Arusha: 3-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari with Meals

Traveling to Tanzania offers a chance to witness some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife and breathtaking scenery. This 3-day safari from Arusha, focusing on the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, promises a compact but intensely memorable journey into the heart of the wild. While we haven’t personally experienced this tour, the itinerary and reviews suggest it balances adventure, comfort, and value in a way that appeals to both first-time safari-goers and seasoned travelers.

What makes this trip stand out? First, the chance to see the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—on carefully curated game drives. Second, the inclusion of picnic lunches in some of Africa’s most iconic landscapes adds a touch of authenticity and immersion. Lastly, the experience of sleeping under the stars at a campsite, complete with dinner, offers a genuine safari vibe that many travelers seek. The main consideration? The tour is a quick whirlwind, so those craving a longer, more relaxed exploration might prefer extended trips. This tour suits travelers looking for a rich, focused experience that hits the highlights within a short time frame, especially those who value guided insights and authentic outdoor stays.

Key Points

• Wildlife Highlights: Big Five sightings and the famous Great Migration in Serengeti.
• Unique Experience: Picnic lunches in the parks and camping under the stars.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance wildlife spotting and park insights.
• Accommodation: Authentic camping experience with comfortable, scenic sites.
• Transportation: Comfortable 4×4 vehicles suitable for game drives.
• Value: All park fees and meals included, with optional flexible booking and payment.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the 3-Day Safari Experience

This tour offers a compact but comprehensive introduction to Tanzania’s most famous parks. Starting from Arusha, the journey covers key highlights with a balance of wildlife viewing, scenic landscapes, and cultural authenticity. The mix of guided game drives, picnic lunches, and camping makes it a hands-on adventure, perfect for those who want more than just a luxury lodge stay.

Day 1: Into the Vastness of Serengeti National Park

The adventure kicks off with a pickup from your hotel in Arusha, usually early in the morning. The drive to the Serengeti takes approximately 5-6 hours, depending on road conditions and stops, giving travelers a chance to enjoy the changing landscapes and perhaps spot some wildlife along the way.

Once inside the Serengeti, the real excitement begins. Covering about 14,750 square kilometers, the park is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, from open plains to acacia woodland. Guides like experienced guides such as Peter or Jack—who are frequently praised for their sharp eyes and deep knowledge—help you spot elusive animals like leopards lounging in trees or cheetahs stalking prey.

The highlight of this day is the game drive, where you’ll look out for the Big Five and other wildlife like giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests. The Seronera River area is especially productive for hippos and crocodiles, and we loved the way guides pointed out the subtle signs of predators lurking nearby. The picnic lunch is served at a scenic spot, often overlooking the plains or riverbanks, giving you a moment to soak in the surroundings and reflect on the morning’s sightings.

At night, you’ll settle into a campsite such as Nyani Public Campsite, a classic safari setting with basic but comfortable facilities. Dinner is a communal affair under the starry sky—a highlight for many travelers, who find the outdoor dining experience both humbling and exhilarating.

Day 2: From Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

After breakfast, you’ll board your vehicle for another game drive, exploring the eastern Serengeti. This area is characterized by vast open plains dotted with acacia trees, and it tends to attract predators, especially lions and cheetahs. Many reviews mention the thrill of seeing large herds of giraffes, elephants, and gazelles as the landscape unfolds around you.

Around midday, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in the Serengeti, often at a different scenic spot, perhaps with views of distant horizons or acacia groves. The atmosphere is relaxed, giving you a break from wildlife watching while still appreciating the natural beauty.

In the afternoon, the journey continues to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, arriving at Simba Campsite—another scenic camp with impressive views of the crater rim. The drive itself is part of the adventure, with the landscape gradually changing from open plains to the lush, volcanic terrain surrounding the crater.

This night’s stay gives you a taste of genuine camping, with tents set up close to the action, and a chance to chat with fellow travelers about the day’s sightings.

