3 Days Tarangire & Ngorongoro Crater: A Real Review
If you’re thinking about squeezing in a quick trip to see some amazing wildlife in Tanzania, the 3 Days Tarangire & Ngorongoro Crater circuit could be just the ticket. So, let’s see if this super speedy safari lives up to the hype. Basically, it promises a whirlwind tour through two pretty famous spots. Namely, Tarangire, well known for its elephants, too it’s almost, and Ngorongoro, that unbelievable volcanic crater crammed with animals. Is that cool, or what?
What to Expect on a Compressed Safari Timeline
Now, right off the bat, it’s important to be clear; three days is not a whole heap of time for a safari. Yet, don’t let that deter you because you can actually experience a lot in just three days, so keep that in mind. Very generally, your schedule might look like this:
- Day 1: Trip to Tarangire. Get set to soak up some serious elephant vibes, so be ready to see these massive, gentle creatures wandering all over the park. Very often, this park is full of baobab trees and all sorts of bird species.
- Day 2: Then, get up very early and move on to the Ngorongoro Crater. Basically, get set for what could be the highlight; the crater is brimming with so much wildlife that, in a way, it’s an unbelievable spectacle.
- Day 3: Enjoy, like your final morning doing more wildlife spotting, and afterwards start heading back. Similarly to that, some trips will add in another brief visit to a nearby cultural site.
This sort of trip often begins and comes to an end in Arusha, it might be the hub for safaris in northern Tanzania. Very realistically, you’re looking at some extended drives, especially getting from one park to another. Similarly to that, be mentally ready for early starts; these are needed to, sort of, squeeze everything in. In some respects, expect that you may be on the move a great deal.
Up Close with Tarangire National Park
Tarangire, in my experience, has always been closely linked with big herds of elephants. More or less, the park’s landscape really adds something. Mostly, the scenery is rolling hills dotted with those huge baobab trees, they’re kind of the “wow” factor. Nearly always, the animals often gather around the Tarangire River, basically the park’s lifeline, most of the time.
Arguably, animal viewing here is, potentially, awesome, mostly when herds are making their way to the water. Might be worth checking if you can get there during the dry season (usually June to October). Typically, the concentrations of animals, like, your zebra, wildebeest, and giraffes are particularly high then. Often, be on the lookout for lions, leopards, and, actually, even the occasional African wild dog because they are here if you are lucky!
Marveling at the Ngorongoro Crater
Clearly, Ngorongoro Crater is just amazing. It is what happened after a giant volcano exploded and then collapsed many years ago. That’s why it turned out to be the natural enclosure it is today! Seemingly, the crater floor has got all types of habitats, from grasslands and swamps to forests and a lake. In other words, so much variety in a compact area. Arguably, it’s just about the perfect setup for animals.
So, it’s quite understandable to witness pretty high densities of animals within the crater. Very truly, the place is really crawling with them. Very often, that includes the Big Five – lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard, all potentially within touching distance. It is also often, apparently, one of the best places in Tanzania to see a black rhino, these awesome animals are seriously under threat. You may want to consider what a truly rare sighting it will be if you manage to see one!
Things to Consider About This Compressed Safari
Mostly, time really will be of the essence. Basically, a three-day safari is pretty fast paced, be ready for that. Always, it involves rather a lot of time spent driving between locations rather than relaxing in the camps. Or, in other words, a little thing to weigh up when choosing this over say a 5 or 7 day trip. Seemingly, you want to try to work out if that is suitable.
Now, if you seriously love birds then this could well be a bit frustrating for you. Yet, be advised that because the time you have here is somewhat limited it’s hard to allow for proper birdwatching opportunities. Usually, your wildlife drive and the chance for seeing those beautiful avians won’t always coincide. You know?
So, if you’re looking for seriously superb photographs be realistic about the conditions. In a way, a safari, particularly one that covers lots of ground fast, means a few bumpy roads. Somewhat frustratingly, that often translates into some pictures, very possibly, less stable. If that, your guide may be very useful in spotting wildlife but probably, he or she is not a photography instructor.
Picking the right safari operator
Often, what seriously influences how enjoyable your trip turns out to be boils down to who’s organizing it. In fact, do take a bit of time comparing what various safari operators are providing. And also, very truly, don’t always opt for the absolute cheapest tour. Then, read through what reviews previous travelers have shared.
In a way, confirm all the details regarding what’s covered in the rate. Mostly, things like park entry fees, that is, transportation and also what the accommodation is should be spelled out, now. Very often, be clear what level of comfort is up to your expectations, now. Obviously, will you be in a very basic campsite or more, like, your fancy lodge? Right?
Most of the time, don’t forget to make sure they respect animal-friendly policies and rules, by the way. Okay? As a matter of fact, responsible travel is getting to be more and more a factor in selecting an operator. Basically, some tourists have gotten sick and tired of operators that disregard the environment.
Accommodation standards
So, when you are looking at someplace to sleep, you can usually anticipate various lodging selections, mostly. Naturally, the most budget-conscious may select camping options. Okay? Generally, these have basic services and make you closer to mother earth. Of course, you’re likely to have animal sounds at night.
For instance, there are some lodges and tented camps. First, they bring greater convenience and luxury in varying degrees. Obviously, amenities such as like individual bathrooms, tasty menus and sometimes, swimming pools could come in handy. Mostly, lodging standards might probably seriously change in what you get.
Basically, location does matter. First of all, accommodation close by parks gets rid of extra commute time. First, that is most of the time perfect whenever you possess short period for the holiday.
Things to Bring on your Three-Day Trip
Always, packing the right products may significantly raise the satisfaction on any holiday. Always, bring lightweight clothing as an example. Okay? Okay, these really should be layers that will match different temperatures that you might get. In fact, choose clothes, this is actually, neutral tones so to to never attract unwanted animal life.
- Don’t forget insect repellent and sunscreen so to stay secured out from irritating bugs and UV rays.
- Consider your cameras. If that, give more consideration toward things like additional camera lenses together with storage units to snap good pics without challenges.
- Do not forget quality binoculars to detect pets out from far away.
- Ultimately, do not travel without any hats, glasses in order to safeguard up against sunlight/ glare, basically. By the way, they seriously can come in handy on sunnier afternoons within Tanzania.
Is a short safari worth it?
Then, would it be a very good use of energy doing the compact version instead of perhaps extended alternatives? Usually, assuming you happen to be pressed on time or possibly operating using a stricter budget. And what’s more, for persons that would like experiencing major advantages associated with Tanzania’s wildlife scene minus consuming so many days in traveling – absolutely, it makes overall sense for doing short trips such those which explore both Tarangire or the impressive Ngorongoro Crater! And that means, people in general is going have some extraordinary memories made – fast! First, let us bear in mind there is probably many activities missed in the more drawn out visits. And stuff…
