3 Days Safari to Selous, Mikumi, Ngorongoro & Tarangire

Experience the best of Tanzania in just three unforgettable days, starting from Dar es Salaam and exploring a diverse range of landscapes and wildlife. This safari combines boat, walking, and driving safaris across the renowned parks of Selous Game Reserve, Mikumi, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire.

Begin with a scenic drive through Mikumi National Park, then enjoy a boat safari on the Rufiji River in Selous, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife. On the second day, a walking safari lets you explore the bush up close before heading north to the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, home to the Big Five. Finish with an afternoon game drive in Tarangire National Park, famous for its massive elephant herds and ancient baobab trees.

This compact journey offers a rich taste of Tanzania’s southern and northern circuits — ideal for travelers seeking variety, adventure, and unforgettable wildlife encounters in a short time.

Route
Meals & Accomodations

The adventure begins in the early morning as you depart from Dar es Salaam, heading westward toward Tanzania’s interior. Along the way, you’ll pass through the edges of Mikumi National Park, often referred to as a mini-Serengeti due to its wide, open plains and rich variety of wildlife. As your safari vehicle traverses the park road, keep an eye out for giraffes gracefully walking across the savanna, elephants grazing in the distance, and prides of lions resting in the shade. This brief but thrilling game drive through Mikumi offers a perfect introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife.

Continuing the journey, you will arrive in the Selous Game Reserve — one of Africa’s largest protected wilderness areas. In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a boat safari along the Rufiji River, a signature experience of Selous. From the comfort of the boat, you’ll witness hippos wallowing in the water, crocodiles sunbathing on the riverbanks, and a dazzling array of birdlife. The gentle rocking of the boat and the wild calls of nature provide an immersive and unforgettable experience. As the sun sets over the river, you’ll head back to your lodge or tented camp for dinner and a night’s rest surrounded by the sounds of the African bush.

our second day begins with an early walking safari in Selous, accompanied by a trained armed ranger. This is a truly intimate way to explore the African wilderness, allowing you to experience nature on foot — learn about animal tracks, traditional medicinal plants, and the subtle signs of life often missed on game drives. It’s a quiet, reflective, and educational journey that deepens your connection to the natural world.

After breakfast at the lodge, you’ll begin the scenic drive toward Ngorongoro Conservation Area in northern Tanzania. The day involves a long road journey, but the ever-changing scenery — from rolling hills and rural villages to highland forests — offers a unique glimpse into the country’s diverse landscapes. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a packed lunch and several rest stops. Arriving in the evening, you’ll settle into a cozy lodge perched near the crater’s rim, where cool breezes and spectacular views greet you. This peaceful highland retreat sets the stage for the epic wildlife encounters awaiting on the final day.

The final day of your safari starts with an early descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most iconic wildlife destinations on the planet. This ancient volcanic caldera, often called the "Eden of Africa," boasts one of the densest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. During your morning game drive, you’ll have the chance to spot the famed Big Five — lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and the rare black rhino — all within the crater’s lush grasslands and soda lakes. Flamingos, hyenas, wildebeests, and zebras also roam freely across this rich, self-contained ecosystem.

After a morning of exceptional game viewing, your journey continues to Tarangire National Park, renowned for its majestic baobab trees and large elephant herds. In the afternoon, enjoy a final game drive through the park, where elephants gather in huge numbers along the Tarangire River. The park is also home to a variety of antelopes, predators like lions and leopards, and over 500 species of birds.

As the sun dips toward the horizon, marking the end of your 3-day journey, you’ll depart Tarangire with memories of untamed Africa in your heart. You’ll then be transferred to either Arusha town or the airport, ready for your onward journey or flight home

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What to bring on safari

  • sturdy shoes (trekking shoes or solid sneakers are sufficient)
  • light shoes, flipflop/sandals to wear in camp
  • long trousers
  • shorts and/or light trousers
  • shirts, t-shirts, light blouses
  • jumper
  • light down jacket and/or rain jacket/windbreaker
  • scarf, hat, gloves and warm jumper (May to end of August and higher altitudes like Ngorongoro)
  • pyjama
  • bathing suit
  • sunglasses, sun hat, sun screen
  • toilet bag (towels and body wash are always available in camp)
  • personal medicines
  • glasses, contact lenses
  • headlight (especially for camping tours and because we can never find the light switches at night)
  • binoculars
  • camera with charger/batteries/adapter
  • passport, flight tickets, credit card, etc.
  • pen (to fill in immigration forms)

Other Trips

3 Days (2 Nights) Mikumi National Park
14 Days Trips to Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar Island.
3 Days (2 Nights) mount meru trekking
3 Days Safari to Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere NP)