3 Days Tanzania big 5 safari-Midrange Lodge

Price Per Person

$ 1150 Based on 2 Pax

About this tour

This is a group safari with accommodation in comfortable midrange lodges (the group has a maximum of 6–7 travelers, each guaranteed a window seat and access to a pop-up roof for excellent game viewing).

The highlight of this tour is the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the best wildlife parks in Tanzania. Its breathtaking landscape and unique ecosystem make wildlife spotting easy, with the chance to see the rare black rhino alongside many other species. You will also visit Tarangire National Park, known as the “home of elephants,” where herds of elephants roam among ancient baobab trees. The park is also home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, warthogs, ostriches, monkeys, baboons, and much more.

The safari also takes you to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its flocks of flamingos and the legendary tree-climbing lions (though sightings are rare). This combination of destinations ensures you have the opportunity to spot Africa’s iconic Big Five and experience a diverse range of landscapes and wildlife.

Note: On this tour, you will share the safari vehicle with other guests, but your lodge accommodation will remain private.

Day by day Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Meals:

Lunch & Dinner

Destination:

Tarangire National Park

Accommodation

Suricata Boma Lodge

Activity

Game Drive in Tarangire

We will pick you up from your hotel in the morning. After meeting your guide and going over the safari briefing, you’ll drive about 2 hours to Tarangire National Park, famous for its stunning landscapes dotted with ancient baobab trees and for having the largest concentration of elephants in Tanzania. The park offers excellent opportunities to observe elephant herds and their fascinating family interactions.

Your game drive will take you across different areas of the park, following reports of wildlife sightings. Predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards can sometimes be spotted, while herbivores like giraffes, wildebeest, and zebras are abundant throughout the park.

Around midday, you’ll stop at the Tarangire River picnic site, where you can enjoy your lunch with views of the river and surrounding wildlife. Keep an eye out for curious monkeys and baboons, who often try to sneak close to visitors’ food.

After lunch, continue with a game drive before exiting the park around 4:30 pm. Later, you’ll head to your lodge in Mto Wa Mbu for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Destination:

Ngorongoro Crater

Accommodation

Suricata Boma Lodge

Activity

Game Drive

After an early breakfast, you’ll drive to the Ngorongoro Crater viewpoint, where you can admire the breathtaking panoramic views of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The vast crater, with its unique landscape, is often described as one of the most beautiful natural wonders in Africa.

You’ll then descend 600 meters into the crater for a full-day game drive. The crater floor is home to an incredible variety of wildlife—lions, elephants, buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, and hippos, to name just a few. If lucky, you might spot the rare black rhino, one of the most endangered species in Africa.

What makes Ngorongoro truly special is that it is a self-sustaining ecosystem. With permanent water and grazing grounds, most animals remain in the crater year-round, which makes wildlife viewing easier and more rewarding.

After a picnic lunch inside the crater and further exploration, you’ll ascend to the crater rim and later return to your lodge in Karatu for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: Lake Manyara to Arusha

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch

Destination:

Lake Manyara National Park

Activity

Game Drive / Departure

After breakfast, you’ll head to Lake Manyara National Park, a scenic gem famous for its large flocks of flamingos along the lakeshore and the rare tree-climbing lions (though sightings are uncommon).

During your game drive, you’ll explore the park’s diverse habitats and enjoy excellent birdwatching opportunities. With some luck, you may spot the iconic tree-climbing lions resting on the branches. You’ll also visit the hippo pool for a close look at hippos and pass by the park’s hot springs. Along the way, expect to see buffalo, wildebeest, zebras, warthogs, monkeys, baboons, and many species of birds of prey.

In the afternoon, after your game drive, you will return to Arusha and be dropped off at your hotel, marking the end of your 3-day safari adventure.

Price Per Person - Valid for Trips all arond the year

Mid - Range Lodging:

1 Pax

$ 1150

2 Pax

$ 1050

3,4,5 Pax

$ 910

6+ Pax

$ 880

Luxury Lodging:

1 Pax

$ 1500

2 Pax

$ 1300

3,4,5 Pax

$ 1200

6+ Pax

$1100

Included

  • All Park entrances & taxes
  • All Meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner),
  • soft drinks & water (bottled water 3litres or more a day)
  • Transfer to & from the airport
  • Accommodation during safari
  • Transportation in a custom safari 4×4 with a viewing roof and guaranteed window seating
  • Safari vehicles have an inverter for charging batteries, communications radio, electric cooler, and filtered water

Excluded

  • Tips for guides, cook
  • International and domestic flights
  • Tanzania Visa fee

INQUIRE THIS TOUR

General tour information

Most travelers require a visa to enter Tanzania.

Visas can be obtained:

  • Online via the eVisa system.
  • On arrival at major airports (JRO, DAR, ZNZ).
  • In advance from a Tanzanian embassy or consulate.

Cost:

  • $50 for most nationalities.
  • $100 for U.S. citizens.

