We offer an inspiring & best 3-Day short Serengeti safari, this short lodge safari package starting from Arusha gives you a chance to visit the Iconic Northern Tanzania safari Park of Serengeti the scene for The Great Wildebeest Migration & the big cats.
3 Days short Serengeti safari package starts & ends in Arusha the tourism capital for Northen Tanzania safaris, the driving is via Ngorongoro Conservation Area. If your budget allows you can drive to Serengeti & fly back from Serengeti to Arusha or in case you are going to Zanzibar you can fly out from Serengeti to Zanzibar. Please let us know your ideas & preferences. Thank you!
For those who will be in Zanzibar please see our package for Tanzania Safari 3 Days Short Serengeti Flying Safari from Zanzibar and for more choices click our Short Tanzania Safari Packages
Highlights: 3-Day Short Serengeti Safari from Arusha
Witness the mind blowing Great Wildebeest Migration when thundering across Serengeti plains
See many animal species than you have ever thought possible
Enjoy beautiful landscapes & The Great East African Rift Valley
Mingle with local Masai as you drive along Masai steppe
Spot the big cats, the big 5 & many more
Trip Style
Totally private safari experience for family & friends – only you & safari driver guide who will take you to some places which will leave you breathless with wonder excitement.
Transport & game viewing is in a well maintained safari Land Cruiser with photographic roof thatch, charging system, reference books for fauna & flora & a min fridge filed with enough mineral water.
Accommodation during this safari is a mid-range tented camp in central Serengeti, high category accommodation can be included upon request.
Please feel free to contact us regardless of your budget as we always have something for everyone. Karibu Sana!Destination: Northern Tanzania
Location: Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater
Best Time to Visit: Yearly around
Physicality: Long drive
Outlined Itinerary: Affordable 3-Day Short Serengeti Safari
Day 01. Pick up from Arusha & drive to Serengeti National Park – En-route & afternoon game drive in Serengeti
Day 02: Full day game drive in the vast Serengeti plains -starting as early as 06:30 hrs
Day 03: Another early morning game drive in Serengeti before staring your way back to Arusha via Ngorongoro Conservation Area with en-route game drive.
Overview of a 3-Day Short Serengeti Safari from Arusha
A short Serengeti safari (typically 3-4 days) from Arusha is an ideal way to experience one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations without committing to a longer trip. Arusha, the safari capital of northern Tanzania, serves as the perfect launchpad, with the park about 325 km away (a 6-hour drive via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area). These itineraries focus on the central Serengeti (Seronera region) for reliable Big Five sightings (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino) and potential glimpses of the Great Migration, depending on the season. Fly-in options shave off travel time (1-hour flight to Seronera Airstrip) but add $300+ per person.
The best time for a short trip is the long dry season (June-October) for optimal game viewing or the short dry season (January-February) for calving season drama. Expect full-board costs starting at $600/person/day for private mid-range safaris (4 people) or $1,000+ for luxury, including park fees, game drives, and meals. Budget camping drops it to $400-500/person.
Recommended 4-Day Itinerary: Fly-In with Ngorongoro Add-On
For more depth, add a crater visit. Fly-in reduces fatigue; total flying: 2 hours.
Day Key Activities & Highlights Accommodation & Meals Travel Notes Day 1: Arusha to Serengeti Morning flight to Seronera. Immediate afternoon game drive in central plains—zebras, giraffes, hyenas. Luxury: Serengeti Serena Lodge (stone-built with infinity pool, migration views). Full board. 1-hour flight; land for seamless transfer. Day 2: Full Day Serengeti Two game drives: morning for big cats, afternoon for river crossings. Optional guided walk (in permitted zones) or night drive spotting owls. Same as Day 1. Full board. Stay central for year-round action. Day 3: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Morning Serengeti drive, then transfer to Ngorongoro Crater. Descend for 6-hour crater floor game drive—black rhinos, flamingos on soda lake. Mid-range: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge (crater rim perch). Full board. 3-hour drive; entry fees $72/person. Crater Service $295 per car Day 4: Ngorongoro to Arusha Morning guided nature walk or a coffee tour at Karatu including testing $50 pp N/A. Breakfast and lunch. 4-hour return; extend for Tarangire (+$150). Wildlife Highlights: Ngorongoro’s caldera packs 25,000 animals in 100 sq miles—rare black rhinos and dense predators.
Top Activities for Immersive Experiences
- Game Drives: Core of any safari—morning/afternoon sessions (3-6 hours) in open 4×4 vehicles. Focus on Seronera for predators; track via radio with your guide.
- Hot-Air Balloon Safari: Sunrise launch over endless plains ($600/person, includes champagne bush breakfast). Best in dry season for visibility.
- Cultural Encounters: Visit a Maasai village en route (1 hour, $20-50)—learn beadwork, cattle herding, and fire-starting traditions.
- Birdwatching & Photography: 500+ species; golden hour drives yield dramatic shots of acacia silhouettes.
- Optional Add-Ons: Guided bush walks (in private concessions), stargazing dinners, or migration tracking apps for real-time herd locations.
Best Lodges and Camps
Tailor to your budget—central Serengeti locations ensure proximity to action. Book 6-12 months ahead for peak season.
