3 Days Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari from Arusha

This 3-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari from Arusha takes you to two of Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations, Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, both known for exceptional game viewing and diverse landscapes. The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and supports a high concentration of wildlife within a compact area. It is also one of the few places where the Maasai community lives alongside wildlife within a protected ecosystem. In Serengeti National Park, you will explore vast open plains that are home to lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, and many other species. This park is widely regarded as one of the best safari destinations in Africa, offering excellent year-round wildlife viewing. This short Tanzania safari is ideal for travellers who want to experience both Serengeti and Ngorongoro in a limited time while still enjoying rewarding game drives and comfortable lodge stays.

Cheetah scanning the plains in Serengeti National Park

Safari Highlights

Pick up from Arusha
Visit Serengeti National Park
Enjoy afternoon and morning game drives in Central Serengeti
See lions, elephants, zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, hyenas, buffaloes, and antelopes
Visit a Maasai Boma for a short cultural experience
Overnight near Ngorongoro for easy access to the crater
Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a rewarding game drive
Visit Lake Magadi, known for hippos, flamingos, and birdlife
Travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof
Guided by a full-time English-speaking safari driver guide

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1, Drive from Arusha to Serengeti National Park, Afternoon Game Drive

Your safari starts early in the morning with pick up from Arusha at around 6:00 am. After a short briefing, begin the journey towards Serengeti National Park, passing through the scenic landscapes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive takes about 7 to 8 hours, with views of highlands, local communities, and open plains along the way. Upon arrival at the Serengeti gate around early afternoon, complete park entry formalities and enjoy your packed lunch. Proceed with an afternoon game drive in Central Serengeti, where you may see lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, hyenas, and different bird species. Wildlife becomes more active in the late afternoon, making this a rewarding time for game viewing. Later, transfer to your lodge for check-in, dinner, and overnight stay at Osinon Camps and Lodge/Serengeti Heritage Camps and Lodges for Mid-range option

Hhando Coffee Lodge surroundings Tanzania — Hhando Coffee Lodge

Day 2, Morning Game Drive in Central Serengeti, Maasai Boma Visit and Ngorongoro Highland

After breakfast, depart at around 6:30 am for a morning game drive in Central Serengeti, one of the best areas for wildlife viewing. During the early hours, predators are still active, offering good chances to see lions, leopards, and cheetahs. You may also see elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hyenas and different antelope species across the open plains. After the game drive, begin your exit from Serengeti with an en route packed lunch as you drive towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. On the way, you may visit a Maasai Boma for a short cultural experience, where you will learn about the traditional Maasai lifestyle, cattle keeping and local customs. Continue to the Ngorongoro highlands and, if time allows, stop briefly at the crater rim viewpoint for panoramic views. Proceed to your lodge for check-in, dinner, and overnight stay at Hhando Coffee Lodge

Hippos bask in the Hippo Pool in Ngorongoro Crater

Day 3, Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive, Lake Magadi and Return to Arusha

After breakfast, drive to the Ngorongoro Crater for a morning game drive. You will descend about 600 metres into the crater floor, an area known for its high concentration of wildlife. During your game drive, expect to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, jackals, and hippos. With some luck, you may also spot the rare black rhino. You will visit Lake Magadi, a seasonal lake that attracts flamingos and other bird species, as well as hippos in the surrounding water pools. After about 4 hours of exploration, ascend from the crater and begin the return journey to Arusha with a packed lunch. The drive takes approximately 3 to 4 hours. Upon arrival, you will be dropped off in Arusha or at Kilimanjaro International Airport, marking the end of your safari.