Day 3: The Ngorongoro Crater – A Natural Wonder

The final day is dedicated to descending into the Ngorongoro Crater, a caldera formed by a collapsed volcano. Spanning about 260 square kilometers and nearly 2,000 feet deep, it’s often called “Africa’s Garden of Eden” for its dense wildlife and lush vegetation.

The crater’s unique ecosystem supports the Big Five, plus large herds of zebras, wildebeests, and buffalos. The crater floor’s dense population of black rhinoceroses is one of the best chances to see this critically endangered species. Guides like Samuel are often praised for their sharp spotting skills, especially when it comes to elusive animals like the rhino.

Birdlife is plentiful, with flamingos appearing in wetlands during the rainy season, and a variety of raptors, vultures, and ostriches completing the avian scene. The landscape varies from lush grasslands to swampy patches and forested areas along the crater walls, making each part of the drive visually exciting.

A picnic lunch in the crater provides a scenic backdrop for a relaxed meal before heading back to Arusha in the afternoon. The drive back often offers sunset views, giving you one last chance to glimpse the African wilderness.

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What’s Included and What’s Not

This safari’s price of $3,700 for two people covers most essentials: park fees, meals, accommodation at campsites, and transportation in a suitable 4×4 vehicle. The guides are typically fluent in English and knowledgeable, helping you spot animals and explaining their behavior.

Not included are international or domestic flights, accommodation before and after the tour, travel insurance, and visa fees. Tips for guides and camp staff aren’t included but are highly appreciated, especially if you’re impressed with their expertise.

Practical Tips for Your Safari

• Make sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, camera, and binoculars to maximize wildlife viewing.
• Expect early mornings; game drives often start at sunrise for the best animal activity.
• Weather can be unpredictable—pack a light raincoat or jacket, especially during the rainy season.
• Campsites are basic but functional—bring some comfort items if you prefer, like a neck pillow or a small flashlight.
• Respect park regulations: no feeding animals, no littering, and avoid smoking in the vehicle.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

This 3-day safari offers a solid taste of Tanzania’s wildlife treasures without requiring a lengthy commitment. It’s ideal for travelers who want an authentic outdoor experience, complete with camping and guided game drives, and aren’t afraid of early mornings and rustic nights. The inclusion of meals, park fees, and professional guides makes it a straightforward package for those seeking convenience and expert insights.

While the pace is brisk and the focus is on highlights, the experience delivers memorable wildlife encounters and stunning scenery that many travelers find worth every penny. It’s especially suitable for first-timers eager to tick off the Big Five or those with limited travel time but a desire for an immersive adventure.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation by a comfortable 4×4 vehicle is part of the package, suitable for game drives and park access.

Are park fees included?
Yes, all park fees for Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are covered as part of the tour cost.

What meals are provided?
You’ll enjoy 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches—including picnic lunches—and 2 dinners, mainly at campsites with outdoor dining.

Is camping comfortable?
While camping is basic, it offers a true safari feel with tents set up at scenic locations, often with views of the surrounding landscapes.

Can I book a flexible payment?
Yes, the tour provider offers the option to reserve your spot and pay later, keeping your plans flexible.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not recommended for children under 12, pregnant women, or those with back problems due to the nature of camping and early mornings.

How long are the game drives?
Game drives typically last several hours each day, starting early in the morning and sometimes continuing into the late afternoon.

What should I bring?
Pack a hat, sunscreen, camera, binoculars, and comfortable walking shoes. Weather can change, so bring layers and rain gear if necessary.

In all, this safari offers an engaging and authentic taste of Tanzania’s wilderness, perfect for those who want to see the Big Five, enjoy scenic camping, and travel with knowledgeable guides in a short time. It’s a balanced option that provides value and adventure without the fuss of luxury lodges—just raw, natural beauty and the thrill of spotting wildlife in their natural habitat.

You can check availability for your dates here: