3 Day Serengeti Safari

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Serengeti National Park tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaSerengeti National Park travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Day Serengeti National Park Itinerary, incl. Arusha and Serengeti Safari

  Full-day game drives from Kontiki Tented Camp reveal Serengeti's secrets. Morning and afternoon safari sessions maximize wildlife encounters, seeking out the 'Big 5'.

  

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  • Day 1

    Arusha to Serengeti National Park

    Your journey starts with an 8 AM hotel pickup in Arusha. Pack light layers for cool mornings and warm afternoons. The 240km drive to Serengeti takes about 6 hours on mixed-quality roads. If you get carsick bring motion sickness medication and a neck pillow will make the drive more comfortable. Your first wildlife viewing starts in the afternoon when the light is ideal for photos. You'll spend the night at Kontiki Tented Camp for an authentic safari experience.

    
  • Day 2

    Full-Day Serengeti Game Drive

    Get up at dawn when predators are most active. The morning game drive offers great chances to spot the Big Five (lion leopard elephant rhino and buffalo). Don't forget sunscreen and a hat since the plains offer minimal shade. Your guide will pick prime viewing spots based on where animals are migrating that season. You'll have a packed lunch to maximize time watching wildlife. The afternoon drive continues until sunset when animals gather to drink.

    
  • Day 3

    Final Game Drive and Return to Arusha

    Start with one last morning drive to see different wildlife that's active at this time. Head back to Arusha mid-morning for a 6-hour drive arriving around 6 PM. Plan to have dinner in Arusha rather than booking an evening flight.

    

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• 3 Day Tanzania Safari Itinerary, incl. Serengeti and Ngorongoro

  The Serengeti beckons with flights from Arusha to Seronera, extensive game drives around Lake Ndutu, and big cat tracking. Rest at Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma and South Serengeti, accompanied by expert wildlife guides throughout.

  

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  • Day 1

    Arusha to Serengeti

    Your adventure begins with a morning flight from Arusha to Seronera airstrip in central Serengeti. The one-hour flight gives you stunning views of the African landscape below. After landing, your guide will take you straight into the famous Seronera Valley. This area is perfect for spotting big cats, especially during early morning or late afternoon when wildlife is most active. You'll spend the night at Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma, just outside the park.

    
  • Day 2

    Lake Ndutu Area

    Take a 2-3 hour drive south to Lake Ndutu. This area is known for its six wild cat species and becomes particularly special between February and March during wildebeest calving season. You'll see thousands of newborn calves and plenty of predator action. The alkaline Lake Ndutu is also a prime spot for flamingos and other water birds. Your second night will be at Africa Safari South Serengeti.

    
  • Day 3

    Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha

    Start early with a 45-minute descent into Ngorongoro Crater. This 100-square-mile crater floor has some of Africa's most concentrated wildlife populations. Visit at dawn before other vehicles arrive for the best experience. The journey back to Arusha takes about 4 hours, getting you there in late afternoon.

    

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• 3 Day Tanzania Safari Itinerary, incl. Zanzibar and Serengeti

  Wildlife-rich plains of Central Serengeti unfold after morning flights from Zanzibar to Seronera Airstrip. Skilled guides lead safaris across the savannah, with luxury accommodation at Serengeti Heritage Camp or Kontiki Tented Camp.

  

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  • Day 1

    Zanzibar to Central Serengeti

    Get to Zanzibar Airport early for the 7:45 AM flight to Serengeti. The 3-hour flight gives you great views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and Ngorongoro Crater. Try to get a seat on the left side of the plane for the best mountain views. Your safari starts right after landing at Seronera Airstrip around 10:45 AM. Just remember to pack light. The small planes only allow 15kg per person in soft bags.

    
  • Day 2

    Full Day Serengeti Game Drives

    The optional 6 AM game drive is worth considering. Early morning hours are perfect for spotting big cats while they're still active. Where you go depends on the season and wildlife patterns. From December to March you'll find wildebeest calving in the southern plains. July to October is better for watching river crossings in the northern Serengeti. Wear neutral colors and bring a light jacket. The open plains can be quite cool in the morning.

    
  • Day 3

    Final Game Drive and Return to Zanzibar

    Start with one last morning game drive before flying back. The Seronera area is good for wildlife all year long. You can often spot resident lion prides and leopards near the rocky outcrops called kopjes. Your flight to Zanzibar usually leaves mid-morning so you'll have time for a short drive on the way to the airstrip.

    

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