3 Days Serengeti & Ngorongoro Tour

Traveling to Tanzania for a wildlife safari is on many bucket lists, and this 3-day Serengeti & Ngorongoro tour packs a lot of iconic sights into a short period. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the glowing reviews, detailed itinerary, and overall star rating of 5.0 suggest it’s a highly recommended option for those craving a true Tanzanian adventure without sacrificing quality or authenticity.

What really catches the eye are the small group size, knowledgeable guides, and stunning landscapes you’ll encounter along the way. The inclusion of UNESCO World Heritage sites, full board camping, and the chance to see the Big Five make this a compelling choice.

That said, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour is quite packed, with around 6 travelers maximum and long days of game drives—so if you’re after a more leisurely pace, this might feel a bit intense. Still, for those short on time but eager to tick off major wildlife highlights, this safari shines.

This tour suits adventurous travelers who value authentic camping experiences, expert-guided game drives, and a small-group atmosphere. If you’re after a quick yet comprehensive taste of Tanzania’s top parks, you’ll probably find this trip hits all the right notes.

Key Points

• Expert Guides & Small Groups: Expect personalized attention and in-depth ecosystem insights from guides like Humphrey and Dio, praised for their friendliness and knowledge.
• Iconic Wildlife & Landscapes: From the endless plains of Serengeti to the dramatic Ngorongoro Crater, this tour offers prime chances to see lions, elephants, leopards, and more.
• Authentic Camping & Full Board: Sleep in tents at Simba campsite with meals included, offering a genuine safari feel that many reviews describe as both fun and comfortable.
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Visiting both Serengeti and Ngorongoro adds a layer of cultural and natural significance to your adventure.
• Value for Money: At $800, inclusive of park fees, camping, and meals, this tour is considered excellent value considering the depth of experience.
• Early & Long Days: Be prepared for early starts and full days of game viewing, as highlighted by reviews praising the extensive wildlife sightings.

Overview of the Experience

Price Analysis & Value

At $800 per person, this tour falls into a competitive price bracket for Tanzanian safaris that include all essentials—park fees, camping, guides, meals, and transfers. Reviews repeatedly praise the value for money, especially given the inclusiveness and quality of the experience. Unlike more luxurious lodges, camping keeps costs lower and provides an authentic, close-to-nature vibe, which many guests love.

Transportation & Group Size

Travel is conducted in a comfortable vehicle tailored for game viewing—many reviewers mention the large tents with comfy mattresses and responsive communication from Humphrey, the tour operator. The group size maxes out at six travelers, ensuring everyone gets attention, and the guides are often highlighted for their friendly, professional manner.

Timing & Duration

The tour kicks off around 12:30 am at Kilimanjaro Airport, which might seem unusual but is designed to maximize your days in the parks. Expect about 6 hours of game drives each day, with early mornings to catch the animals when they’re most active. The long days are often rewarded with sightings of lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and rhinos, as one reviewer noted, “We ticked off all the animals we wanted to see.”

The Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Serengeti National Park

The first day immerses you in the vastness of Serengeti’s endless plains, which literally stretch to the horizon. The name “Siringitu” from the Masai language means “endless plains,” and you’ll understand why once you see the grassland savannahs and kopjes—large granite outcrops that punctuate the landscape.

Traveling through these iconic terrains, you’ll likely spot big cats like leopards and lions lounging or stalking prey, especially in the Seronera Valley. Reviewers mention the open-roof vehicles as a huge advantage for wildlife viewing, giving unobstructed views that are perfect for photography.

In the afternoon, you arrive at your campsite in the Seronera Valley. Guests rave about the big tents, comfortable mattresses, and the immersive experience of camping in such a historic wildlife hotspot. The landscape here is so compelling that it leaves a lasting impression—reviewers describe the plains as “something that makes your mind create something great about the nature of Serengeti.”

Day 2: Serengeti to Ngorongoro

After a hearty breakfast, the game drives continue in the Serengeti, with sightings of wildebeests, zebras, and often predators like cheetahs and leopards in the Seronera area. Many guests mention that the guides are skilled at tracking animals and providing interesting facts about the ecosystem, making each drive both exciting and educational.

Post-lunch, the journey takes you towards the Ngorongoro Crater. The view at the crater rim is breathtaking—reviewers describe it as “remarkable,” with a sense of awe as the natural caldera unfolds beneath you. Camping on the crater’s edge offers spectacular sunsets, which visitors find to be the perfect end to a busy day.

