3 Days Group Joining Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari

A Closer Look at the 3-Day Group Joining Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari

If you’re dreaming of a Tanzanian safari but have limited time or a tighter budget, this 3-day group tour might just be your best option. While it’s designed as a quick snapshot of Tanzania’s iconic northern circuit, it manages to pack in some serious wildlife action, stunning scenery, and unforgettable moments — all without breaking the bank.

What we love about this experience is its affordable price point for such a comprehensive itinerary, the insightful guides (who are often praised for their helpfulness and knowledge), and the opportunity to witness the Big Five and the Great Migration in just a few days. A possible consideration? The drive times are long — roughly 6 hours on each day between locations — so you’ll want to be prepared for some time on the road.

This tour suits travelers who want an authentic, budget-friendly safari with guaranteed wildlife sightings, and who are comfortable camping and sharing group transportation. It’s especially perfect if you’re short on time but eager to tick off Tanzania’s most famous landmarks.

Key Points

• Excellent value: A 3-day safari for $765 per person, inclusive of most meals and park fees.
• Wildlife highlights: The chance to see the Big Five and the Great Wildebeest Migration.
• Guided experience: Knowledgeable guides help maximize wildlife sightings and safety.
• Accommodation: Tents at public campsites provide a true adventure feel.
• Long travel days: Expect 6-hour drives between major sites.
• Authentic group tour: Small group size (max 6 travelers) ensures a more personal experience.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Journey to Serengeti National Park

Your adventure kicks off with a pickup from your hotel in Arusha, a vibrant town often considered the gateway to Tanzania’s wildlife treasures. The first leg involves a 6-hour drive across the scenic Tanzanian landscape to Serengeti National Park. As the name suggests — meaning “endless plains” in Swahili — this vast expanse of grassland is truly breathtaking.

The drive itself offers an opportunity to appreciate the rugged beauty of Tanzania’s countryside, with occasional stops for photos or stretching. Once inside Serengeti, you’ll quickly start to feel the magic. We loved the borderless views of golden grass and acacia trees stretching towards the horizon, a quintessential African scene. The Seronera area, famed for its dense wildlife population, is part of the central Serengeti and is considered one of the best spots for game viewing.

Day 2: Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area

After breakfast, the plan is for a morning game drive in Serengeti. Here, the guides excel at spotting the Big Five — lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos — and you might also witness the migration if timing aligns. Reviewers mention that the guides are very helpful in ensuring you don’t miss key sightings, and many appreciate the helpful tips provided about animal behavior and photography.

Post-lunch, you’ll set off toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a picnic lunch en route. The highlight here? The Ngorongoro Crater itself. This enormous volcanic caldera, the largest unfilled in the world, is a wildlife haven. Surrounded by extinct volcanoes, the crater floor shelters around 30,000 animals, including elephants, lions, and the rare black rhino.

Day 3: Crater Floor Safari and Return to Arusha

The final day begins early, with a descent into the Ngorongoro Crater at around 6:30 AM. Once on the crater floor, you’ll experience a 5-hour game drive filled with opportunities for incredible animal encounters. Reviewers describe this as “animal action packed,” with elephants, buffalo, cheetahs, and lions often in plain view.

As one traveler shared, “Keeping the camera ready is definitely recommended,” because moments like a pride of lions lounging are fleeting. The picnic lunch at Hippo Pool offers a chance to relax and soak in the scenery. Afterward, you’ll ascend back to Arusha, completing an intense but rewarding safari experience.

Transport, Accommodation, and Meals

The tour uses private transportation for transfers between parks, with a driver-guide who is often praised for their friendliness and local knowledge. The vehicle’s capacity is small (max 6 travelers), which allows for a more intimate experience.

Accommodation is in tents at public campsites, offering a genuine safari feel. While some travelers mention that the tents are straightforward — no luxury lodges here — the experience is balanced by the stunning landscapes and wildlife encounters. Meals are provided in the form of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with reviewers noting the food quality as quite good, especially considering the camping setup. Vegetarians are accommodated, which is a thoughtful touch.

What Past Travelers Are Saying

From authentic reviews, we see a consistent appreciation for knowledgeable guides. One reviewer specifically mentions guide Benson, who was “really nice and helpful,” making the safari more enjoyable. The value for money shines through in the feedback, with travelers feeling that they received a lot of wildlife viewing and cultural insight for a reasonable price.

A couple of reviewers pointed out that the pickup process could be chaotic, but this seems to be a minor hiccup compared to overall satisfaction. Others appreciated the helpful communication, especially around the packing list and what to expect.

Highlights from reviews include:

• “Everything was great from the transportation food to the price”
• “The food was great and the drivers were very helpful”
• “The guide made the experience cheerful and informative”
• “I was really glad we booked with them”

Areas for improvement include:

• Slightly disorganized pickup procedures in some cases
• The long drive times, which can be tiring but are part of the adventure

The Value Proposition

This safari offers remarkable value — a well-balanced mix of wildlife, scenery, and culture at under $800 per person. Considering the park entrance fees, guided game drives, and meals, this is an affordable way to experience Tanzania’s top wildlife spots in just 3 days. The camping accommodation is part of the adventure, offering a more authentic safari feel, though it’s not suited for travelers seeking luxury.

Who should consider this tour?

• Budget-conscious travelers wanting a comprehensive wildlife experience
• Short-term visitors eager to see the Big Five and witness the migration
• Adventurers comfortable with camping and group travel
• Those looking for a guided tour with local expertise

Final Thoughts

This 3-day safari through Serengeti and Ngorongoro provides a solid introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife and landscapes. The carefully curated itinerary, affordable price, and enthusiastic guides make it a popular choice for those with limited time and a sense of adventure.

While the long drives require patience, they also reveal some of the most beautiful scenery countrywide, making the journey memorable in its own right. The opportunity to witness incredible animal displays, especially in the crater, makes this tour a worthwhile investment.

For travelers craving an authentic, budget-friendly safari experience, this tour offers a wonderful combination of wildlife encounters, scenic vistas, and cultural insights that will leave you with stories to tell for years.

FAQs

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, pickup from your hotel in the general Arusha area is included, making it easy to start your adventure without hassle.

Are vegetarian meals available?
Yes, vegetarian options are accommodated, ensuring dietary restrictions are considered.

How long are the travel days?
Expect around 6 hours of driving each day between locations, so pack snacks and patience.

What kind of accommodation is provided?
You’ll stay in tents at public campsites — a true camping experience that adds to the adventure.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but be prepared for long drives and camping conditions.

How many people are in the group?
A maximum of 6 travelers ensures a more intimate and personalized experience.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours prior to departure.

What wildlife might I see at Ngorongoro Crater?
Elephants, buffalo, rhinos, hippos, cheetahs, and lions are commonly seen, with plenty of animal action during the game drives.

Will I get to see the Great Wildebeest Migration?
Yes, the tour guarantees a chance to witness this impressive migration if timing aligns.

What is the best time to do this tour?
While not specified, most travelers find good wildlife viewing throughout the year, but peak migration and weather conditions can influence sightings.

This safari offers an authentic, budget-conscious way to experience Tanzania’s most famed parks, filled with wildlife, scenic vistas, and the camaraderie of a small group. It’s perfect for those who want a taste of Africa’s wild heart without the luxury price tag.