Tarangire is one of the best places in Tanzania to see large herds of elephants up close, so the smartest way to enjoy this park is to plan your game drive during the early morning or late afternoon when wildlife is most active. The park’s giant baobab trees create beautiful scenery, and animals often gather around the Tarangire River, especially in the dry season, making it a prime spot for photography. To get the most out of your visit, stay patient at waterholes—this is where you’re likely to see elephants, lions, zebras, and even rare species like oryx and gerenuk. As your safari experts at Tanzania Safari Experience, we always recommend carrying a good zoom lens and binoculars here because Tarangire offers some of the best long-range wildlife viewing in northern Tanzania.
3 Days Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar
3-Day Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar — Fly-In Big Five Experience
A 3-Day Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar: Fly-In Big Five Experience is one of the most rewarding short adventures you can take while holidaying in Zanzibar. This itinerary is perfect for travelers who want to experience Tanzania’s breathtaking wildlife and landscapes without spending too much time on the road. With a direct flight from Zanzibar to Arusha, you skip long transfers and step straight into the heart of Tanzania’s safari country.
This three-day journey is designed for anyone who wants a smooth, comfortable, and unforgettable getaway. It suits couples seeking a romantic adventure, families looking for an exciting educational experience, and solo travelers who want to explore Tanzania’s wilderness with professional support. By combining convenience, comfort, and incredible wildlife viewing, this safari gives you the absolute best of Tanzania in a short timeframe.
Why This Safari is Special
This safari combines three of Tanzania’s most stunning parks—Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara—giving you a complete Big Five experience in only three days. Every moment is private and personalized, guided by our expert safari professionals at Tanzania Safari Experience to ensure comfort, safety, and amazing wildlife sightings.
You spend your days exploring wide savannas, crater forests, lush wetlands, and wildlife-filled lakes. From tree-climbing lions to huge elephant herds, every day feels different, making this one of the most rewarding short safaris from Zanzibar.
Tanzania Safari Experience 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
As your dedicated safari specialists, we at Tanzania Safari Experience strongly recommend this fly-in itinerary for travelers who want a short yet incredibly fulfilling adventure. You spend more time viewing wildlife and less time traveling, which makes every moment count. The combination of Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara guarantees diverse landscapes and exceptional sightings, making it one of the best safari experiences available from Zanzibar.
Laurent Karume
Tanzania Safari Specialist
Safari Highlights
- Fly from Zanzibar to start your safari comfortably.
- Enjoy elephant-filled Tarangire National Park.
- Experience Big Five viewing in Ngorongoro Crater.
- Visit Lake Manyara’s wildlife and lake scenery.
- Travel in a private 4x4 with your own expert guide
- Comfortable full-board lodge stay in Karatu.
- Smooth return flight back to Zanzibar.
At a glance
- 2 Nights
- 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.
Day-by-Day Itinerary 3 Days Tanzania 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 → Arusha → Tarangire National Park → Karatu
Your safari begins with a smooth transfer from your Zanzibar accommodation to the airport for your morning flight to Arusha. The flight itself is scenic and relaxing, offering beautiful views of the Indian Ocean and, on clear days, even Mount Kilimanjaro. When you land in Arusha, your personal guide from Tanzania Safari Experience greets you warmly, introduces you to your safari vehicle, and takes a moment to brief you about the exciting days ahead.
From the airport, you begin your journey toward Tarangire National Park, a destination famous for its enormous elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and endless golden plains. The moment you enter the park, you feel the true magic of African wilderness. Elephants often appear within minutes, walking slowly across the landscape in large family groups. Tarangire is also home to lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, warthogs, and over 400 species of birds. The combination of wildlife and landscapes makes this park incredibly photogenic.
Your game drive continues throughout the afternoon, giving you plenty of time to explore the rivers, woodlands, and open savannas. As the sun begins to set and the sky glows orange, you make your way to the charming town of Karatu. Here, you check into your lodge, enjoy a delicious dinner, and relax after an exciting first day in the wild.
Day Highlights:
- Meet your personal safari guide
- Tarangire Game Drive
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:
Day 2: Full-Day Ngorongoro Crater Adventure
After breakfast, you leave your lodge and head toward one of the most famous natural wonders in Africa—the Ngorongoro Crater. This massive volcanic caldera is often described as a “natural zoo” because of its incredibly high concentration of wildlife. The crater walls rise dramatically around you, creating a breathtaking view as you descend more than 600 meters into this unique ecosystem.
Inside the crater, the landscapes shift from open grasslands to swamps, forests, rivers, and shallow lakes. Every turn reveals new animals. You often spot lions lying in the sun, buffalos grazing near the wetlands, and elephants walking slowly across the plains. The crater is also one of the last remaining habitats for the endangered black rhino, making it one of the best places in East Africa to see this rare species.
During your full-day game drive, you stop at the famous hippo pool for a relaxing picnic lunch. The atmosphere is peaceful, with the sound of birds and the gentle movements of hippos in the water. After lunch, you continue exploring the crater until late afternoon, giving you plenty of opportunities for stunning photography and close wildlife encounters.
You return to your lodge in Karatu by evening, where you enjoy dinner and a warm atmosphere as you reflect on the day’s unforgettable experiences.
Day Highlights:
- Game Drive In Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater Photo
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Karatu
- Room Type: Standard
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park → Flight Back to Zanzibar
Your final day begins with a drive to Lake Manyara National Park, a beautifully diverse area known for its lush forests, soda lake, and spectacular birdlife. The moment you enter the park, you notice the change in scenery. Tall mahogany and fig trees form a cool, shaded canopy, creating a peaceful environment where monkeys, bushbucks, and hornbills thrive.
