3 Days to Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater

Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater

Duration

3 days

Tour Type

Classic Wildlife Safaris, Cultural & Community Tours, Short Getaways & Day Trips

Reviews

Wishlist

Overview

This 3-day adventure offers the perfect blend of two of Tanzania’s most iconic safari destinations. You’ll explore the vast plains of the Serengeti home to the Great Migration and Africa’s most famous big cats and descend into the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, where a high concentration of wildlife makes it one of the best places to see the Big Five in a single day.

Ideal for those with limited time but high expectations, this trip promises dramatic landscapes, unforgettable wildlife sightings, and expert guidance throughout.

Included/Exclude

All park entry and crater fees
Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking safari guide
2 nights’ accommodation (Serengeti & Ngorongoro/Karatu)
All meals as per itinerary
Bottled water during safari
Government taxes and crater transit fees
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Arusha

Flights (international or domestic)
Tips and personal expenses
Alcoholic beverages
Travel insurance
Optional cultural visits (e.g., Maasai village)
Items not mentioned as included

Tour Plan

Day 1: Arusha → Serengeti National Park

06:30 AM – Depart from Arusha
Set off early for Serengeti National Park via the scenic Great Rift Valley and Ngorongoro Highlands.

12:30 PM – Picnic Lunch at Naabi Hill Gate
Arrive at the Serengeti gate and enjoy lunch while overlooking the endless plains.

01:30 PM – Afternoon Game Drive in Serengeti
Begin your first wildlife experience in the Serengeti, spotting animals such as lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and wildebeest. Depending on the season, your guide may track the Great Migration.

06:00 PM – Arrive at Camp/Lodge
Check in at your camp inside the Serengeti. Relax and enjoy dinner under the stars.

Overnight: Mid-range tented camp or lodge in Serengeti
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Serengeti Game Drive → Ngorongoro Highlands

07:00 AM – Morning Game Drive in Serengeti
After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive. Early hours are ideal for spotting predators on the move.

10:30 AM – Begin Drive Toward Ngorongoro
After game viewing, exit the Serengeti and head toward Ngorongoro Conservation Area with wildlife viewing en route.

01:00 PM – Picnic Lunch on the Way
Lunch along the road with views of the open plains or highlands.

04:00 PM – Arrive at Lodge in Karatu or Crater Rim
Check into your accommodation near the crater. Enjoy the cooler air and mountain views.

Overnight: Lodge in Karatu or near Ngorongoro Crater
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater Tour → Return to Arusha

06:30 AM – Early Breakfast & Depart for Crater
Enter the Ngorongoro Crater early for a half-day game drive inside this unique, wildlife-rich caldera.

08:00 AM – Game Drive in Crater
Explore the crater floor in search of rhinos, lions, buffalo, zebras, hippos, and much more. The high density of animals makes for unforgettable game viewing.

12:00 PM – Picnic Lunch at a Scenic Spot
Enjoy a picnic near Ngoitoktok Springs.

01:00 PM – Ascend & Drive Back to Arusha
After lunch, begin the journey back to Arusha.

05:30–06:00 PM – Drop-Off in Arusha
Drop-off at your hotel or airport in Arusha by evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch