3 Days Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari

The 3 Days Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari combines two of northern Tanzania’s most celebrated wildlife destinations in a compact itinerary. The journey takes you across the open plains of the Serengeti before continuing to the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, providing opportunities to experience two very different ecosystems within three days.

The Serengeti is famous for its extensive grasslands, predator populations and large concentrations of plains wildlife. Lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests and several antelope species may be encountered during game drives. The Ngorongoro Crater offers a contrasting experience within an enormous volcanic caldera where grasslands, wetlands and woodland support a remarkable variety of wildlife.

Day 1: Arusha – Transfer to Serengeti National Park – Afternoon Game Drive

Meet your professional Kiguba Adventure Safaris driver-guide in Arusha after an early breakfast and begin the journey towards Serengeti National Park.

Travel through northern Tanzania’s highlands and continue towards the vast plains of the Serengeti. Depending on the confirmed route, the journey passes through or close to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area before descending towards the Serengeti ecosystem.

The scenery changes dramatically as highland vegetation gives way to increasingly open landscapes.

After completing the necessary park entry procedures, begin your first Serengeti wildlife game drive.

Search for zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, buffaloes, elephants, gazelles and other animals while travelling towards your accommodation.

The Serengeti is particularly well known for predators. Lions may be encountered resting in the grass or observing prey from slightly elevated ground, while cheetahs often favour more open areas. Leopards also inhabit the ecosystem but can be more difficult to locate.

During periods when the Great Migration herds are in the area, large concentrations of wildebeests and zebras may be encountered. Their exact location varies according to rainfall, grazing conditions and natural movement, so no particular herd location can be guaranteed.

Continue your game drive until later in the afternoon before proceeding to your lodge or tented camp.

Accommodation: Budget – selected budget Serengeti camp or similar; Mid-range – selected mid-range Serengeti lodge or tented camp or similar; Luxury – selected luxury Serengeti lodge or camp or similar.

Day 2: Serengeti Game Drive – Transfer to Ngorongoro Highlands

Wake early and begin another wildlife drive through the Serengeti.

Morning conditions can be especially productive because temperatures are cooler and many animals remain active.

Explore open grasslands, woodland and suitable riverine habitats while searching for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes and plains game.

Your guide will also look for lions, cheetahs, leopards and spotted hyenas according to recent activity and wildlife movements.

Take time to observe animal behaviour and photograph the extraordinary scale of the Serengeti landscape.

After the morning game drive and lunch according to the confirmed programme, begin travelling towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Continue through changing landscapes as the route climbs away from the Serengeti plains towards the crater highlands.

Arrive at your accommodation later in the day and enjoy a relaxed evening while preparing for the following morning’s crater safari.

Accommodation: Budget – selected budget accommodation in Karatu or the Ngorongoro area or similar; Mid-range – selected mid-range Ngorongoro Highlands lodge or similar; Luxury – selected luxury lodge near the Ngorongoro Crater or similar.

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater Safari – Return to Arusha

Wake early for breakfast and continue towards the Ngorongoro Crater.

From the crater rim, enjoy expansive views across the enormous volcanic caldera before descending towards the crater floor.

Begin your wildlife drive across grasslands, wetlands and woodland habitats.

Large populations of wildebeests, zebras, buffaloes and gazelles may be encountered across the plains. Lions and spotted hyenas are also important predators within the crater ecosystem.

Black rhinos inhabit Ngorongoro and may occasionally be seen at a distance, although sightings depend on location and visibility.

Elephants may be encountered in suitable woodland areas, while hippos occur around permanent water sources.

Enjoy a picnic lunch at an approved location before continuing the game drive.

The crater walls provide a dramatic background throughout much of the safari and create one of Tanzania’s most recognisable wildlife landscapes.

Later in the afternoon, ascend from the crater and begin travelling back towards Arusha.

Arrive later in the day and transfer to your hotel or agreed destination, completing your 3 Days Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari with Kiguba Adventure Safaris.