Overview

The 3 Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Big Five Safari is the most popular short safari in Tanzania’s Northern Circuit, combining two of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations into one compact itinerary.

The Serengeti National Park offers vast open plains filled with large herds of herbivores and apex predators, while the Ngorongoro Crater provides one of the highest wildlife densities in the world, including excellent opportunities to see the Big Five in a single game drive.

This safari is designed for travelers starting in Arusha who want maximum wildlife exposure in a limited timeframe without compromising on iconic destinations or game viewing quality.

Why Choose This Safari?

This itinerary is considered the benchmark for short safaris in Tanzania.

Two World-Famous Parks

Experience both Serengeti and Ngorongoro in one trip.

High Chance of Big Five Sightings

Ngorongoro Crater offers one of the most reliable Big Five viewing environments in Africa.

Predator-Rich Ecosystem

Serengeti is home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas.

Ideal First Safari Experience

Perfect introduction to African wildlife safaris.

Balanced Travel & Game Drive Time

Well-paced itinerary with quality wildlife viewing each day.

Safari Highlights

• Full-day Serengeti National Park game drives
• Big Five wildlife opportunities
• Lion, leopard, and cheetah sightings
• Endless Serengeti savannah landscapes
• Ngorongoro Crater game drive experience
• Black rhino sightings (Ngorongoro)
• Elephant herds and buffalo
• Zebras, wildebeest, and gazelles
• Scenic Great Rift Valley views
• Professional safari guide

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha → Serengeti National Park

06:00 AM – Pick-Up from Arusha

Depart from your hotel after a short safari briefing.

Drive through the scenic Great Rift Valley and highland areas toward Serengeti National Park.

01:00 PM – Arrival in Serengeti

Enter Serengeti and begin game viewing en route to your lodge or camp.

Afternoon Game Drive

Begin exploring the endless plains of Serengeti.

Wildlife You May See

• Lions in prides
• Elephants moving across plains
• Giraffes and zebras
• Wildebeest herds
• Hyenas and jackals

06:30 PM – Dinner & Overnight Stay

Dinner and overnight stay at a lodge or tented camp inside or near Serengeti.

Day 2: Full Day Serengeti Game Drive → Ngorongoro Highlands

06:30 AM – Early Breakfast

Early start for a full-day game drive.

Full-Day Serengeti Game Drive

Explore different regions of Serengeti depending on wildlife movement.

Key Wildlife Encounters

• Big cat predators (lions, cheetahs, leopards)
• Large herbivore migrations (seasonal)
• Elephants and buffalo
• Hippos in river pools
• Rich birdlife

01:00 PM – Picnic Lunch in the Park

Enjoy lunch at a scenic picnic site inside Serengeti.

Afternoon Game Drive

Continue exploring predator hotspots and open plains.

04:30 PM – Drive to Ngorongoro Highlands

Exit Serengeti and travel toward Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

07:00 PM – Arrival at Lodge

Dinner and overnight stay near Ngorongoro Crater rim or highlands.

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater Safari → Return to Arusha

06:00 AM – Breakfast

Early breakfast before descending into the crater.

07:00 AM – Descent into Ngorongoro Crater

Begin game drive inside the world-famous crater.

Morning Game Drive

Ngorongoro offers dense wildlife concentration in a compact area.

Wildlife You May See

• Black rhinos
• Lions
• Elephants
• Buffalo
• Zebras and wildebeest
• Hyenas

12:30 PM – Picnic Lunch at Hippo Pool

Lunch in a scenic area surrounded by wildlife.

Afternoon Game Drive

Continue exploring crater ecosystems including forests, swamps, and grasslands.

03:00 PM – Ascend Crater & Return to Arusha

Drive out of the crater and begin return journey.

06:30 PM – Arrival in Arusha

Drop-off at your hotel or residence.

End of safari.

Wildlife You May See

Mammals

• Lions
• Leopards (Serengeti)
• Cheetahs
• Black rhino (Ngorongoro)
• Elephants
• Buffalo
• Zebras
• Wildebeest
• Giraffes
• Hyenas

Birds

• Ostriches
• Eagles
• Vultures
• Secretary birds
• Flamingos (seasonal in crater lakes)

About This Safari Combination

This itinerary combines:

• Serengeti’s vast predator-rich ecosystem
• Ngorongoro Crater’s concentrated Big Five habitat

Together, they form the most requested short safari circuit in Tanzania.

Best Time to Visit

June – October

Best wildlife visibility and dry season game viewing.

December – March

Calving season in Serengeti with intense predator action.

April – May

Green season with fewer crowds and lush scenery.

Estimated Safari Price

Safari Inclusions

• Park entry fees (Serengeti & Ngorongoro)
• Professional safari guide
• 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
• 2 nights accommodation
• Meals as per itinerary
• Bottled drinking water
• Crater service fees
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off (Arusha)
• Government taxes

Safari Exclusions

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses
• Alcoholic beverages
• Tips and gratuities
• Optional activities (balloon safari, Maasai village visit)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the most popular 3-day safari?

Yes. It is the most booked short safari combination in Tanzania.

Can I see the Big Five?

Yes. Ngorongoro offers strong Big Five opportunities, including black rhino.

Is Serengeti included fully?

Yes. At least one full day is spent in Serengeti.

Is this safari suitable for first-time visitors?

Yes. It is ideal for first-time safari travelers.