Explore two of Tanzania’s best-known wildlife destinations on this 3-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari with Eddy Tours & Safaris. Starting in Arusha, the journey takes you through the Ngorongoro highlands to central Serengeti, followed by a game drive inside Ngorongoro Crater before returning to Arusha.
This safari suits travelers with limited time who want to experience Serengeti’s open landscapes and Ngorongoro’s distinctive crater environment within one short trip. The proposed itinerary includes an afternoon game drive in Serengeti, another morning exploring the park, and a crater game drive on the final day.
Accommodation can be arranged as basic camping, comfortable tented camps, or lodges, depending on your budget and availability. Your final proposal will name the properties or campsites and explain the services included.
This is a busy road safari with substantial driving. Three days can cover both destinations, but four or five days would allow more wildlife-viewing time and a gentler pace.
Request departures for 2027 or 2028, with prices and accommodation confirmed for your chosen dates.
Safari Overview
| Detail | Proposed arrangement |
|---|---|
| Duration | Three safari days and two nights |
| Starting point | Arusha |
| Ending point | Arusha |
| Destinations | Central Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater |
| Safari format | Private safari; enquire separately about group departures |
| Transport | Safari vehicle with a viewing roof |
| Guide | English-speaking driver-guide |
| Accommodation | Camping, tented camp, or lodge options |
| Meals | Lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 3 |
| Travel years | 2027 and 2028 |
| Price | Quoted according to dates, group size, and accommodation |
Safari Highlights
- Travel through the changing landscapes of northern Tanzania.
- Explore central Serengeti on afternoon and morning game drives.
- Spend one night in Serengeti.
- Stay near Ngorongoro before the crater visit.
- Look for lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, and other wildlife.
- Enjoy the scenery and wildlife habitats of Ngorongoro Crater.
- Choose accommodation that matches your comfort preferences.
- Start and finish at agreed locations in Arusha.
Animal sightings depend on natural conditions. Your guide will make the most of the time available, but no particular species or wildlife event can be guaranteed.
Detailed 3-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha to Serengeti National Park
Your driver-guide collects you early from your agreed accommodation in Arusha. After a short briefing and luggage check, begin the journey towards Serengeti.
Travel through the northern safari circuit, passing the Mto wa Mbu and Karatu areas before climbing into the Ngorongoro highlands.
Where conditions and timing allow, stop at a designated crater viewpoint. This provides an introduction to Ngorongoro’s landscape before you continue towards Serengeti.
The transfer occupies much of the day. TANAPA’s Serengeti visitor guide describes road journeys from Arusha as taking approximately seven to eight hours; stops, entry procedures, road conditions, and the location of your accommodation can extend the overall journey.
Enjoy a packed lunch at an appropriate stop along the route.
After entering Serengeti National Park, continue towards the central area with wildlife viewing along the way. Your afternoon game drive depends on arrival time and the distance to your overnight accommodation.
Watch for grazing herds, giraffes, elephants, and predators using the plains and surrounding habitats. Your guide will select permitted roads according to conditions and wildlife activity.
Arrive at your accommodation before evening, settle in, and enjoy dinner.
Main activity: Road transfer and afternoon Serengeti game drive
Overnight: Central Serengeti campsite, tented camp, or lodge
Meals: Lunch and dinner
What to expect on the first day
The changing scenery makes the journey interesting, but this is primarily a transfer day with afternoon wildlife viewing. An early departure helps protect the time available in Serengeti.
Arriving in Arusha the previous day is recommended. A same-day international arrival is unlikely to fit comfortably with this road itinerary.
Day 2: Morning Serengeti Game Drive to Ngorongoro
Start the morning with breakfast and another game drive in central Serengeti.
Your guide chooses the route according to current conditions, your interests, and the time needed for the afternoon transfer. Explore suitable areas around the Seronera region, watching for wildlife in grasslands, woodland edges, and near watercourses.
A morning drive gives you another opportunity to observe animal behavior. You might watch elephants feeding, zebras moving together, or lions resting after an active night.
Predator sightings are possible, but the experience also rewards attention to smaller details: birds on a branch, antelopes scanning their surroundings, or the changing light across the plains.
Later, begin traveling towards the park exit. Wildlife viewing continues where practical along the route, followed by the drive into the Ngorongoro highlands.