Passport requirements:

  • Valid for at least six months beyond travel dates.
  • At least one blank page for entry stamps.
  • Advance booking is highly recommended, especially for peak seasons (June–October & December–February).
  • A deposit is typically required to confirm a reservation.
  • Full payment is usually due weeks before departure.
  • Upon confirmation, you will receive:
    1. Detailed itinerary.
    2. Accommodation information.
    3. Essential travel details (permits, packing lists, etc.).
  • We understand that travel plans may change. Our cancellation policy is as follows:
  • More than 60 days before departure: Full refund minus the deposit.
  • 30–59 days before departure: 50% refund.
  • Less than 30 days before departure: No refund.
  • No-show or early departure: No refund.
  • We highly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and trekking activities.

Tanzania offers various accommodation options:Budget:

  • Camping & basic lodges.
  • Mid-range: Standard lodges & tented camps.
  • Luxury: High-end lodges & private tented camps.

Popular safari destinations for accommodations:

  • Serengeti,
  • Ngorongoro Crater,
  • Tarangire, Selous, and Zanzibar.

Most lodges provide:

  • Full-board services (meals included).
  • Eco-friendly facilities & stunning natural settings.

Early booking is recommended, especially in high-demand areas.

Currency & Payments:

  • Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the local currency.
  • USD is widely accepted, but carrying small cash is advised.
  • Credit cards are accepted in most hotels & lodges.

Health & Vaccinations:

  • Yellow fever vaccination required if
  • traveling from an endemic country.
  • Recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, routine immunizations.
  • Malaria prevention is advised; carry appropriate medication.

Language & Communication:

  • Swahili is the national language, but English is widely spoken.
  • Mobile network coverage is available in most tourist areas.
  • Wi-Fi is accessible in most lodges and hotels.

Time Zone & Electricity:

  • East Africa Time (EAT) – UTC+3.
  • Standard voltage: 230V.
  • Power plugs: Type D & G – A universal adapter is recommended.
  • International Airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the closest airport to Moshi, about 45 minutes away.

Alternative Airports:

  • Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam
  • Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) in Zanzibar

From these airports, you can take a domestic flight to JRO with Air Tanzania, Precision Air, or Coastal Aviation.

Important Requirments

Weight Limit:

Domestic flights in Tanzania have strict baggage limits, typically 15 kg (33 lbs) per person, including carry-on.

Bag Type:

Soft-sided duffel bags are recommended for easy storage on small aircraft and safari vehicles.

Prohibited Items:

Avoid packing plastic bags as they are banned in Tanzania.
Additional Charges: Excess baggage fees may apply if you exceed the airline’s weight limit.

Vaccinations:

  • Yellow fever vaccination is required if traveling from or transiting through an endemic country.
  • Recommended vaccinations: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, and Rabies (for those spending extended time in remote areas).

Malaria Prevention:

  • Tanzania is a malaria-risk area; consult a doctor for antimalarial medication.
  • Use insect repellent with DEET and sleep under a mosquito net when available.

Water & Food Safety:

  • Drink only bottled or filtered water.
  • Avoid raw or unpeeled fruits and vegetables unless properly washed.

Travel Insurance:

  • Highly recommended to cover medical emergencies and evacuation.

Dry Season (June – October):

  • Best time for wildlife viewing with clear skies.
  • Cooler temperatures, especially in the early mornings and evenings.

Short Rainy Season (November – December):

  • Occasional short rains, but safaris are still possible.

Green Season (January – March):

  • Lush landscapes, great for photography and birdwatching.
  • Ideal time for calving season in the Serengeti.

Long Rainy Season (April – May):

  • Heavy rains, some lodges may close, and roads can be muddy.

Clothing:

  • Lightweight, breathable clothes in neutral colors (khaki, green, beige).
  • Long-sleeved shirts and pants for sun and insect protection.
  • Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings.
  • Waterproof jacket during the rainy season.

Footwear:

  • Comfortable hiking or safari boots.
  • Sandals for lodge stays.

Accessories:

  • Hat, sunglasses, and high SPF sunscreen.
  • Binoculars for wildlife viewing.
  • Camera with extra batteries and memory cards.

Personal Essentials:

  • Personal medications and a small first aid kit.
  • Reusable water bottle.
  • Small backpack for day trips.

“This was the most unforgettable experience of my life! I captured stunning and rare wildlife photos, with incredible sightings that left me in awe. The expert guidance from our guide helped me improve my photography skills, and my memory cards were completely full! Beyond the safari, I loved visiting a local Maasai village, where I had the chance to photograph the vibrant culture, daily life, and the hardworking women in the fields. Every moment felt authentic and deeply inspiring. I can’t wait to return to Tanzania and explore even more breathtaking locations!”

Jane P.

Plan your Tanzania adventure

Looking for a Custom Safari Adventure?

From the moment you begin planning your adventure with Clotilda Safaris, we’re here to guide you through every detail, creating a personalized itinerary tailored to your preferences and level of exclusivity. While our remote team manages bookings, transfers, and activity arrangements, our dedicated ground team is available 24/7 to assist with any needs, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.