3-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari from Arusha

Two nights under canvas, two crater ecosystems, one route through Tanzania's wildlife heartland

A 3-day group safari from Arusha that covers Central Serengeti for one night and Ngorongoro Crater for one night, with professional driver-guide, camping accommodation, all transport and meals included. The route starts at 6am on day one, passes through Ngorongoro Conservation Area en route to Serengeti, then reverses the path on day three after a crater floor game drive. Guides speak English, Spanish or French. Pickup from Arusha is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Serengeti National Park

• Start early from Arusha at 6:00am
• Drive to Serengeti via Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Stop for breakfast in Karatu
• Game drive through Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Arrive at Serengeti National Park early afternoon
• Game drive until sunset in Serengeti
• Dinner at accommodation

Day 2: Serengeti to Ngorongoro

• Early morning game drive at Serengeti sunrise
• Continue game drive until early afternoon
• Lunch at accommodation or packed lunch
• Drive back through Serengeti and Ngorongoro with game drive
• Accommodation in Ngorongoro area

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha

• Breakfast at accommodation
• Game drive in Ngorongoro Crater with picnic lunch
• Explore crater wildlife until late afternoon
• Drive back to Arusha

The experience

The tour departs Arusha at 6am and drives toward Serengeti via Ngorongoro Conservation Area, stopping for breakfast in Karatu on the way. You'll game drive through the conservation area before arriving at Serengeti in the early afternoon, then continue game viewing until sunset. The Serengeti holds herds of buffalo and wildebeest, groups of elephant and giraffe, eland, impala and Grant's gazelle. Lions, leopards and other predators are seen regularly. You spend the first night at Seronera Campsite.

Day two starts before dawn with a sunrise game drive across the Serengeti, continuing until early afternoon. After lunch (either at camp or from a pack you carry), you drive back through both the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, watching for lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles and hyenas en route. The second night is at Simba Campsite in the Ngorongoro Area. Note: if you book the Simple Lodge option, this night is spent camping as no lodge accommodation exists at that standard in the area.

Day three follows breakfast with a game drive into Ngorongoro Crater itself, where the crater floor supports more than 25,000 large mammals including the remaining Black Rhinos, zebras, gnus, gazelles, buffalo, lions, hippos, elephants, elands and hyenas, plus aquatic birds. The crater's abundance means wildlife approaches the vehicle closely. You explore until late afternoon, then drive back to Arusha. All accommodation, meals, camping equipment, guide and transport in a 4x4 with open roof and all window seats are included. Socket charging in the vehicle is available.

What’s included

• Professional driver-guide in your choice of English, Spanish or French.
• camping accommodation for two nights.
• all meals.
• 4x4 vehicle with open roof and all window seats.
• game drives at sunrise and sunset.
• entry to Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park.
• camping equipment.
• socket charging in the vehicle.
• all fees and taxes.
• pickup from Arusha.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Senior (61 to 89 years) · Youth (14 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 13 years) · Infant (under 6)

GroupUp to 7

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

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 21 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Avocet Tanzania Safaris

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a structured two-night itinerary hitting Serengeti and Ngorongoro with a shared group. You'll travel with other travelers on set dates rather than customizing your own schedule.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 17 years); Child (6 to 13 years); Infant (under 6).

What time does the safari leave Arusha on the first day?

The tour departs at 6am from Arusha on day one, driving toward Serengeti via Ngorongoro Conservation Area with a breakfast stop in Karatu.

What wildlife can I expect to see in the Serengeti?

Serengeti game drives show herds of buffalo and wildebeest, groups of elephant and giraffe, eland, impala and Grant's gazelle regularly. Lions, leopards and other predators are seen very often.

How many nights do I spend camping versus in a lodge?

Both nights are camping: Seronera Campsite on night one in Serengeti, and Simba Campsite on night two in Ngorongoro Area. The Simple Lodge option includes camping on night two because no lodge accommodation exists at that standard in the Ngorongoro Area.

What does the Ngorongoro Crater game drive show?

The crater floor holds more than 25,000 large mammals including Black Rhinos, zebras, gnus, gazelles, buffalo, lions, hippos, elephants, elands and hyenas. Wildlife approaches vehicles closely and aquatic birds are common.