Tanzania · Safari

3-Day Serengeti Big Cat Safari and Ngorongoro Crater Budget Tour

3 Days Round trip from Sokoine Road Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the Serengeti plains on immersive game drives focused on big cats and herds
02 Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for concentrated wildlife viewing in one ecosystem
03 Spot lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras and wildebeest across iconic landscapes
04 Learn wildlife tracking and behaviour from an experienced local safari guide

Discover Tanzania's most iconic wildlife on this 3-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro budget safari, designed for travellers with limited time. Spend two days exploring the vast Serengeti plains on guided game drives in search of big cats and roaming herds. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for remarkable wildlife viewing within a natural amphitheatre. Travel in a shared safari vehicle and enjoy focused game drives that prioritise wildlife encounters at an affordable price.

Spend two days exploring the vast Serengeti plains on guided game drives in search of big cats and roaming herds.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arusha to Serengeti via the Ngorongoro Highlands

Depart early from Arusha and drive through the Ngorongoro Highlands toward Serengeti National Park.
Enjoy a scenic journey with a picnic lunch.
Arrive in Serengeti in the afternoon for your first game drive.
Explore the endless plains while searching for lions, elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife.

Overnight at a budget tented camp in Serengeti.

Meals included are lunch and dinner.

Day 02

Full-Day Game Drives in Serengeti National Park

Spend the whole day on game drives in Serengeti National Park.
Follow wildlife movements across different areas with an experienced safari guide.
Look for big cats, large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and other animals.
Enjoy a picnic lunch during the game drive.
Drive toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in the late afternoon.

Overnight at a budget camp near Ngorongoro.

Meals included are breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 03

Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive and Return to Arusha

Have an early breakfast before descending into the Ngorongoro Crater.
Enjoy a game drive in this unique ecosystem.
See lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and possibly rhinos in one area.
Have lunch before ascending the crater.
Drive back to Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon.

Meals included are breakfast and lunch.

Where this trip takes you

Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Ngorongoro Highlands

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Sokoine Road 3 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

All park entry fees (Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater)
Game drives as per itinerary
Shared 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Services of a professional, English-speaking safari guide
Budget accommodation as per itinerary
All meals during the safari (as specified)
Picnic lunches during game drives
Drinking water during the safari
Ngorongoro Crater service fee
All government taxes and levies

What's Not Included

International and domestic flights
Tanzania visa fees
Travel and medical insurance
Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, drinks, etc.)
Alcoholic and soft drinks (unless stated otherwise)
Tips and gratuities for the safari guide and camp staff
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Airport transfers (unless stated otherwise)

What to bring

Passport and travel documents
Comfortable, neutral-colored clothing (khaki, beige, green)
Warm jacket or fleece for early mornings
Comfortable walking shoes or trainers
Hat and sunglasses
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Personal toiletries and medications
Camera and spare batteries
Small backpack or daypack
Cash for tips and personal expenses

Know before you go

This is a budget safari using shared 4x4 safari vehicles and budget camps.
Early morning departures are common for better wildlife viewing.
Wildlife sightings are natural and cannot be guaranteed, but guides do their best.
Accommodation is clean and comfortable, but simple in style.
Roads inside the parks can be rough and dusty, especially in the dry season.
Soft bags are recommended; large suitcases are not ideal.
Luggage should be limited to 15 to 20 kg per person.
Children are welcome, but this safari may not suit very young kids.
Follow your guide's instructions at all times for safety.
The itinerary may change slightly due to weather, park rules, or road conditions.

Logistics