Have lunch at an appropriate stop and continue to your overnight accommodation.
For a camping itinerary, a designated campsite near the crater is proposed. For a lodge or tented-camp itinerary, the accommodation may be on the crater rim or elsewhere in the highlands. The exact location will be confirmed in your quotation.
Enjoy dinner and prepare for an early start the following morning.
Main activity: Morning Serengeti game drive and transfer to Ngorongoro
Overnight: Confirmed accommodation in the Ngorongoro highlands
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Why accommodation location matters
Staying near the crater helps reduce the following morning’s transfer. An alternative in Karatu may suit your budget or comfort preferences, but requires an earlier start and additional driving.
Your booking proposal should explain the overnight location and its effect on the itinerary.
Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive to Arusha
After an early breakfast, leave your accommodation and travel to the crater descent point.
Complete the necessary entry arrangements, then descend into Ngorongoro Crater for your final game drive.
The landscape changes as you move from the highlands onto the crater floor. Your guide explores permitted routes through different habitats, adjusting the drive according to animal activity and conditions.
Look for buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, lions, and elephants. Black rhinos may also be encountered, sometimes at a considerable distance.
Binoculars are useful for observing animals without expecting the vehicle to approach closely. Your guide must follow wildlife-viewing rules and designated roads.
Enjoy lunch at a designated picnic area before leaving the crater and beginning the return journey to Arusha.
Arrival is expected later in the day. The precise time depends on departure from the crater, road conditions, traffic, and your drop-off location.
Main activity: Ngorongoro Crater game drive
Drop-off: Agreed location in Arusha
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Onward travel after the safari
An overnight in Arusha provides the most flexible finish. If you intend to fly that evening, share the flight details before booking.
An airport transfer needs to be arranged separately, and the timing must allow for the journey and check-in requirements.
Accommodation Options
Your 3-day Tanzania safari to Serengeti and Ngorongoro can be planned around different accommodation styles.
Budget camping
Basic camping uses portable tents and shared campsite facilities. The proposal should specify tents, mattresses, sleeping bags, meals, and cook support.
Expect a simple outdoor experience. Reliable hot water, charging facilities, and internet access should not be assumed.
Comfortable tented camps
Permanent tented camps offer beds and more structured facilities than basic camping. Bathrooms and other amenities vary by property, so check the details of the camp quoted.
This option suits travelers who enjoy the safari atmosphere while preferring greater comfort at night.
Lodge accommodation
Lodges provide another option for travelers who prefer a room and established facilities.
Location remains important. A property described broadly as “Ngorongoro accommodation” may be on the crater rim, elsewhere in the conservation area, or outside it.
TANAPA lists both lodges and campsites among Serengeti’s accommodation options and recommends advance booking, especially during busy periods.
Proposed overnight plan
| Night | Location | Accommodation selected in your quotation |
|---|---|---|
| Night 1 | Central Serengeti | Campsite, tented camp, or lodge |
| Night 2 | Ngorongoro highlands | Campsite, tented camp, or lodge |
Accommodation is subject to availability. Any proposed substitution should be explained before confirmation.
Wildlife You May See
This route offers opportunities to look for a wide variety of animals.
In central Serengeti
Possible sightings include lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas, and various antelopes. Leopards and cheetahs may be seen when conditions and animal movements favor a sighting.
In Ngorongoro Crater
Look for lions, buffaloes, elephants, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, and black rhinos, alongside varied birdlife.
Giraffes are a Serengeti possibility on this itinerary; they are not animals to expect on the crater floor.
Will you see the Big Five?
The route offers opportunities to search for the Big Five, but seeing all five within three days is uncertain. Leopard and rhino sightings can be especially difficult.
A rewarding safari involves watching wildlife behavior and enjoying the habitats rather than measuring the trip only against a species checklist.
Is This a Great Migration Safari?
This package focuses on central Serengeti, where the presence of migrating herds changes through the year.
If herds are within reach during your visit, your guide can consider them when planning the game drives. Their position cannot be promised in advance.
The itinerary does not provide dedicated travel to northern Serengeti’s river-crossing areas or a specialized Ndutu calving programme. If either is your main objective, request an itinerary designed around it.
