3-Day Safari from Arusha: Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater

Three days tracking lions, elephants and the Great Migration across Tanzania's two most storied parks

A 3-day camping safari from Arusha takes you through Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater with a professional guide, park entry, meals and camping equipment included. Day one crosses the Great Rift Valley and the Ngorongoro highlands to reach the Central Serengeti for your first game drive. Day two is a full day in the Serengeti tracking predators and herds across the plains. Day three descends into Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive before returning to Arusha by late afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Serengeti National Park arrival and game drive

• Depart Arusha early morning
• Drive through Great Rift Valley
• Stop at Ngorongoro Gate
• See Maasai herders and cattle
• Have picnic lunch en route
• Enter Serengeti National Park
• Begin first game drive
• Arrive at Serengeti campsite
• Dinner and overnight at campsite

Day 2: Full-day Serengeti game drive

• Early breakfast at campsite
• Full-day game drive in Serengeti
• Track lions, cheetahs, elephants, hyenas
• Enjoy packed lunch at picnic site
• Return to campsite late afternoon
• Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro rim campsite

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater game drive and return

• Breakfast at campsite
• Drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Descend into Ngorongoro Crater
• Half-day game drive inside crater
• Picnic lunch near hippo pool
• Ascend crater rim
• Drive back to Arusha
• Drop off at accommodation

The experience

The safari begins early from your Arusha accommodation with a scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley and Ngorongoro highlands, where you may spot Maasai herders with their cattle. After a picnic lunch en route, you enter the Serengeti and head to the Central Serengeti (an area known for dense wildlife and regular predator sightings), where you'll complete your first game drive before settling into Seronera Campsite inside the park. Your support crew sets up tents and prepares a freshly cooked dinner.

Day two is dedicated entirely to the Serengeti plains. You rise before dawn for breakfast, then spend the full day on game drives tracking lions, cheetahs, elephants, hyenas and, if luck holds, a leopard. A packed lunch is served at a picnic site. You return to Simba Campsite at the Ngorongoro Crater rim in the late afternoon, where dinner is prepared as the sun sets.

On the final morning, you descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive inside this volcanic caldera, where wildlife density is among the highest on earth. After a picnic lunch near the hippo pool, you ascend the crater rim and begin the return journey to Arusha, arriving by approximately 4:30–5:00 PM. The vehicle carries binoculars, drinking water is provided throughout, and your guide briefs you on wildlife and safety before departure. Camping equipment, all meals and park fees are included. Soft-sided bags or backpacks are recommended since safari vehicles have limited luggage space.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English.
• park entry fees for Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
• camping equipment.
• all meals throughout the 3 days.
• drinking water.
• binoculars available in the vehicle.
• safari briefing before departure.
• meet and greet on arrival.
• 24/7 on-ground support from Vision Safari.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (21 to 60 years) · Senior (61 and older) · Youth (12 to 20 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 100 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 8 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by VISION SAFARI & TOURS

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to travel with a group following set daily schedules and camp each night, rather than arrange your own route or stay in lodges.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 20 years); Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What animals might I see on a 3-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari?

The Serengeti's Central region is known for lions, cheetahs, elephants, hyenas and leopards, though sightings depend on animal movement and season. Ngorongoro Crater holds one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa, including buffalo, zebra, wildebeest and predators in a compact volcanic caldera.

Where do I sleep on this 3-day safari?

You camp inside Serengeti National Park at Seronera Campsite on night one, then move to Simba Campsite at the Ngorongoro Crater rim on night two. Your support crew sets up tents and provides camping equipment. You'll need to bring your own sleeping bag and personal toiletries.

How much driving is involved each day?

Day one includes a scenic drive from Arusha through the highlands and into the Serengeti, with a game drive in the Central Serengeti before camp. Day two is a full day of game drives across the Serengeti plains. Day three is a half-day game drive inside Ngorongoro Crater, followed by the return drive to Arusha.

What's included in the 3-day safari price?

Park fees, professional guide, camping equipment, all meals, drinking water, binoculars in the vehicle, safari briefing and 24/7 on-ground support are included. Airport transfers are optional and arranged separately. Tips, flights, visas, personal items and accommodation before or after the safari are not included.

Can I request special meals on this safari?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice to Vision Safari before your departure.