3-Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Camping Safari from Arusha

Summary

Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater Wildlife Adventure

You’ll get close to wildlife on this 3-day camping safari through Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Sleep under African skies, spot lions and leopards with expert guides, and experience real moments you’ll remember long after you’ve left Tanzania.

What’s the experience like?

We left Arusha before sunrise, the sky just starting to lighten as we piled into our open-roof 4x4. The road out of town was quiet, except for a few street vendors setting up their stalls—mostly selling chapati and sweet tea. After a couple hours, the landscape changed; flat plains stretched out forever, dotted with acacia trees and the odd Maasai herder moving his cattle. Our guide, Joseph, shared stories about the first European explorer here—Oscar Baumann back in 1892—and pointed out how “Serengeti” means “endless plains” in Maasai. By midday, we’d rolled into the heart of the park, dust swirling behind us. That first night at Seronera Campsite, I could hear hyenas whooping somewhere nearby while I zipped up my tent.

The next morning started early—coffee in hand, still wrapped in my jacket against the chilly air. We set off for a game drive and almost immediately spotted lions lounging on a termite mound, one flicking its tail lazily. Cheetahs were easier to find than I’d expected, especially out on the southeastern plains where the grass is short. Joseph knew exactly where to look for leopards too—he spotted one draped over a branch above the Seronera River, barely visible unless you really looked. Buffalo herds kicked up dust clouds as they moved, and giraffes picked at thorny trees nearby. After lunch under a lone fig tree (the kind with monkeys always eyeing your food), we drove toward Ngorongoro. As we reached the crater rim just before sunset, mist rolled in and everything felt hushed except for distant cowbells from Maasai cattle below.

On our last day, breakfast was quick—a bit of bread and strong coffee—before we descended into Ngorongoro Crater itself. The air down there felt cooler and smelled faintly of wild sage after last night’s rain. Within an hour or so, we’d seen four of the Big Five: elephants lumbering through marshes, buffalo grazing near flamingos on the lake shore, lions sprawled in the grass, and even a rhino off in the distance (Joseph got quietly excited about that one). There were zebras everywhere and hippos grunting in muddy pools. By afternoon we were heading back to Arusha, tired but still buzzing from everything we'd seen. If you’re flying out that night or staying another day in town—it’s all sorted for you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arusha to Serengeti National Park

• Drive from Arusha to Serengeti
• Dinner and overnight at Seronera Campsite

Day 2 — Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

• Morning game drive in Serengeti
• Drive to Ngorongoro crater rim
• Dinner and overnight at Simba Campsite

Day 3 — Ngorongoro Crater and return to Arusha

• Drive down into Ngorongoro Crater for game drive
• Drive back to hotel in Arusha for overnight

Top questions

Is this safari suitable for families or older travelers?

Yes! The tour is designed for all ages and fitness levels. Campsites are comfortable and guides are used to helping everyone feel at home.

Can I see all of the Big Five on this trip?

You’ve got a great chance—lions, elephants, buffaloes are common sightings; leopards and rhinos are rarer but often spotted with our guides’ help.

Are tents and sleeping bags provided?

Absolutely—all camping gear is included: tents, mattresses, sleeping bags. You just need your sense of adventure!

What if I have dietary restrictions?

No problem at all—just let us know ahead of time so we can plan meals that suit your needs.

What’s included

Your trip covers private transport in a 4x4 with pop-up roof for game viewing; expert local guides; all park fees; tents and sleeping gear; mineral water; airport transfers; plus overnight stays at Seronera and Simba campsites as per itinerary.