Covering 2-3 national parks, you will see plenty of wildlife and amazing views straight out of National Geographic. We will help you decide the exact route and overnight accommodation to get you the biggest bang for your time and buck.

Highlights of 2-3 Day Safari

  • Amazing Views

    Whether you see the Lake Manyara escarpment or the Ngorongoro caldera, these magnificent views will be imprinted in your mind for life. Along the way you will spot Maasai folk, huge Boabab trees and incredible wildlife.

  • World Famous Parks

    You will cover Lake Manyara or Tarangire national parks based on your preferences and suitability for the time of the year. Manyara is famous for its flamingoes and its tree climbing lions. Tarangire is famous for its large herds of Elephants and iconic Boabab trees.

  • Ngorongoro Crater

    This wildlife conservation area is sight to behold. Measuring 20 km in diameter, it is densely populated by big wildlife. Not a second passes when you do not see a big mammal. Its famous for its endangered Black Rhino.

  • Big 5

    While we cannot guarantee viewing all the big 5 animals in Tanzania, 2-3 days of game drives almost certainly show you giraffes, elephants, zebras, lions, buffalos, cheetah, hippos, hyenas and a whole lot of other smaller animals and birds.

  • Experience Safari Lodges

    African safari lodges have an old-school charm of their own. They are mostly nestled amidst nature, and the African hospitality is most welcome after a day of game drives. The location and services of some lodges will make you want more!
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5-Star Reviews for Popote

Below are some reviews specifically from clients who did 2-3 Day Safari with us. See more of our fantastic testimonials on Tripadvisor and Google.

Tripadvisor ReviewsGoogle Reviews

  • "I decided to go for a two days safari with Popote Africa Adventures after completing the Kilimandjaro hike with the Popote. I thought that after living such a wonderful experience Popote would provide a similar experience with the safari and I was right. Our safari guide was amazed... as was I, that the first day revealed such a great variety of animals...."

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  • "We did the 8 day Lemosho route trek of Kilimanjaro and a 2 day lodge Safari afterwards with Popote. Both were absolutely amazing. Our guides and crew on Kili were incredibly kind, supportive, and friendly. Their chef accommodated my gluten and dairy allergies..."

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  • "We also added on a 2 days safari at the end of our trek. Once again Popote went above and beyond our expectations. Said our safari guide was the best. He was most helpful and very knowledgable about the area, the animals, the flora and fauna. He also always managed to get the best spots for photo opportunities..."

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Is a 2-3 Day Safari for Me?

A 2-3 day safari in Tanzania is short. You’ll only be away for 1-2 nights. But even within these time constraints, you’ll be making precious memories. Even more so than on a longer safari, you’ll have to make choices which we will help you with. To save time, a fly-in to Serengeti might be a good choice, but only if you must visit the Serengeti. Otherwise you will see the big 5, plenty of birds and smaller animals in Lake Manyara, Tarangire and/or Ngorongoro. There are plenty of authentic safari lodges across all budgets. So whether you want to keep it simple or you want something truly romantic for your honeymoon, you can customize a 2-3 day safari from Arusha to suit your needs.

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The Popote Advantage

We have taken more than 4,000 travelers on Tanzania safari since 2011. The following 4 aspects are the most important for anyone wanting to book a safari. And we guarantee uncompromising quality for all and more.

#1 Safari Experience Matters

We are built on our experience of guiding over 4000 travelers on safaris over a decade. There are hidden challenges to operating safaris that we've uncovered during this time. That gives us a competitive advantage over most other safari operators. How to seamlessly sew together a Kilimanjaro climb with a safari? Or bring down the cost while still staying in excellent lodges? Or arrange a transfer from Nairobi after your flight was delayed? Cross border Tanzania-Kenya safaris? Fly straight from Serengeti to Zanzibar? Our local team will plan your safari with you and ensure all your expectations are met and more.

#2 Comfortable 4x4 Land Cruisers

We only use specially designed and converted 4x4 Toyota Landcruisers. They have large sliding windows and pop-up roofs, offering excellent views and great opportunities for safe and undisturbed photography while on game drives. There is a fridge to keep your drinks cool and 220V electric sockets for battery chargers. The powerful engines allow the vehicles to manage various kinds of terrain without any difficulty even when traveling off the beaten track. There are 5 to 7 seats with handrests offering plenty of room for a comfortable ride.

#3 Unlimited Game Drives

With Popote's private safari trips, you are in charge of how you want game drives from 6am to 6pm each day of your trip. There is no mileage restriction unlike the budget operators. We want your vacation to be perfect and without any bounds. So if you want to track a lioness as it hunts its prey, you have the freedom to go for it!

