Tanzania · Safari

3-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Camping Safari with Crater Game Drives

3 Days Round trip from Arusha Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Spot the Big Five, including lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos
02 Explore Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater on exciting game drives
03 Witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets across the Serengeti plains and crater rim
04 Camp under African skies with all gear provided and meals prepared by a dedicated safari chef

Experience Tanzania's wildlife highlights on a 3-day budget camping safari through Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Chase lions, cheetahs, and herds of wildebeest across open plains, descend into the wildlife-rich crater, and sleep under African skies at well-equipped campsites with a dedicated safari chef. Ideal for travellers short on time, this immersive adventure offers game drives, stargazing, and optional cultural visits.

Experience Tanzania's wildlife highlights on a 3-day budget camping safari through Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater.

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 Not applicable

Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Languages English, French, German

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arusha to Serengeti Game Drive Adventure

Early pick-up from your Arusha hotel at around 07:30.
Drive across the Ngorongoro Highlands with a picnic lunch en route.
Enter Serengeti for an afternoon game drive targeting lions, cheetahs, and migrating herds, depending on the season.
Camp overnight at Seronera Public Campsite or similar.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 02

Dawn in Serengeti and Transfer to Ngorongoro Rim

Dawn game drive to spot active predators.
Brunch at the campsite.
Continue game viewing through central Serengeti.
Optional Maasai boma visit at extra cost, time permitting.
Camp overnight at Simba A Campsite on the Ngorongoro Crater rim.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 03

Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Return to Arusha

Early descent into Ngorongoro Crater for 5-6 hours of intensive game viewing, with possible black rhino sightings.
Picnic lunch at the hippo pool.
Exit the conservation area and drive back to Arusha for hotel or airport drop-off.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Arusha 4 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Park and conservation fees, crater service fee, and camping fees.
4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof, fuel, and all game drives included.
Professional English-speaking driver-guide, with other languages available on request.
Camping equipment including dome tents, mattresses, chairs, and tables.
Dedicated safari chef with meals provided as per itinerary.
Drinking water in the vehicle, with a minimum of 1.5L per person per day.
Pick-up and drop-off in Arusha town.
VAT and government levies included.

What's Not Included

Flights and visas, and travel insurance (required).
Accommodation in Arusha before or after the tour (can be arranged).
Sleeping bag (rentable) and personal gear.
Alcoholic or soft drinks, and snacks not listed.
Optional activities such as a Maasai boma visit or balloon safari.
Gratuities for the guide and chef.

What to bring

Warm jacket and hat for the chilly crater rim, plus a sun hat and sunglasses.
Headlamp, power bank, and a camera with extra batteries or memory cards.
Comfortable closed shoes, quick-dry clothing, and a rain shell.
Personal medications, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle.
A copy of your passport and insurance details, plus a small daypack.
Sleeping bag, or one can be rented from us.

Know before you go

Ngorongoro Crater rim nights are cold, with temperatures as low as 5-10°C, so pack warm layers.
Driving times (indicative): Arusha to Serengeti gate is approximately 7-8 hours, including game viewing.
Serengeti to Ngorongoro rim is approximately 3-4 hours.
Crater rim to Arusha is approximately 4 hours.

Logistics