What You Need to Know: This 3-day safari from Zanzibar costs from US$2,575 per person for 2 travelers at mid-range level (US$2,260 budget, US$3,365 luxury), including both flights. You fly from Zanzibar to the Serengeti on Day 1, drive to Karatu on Day 2 and, after a crater game drive on Day 3, fly back to Zanzibar from Arusha. It is the fastest way to see both parks from Zanzibar; the 4-day safari adds Tarangire.
Is the 3-Day Safari from Zanzibar Right for You?
Choose this if you are on Zanzibar with three days to spare and want both the Serengeti and the crater. Flying in saves a full day of driving, and driving out lets you visit the crater on the way. Day 3 is long, but it is the day most guests remember. With only two days, the 2-day fly-in is simpler.
| This safari suits you if… | Consider another safari if… |
|---|---|
| You have three days on Zanzibar | You have two days: the 2-day fly-in |
| You want the Serengeti and the crater | You want Tarangire too: the 4-day safari from Zanzibar |
| You don't mind one long last day | You'd rather stay on the mainland longer: our safaris from Arusha |
The Route at a Glance
Zanzibar – flight to a Serengeti airstrip – central Serengeti – Ngorongoro highlands – Karatu – Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha – flight to Zanzibar.
| Day | Route | Driving or flying | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fly Zanzibar – Serengeti, afternoon game drive | Scheduled flight, often with stops | Central Serengeti |
| 2 | Serengeti morning – Ngorongoro highlands – Karatu | About 4 hours after the game drive | Karatu |
| 3 | Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha – fly to Zanzibar | 4–5 hours to Arusha, then the flight | — |
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Flight times are set by the scheduled airlines; your guide fits the game drives around them.
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Day 1: Fly Zanzibar to the Serengeti
A transfer to Zanzibar airport for the scheduled flight to a Serengeti airstrip, where your driver-guide meets you with a private Land Cruiser. The afternoon game drive continues to your lodge in the central Serengeti.
Into the SerengetiCentral SerengetiLunch, dinner -
Day 2: Serengeti morning, drive to Karatu
A morning game drive in the central Serengeti, then the drive east through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, past the crater rim, to Karatu.
Big cats, then the highlandsSerengeti, highlandsBreakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater, fly back to Zanzibar
An early descent into the crater for a game drive and picnic lunch, then the drive to Arusha for your evening flight back to Zanzibar.
The crater floorNgorongoroBreakfast, picnic lunch
How Much Does the 3-Day Safari from Zanzibar Cost?
The 3-day safari from Zanzibar costs from US$2,575 per person for 2 travelers at mid-range level, US$2,260 on a budget basis and US$3,365 at luxury level, including both flights. The two flights are a large share of the price and cost the same whatever lodges you choose.
| Travelers | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | US$2,940 | US$3,330 | US$4,290 |
| 2 | US$2,260 | US$2,575 | US$3,365 |
| 3 | US$2,010 | US$2,350 | US$3,120 |
| 4 | US$1,965 | US$2,280 | US$3,065 |
| 5 | US$1,875 | US$2,205 | US$2,980 |
| 6 | US$1,865 | US$2,180 | US$2,970 |
Park fees on this route
| 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 Price Includes
- Flights Zanzibar – Serengeti and Arusha – Zanzibar
- Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and your own driver-guide
- All park fees and the Ngorongoro crater service fee
- Two nights' accommodation at the level you choose
- Meals on safari
Not included
- 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 This Safari?
June to October is the best time for both the safari and the beach; January and February bring the Serengeti calving season. April and May are the long rains on the mainland and on Zanzibar. Zanzibar requires inbound travel insurance (US$44 per adult), and from October 1, 2026 so does mainland Tanzania; one policy covers both, bought for your first point of entry, and we help you buy it.
Which Safari from Zanzibar?
Our three safaris from Zanzibar compared.
| 2-day fly-in | 3-day | 4-day | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parks | Serengeti | Serengeti, Ngorongoro | Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro |
| Flights | Zanzibar ↔ Serengeti | In to the Serengeti, out from Arusha | Zanzibar ↔ Arusha |
| Price from (2, mid-range) | US$1,930 | US$2,575 | US$3,290 |
See all our safaris from Zanzibar and Zanzibar holidays.
How to Book This Safari
| When you cancel | Refund |
|---|---|
| 60 days or more before arrival | 100% |
| 30–59 days | 90% |
| 15–29 days | 60% |
| 10–14 days | 25% |
| Less than 10 days, or a no-show | No refund |
What Else to Read Before You Book
This page covers what is particular to the 3-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari from Zanzibar. The parts that work the same way on our other trips are explained once, in these guides:
- Serengeti National Park guide: the wildlife, the best areas and the season.
- Ngorongoro Crater guide: the wildlife, the best areas and the season.
- Our safari vehicles: the Land Cruisers we use, pop-up roofs, charging and who drives.
- Safari lodges and camps: budget, mid-range and luxury stays and what each includes.
- Airport transfers and nights in Arusha: getting from Kilimanjaro airport to the start of your safari.
- Zanzibar beach holidays: adding a few days on the coast after the safari.
- Safari safety tips: how game drives, camps and walks are kept safe.
- Vaccinations and travel health: malaria, yellow fever and what to ask your doctor.
- Tipping on safari: how much to give your driver-guide and lodge staff.
- Booking and cancellation terms: deposit, payment and refunds.
Common Questions About the 3-Day Safari from Zanzibar
Do you fly or drive from Zanzibar to the Serengeti?
You fly in to the Serengeti and drive back via Ngorongoro to Arusha, then fly to Zanzibar.
Is 3 days enough for a safari from Zanzibar?
It is enough to see the Serengeti and the crater. Add a day for Tarangire or more Serengeti time.
What luggage can you bring?
Light aircraft have strict limits, usually a soft bag. Leave the rest at your Zanzibar hotel.
Can you see the Serengeti and Ngorongoro in three days from Zanzibar?
Yes: fly into the Serengeti on Day 1, drive to Karatu on Day 2, and after a crater game drive fly back from Arusha on Day 3.
Which airlines fly the safari legs?
Scheduled light aircraft with ZanAir, Auric Air or Coastal Aviation, depending on the route and day.
The Bottom Line
If you are on Zanzibar with three days and want both the Serengeti and the crater, this is the trip: fly in, drive out, and you're back on the beach that night.
Send us your dates, the number of travelers and your lodge level through the booking form, on WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or by email to jaynevytours@gmail.com, and our sales team will reply with a written quotation.