As you continue deeper into the park, the landscape opens up to reveal the shimmering waters of Lake Manyara, often dotted with flamingos and other water birds. This park is also famous for its tree-climbing lions—a rare behavior seen in only a few places in Africa. Although sightings are never guaranteed, the possibility adds excitement to your game drive.
Throughout the morning, you explore Manyara’s forests, open plains, and viewpoints. You then enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch inside the park before starting your journey back to Arusha Airport. Here, you board your afternoon flight to Zanzibar. Upon landing, a driver awaits to take you to your hotel, marking the end of your memorable three-day safari.
Day Highlights:
- Lake Manyara Game Drive
DAY FLIGHTS
DEPT: 16:35 FROM: Arusha Airport (ARK)
ARRV: 18:00 TO: Zanzibar Airport
Lake Manyara National Park Photos
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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);
Connect with our local experts for personalized travel planning
Plan your 3 Days Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar today
3-Day Tanzania Safari From Zanzibar – Features & Experience
A 3-Day Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar is the perfect way to combine a beach holiday with an unforgettable wildlife adventure. This fly-in safari lets you leave Zanzibar in the morning and be on a Big Five game drive before lunch—giving you maximum time inside Tanzania’s top national parks.
Safari Features
Convenient Fly-In Safari From Zanzibar
Enjoy smooth round-trip flights from Zanzibar to mainland Tanzania. Fly directly to Arusha or the Serengeti and begin your safari without long road transfers.
Private 4x4 Safari Jeep
Travel in a comfortable, pop-up-roof Land Cruiser driven by a professional, English-speaking guide. Experience the best wildlife sightings in Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, or even Serengeti—whichever route you choose.
Top Accommodation Near Leading Parks
Stay in hand-picked safari lodges or tented camps close to iconic destinations like Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater.
All Meals Included
Enjoy full-board meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—throughout your safari.
Unlimited Game Drives
Experience wildlife-rich game drives across Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit. Spot elephants, lions, giraffes, and more on your Zanzibar to mainland safari.
Seamless Transfers
Airport pick-up and drop-off in both Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Perfect for Zanzibar Travelers
Ideal for beach holiday visitors who want a short, immersive safari without crowds or long-distance driving.
Why Book a 3-Day Tanzania Safari From Zanzibar?
A 3-Day Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar offers the ideal balance of comfort, adventure, and convenience. Instead of spending hours on the road, you fly directly into northern Tanzania’s wildlife destinations, giving you more time to explore the parks and less time traveling.
You can leave your beach hotel in the morning and be watching elephants in Tarangire by midday—making it one of the most time-efficient safari options available.
Quick & Easy Fly-In Connections
Daily flights from Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) to Arusha Airport (ARK) take around 1 hour, 15 minutes. This fast connection allows you to land in Arusha, meet your guide, and begin your first game drive the same day.
Big Five Sightings in Just Three Days
This itinerary is designed to deliver exceptional Big Five viewing in a short time.
Expect close encounters with:
Lions
Elephants
Leopards
Buffalo
Black rhinos (especially inside Ngorongoro Crater)
Your professional guide will ensure you don’t miss the best wildlife action.
Perfect for Every Type of Traveler
This fly-in safari is ideal for:
Couples
Families
Honeymooners
Friends traveling together
Your itinerary can be customized to fit your pace, budget, and style—whether you prefer mid-range comfort or luxury lodges.
Comfortable Lodges & Expert Guides
Stay in well-rated lodges such as Marera Valley Lodge or Ngorongoro Farm House, offering:
En-suite rooms
Hot showers
Freshly cooked meals
Beautiful surroundings
Travel with a knowledgeable Tanzanian guide who ensures you have the best wildlife sightings throughout Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro.
Best Time to Visit – 3-Day Tanzania Safari From Zanzibar
Dry Season (June–October)
Best wildlife visibility
Animals gather at water sources
Perfect for Big Five sightings
Ideal weather for fly-in safaris
Green Season (November–May)
Lush green landscapes
Fewer tourists
Excellent birdwatching
Wildebeest calving from January to March near Ngorongoro and Serengeti
Daytime temperatures in the parks range between 20–28°C, with cooler mornings around Ngorongoro.
Flights & Transfers – Zanzibar to Arusha
Daily flights with airlines such as Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, Miracle Air and Flightlink operate between Zanzibar and Arusha.
Travelers should use soft bags (up to 15 kg) due to aircraft weight limits.
Early-morning departures allow you to begin game drives shortly after landing.
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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.
You fly from Zanzibar Airport directly to Arusha Airport or the Serengeti using a reliable domestic airline. The flight takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. After landing, your Tanzania Safari Experience guide meets you and begins your safari immediately, ensuring no time is wasted on long transfers.
This itinerary typically includes Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park. These parks offer diverse landscapes and some of the best Big Five viewing opportunities in Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit.
You can expect to encounter elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, impalas, baboons, flamingos, and more. Ngorongoro Crater also offers a good chance to see endangered black rhinos. The combination of these parks ensures rich wildlife sightings in just three days.
Yes. This 3-day safari from Zanzibar is designed for all types of travelers, including first-time safari guests. It offers a balanced pace, experienced guides, comfortable lodges, and smooth fly-in connections that make the experience easy and enjoyable.
Light clothing, warm layers for early mornings, binoculars, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, comfortable shoes, and a camera. Tanzania Safari Experience will provide a detailed packing list.
The flight from Zanzibar to Arusha takes around 75 minutes. Early-morning flights allow you to leave the island after breakfast and start your first game drive before lunchtime.
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.
You will travel in a private, custom-built 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for excellent visibility. The vehicle includes charging ports, a fridge for cold drinks, and comfortable seating throughout the trip.
Absolutely. Tanzania Safari Experience can tailor this trip to include luxury upgrades, beach extensions (Zanzibar), photography setups, or special celebrations.