Northern Circuit Safaris

3-Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari Starting from Zanzibar

Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater

Safari in national parks: Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park

This 3-day safari from Zanzibar is designed for travelers seeking a concentrated yet unforgettable taste of Northern Tanzania’s iconic wildlife destinations. Starting with a flight to Arusha, you’ll journey into the heart of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, home to endless golden plains, rocky kopjes, and a staggering diversity of animals. Lions, cheetahs, elephants, and zebras roam freely, creating a breathtaking wildlife spectacle for both novice and seasoned safari-goers.

The journey continues to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most remarkable wildlife enclaves. Descend into the caldera to witness an extraordinary density of animals, including the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—against a backdrop of dramatic crater walls, lakes, and savannahs. Along the way, your expert guide provides fascinating insights into the ecosystems, conservation efforts, and animal behaviors, ensuring that your experience is both thrilling and educational.

With carefully selected lodges, professional safari guides, and fully equipped 4×4 vehicles, this safari ensures comfort, safety, and convenience while maximizing wildlife encounters. Perfect for those with limited time, this 3-day adventure captures the very essence of Tanzania’s Northern Circuit in a compact, action-packed journey.

Trip Itinerary

  • Day 1: Zanzibar → Arusha → Serengeti National Park

    Begin your adventure with a morning flight from Zanzibar to Arusha, where you’ll be greeted by your professional safari guide. Enjoy a scenic drive through rolling hills, verdant farmland, and charming villages as you make your way toward Serengeti National Park. Along the way, your guide will point out unique flora, wildlife, and cultural landmarks, giving you a sense of Tanzania’s rich natural and cultural tapestry.

    Upon arrival in the Serengeti, settle into your lodge or tented camp and prepare for your first afternoon game drive. Traverse the central plains, where golden grass stretches to the horizon and rocky kopjes provide vantage points for observing predators. Spot prides of lions lounging under the sun, cheetahs stealthily stalking prey, and elephants moving gracefully across the savannah. Return to your lodge for dinner under a canopy of stars, letting the sights and sounds of the Serengeti wilderness fully immerse you in the African safari experience.

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    Recommended Properties to Stay


  • Day 2: Full-Day Serengeti Game Drives

    Wake up early to maximize your wildlife encounters in the Serengeti. Spend the day on morning and afternoon game drives exploring areas such as the Seronera Valley, renowned for its high concentration of predators and diverse wildlife. Observe wildebeest grazing alongside zebras, hear the distant roar of lions, and catch glimpses of leopards resting in acacia trees. The Serengeti’s ever-changing light offers incredible photographic opportunities, with landscapes that shift from golden savannahs to rocky outcrops and seasonal rivers.

    Pause for a scenic picnic lunch in the heart of the plains, surrounded by uninterrupted views of wildlife and nature. Your guide shares insights into the animals’ behaviors, the ecological balance of the park, and fascinating facts about the Serengeti’s ancient ecosystem. In the late afternoon, continue your exploration, perhaps spotting elephants at a waterhole or cheetahs sprinting across the plains, before returning to your lodge for dinner and a restful overnight stay, enveloped by the sights and sounds of Africa’s wilderness.

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    Recommended Properties to Stay


  • Day 3: Serengeti → Ngorongoro Crater → Arusha → Zanzibar

    Depart the Serengeti after breakfast and drive toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, passing rolling highlands, small Maasai villages, and scenic vistas along the way. Arrive at the Ngorongoro Crater, where you’ll descend into this extraordinary caldera for a morning game drive. Witness one of the densest concentrations of wildlife on the planet, from elephants and buffaloes to lions and the rare black rhino, all set against the dramatic backdrop of crater walls, seasonal lakes, and grassy plains.

    Enjoy a picnic lunch within the crater while taking in panoramic views and capturing unforgettable photographs. In the afternoon, ascend the crater rim and drive back to Arusha, reflecting on your incredible journey through Northern Tanzania. Catch your evening flight back to Zanzibar, concluding your safari with memories of extraordinary wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and immersive cultural experiences.

    Important Note

    Accommodation on the final day of the tour is not included in the standard package. Clients who wish to stay overnight can request arrangements in advance. Additional charges may apply depending on the chosen hotel or lodge, availability, and room type. We recommend booking early to secure preferred accommodations and ensure a smooth end to your safari experience.

What is Included

Transfers

  • All transfers as outlined in the program.
  • Flight from Zanzibar → Arusha and back.

 

Accommodation & Meals

  • Accommodation in lodges as described in the program.
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary.
  • Bottled water, soft drinks, hot coffee, and tea provided while on safari in the jeep.

 

Guiding & Game Drives

  • Services of a certified and experienced English-speaking safari guide.
  • Comfortable 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof, equipped with fridge, Wi-Fi, and power outlets.
  • All national park fees, including park entry and crater service fees.
  • Free Wi-Fi availability in 60–75% of the traveled areas (depending on wilderness cell coverage).
    24/7 phone support throughout your safari.
  • Binoculars (1 per vehicle) for enhanced wildlife viewing.
  • Onboard medical kit for added safety.

What is Not Included

  • International and domestic flights
  • Tanzania tourist visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips/gratuities for guide and lodge staff
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary (balloon safari, cultural tours, etc.)
  • Alcoholic beverages at lodges/camps (unless specified)
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs, or additional meals not listed

Important Notes

  • All tours include shared accommodation in twin or double rooms unless a different arrangement is requested and confirmed. Single-room supplements are available upon request.
  • Accommodation in Arusha and Moshi generally includes breakfast only, unless otherwise specified. Please refer to your detailed itinerary for meal plans associated with each night.
  • Most safari lodges do not include tea, coffee, soft drinks, or alcoholic beverages in their standard packages. Guests may order and pay for these directly at the lodge or camp.
  • Many tented lodges within Tanzania’s wildlife areas operate partially or fully on solar power. This may mean bucket showers, limited Wi-Fi connectivity, and the absence of amenities such as hair dryers. These eco-friendly setups are designed to reduce environmental impact while offering an authentic safari experience.
  • We strongly recommend reviewing the accommodations listed in your itinerary to ensure they meet your personal travel style and expectations.

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