3-Day Ultimate Big Five Safari: Serengeti & Ngorongoro
Experience the Ultimate Big Five Safari in Just 3 Days
Experience two of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations on this unforgettable 3-day Tanzania safari with On Target Safari. Journey deep into the legendary plains of Serengeti National Park and descend into the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater — two of the most spectacular safari locations in the world.
This carefully designed short safari begins in Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit, and takes you through stunning landscapes including the famous Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Over three incredible days, you will enjoy thrilling game drives, encounter diverse wildlife, and have the chance to spot Africa’s legendary Big Five: lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos.
Perfect for travelers with limited time, this safari combines expert guiding, comfortable accommodations, and unforgettable wildlife encounters in some of Africa’s most celebrated national parks.
What Makes This Safari Special?
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Two Legendary Safari Destinations – Explore both Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater in one compact safari.
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Big Five Wildlife Viewing – Excellent chances of seeing lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, and possibly leopards.
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World-Class Wildlife Viewing – The Serengeti hosts one of the largest wildlife populations in Africa.
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Expert Local Safari Guides – