3 Days - Living Among Lions: Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro
Overview
Experience the ultimate Northern Circuit sampler on this thrilling 3-day journey through Tanzania's wildlife hotspots. From giant elephant herds and crater-dwelling black rhinos to tree-climbing lions, this itinerary offers an action-packed dive into nature's finest spectacles.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Jambo and welcome to your northern Tanzania adventure! Your journey begins with a picturesque morning drive from Arusha toward the sprawling, baobab-dotted savannahs of Tarangire National Park. Known for holding one of North Tanzania's highest wildlife densities, you will spend the day tracking huge elephant herds, towering giraffes, and stealthy lions as they gather along the life-giving Tarangire River.
A delicious picnic lunch will be served right in the heart of the wilderness, surrounded by the sounds of nature. As the shadows lengthen, you will travel up into the lush Ngorongoro Highlands to arrive at Marera Valley Lodge, where a warm dinner and a restful overnight stay await you in your private cottage.
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Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive
Wake up early for a spectacular journey as you descend 600 meters into the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, an ancient volcanic caldera bustling with over 25,000 large wild animals. You will navigate the grass plains, acacia woodlands, and central lake to track the rare black rhino, sprawling lion prides, and vast herds of wildebeests and zebras.
Midday brings a scenic picnic lunch near a hippo pool, letting you savor your meal while watching hippos bathe in the cool waters. After an incredible full day of game viewing in this UNESCO Wonder, you will ascend back to the crater rim and return to Marera Valley Lodge to unwind by the fireplace before a delectable dinner and a peaceful night's rest.
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Destination:
Accommodation:
Meal Plan:
Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park to Arusha
On your final morning, you will head to Lake Manyara National Park, a lush jewel set dramatically against the cliffs of the Great Rift Valley wall. You will explore dense groundwater forests filled with troops of baboons, drive along the alkaline lake shore wreathed in pink flamingos, and keep a sharp lookout for the park's famous tree-climbing lions resting high in mahogany branches.
Following a morning game drive and a delightful warm picnic lunch in the shade, you will journey back toward Arusha town. After your game drive and journey, you will be dropped off at a place of your choosing, such as Arusha, Kilimanjaro Airport, or Arusha Airport. We hope you have enjoyed your wild adventure with Serengeti Steppe!
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Rates per Person
| Date Range |
Solo 1 room |
2 people 1 room |
3 people 2 rooms |
4 people 2 rooms |
5 people 3 rooms |
6 people 3 rooms |
| January 01, 2026 - December 31, 2026 | n/a | $1,100 | $900 | $790 | $730 | $695 |
January 01, 2026 - December 31, 2026
Solo
1 room
n/a*
2 people
1 room
$1,100
Per person
3 people
2 rooms
$900
Per person
4 people
2 rooms
$790
Per person
5 people
3 rooms
$730
Per person
6 people
3 rooms
$695
Per person
Inclusions & Exclusions
This Tour Includes:
Park fees
All activities
A professional tour guide & driver
All transportations
All accommodations
VAT & Other Taxes
All meals listed in this program
Drinking water & other cold beverages
This Does Not Include:
All international flights
Other accommodations not mentioned
Souvenirs, Visas & items of personal nature
Tips & Gratituites
This Tour May Include:
Bird-watching Safaris
For bird enthusiasts, a Serengeti Steppe birding safari is a must. East Africa is a migratory hub where hundreds of species from Europe, Asia, and Africa converge, set against dramatic, cinematic landscapes reminiscent of “Out of Africa.” It’s a paradise for those seeking both beauty and discovery.Guided by local experts who know the land and its feathered inhabitants intimately, you’ll explore the wilderness at a pace that allows you to observe and appreciate birds in their natural habitats. Walks and stops are interspersed throughout the safari to bring you closer to elusive and rare species.From soaring raptors to colorful songbirds, every sighting is a chance to connect with the wild in a quiet, contemplative way. Serengeti Steppe ensures that your birding experience is not just a checklist, but a meaningful journey into East Africa’s vibrant avian world.
Night Safari Game Drives
Experience the African wilderness under a canopy of stars. Night game drives reveal rare and elusive wildlife, from lions and leopards to bush babies and owls, as your guide scans the savannah with a powerful spotlight. The darkness heightens all your senses, making every sight and sound more thrilling.Drives usually last 1.5 to 2 hours, beginning after dinner, and are designed for intimacy and safety. Serengeti Steppe keeps groups small to ensure personalized guidance, excellent visibility, and a truly immersive nocturnal adventure. Families are welcome, with minimum age requirements for children observed.Bring warm layers, comfortable shoes, and a camera for low-light photography. As you glide silently through the night, the African sky becomes a glittering backdrop to the untamed beauty below, a magical perspective only Serengeti Steppe can provide.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
A hot air balloon safari is one of the most magical ways to take in the vast beauty of Africa’s wilderness.Imagine silently drifting above golden plains for about an hour, skimming treetops as the first rays of sunlight wash over the land, while herds of wildlife roam below. From this unique vantage point, every curve of the landscape and every movement of the animals comes alive in a way no ground-based experience can match.Locations & SeasonsBalloon flights typically operate in prime wildlife areas with year-round game-viewing, but exact launch sites and seasons vary by region. Some areas offer daily flights throughout the year, while others operate during peak wildlife concentrations or migration periods. This ensures you can experience breathtaking scenery, and, with some luck, witness unforgettable wildlife spectacles from above.Wildlife HighlightsIn certain locations and seasons, balloon flights may coincide with major wildlife events, such as the Great Migration, birthing seasons, or predator-rich periods. These encounters depend on the natural movements of wildlife, so a touch of luck always plays a part.
Safari Game Drives
A game drive is your window into the wild heart of Tanzania, a chance to traverse open plains, follow fresh animal tracks, and witness extraordinary moments in nature. Guided by experienced guides in specially designed 4×4 vehicles, you’ll enjoy comfort, panoramic views, and an intimate wildlife experience with small group sizes.The most rewarding times are often the cool hours of early morning and the golden light of late afternoon. Mornings might start with the aroma of fresh coffee as you set out, pausing mid-drive for a picnic breakfast overlooking the savannah. In the afternoons, drives flow into the magic of sunset, complete with chilled drinks, snacks, and skies ablaze in colour.Serengeti Steppe offers private game drives, giving you the flexibility to explore at your own pace and savour every moment of the wilderness.