What You Need to Know: The 3-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari costs from US$1,565 per person for 2 travelers at mid-range level (US$1,245 budget, US$2,350 luxury), with a night in the central Serengeti, a night in Karatu and a morning on the crater floor. Expect long drives on Days 1 and 2. With one more day, the 4-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari adds a full Serengeti day.
Is the 3-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari Right for You?
Choose this if you want the Serengeti and the crater in three days and don't mind long drives. If you can add a day, the 4-day version is far more relaxed; if you would rather skip the long drives, the 3-day Tarangire, Manyara and Ngorongoro safari stays close to Arusha.
| This safari suits you if… | Consider another safari if… |
|---|---|
| You have exactly three days | You can add a day: the 4-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro |
| The Serengeti is a must | You want short drives: the 3-day Tarangire, Manyara and Ngorongoro |
| You don't mind long drives | You want more Serengeti time: the 3-day fly-in |
The 3-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari Route at a Glance
Arusha – Ngorongoro highlands – central Serengeti – Karatu – Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha.
| Day | Route | Driving or flying | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arusha – central Serengeti | Most of the day, with a crater viewpoint stop | Central Serengeti |
| 2 | Serengeti morning – Karatu | About 4 hours after the game drive | Karatu |
| 3 | Karatu – Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha | 4–5 hours after the crater | — |
3-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari Itinerary, Day by Day
Day 1 is the drive into the Serengeti; Day 2 is a Serengeti morning and the drive to Karatu; Day 3 is the crater and the return to Arusha.
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Day 1: Arusha to the central Serengeti
An early start through the Ngorongoro highlands, with a stop at the crater viewpoint and your lunch box on the way. The game drive starts at the Serengeti gate and continues across the plains to your lodge near Seronera.
Reach the SerengetiHighlands, SerengetiLunch box, dinner -
Day 2: Serengeti morning, drive to Karatu
An early game drive in the central Serengeti, the best time for cats, then about 4 hours back through the Conservation Area to Karatu, with lunch on the way.
Big cats at first lightCentral SerengetiBreakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater, return to Arusha
Down onto the crater floor for a game drive and picnic lunch, then 4–5 hours back to Arusha, arriving in the evening.
The crater floorNgorongoroBreakfast, picnic lunch
How Much Does the 3-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari Cost?
The 3-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari costs from US$1,565 per person for 2 travelers at mid-range level, US$1,245 on a budget basis and US$2,350 at luxury level. One Serengeti night keeps it cheaper than the 4-day version, but the long drives are the same.
| Travelers | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | US$1,925 | US$2,320 | US$3,275 |
| 2 | US$1,245 | US$1,565 | US$2,350 |
| 3 | US$1,000 | US$1,340 | US$2,110 |
| 4 | US$950 | US$1,270 | US$2,055 |
| 5 | US$860 | US$1,195 | US$1,970 |
| 6 | US$850 | US$1,170 | US$1,955 |
Park fees on the 3-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari
Included in the price, and shown here so you can see where part of it goes (2026 rates):
| Fee | 2026 rate (incl. VAT) |
|---|---|
| Serengeti National Park | US$82.60 per person per 24 hours |
| Serengeti concession fee (nights inside the park) | Per person per night, by season |
| Ngorongoro Conservation Area (also charged when you drive through) | US$70.80 per person per 24 hours |
| Ngorongoro crater service fee | US$295 per vehicle per descent |
What the 3-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari Price Includes
What you get for the price:
- Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and your own driver-guide
- All park fees and the Ngorongoro crater service fee
- 2 nights' accommodation at the level you choose
- Lunch box on Day 1; other meals at your lodges
- Drinking water in the vehicle
Not included in the 3-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari price
These costs stay with you:
- International flights and visas (US$100 for US citizens)
- Tanzania's mandatory inbound travel insurance, US$44 per adult from October 1, 2026 (we can help you buy it)
- Travel insurance, including medical evacuation
- Tips for your guide and lodge staff
- Drinks at lodges and personal items
- Arusha hotel nights and airport transfers, which we can add
- Optional activities such as a Serengeti balloon flight
When Is the Best Time for the 3-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari?
Any month except the long rains of April and May, when the roads slow down and three days becomes tight.
3 Days or 4 Days for the Serengeti and Ngorongoro?
Both safaris cover the same two parks. The extra day is a full day in the Serengeti.
| 3-day | 4-day | |
|---|---|---|
| Serengeti nights | 1 | 2 |
| Full Serengeti day | No | Yes |
| Price from (2, mid-range) | US$1,565 | US$2,130 |
See the 4-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari.
How to Book the 3-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari
Send your dates, group size and lodge level through the form, WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or jaynevytours@gmail.com; our Moshi-based team runs the safari from Arusha. A 30% deposit secures your Serengeti camp and the crater day, the balance is paid on arrival, and our booking terms set out refunds.
Our guides to the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater cover the two parks on this trip, and our lodges page explains budget, mid-range and luxury.
Common Questions About the 3-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari
Is three days enough for the Serengeti?
It gives you one Serengeti night, an afternoon and a morning. Four days is more comfortable.
Is this safari private?
Yes, a private Land Cruiser for your group of up to six, with the same driver-guide all three days.
Is there Wi-Fi in the vehicle?
Yes. There's Wi-Fi and somewhere to charge cameras in the vehicle, but reception drops on the long stretch across the Serengeti plains.
Should You Book the 3-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari?
If three days is all you have and the Serengeti is a must, this safari gets you there and into the crater. If you can find one more day, take the 4-day version: it turns two long driving days into a proper Serengeti safari.