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater

The highlight of the trip for many is the descent into Ngorongoro’s massive unbroken caldera, home to a stunning diversity of wildlife. The grass steppe and acacia woods host almost all East African savannah species—excluding topis, giraffes, and impalas—but the Big Five are often seen within hours, as reviews suggest.

Guests often mention that their guides are adept at spotting elusive animals, with some noting the opportunity to see rhinos, buffalo, lions, elephants, and leopards in close proximity. The experience of witnessing such a high concentration of wildlife in a relatively small area is described as “unbelievable” and “a moment to remember.”

Later, you drive back to Arusha, where many reviewers appreciate the smooth transfer and helpful communication from Humphrey. Some travelers opt to fly out the same night, while others plan to stay longer in Tanzania.

Authentic Experiences & Highlights from Reviews

Many guests talk about their guides’ friendliness and expertise—noting guides like Humphrey, Dio, and Francis for their attentive, professional attitudes. One reviewer mentioned Humphrey’s helpfulness even before arrival, ensuring the trip started smoothly.

The camping setup is often praised for being both big and comfortable, with meals prepared in traditional safari style. Several reviews highlight the delicious food, which can turn a basic camping experience into a memorable culinary highlight.

Wildlife sightings are generally described as abundant and varied, with guests often ticking off the Big Five and encountering cheetahs, hyenas, and countless birds. The early mornings and late afternoons are the best times, and guides are praised for their ability to find animals even in challenging conditions.

Highlights include:

• The endless plains of Serengeti and the chance to see predators in action.
• The spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, often called the “Garden of Eden” for its ecological diversity.
• The personalized experience of small groups, which allows more time for photography and questions.
• The authentic camping experience, which many travelers find refreshingly real and immersive.

Practical Tips

• Be prepared for long days of game drives—some reviews mention 6 hours or more—so pack snacks, water, and comfortable clothing.
• The early start can be tiring but is essential for wildlife viewing.
• The small group size means fewer vehicles at sighting spots, which is better for wildlife and photography.
• Camping gear is included, but bring your own essentials like a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
• The cost of $800 includes park fees, meals, camping, and transport, offering good value compared to luxury lodges.

Final Thoughts

This 3-day Serengeti & Ngorongoro safari offers an authentic, well-organized, and highly praised experience for travelers eager to see Africa’s most iconic wildlife and landscapes in a short timeframe. The combination of expert guides, small group intimacy, and immersive camping creates a genuinely memorable adventure.

While it’s a fast-paced tour, the extensive game drives, stunning scenery, and the chance to see the Big Five make it a worthwhile investment for those looking for quality over luxury. The consistently high ratings and positive reviews suggest it’s a solid choice for anyone wanting a meaningful taste of Tanzania’s wild heart.

Whether you’re a first-time safari-goer or looking to maximize your limited time in Africa, this tour is designed to give you a genuine and action-packed experience—well worth considering.

FAQ

What is included in the price of $800?
The fee covers park entrance fees, camping accommodations, meals, airport transfers, and guided game drives, making it a good value for a comprehensive safari experience.

How many people typically join this tour?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 6 travelers, ensuring a more personalized and less crowded experience.

When does the tour start and end?
It begins around 12:30 am at Kilimanjaro International Airport and returns to Arusha after the final game drive on Day 3, with options to fly out the same night or the following day.

Is camping comfortable?
Guests describe the tents as large and comfortable, with good mattresses. The camping setup is praised for its authenticity without sacrificing comfort.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
Common sightings include big cats like lions, leopards, and cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, zebras, and wildebeests. Many reviews mention seeing all the Big Five within the crater or during drives.

How physically demanding is the tour?
Expect early mornings and full days of game drives; it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with long periods of sitting and occasional bumpy rides.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Reviewers consistently praise guides like Humphrey, Dio, and Francis for their friendliness, expertise, and ability to spot wildlife.

Can I customize the experience?
The tour follows a set itinerary, but the small group size allows for some flexibility in game drive timings and stops.

What’s the best time of year to do this tour?
While not explicitly stated, the reviews suggest that the game viewing is excellent year-round, with early mornings the best times for sightings.

To sum it up, this safari offers a solid, value-packed introduction to Tanzania’s incredible wilderness, ideal for travelers who want a balance of adventure, education, and authentic camping. The high praise from previous guests indicates that it truly delivers on its promise of unforgettable wildlife encounters.