Category Lodge/Camp Why It’s Great Price/Night (per person, full board) Location Notes Budget Seronera Campsite or Zuri Camp Basic tents, shared facilities; authentic under-canvas vibe with campfires. $150-250 Edge of Seronera; self-setup or guided. Mid-Range Serengeti Kati Kend or Tortilis Tented Camp En-suite tents, solar power, pool; cozy dinners with wildlife sounds. $300-450 Central plains; family-friendly. Luxury Serengeti Serena Lodge or Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge Stone suites, infinity pools, spa; gourmet meals and private decks. $600-900 Seronera Valley; migration views from bed. Essential Tips for Your Short Safari
- Packing Essentials: Binoculars, neutral clothing (khaki/beige), hat/sunscreen (UV intense), malaria prophylaxis, reusable water bottle. Layers for 10-33°C swings.
- Health & Safety: Yellow fever vaccine required; drink bottled water. Guides handle all—stick to vehicles outside camps.
- Sustainability: Choose operators with low-impact vehicles; avoid single-use plastics. Support locals via fair-trade crafts.
- Customizing: Private vs. group? Private for flexibility ($100+ extra/person). Fly back from Serengeti to Arusha/Zanzibar to save a day.
- Booking Advice: Use reputable operators like Africa Natural Tours or Serena Safaris for seamless logistics. Early booking locks in lower rates.
This setup delivers dense, unforgettable content—vast herds thundering across golden grasslands, a leopard’s gaze at dusk. For tweaks or quotes, contact us. Safe travels!
Detailed Itinerary: 3-Day Short Serengeti Safari Package
Day 01.
Arusha – Serengeti National Park
Pick up from your hotel/lodge in Arusha & depart for Serengeti National Park, the driving is along Masai steppe, many villages & across The Great East African Rift Valley where you can have brief stop for some magnificent views of Lake Manyara & its forest from the edge. Then drive up via beautiful high lying farmland of Karatu all the way to Norongoro main gate for check in. After you will drive up to Ngorongoro Crater view point for some nice picture of the crater floor from the rim.
After, drive to Serengeti & check in at Nabii Hills gate, then start your en-route & afternoon game drive in the wild rich Serengeti National Park with its endless rolling plains. you will be searching for big cats & The Great Wildebeest Migration (depending on traveling dates). However, Serengeti is still worth a visit with or without The Great Wildebeest Migration as it has a lot to offer. Spot many animal species which include herds of elephant, giraffe, zebra, warthog, buffalo, hippos, topi & many more.
Late afternoon during sunset drive to Tukaone Serengeti Camp in central Serengeti for dinner & overnight.
- Meals Plan: Lunch & Dinner Included
- Overnight at Tukaone Serengeti Camp in central Serengeti
Day 2.
Full Day Game Drive in Serengeti
On this day as early as 06:30 with first sun rays leave the camp carrying breakfast box & lunch box for a full day game drive in the wild rich Serengeti National Park. An early morning game drive can allow you to spot cat family on the road as they try to avoid morning mist. you will also see other nocturnal predators coming back from their long night of hunting or a group of lioness organizing a morning ambush. Break for breakfast somewhere in the bush & after follow the Great wildebeest Migration & spend much time with them while anticipating to experience some animal actions like eating, fighting, hunting even killing.
Break for lunch at the picnic site or somewhere in the bush & after embark on your afternoon game drive. Late afternoon before or during sunset drive back to your camp for dinner & overnight.
- Meals Plan: Breakfat, Lunch & Dinner Included
- Overnight at Tukaone Serengeti Camp in central Serengeti
Day 3.
Serengeti – Back to Arusha
On this day you can have another early morning game drive in Serengeti before staring your way back to Arusha. With en-route game drive you will drive via Ngorongoro Conservation Area & if you wish you can visit one of Masai village at Ngorongoro highlands. Arrive in Arusha at late afternoon & drop off at your hotel/lodge in Arusha.
Meals Plan: Breakfast & Lunch Included
—- End of service — ****
Accommodation subject to availability. Contact us here!
3-Day Short Serengeti Safari Price Including VAT
When 2 Person Traveling together price is US$ 1,243 per person
When 4 Person Traveling together price is US$1,041 per person
When 6 Person Traveling together price is US$ 990 per person
For 1, 3, 5 & more than 6 person please ask for prices.
Please ask for new quotes if you need some changes in the itinerary. Thank you!
The package includes:-
Private 3-Day Short Serengeti Safari for 1 to 7 persons
Transport and wildlife drives in modified 4WD Land Cruiser with photographic roof hatch, window seat for everyone
Services of a professional well experience English Speaking safari driver guide
All park fees & concession fees as per itinerary
All game drives as mentioned
Enough mineral water during game drives
02 x FB at a nice mid-range safari tented camps as per itinerary or similar
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
Tanzania government value added tax VAT
The Package does not include:-
International airfare & flights
All items of a personal nature
All transfers before & after Safari
Gratuities for safari guide and lodge / camp staff
Visa fee (50 US$/US$100 for American & Irish Citizen to enter Tanzania) – to be paid upon arrival) Can be arranged online: https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/
Travel insurance
Accommodation in Arusha before & after safari
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and beverages at the camp
Any extra connection flights
Hot Air Balloon Safari in Serengeti (US$ 589 Per Person) , incl concession fees
If you visit Tanzania for a short while you can book our 3-Day short Serengeti safari from Arusha & you will never forget the experience. Karibu Sana!
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