3-Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Combo

Classic Combo

3-Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Combo

A powerful combination of Serengeti’s open plains and Ngorongoro’s enclosed wildlife ecosystem.

Duration
3 Days / 2 Nights
Route
Serengeti · Ngorongoro
Best time
Year-round
Pace
Active (long driving days)

Overview

About this safari

Tanzania’s two most famous wildlife areas in three days by road. It is a full trip, with long days in the vehicle, but it rewards you with the Serengeti’s open plains and the Ngorongoro Crater’s extraordinary density of game.

Trip highlights

  • Crossing the Ngorongoro highlands into the Serengeti
  • Afternoon and morning game drives in the Serengeti
  • A morning on the Ngorongoro Crater floor
  • Chance of the Big Five in one trip

Your route

  1. Serengeti
  2. Ngorongoro

Trip at a glance

Duration
3 Days / 2 Nights
Start / end
Arusha → Arusha
Style
Classic Combo
Pace
Active (long driving days)
Stay
Serengeti tented camp and a Ngorongoro highlands lodge
Ideal for
Travellers short on time who want both icons
Best time
Year-round; June to October is driest.
Price
Quoted per trip; depends on season, group size and lodges

Day by day

Your itinerary

Timings and camps can shift with the season and wildlife; your guide adapts each day to give you the best sightings.

  1. Day 1: Arusha to the Serengeti

    An early start from Arusha, climbing past Lake Manyara and through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with views into the crater from the rim. Descend onto the Serengeti plains, game viewing on the way to camp in the central Serengeti.

    OvernightTented camp, central SerengetiMealsLunch, Dinner
  2. Day 2: Serengeti morning and the highlands

    A morning game drive across the Seronera Valley for big cats and, in season, migration herds. After lunch, drive back towards the highlands, stopping at the Olduvai Gorge viewpoint if time allows.

    OvernightLodge on the crater rim or in KaratuMealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  3. Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater and return to Arusha

    Descend into the crater at dawn for a morning among rhino, lions, elephants and flamingos, with a picnic lunch on the crater floor. Drive back to Arusha in the afternoon.

    OvernightEnd of safariMealsBreakfast, Lunch

What’s included

Included and not included

This is what a standard private safari with us includes. Your written proposal confirms the details for your trip.

Included

  • Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • All park and conservation fees for the itinerary
  • Accommodation as listed, with the meals shown for each day
  • Drinking water in the vehicle throughout the safari
  • Airport transfers in Tanzania

Not included

  • International flights and Tanzanian visa
  • Travel insurance (required)
  • Optional activities such as balloon flights
  • Tips for guides and camp staff
  • Drinks and personal expenses unless stated

When to go

Best time for this trip

Year-round; June to October is driest.

  1. JanPeak
  2. FebPeak
  3. MarGood
  4. AprQuieter / wet
  5. MayQuieter / wet
  6. JunGood
  7. JulPeak
  8. AugPeak
  9. SepPeak
  10. OctPeak
  11. NovGood
  12. DecGood

Destinations

Places on this safari

Read our in-depth guide to each park on the route.

Make this trip your own

Change the length, the camps or the route. A safari designer replies within 24 hours with a tailored plan and price.