A longer safari or different transport arrangement may be more suitable for a migration-focused trip.
Best Time to Plan Your Safari
The trip can be considered in different seasons, with accommodation and daily arrangements adjusted accordingly.
Drier periods may appeal to travelers who prefer less rain during road travel or camping. Wetter periods can offer greener landscapes, but conditions may affect tracks and the pace of the journey.
Your best dates depend on your priorities, budget, and availability. Ask about the expected conditions for the specific month rather than assuming that one season suits every traveler.
For 2027 and 2028, book early when you need particular accommodation, family rooms, or fixed holiday dates.
Proposed Package Inclusions
The final quotation should confirm:
- Safari vehicle for the agreed three-day itinerary.
- English-speaking driver-guide.
- Fuel and scheduled road transfers.
- Serengeti park charges for the planned visit.
- Applicable Ngorongoro Conservation Area charges.
- Ngorongoro Crater vehicle descent charge.
- Two nights of the selected accommodation.
- Meals from lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 3.
- Drinking water during the safari.
- Scheduled game drives.
- Collection and drop-off at agreed locations in Arusha.
For camping bookings, confirm cook support and the exact equipment supplied.
Tell the operator about allergies and dietary requirements before departure.
Usually Excluded Unless Added
- International and domestic flights.
- Visa costs.
- Travel insurance.
- Airport transfers.
- Arusha accommodation before and after the safari.
- Tips.
- Alcoholic drinks and personal purchases.
- Optional visits and activities.
- Any accommodation or equipment supplements identified in the quotation.
Optional stops such as cultural visits need both time and a separate arrangement. Adding several stops to this short route can reduce wildlife-viewing time.
Safari Prices for 2027/2028
The cost depends on your travel dates, number of travelers, accommodation style, and departure format.
A private vehicle cost is shared within your own booking party. A group departure may offer different pricing, but you need to confirm its dates, itinerary, and booking conditions.
Request a complete quotation covering the same itinerary and accommodation standard when comparing options.
For an accurate price, provide:
- Preferred dates.
- Number of adults and children.
- Children’s ages.
- Camping, tented-camp, or lodge preference.
- Room or tent-sharing arrangements.
- Arusha pickup location.
- Airport transfer requirements.
Your quotation should explain payment terms, cancellation conditions, and how any future changes in government charges are handled.
What to Pack
Choose soft-sided luggage that fits comfortably in the safari vehicle.
Useful items include:
- Lightweight clothing in neutral colors.
- A warm layer for the highlands.
- Rain protection.
- Comfortable closed shoes.
- A hat and sunglasses.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Binoculars.
- Camera equipment and spare batteries.
- A power bank.
- Personal medication and toiletries.
- A headlamp for a camping itinerary.
Keep essentials in a small day bag. During long transfers, you may not have convenient access to the main luggage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is three days enough for Serengeti and Ngorongoro?
It is enough for this compact itinerary, but driving occupies a significant part of the trip. An extra day allows more time in Serengeti.
Does the package include a full day in Serengeti?
No. The proposed schedule includes afternoon viewing on Day 1 and a morning drive on Day 2 before the transfer to Ngorongoro.
Is this a private safari?
The proposed package is private. Ask separately about group departures if you want to share with other travelers.
Can I start from Moshi?
A Moshi start requires an adjusted plan because it adds transfer time. Consider moving to Arusha the previous day.
Can children join?
Discuss their ages and needs before booking. Long drives, early starts, and the chosen accommodation should suit the family.
Can I fly into Serengeti instead?
Yes, a fly-in variation can be quoted separately, subject to flight availability. It changes the transport arrangements and price.
Can I add Tarangire?
An additional safari day is recommended so Tarangire does not displace the wildlife-viewing time already planned.
Book With Eddy Tours & Safaris
Request your 3-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari for 2027/2028 from Eddy Tours & Safaris.
Share your travel dates, group size, and accommodation preference. Ask for a complete proposal with named overnight locations, inclusions, the final price, and booking terms.
Enquiries: Contact Eddy Tours & Safaris
Email: sales@eddytours-safaris.com
Alternative email: eddytoursandsafaris@gmail.com
Phone and WhatsApp: +255 711 906 664
For independent destination information, visit the Serengeti visitor guide and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority.