3 Days Safari to Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater — Complete Travel Guide
Perfect 3 Day Tanzania Safari Itinerary & Costs 2025/2026
A 3-day safari Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater is perfect for travelers who have limited time but still want to experience Tanzania’s top safari destinations. The itinerary is carefully designed to combine the thrill of wildlife spotting with the comfort of overnight stays in scenic lodges. During the safari, you will have the chance to see the Big 5 – lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos – as well as countless other species such as wildebeest, zebras, and giraffes.
Beyond wildlife, the landscapes are equally breathtaking. The Serengeti offers vast rolling plains dotted with acacia trees, while the Ngorongoro Crater provides a dramatic volcanic backdrop teeming with animals. This safari is also an opportunity to interact with the local Maasai communities and learn about their traditional way of life. For anyone seeking a short but complete safari adventure, this 3-day tour is ideal.
💡Fun Facts About Serengeti & Ngorongoro
Serengeti means “Endless Plains” in Maasai.
Ngorongoro Crater is the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world.
Over 1.5 million wildebeest migrate across Serengeti annually.
The Big 5 – lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino – can all be spotted in this safari.
3 Days Safari to Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Photo Gallery
Discover amazing wildlife and beautiful scenery through our Safari Photo Gallery. See lions, elephants, zebras, and more in their natural home, and enjoy the unforgettable moments of a real safari adventure.
Expert recommendation
If you are short on time but still want to experience the best of Tanzania’s wildlife, the 3 Days Safari Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most rewarding choices you can make. In just three days, you will cover two of Africa’s most iconic destinations: the endless plains of Serengeti, famous for the Great Migration and predator sightings, and the Ngorongoro Crater, often called the 8th Wonder of the World for its dense concentration of wildlife. This safari is ideal for travelers starting from Arusha or even flying in from Zanzibar, as it is well-structured to maximize game viewing without feeling rushed. I highly recommend it for first-time visitors to Tanzania, families, or anyone looking for a compact safari that still delivers unforgettable memories, Big 5 encounters, and breathtaking landscapes.
Laurent Karume
Tanzania Safari Specialist
3 Days Safari to Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Highlights
- Explore Serengeti & Ngorongoro in just 3 days
- Chance to spot the Big 5 & Great Migration
- Perfect for first-time visitors & families
- Sunrise & sunset game drives
- Starts from Arusha or Zanzibar with ease
At a glance
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Tailormade itineraries
Every Tanzania Safari Experience adventure is customized just for you—no fixed tours or set dates. Speak with our Tanzania Safari experts to help you plan your perfect Tanzania Safari itinerary.
Safari Spots
These are the safari spots—Tanzania safari destinations—you will visit on your journey. Each stop offers unique wildlife, landscapes, and unforgettable experiences.
Safari Itinerary — 3 Days Serengeti & Ngorongoro
Your safari is carefully planned to maximize wildlife viewing while still giving you time to relax and enjoy the journey. Here’s what you can expect day by day.
Day 1: Arusha to Serengeti Central via Ngorongoro
Your adventure begins after breakfast in Arusha, where you will be picked up from your hotel or lodge and start the scenic drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This area is famous for the Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as the 8th Wonder of the World, and is home to diverse wildlife including lions, elephants, and wildebeest. You will have time to stop and admire the views before continuing on a thrilling 4-hour drive into Serengeti Central.
Once you arrive, you can relax at your lodge and prepare for the first game drive the following day. The combination of long scenic drives and the anticipation of exploring the Serengeti sets the stage for an unforgettable safari experience.
Day Highlights:
- Enter Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Serengeti Central Game Drive
Serengeti National Park Photo
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Seronera - Serengeti Central
- Room Type: Standard
- Meal Plan: FB - Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
💡Safari Tip – Central Serengeti
The Central Serengeti (Seronera Valley) is one of the best places for game drives year-round. Thanks to permanent water sources, wildlife stays active here even during the dry season. It’s the top spot to see big cats like lions, leopards, and cheetahs, along with large herds of zebras and wildebeest. For the best experience, plan an early morning or late afternoon game drive when animals are most active.
Day 2: Serengeti Game Drive to Ngorongoro via Karatu
Day two starts early with a morning game drive in Serengeti Central. This is one of the best times to observe predators as the park comes alive. Lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and herds of wildebeest and zebras roam the plains, giving you endless photo opportunities. Guides will help you spot wildlife and provide fascinating insights about their behavior and the ecosystem.
In the afternoon, you will begin the drive toward Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with another chance for game spotting en route. The route offers sweeping views of the Serengeti plains and rolling hills leading to Karatu, where you will spend the night. Settling into your lodge, you can enjoy a hearty dinner while listening to the sounds of the African wilderness.
Day Highlights:
- Serengeti Central Game Drive
Serengeti National Park Photo
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Karatu
- Room Type: Standard
- Meal Plan: FB - Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
Serengeti to Ngorongoro Distance
The distance from Serengeti Central to Ngorongoro Crater is approximately 140–180 km, depending on the route and stops along the way. The journey usually takes 3–4 hours with game drives and wildlife spotting. This scenic drive allows for photography opportunities and optional stops at viewpoints to capture the stunning landscapes. It’s not just a transfer – it’s part of the safari experience itself.
Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive & Return to Arusha
The final day begins with breakfast followed by a descent into the famous Ngorongoro Crater. This natural wonder is one of the densest wildlife areas in Africa, offering a unique chance to see the Big 5 in one location. As you drive through the crater floor, you can spot rhinos, lions, hippos, zebras, and wildebeest, all set against the dramatic volcanic landscape.
During the day, you will take a break for a picnic lunch at the well-known Hippo Pool before continuing your journey back to Arusha. This marks the end of your 3 days safari Tanzania adventure, leaving you with incredible memories of Africa’s wildlife and landscapes.
Wildlife Experience in Ngorongoro
Once inside the crater, your guide will take you on a full-day game drive, where you can spot the Big 5—lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos—alongside zebras, wildebeest, and hippos. You will also have a chance to stop at the famous hippo pool, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch while watching hippos in their natural environment. The combination of diverse wildlife, scenic landscapes, and expert guidance ensures a memorable safari experience.
Return to Arusha: In the late afternoon, you will leave the crater and drive back to Arusha, completing your two-day wildlife adventure.
Expert Tip: Morning game drives in Ngorongoro provide the best light and higher wildlife activity, making it ideal for wildlife photography.
Day Highlights:
- Morning drive into Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Picnic lunch at hippo pool
- Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport
Ngorongoro Crater Photo
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Our tours are top-notch but give you great value. The price we tell you upfront covers most of the costs for one person, like flights and all transfers.
- Park fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- Air Ambulance Service by AMREF Flying Doctors;
- At Least 1 Pair Of Binoculars;
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips to your safari guide ($30-50 per day per car).
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Alcohol drinks
- Visas and visa fees where relevant
- Additional activities not offered as scheduled by the accommodation
- Lunch and dinner in hotel (only before and after safari);
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Everything You Need to Know About Your Safari
Every safari adventure begins with a question. Whether it’s your first or second time, it’s natural to wonder about the best time to visit, what to pack, or how the journey works. Here, we’ve answered the most common questions travelers ask before booking their Tanzania safari, so you can plan with confidence and look forward to unforgettable memories.
Yes, a 3 Days Safari Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater is enough to experience Tanzania’s most famous parks. On this itinerary, you’ll enjoy a full-day game drive in Serengeti Central, followed by a day exploring the Ngorongoro Crater, which is home to the Big 5 and one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. While longer safaris cover more regions, 3 days offers a well-balanced introduction to Tanzania’s top highlights without feeling rushed.
The 3 days Serengeti & Ngorongoro safari price varies depending on season and accommodation choice. On average:
Budget option: $600–$800 per person
Mid-range option: $900–$1,200 per person
Luxury option: $1,500+ per person
Prices usually include park fees, transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle, game drives, guide services, and meals. Booking early or joining a group safari can help reduce costs.
Yes, you can! Many travelers choose to begin their safari after a beach holiday. Flights from Zanzibar to Arusha take just over an hour, making it easy to connect directly to your 3 days Tanzania safari from Zanzibar. This option is popular with honeymooners and families who want to combine relaxation with adventure.
The distance between Serengeti Central (Seronera) and Ngorongoro Crater is around 140–180 km. The journey usually takes 3–4 hours depending on road conditions and wildlife stops along the way. Since game drives are included en route, the drive itself becomes part of the safari adventure, giving you extra opportunities to spot animals.
The best time depends on your interests:
June to October (dry season): Easier wildlife spotting, clear skies, and comfortable weather.
December to March: Best time to witness the Great Migration calving season in southern Serengeti and Ndutu.
April to May (green season): Lush scenery, fewer tourists, and lower safari costs.
Each season has its benefits, so you can plan your 3 day Serengeti safari from Arusha based on your priorities.
You will likely encounter a wide variety of wildlife including lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, and buffalo. With some luck, you may also spot leopards, cheetahs, and even the endangered black rhino inside Ngorongoro Crater. Bird lovers will enjoy sightings of flamingos, ostriches, and many raptor species. The diversity of animals makes this safari especially rewarding.
Yes, this safari is perfect for families, couples, and first-time safari-goers. The 3-day itinerary is short, manageable, and doesn’t require long days of non-stop travel. Comfortable lodges and well-planned routes ensure a smooth experience while still delivering the thrill of wildlife encounters. Children will particularly enjoy seeing animals up close in their natural habitats.
Pack light but include essentials such as comfortable clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a light jacket for cooler mornings and evenings. Don’t forget a camera with extra batteries and memory cards, as well as binoculars for better wildlife viewing. A refillable water bottle and sturdy shoes are also recommended.