#4 Lunch Breaks in the Wild

We appreciate that you might want to stretch out and take a break from the dusty and bumpy game drives. So your guide will find a nice and shady spot to spread your lunch table and serve you pre-packed lunch in the wild. If some wine would make it perfect, just let us know! Its just one of those idyllic moments that you will never forget, especially in the Serengeti!

2-3 Day Safari Itineraries

2-3 days of safari from Arusha allows you to cover 2 to 3 national parks in northern Tanzania. Below are some example itineraries. Each has certain advantages which we are happy to explain over email. Contact us for detailed information and itinerary.

  • Visit 2 Parks in 2 Days

    You can choose two parks from Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro conservation area. If you prefer canoeing or walking safari, then the first day you can visit Arusha National Park. You will overnight either in Karatu area that has some great lodges and is a relatively short distance to any one of the 3 major parks. Or in a lodge or tented camp inside a national park depending on your budget. Example:

    1. Game drives on in Tarangire and Lake Manyara on days 1 and 2 respectively. Back to Arusha by late afternoon on day 2.
    2. You and swap any park above by game drives in Ngorongoro crater on day 2 if you want to visit this gem.

  • Visit 2 Parks in 3 Days

    Choose two parks in 3 days for a more relaxed itinerary as you can stay inside one of the parks to lessen "non-game driving". The time gained can be used for precious early morning safari when the predators are on the lookout for prey. Examples:

    1. Game drives on first 2 days in Tarangire followed by drives in Lake Manyara (or Ngorongoro) on day 3 and back to Arusha by late afternoon.
    2. During the calving season from Dec-Mar some travelers don't mind a long 7-8 hour drive (including safari) to Serengeti on day 1. Early morning safaris in Serengeti on day 2 and on day 3 in Ngorongoro crater, then return back to Arusha by late afternoon.

  • Visit 3 Parks in 3 Days

    Covering 3 parks in 3 days in Northern Tanzania will include a lot of driving. But It will be packed with different vistas and wildlife everyday. There is only 1 itinerary possibility here:

    • Day 1 - Arusha to Tarangire
    • Day 2 - Tarangire to Ngorongoro
    • Day 3- Ngorongoro to Lake Manyara

    The exact order may vary depending on the accommodation you finally decide on. Of course, if you want to include a walking or canoe safari in Arusha national park, then the first day will be allocated to this, and you will only be able to cover 2 or the 3 parks above.

  • Fly to Serengeti (3 Days)

    If you're pressed for time and the Serengeti is your priority, cut out the driving and fly there. A 3-day fly-in safari lets you maximize your time in the Serengeti, and also features a visit to the stunning Ngorongoro Conservation Area. For example:

    • Day 1 - Arusha - Serengeti (morning flight, then game drives)
    • Day 2 - Serengeti game drives, then to Ngorongoro crater rim.
    • Day 3 - Ngorongoro game drives, then back to Arusha

    You can also fly in and fly out from Zanzibar. This trip can be customized to a great extent.

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2-3 Day Safari Prices

Safari prices depend a lot on the quality of accommodation chosen, whether it is located inside a national park or outside, the number of people in the vehicle and the time of travel.

A good approximate price per person per day on a safari in Tanzania is as follows from budget camping to luxury lodge accommodations. (Click links below to view different accommodations)

BUDGET: $250 - $300

MID-TIER: $390 - $550

LUXURY: $670 - $1000

HIGH-END LUXURY: $1200 - $2500

  • The safari cost includes

    Entry fees:

    • Park Fees: all park fees collected by National Park authorities (conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all others). 

    Accommodation:

    Please note: by default, you will share a room and a tent with your travel companion. If you travel solo on a group expedition, we will room you with a same-sex participant. Single supplement is available upon request.

    Meals:

    • All meals during safari, except when specified otherwise
    • Water and coffee or tea.

    Equipment:

    • VHF Radio
    • 2 Binoculars per vehicle
    • Fridge

    Professional Safari Guide:

    • Professional guides licensed by Tanzania National Park Authority. All guides have 7+years of successful experience

    Taxes:

    • 18% VAT, 1% TDL and 0.3% Service Levy. Popote Africa is an honest and responsible tour operator working in full compliance with the tax law of the United Republic of Tanzania.

  • The safari cost excludes

    • International flights
    • Tips (30-50 USD per vechile per day)
    • Visa fee (100 USD for American citizens and 50 USD for all others)
    • Lunch and dinner at the hotel (before and after the climb)
    • Travel insurance
    • Internal flights or other activities

Why choose Popote?

Read about all that make us one of the best outfitters running Klimanjaro climbs and operating Tanzania safaris.

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