3 Days Serengeti & Ngorongoro Group Camping Safari

A Complete Look at the 3 Days Serengeti & Ngorongoro Group Camping Safari

Travelers dreaming of spotting lions, elephants, and giraffes in their natural habitat often turn to Tanzania’s famous parks. The 3 Days Serengeti & Ngorongoro Group Camping Safari offers a compact yet immersive way to experience two iconic regions, all at an accessible price point. While I haven’t taken this exact trip myself, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary paint a vivid picture of adventure, comfort, and authentic wildlife encounters.

What really shines about this safari? First, the small group setting of just six travelers, which means personalized attention and fewer crowds. Second, the value-packed camping experience, allowing you to sleep under the stars right in the heart of game-rich areas. Third, the professional guides, some of whom have earned praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and attentiveness. The only thing to consider is the tight schedule, which means you’ll be on the move a lot, but for wildlife lovers, that’s part of the thrill.

Ideal for those who want a budget-friendly, authentic safari experience with a focus on wildlife viewing, this tour suits travelers who don’t mind camping and early mornings. If comfort is a top priority or you prefer luxury lodges, this might not be your best fit. However, for adventurous spirits eager to see Tanzania’s wildlife in their natural environment, this safari hits the sweet spot.

Key Points

• Small group size of just six travelers ensures personalized guiding and a more intimate experience.
• Camping overnight adds a classic safari feel, sleeping close to wildlife.
• All meals included ease the planning, with breakfast, lunch, and dinners provided.
• Efficient round-trip transfers from Arusha save transit time and maximize your safari hours.
• Visiting both Serengeti and Ngorongoro offers a diverse range of wildlife and scenery in just three days.
• Guides are highly praised for their knowledge and attentiveness, making your wildlife sightings more rewarding.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Day 1: The Serengeti’s Endless Plains

After a quick hotel pickup in Arusha, a roughly three-hour drive brings you into the famous Serengeti National Park. This is arguably Africa’s most iconic safari destination, with endless grasslands dotted with acacia trees and teeming with wildlife. The drive itself offers a chance to spot some early animals and take in the expansive views.

Once inside, the focus shifts to game drives—the best part of any safari. Expect to see herds of elephants, graceful giraffes, and perhaps some of the big cats lurking in the distance. According to reviewers like Mariana_M, guides are very knowledgeable, making each sighting educational and exciting. The Seronera Campsite serves as your base for the night, offering a genuine camping experience with the sounds of the wild in your ears.

Day 2: From Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

The morning kicks off with a game drive in Serengeti, giving you a chance to catch sightings you might have missed the day before. After a quick early lunch, the journey continues southward to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

En route, guides will share insights about Tanzania’s natural beauty and wildlife. From Mariana’s review, guides like Elias are described as “exceptional,” attentive to guests’ desires and highly knowledgeable about the animals and landscape. The drive to the crater rim takes about six hours, with plenty of chances for spotting animals along the way.

Overnight, you’ll stay at the Ngorongoro Simba Campsite, perched on the crater’s edge. The scenery here is breathtaking, with views overlooking the vast crater floor—more on that in the next day.

Day 3: The Ngorongoro Crater Floor

The highlight of your trip: a full-day tour of Ngorongoro Crater. Rising early, you’ll descend into the crater—Africa’s largest intact volcanic caldera—home to a dense concentration of wildlife. The crater’s natural barrier keeps animals confined within its lush walls, offering some of the best game viewing in Tanzania.

Expect to see lions lounging, flamingos on the soda lakes, elephants, buffalo, and possibly even rhinos. Reviewers like Vittoria_L rave about guides being “very attentive” and “helpful,” making sure you see all your desired animals. A picnic lunch on the crater floor makes the experience comfortable and scenic.

After a full day exploring, you’ll head back to Arusha, concluding your adventure. The overall trip gives a satisfying mix of landscapes, wildlife, and authentic camping.

Why This Tour Offers Real Value

Price vs. Experience: At $815 per person, this safari packs in quite a bit. You’re getting two major parks, camping accommodations, all meals, and expert guiding—more affordable than luxury lodges but still rich in nature and wildlife.

Authentic Camping: Instead of high-end lodges, you’ll sleep under the stars at well-chosen campsites. Many reviews mention the comfort and good food, which means the camping doesn’t feel rough or basic, but rather a true part of the safari adventure.

Flexible and Efficient: The round-trip transfers from Arusha mean less hassle and more time in the parks. The itinerary is designed to maximize game-viewing hours, which is crucial for wildlife sightings.

Expert Guides: Guides like Elias and others have received praise for their attentiveness and knowledge, making game drives not just about spotting animals but also learning their behaviors and habitat secrets.

Small Group Experience: Limiting the group to six travelers ensures that everyone gets plenty of attention from guides, personalized service, and a more intimate, less crowded safari experience.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Book well in advance: The tour is popular, with an average booking window of 61 days ahead.
• Pack for camping: Bring suitable sleeping gear, warm clothes for early mornings, and a sense of adventure.
• Prepare for early starts: Game drives often begin at dawn, so a good night’s sleep and the right gear are key.
• Consider tipping: Guides and cooks appreciate tips; reviews suggest this is customary for good service.
• Be ready for a full-on adventure: The schedule is packed, with about six hours of driving each day, but the wildlife rewards are worth it.

Final Thoughts

This 3 Days Serengeti & Ngorongoro Group Camping Safari offers a well-rounded taste of Tanzania’s most famous parks. It combines the thrill of game viewing with the authenticity of camping, guided by knowledgeable professionals who prioritize your experience. The affordability doesn’t compromise the quality, and you’ll leave with memories of incredible wildlife encounters and stunning landscapes.

It’s especially ideal for travelers who want a genuine, budget-conscious safari that’s rich in activity and close to nature. If you’re excited to wake up to the sounds of the wild and spend your nights under the stars, this tour could be a perfect fit.

FAQ

How long is the drive from Arusha to Serengeti?
It takes about three hours to reach Serengeti National Park from Arusha, allowing you to spend more time on game drives rather than in transit.

What kind of accommodation is included?
You’ll stay in camping sites—serenely set in the wilderness—offering an authentic safari feel, with meals included.

Are meals included in the tour?
Yes, all breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are covered, making logistics simpler and ensuring you’re fueled for long game drives.

How many people are in each group?
The group size is limited to six travelers, ensuring personalized attention from guides and a more intimate experience.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, there’s free cancellation allowed up to 24 hours before the start, with a full refund. Changes less than 24 hours before are not accepted.

Is this suitable for first-time safari-goers?
Absolutely. Reviewers call it a “wonderful first safari,” with guides making it accessible and full of fantastic sightings.

What should I pack?
Bring layers for early mornings and evenings, camping gear, and a camera. Most importantly, bring a sense of adventure!

Who operates this tour?
This experience is run by Suricata Safaris, a trusted provider with a good reputation and detailed, well-reviewed trips.

In all, this safari provides a genuine, accessible way to see Tanzania’s wildlife with the comforts of camping and expert guidance. It’s a smart choice for those eager to experience the magic of Serengeti and Ngorongoro without breaking the bank.