiting both Tarangire and Ngorongoro, as the game drives are rewarding almost every day.
The green season (November to March) is also a wonderful time to travel. Although occasional rains occur, the landscapes become lush and green, creating beautiful photography opportunities. Birdwatching is especially rewarding during this season, as migratory birds arrive from Europe and Asia. It is also less crowded, and prices for some lodges can be lower.
For those interested in the Great Migration, January and February are special months when wildebeests give birth to their calves in the Ndutu region near Ngorongoro. This calving season attracts predators and offers thrilling wildlife encounters.
In summary, Tanzania is a year-round safari destination. The best time depends on whether you prefer dry landscapes with easy game viewing or green scenery with fewer tourists. Tanzania Safari Experience experts recommend booking well in advance, especially for the dry season, as lodges and camps fill quickly.
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Everything You Need to Know About Your Safari
Every safari adventure begins with a question. Whether it’s your first or second time, it’s natural to wonder about the best time to visit, what to pack, or how the journey works. Here, we’ve answered the most common questions travelers ask before booking their Tanzania safari, so you can plan with confidence and look forward to unforgettable memories.
This safari lasts three full days, starting with a flight from Zanzibar to Arusha, followed by game drives in Tarangire and Ngorongoro, and ending with a trek to Materuni Waterfalls.
Our packages include flights (if required), transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle, park entry fees, professional safari guides, full-board accommodation, and daily activities as outlined in the itinerary. Drinks, tips, and personal items are usually not included.
Yes. This itinerary is designed to begin from Zanzibar with a morning flight to Arusha. However, it can also be arranged from Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, or Arusha itself, depending on your preference.
The price of the 3 days Tanzania safari packages ranges from around $900 to $1,800 per person, depending on whether you choose budget, lodge, or luxury options. Contact Tanzania Safari Experience for a detailed quote that suits your needs.
In Tarangire, you can expect to see elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and hundreds of bird species. In Ngorongoro Crater, you may spot the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino – along with hippos, wildebeests, flamingos, and hyenas.
The trek is moderate and suitable for most travelers. It involves a scenic walk through farms and forest, leading to the waterfall. Good walking shoes are recommended, and there is an option to swim at the base of the falls.
Unlike other short safaris, this 3-day itinerary combines both wildlife and cultural experiences. You get the chance to explore two of Tanzania’s most famous safari destinations and also connect with local traditions at Materuni village.
Yes, Tanzania is considered one of the safest safari destinations in Africa. National parks are well-managed, and guides are highly trained to ensure your safety. While in cities, it’s always best to take normal precautions, such as avoiding walking alone at night. Traveling with a trusted operator ensures a smooth and safe experience.