Tanzania · Safari

3-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari from Arusha with Big Cats

3 Days Round trip from Arusha Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Enter the Serengeti via Naabi Hill Gate and enjoy panoramic views of the vast plains
02 Spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, and large herbivore herds in the wildlife-rich Seronera Valley
03 Capture stunning sunrise photographs during an early morning Serengeti game drive
04 Explore granite kopjes that serve as resting points for big cats and other wildlife
05 Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater to search for the Black Rhino and diverse resident animals
06 Observe hippos, flamingos, and grazing herds around the crater floor and Hippo Pool

Experience an unforgettable 3-day Tanzania safari from Arusha to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, with thrilling game drives, Big Cat encounters, scenic crater panoramas, and close-up sightings of Africa's most iconic wildlife across two of East Africa's most legendary safari destinations.

Experience an unforgettable 3-day Tanzania safari from Arusha to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, with thrilling game drives, Big Cat encounters, scenic crater panoramas, and close-up sightings of Africa's most iconic wildlife across two of East Africa's most legendary safari destinations.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Languages English, French, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arusha to Serengeti via Ngorongoro Highlands

Morning (08:00): Depart from Arusha in a 4x4 Land Cruiser. The drive takes you through the lush highlands of Karatu and provides your first breathtaking view of the Ngorongoro Crater from the rim lookout point.
Midday: Enter the Serengeti via the Naabi Hill Gate. This is a great spot for a picnic lunch and a short stretch up the hill for a 360-degree view of the plains.
Afternoon: Begin your first game drive as you head toward the Seronera Valley (Central Serengeti). This area is known as the 'Big Cat Capital,' famous for its high density of lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
Evening: Check into your lodge or tented camp in the Central Serengeti.

Overnight: Serengeti National Park.

Day 02

Sunrise Game Drives in Serengeti National Park

Early Morning (06:30): Set out for a sunrise game drive. This is when predators are most active, and the light is perfect for photography.
Morning: Explore the various 'kopjes' (massive granite rock formations) like Simba Kopjes, where lions often sunbathe. If you are there during the Migration (roughly May-July or November-January in the central/southern areas), your guide will track the herds.
Midday: Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated site or return to camp for a hot lunch and a short siesta during the heat of the day.
Late Afternoon: A final game drive to find the elusive leopard or perhaps a pride of lions on the hunt.

Overnight: Serengeti National Park (same accommodation).

Day 03

Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Return to Arusha

Very Early Morning (05:30): Check out and depart from the Serengeti with a packed breakfast and lunch. You will enjoy a final 'en route' game drive as you exit the park.
Mid-Morning: Arrive at the Ngorongoro Crater and descend 600 meters (2,000 ft) into the caldera. This self-contained ecosystem is your best chance to see the Black Rhino.
Afternoon: After a 5-6 hour tour of the crater floor and lunch by the Hippo Pool, begin the ascent and start the drive back to Arusha.
Evening (18:00 - 19:00): Arrive back in Arusha for drop-off at your hotel or the airport.