Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater Safari 3 Days Cost Overview
Planning a Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater safari 3 day cost? This compact safari offers an unforgettable adventure in two of Tanzania’s iconic destinations: the vast Serengeti National Park (14,763 km²) and the Ngorongoro Crater (260 km²), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Expect to see the Big Five, wildebeest migration (season-dependent), and diverse landscapes. This guide breaks down costs, sample itineraries, and tips to maximize your budget for a 3-day safari starting from Arusha or Moshi.
Costs vary based on accommodation type, group size, and season (peak: June–October; low: November–May). Below, we detail pricing for budget, mid-range, and luxury options, including park fees, transport, and more.
Pro Tip: Book 6–12 months in advance for peak season (August included) to secure better rates and availability.
Cost Breakdown for a 3-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater Safari
The cost of a 3-day safari depends on accommodation, transport, and inclusions. Below is a pricing range for 2025/2026 (per person, based on two adults sharing):
| Safari Type | Cost Range (USD) | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Camping | $1,200 | Basic dome tents, shared bathrooms, meals, 4×4 Land Cruiser, guide, and park fees. |
| Mid-Range Lodges/Tented Camps | $2,500 | En-suite tents/lodges, private bathrooms, meals, 4×4 Land Cruiser, guide, park fees. |
| Luxury Lodges/Camps | $3,500+ | High-end lodges, gourmet meals, premium 4×4, guide, park fees, optional extras (e.g., balloon safari). |
Key Cost Components
- Park Fees: Serengeti: $70.80/adult/day; Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA): $70.80/adult/day; Ngorongoro Crater service fee: $295/vehicle/day. Fees exclude 18% VAT.
- Accommodation: Budget campsites (e.g., Seronera, Simba) cost $30–$60/night; mid-range lodges (e.g., Serengeti Tortilis Camp), $120–$300; luxury camps (e.g., &Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas), $500–$1,500+.
- Transport: 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof, $150–$250/day, included in most packages.
- Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) included; budget safaris use picnic lunches, and luxury safaris offer gourmet dining.
- Guide: English-speaking driver-guide, $50–$100/day, included in packages.
- Add-ons: hot air balloon ride ($540/person), Olduvai Gorge visit ($35/person), Maasai village tour ($25/person).
Sample 3-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater Safari Itinerary
This itinerary maximizes wildlife viewing in a tight schedule, starting/ending in Arusha:
Day 1: Arusha to Serengeti National Park
- Activity: Depart Arusha (8 AM) for a 6-hour drive (240 km) via Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Afternoon game drive in Central Serengeti (Seronera area).
- Wildlife: Lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest (migration-dependent).
- Accommodation: Budget: Seronera Campsite; Mid-Range: Serengeti Tortilis Camp; Luxury: Four Seasons Serengeti.
- Meals: Lunch (picnic), dinner at camp/lodge.
Day 2: Full-Day Serengeti Game Drives
- Activity: Early morning and afternoon game drives in Central Serengeti. Optional hot air balloon ride at sunrise ($540/person).
- Wildlife: Cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, impalas, and possibly wildebeest migration herds.
- Accommodation: Same as Day 1.
- Meals: breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner.
Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha
- Activity: Early breakfast, transfer to Ngorongoro Crater (2–3 hours). 5-hour game drive with picnic lunch. Return to Arusha (4 hours, arrive ~5:30 PM).
- Wildlife: Black rhinos, lions, elephants, flamingos at Lake Magadi, and hippos.
- Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch.
Optional Stops: Olduvai Gorge ($35/person) or Maasai village ($25/person) en route.
Fun Fact: Ngorongoro Crater hosts ~30,000 animals in a 260 km² caldera, offering one of the densest wildlife populations in Africa.
Factors Affecting Safari Costs
Several factors influence the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater safari 3-day cost:
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- Season: Peak season (June–October) increases costs by 20–30% due to high demand; low season (November–May) offers discounts but wet roads.
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- Group Size: Larger groups (4–6) lower per-person costs by sharing vehicle and guide fees.
- Accommodation: Budget camping is cheapest; luxury lodges like &Beyond or Four Seasons significantly raise costs.
- Transport: Driving from Arusha (6–8 hours) is cheaper than flying to Serengeti ($150–$300/person one-way).
- Add-ons: Balloon rides, cultural tours, or premium drinks add $25–$540/person.
Tip: Visit in January–March for wildebeest calving in southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro, with fewer crowds and moderate prices.
Packing Tips for Your 3-Day Safari
Prepare for variable weather and long game drives with these essentials:
- Clothing: Layers (fleece for cool mornings, lightweight for midday), neutral colors (khaki, green), and a hat.
- Footwear: Comfortable closed-toe shoes; sandals for camp.
- Gear: binoculars, camera (200–400mm lens), sunscreen, and insect repellent.
- Other: Reusable water bottle (2 liters/day), sunglasses, small backpack.
Note: Ngorongoro Crater rim can be chilly (11–14°C) in August mornings; pack a windbreaker.
Why Choose a 3-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater Safari?
This short safari delivers exceptional value:
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- Serengeti: Vast plains host the Great Migration (seasonal), lions, cheetahs, and 4,000+ resident animals.
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- Ngorongoro Crater: Compact caldera with high chances of seeing black rhinos, elephants, and lion prides.
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- Time-Efficient: Ideal for travelers with limited time, covering two world-class parks in three days.
- Budget-Friendly Options: Camping safaris start at $1200/person, making them accessible.
Pro Tip: Combine with a Kilimanjaro climb or Zanzibar beach trip for a broader Tanzania experience.
How to Save on Your 3-Day Safari
Maximize your budget with these tips:
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- Join a Group Safari: Share costs with 4–6 travelers to save $100–$200/person.
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- Travel in low season: November–May offers 20–30% discounts, though expect rain.
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- Choose Budget Camping: Basic campsites like Simba or Seronera are affordable and immersive.
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- Book Locally: Local operators often offer better rates than international agencies.
- Skip Add-Ons: Avoid extras like balloon rides to keep costs low.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 3-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater safari cost in 2025?
Costs range from $650–$900 (budget camping) and $1,100–$1,800 (mid-range) to $2,000–$3,500+ (luxury) per person for two adults.
What’s included in the safari cost?
Park fees, accommodation, meals, a 4×4 Land Cruiser, a guide, and transport from Arusha are typically included.
Yes, August is peak season with dry weather and excellent wildlife viewing, but costs are 20–30% higher.
Can I see the wildebeest migration in 3 days?
Yes, in January–March (calving in southern Serengeti) or June–August (river crossings), but confirm with your operator.
Plan Your 3-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater Safari
Ready to explore Tanzania’s wildlife wonders? Contact our safari experts to tailor a 3-day itinerary that fits your budget.
