3 Days 2 Nights Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Safari
A perfectly balanced short safari combining the endless plains of the Serengeti with the dramatic wildlife haven of Ngorongoro Crater
- Tanzania
- 3 Days
- From $650 Per Person
Overview
This 3-day safari is designed for travelers who want to experience Tanzania’s most famous safari destinations without rushing. You’ll explore the vast, wildlife-rich plains of Serengeti National Park, home to Africa’s largest concentration of predators, before descending into the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, a natural wildlife sanctuary unlike anywhere else on earth.
With expert guides, carefully planned game drives, and comfortable lodge or tented camp stays, this safari delivers exceptional wildlife viewing, stunning scenery, and an authentic African safari experience—all in just three days.
Highlights
- Game drives in the world-famous Serengeti ecosystem
- Excellent chances to see lions, leopards, elephants, cheetahs, and buffalo
- Full-day exploration of the Ngorongoro Crater floor
- Big Five viewing opportunities in a single safari
- Spectacular landscapes from open savannahs to volcanic caldera
- Professional safari guide and private or shared 4×4 safari vehicle
Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha – Serengeti National Park
After an early morning departure from Arusha, you’ll drive through the scenic highlands and into the legendary Serengeti. As the plains stretch endlessly before you, your safari officially begins with game viewing en route to your camp or lodge.
Expect your first sightings of zebras, giraffes, antelopes, and predators as you settle into the rhythm of the African wilderness.
Overnight: Safari lodge or tented camp in Serengeti
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Wake up to the sounds of the wild and head out for a morning game drive in the Serengeti when animals are most active. After brunch, you’ll journey toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, enjoying wildlife sightings along the way.
By late afternoon, you’ll reach the crater rim, where sweeping views reveal the vast caldera below—an unforgettable sight.
Overnight: Lodge near Ngorongoro Crater
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha
Today you descend over 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for a spectacular game drive. This natural enclosure supports an extraordinary density of wildlife, including the rare black rhino, large lion prides, hippos, and flamingos around the soda lake.
After lunch on the crater floor, you’ll ascend and return to Arusha, marking the end of your safari adventure.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Includes
- Private 4×4 Safari Vehicle with pop-up roof for game viewing
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide (French or German on request)
- All park entry fees
- Accommodations
- Meals
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
- Hotel pick-up & drop-off from Arusha or Moshi
- Government taxes and levies
Excludes
- International flights to/from Tanzania
- Domestic flights (e.g., Dar es Salaam ↔ Arusha) unless added to your package
- Travel insurance & medical coverage
- Visa fees and personal travel documents
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Tips & gratuities for driver/guide (customary but discretionary)
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, souvenirs)
FAQ
Who is this safari best suited for?
This safari is ideal for travelers with limited time who still want a complete, authentic Northern Tanzania safari experience. It’s especially well-suited for first-time visitors, couples, and travelers combining safari with Zanzibar.
Will three days be enough to enjoy the Serengeti and Ngorongoro?
Yes—when planned properly. This itinerary focuses on quality over quantity, prioritizing the most wildlife-rich areas and optimal game drive timings to ensure meaningful encounters.
What level of comfort should I expect?
Accommodation ranges from well-appointed mid-range to luxury lodges and tented camps. All options are chosen for comfort, safety, excellent service, and proximity to wildlife areas.
What wildlife sightings are most common on this safari?
You can expect frequent sightings of lions, elephants, buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, and hyenas. The Ngorongoro Crater also offers one of the best chances to see black rhinos in Tanzania.
When is the best time to do this safari?
This safari runs year-round. The dry season (June–October) offers excellent wildlife visibility, while the green season (November–May) features lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and great birdlife.
Is the safari private or shared?
By default, this safari is private, meaning the vehicle and guide are exclusively for your group. Shared options can be arranged upon request.
Can this safari be customized?
Absolutely. The itinerary can be customized by adjusting accommodation level, adding extra days, or combining the safari with Zanzibar beach holidays after completion.
