From Arusha: 3-Day Big Five Safari, Waterfall & Hot Springs
Hai, Tanzania, Tanzania
Activity
Official tickets via GetYourGuide
Discover northern Tanzania on a 3-day adventure from Arusha. Explore Tarangire National Park, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, visit a waterfall, and relax in Kikuletwa Hot Springs.
Highlights
- Embark on a 3-day adventure from Arusha to explore northern Tanzania
- Search for elephants, lions, and more on a safari in Tarangire National Park
- Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater and spot the Big Five in the wild
- Walk through the lush foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro to a beautiful waterfall
- Relax in the crystal-clear waters of Kikuletwa Hot Springs surrounded by nature
Description
Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire National Park – Karatu Begin your adventure with a morning pickup from your hotel in Arusha. Meet your professional safari guide and travel approximately 2–2.5 hours toward Tarangire National Park. After completing the park formalities, begin your first exciting game drive through one of northern Tanzania's most distinctive wildlife destinations. Tarangire is especially famous for its enormous elephant herds, giant baobab trees, seasonal wetlands, and the Tarangire River, which attracts wildlife throughout the year. Search for lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, impalas, warthogs, and many species of birds. Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park before continuing your afternoon game drive. Later in the afternoon, leave Tarangire and drive toward the Karatu area, where you will check in at your lodge, enjoy dinner, and relax after your first safari day. Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater Big Five Safari – Arusha After an early breakfast, depart for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Drive through the scenic highlands before reaching the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater viewpoint. From the crater rim, enjoy panoramic views across one of the world's largest intact volcanic calderas before descending approximately 600 meters to the crater floor. Spend several hours exploring this extraordinary wildlife sanctuary. The crater supports a remarkable concentration of animals, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas, gazelles, and numerous bird species. Ngorongoro is also one of Tanzania's best locations for the possibility of spotting the rare black rhino, making it an excellent destination for travelers hoping to complete their Big Five experience. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated area inside the crater before continuing your game drive. In the afternoon, ascend the crater walls and drive back toward Arusha for dinner and overnight accommodation. Day 3: Mount Kilimanjaro Waterfall – Kikuletwa Hot Springs – Arusha After breakfast, depart from Arusha for the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. Travel through beautiful countryside, local villages, banana plantations, and fertile farmland before beginning your guided walk toward one of the region's impressive waterfalls. Walk through lush vegetation while learning about the local environment and community life. Upon reaching the waterfall, enjoy time taking photographs, appreciating the scenery, and experiencing the refreshing atmosphere created by water cascading through the green landscape. After the waterfall experience, continue to the famous Kikuletwa Hot Springs, also known as Chemka Hot Springs. Hidden among fig and palm trees, these beautiful turquoise pools offer an ideal place to swim and relax.Includes
Private safari transportation in a 4×4 vehicle with a pop-up roof Professional English-speaking safari driver-guide Pickup and drop-off in Arusha All national park and conservation area entrance fees Tarangire National Park game drive Ngorongoro Crater game drive and crater service fees Guided waterfall visit Entrance fee to Kikuletwa/Chemka Hot Springs 2 nights of comfortable accommodation Meals as indicated in the itinerary Bottled drinking water during the tour Picnic lunches during safari activities Government taxes and applicable tourism fees Wildlife viewing and photography opportunities All scheduled transfers between activities and accommodationExcludes
International and domestic flights Tanzania visa fees Travel and medical insurance Tips and gratuities for the safari guide and local guides Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and beverages not included with meals Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, and telephone calls Optional activities not listed in the itinerary Additional accommodation before or after the tour Airport transfers unless specifically included in the booking Medical expenses or emergency evacuation costs Any services or activities not specifically stated under What's IncludedImportant Information
- This 3-day experience starts and ends in Arusha. Carry a valid passport or identification document during the tour. Wear comfortable clothing and closed walking shoes for the waterfall visit. Bring swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes for Kikuletwa Hot Springs. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle. Early morning departures are recommended to maximize wildlife viewing in Tarangire and Ngorongoro. Wildlife sightings, including the Big Five, cannot be guaranteed because animals move freely in their natural habitat. Temperatures in the Ngorongoro highlands can be cool, especially in the morning, so bring a light jacket. The waterfall walk may involve uneven or slippery paths, particularly during the rainy season. Keep cameras and electronic devices protected from water during the waterfall and hot springs activities. Inform the operator in advance about dietary requirements, allergies, mobility concerns, or other special requests.