3 Days Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari – Starting from Arusha or Moshi
A 3-day safari to Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater offers travelers the chance to explore two of Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Starting from Arusha or Moshi, this compact adventure is ideal for those with limited time who want to experience Africa’s legendary wilderness and wildlife.
Day 1: Arusha/Moshi to Serengeti National Park
Your journey begins early in the morning as you depart from Arusha or Moshi, traveling through the Great Rift Valley and the vast plains of northern Tanzania. Along the way, you’ll pass villages and scenic landscapes before arriving at Serengeti National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Serengeti is famous for its endless savannahs and abundant wildlife. It is home to the “Big Five” – lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos – as well as cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest.
After entering the park, enjoy an afternoon game drive across the sweeping plains. Expect close encounters with predators and grazers in their natural habitats. As the sun sets, head to your lodge or tented camp inside the Serengeti for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 2: Full-Day Serengeti Game Drive
Wake up early for a sunrise game drive, one of the best times to see wildlife in action. Predators are often active in the early morning, making this an unforgettable experience.
Spend the day exploring different regions of the Serengeti. Depending on the season, you may witness the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras move across the plains in search of fresh grazing. Even outside the migration season, the Serengeti never disappoints with its year-round abundance of wildlife.
In the late afternoon, you may either continue your stay in Serengeti or begin driving toward the Ngorongoro highlands to overnight near the crater, depending on your itinerary.
Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Return to Arusha/Moshi
After breakfast, descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most remarkable natural wonders. The crater is a massive volcanic caldera, often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”
The crater floor is home to diverse ecosystems, including grasslands, lakes, and forests, which support over 25,000 animals. Here, you may spot rhinos grazing near the swamps. Lions lounge in the open plains. Flamingos flock along the shores of Lake Magadi.
Game drives in the crater usually last until the afternoon. After that, you’ll ascend and begin your journey back to Arusha or Moshi. This marks the end of your 3-day safari adventure.
Why Choose This Safari?
This itinerary combines the Serengeti’s endless savannahs with the Ngorongoro Crater’s concentrated wildlife, offering a short yet fulfilling safari. Starting from Arusha or Moshi provides flexibility for travelers already in Tanzania for Kilimanjaro climbs or cultural tours.
Whether it’s witnessing the Big Five, exploring the iconic Serengeti plains, or marveling at the natural wonder of the Ngorongoro Crater, this safari ensures unforgettable memories.
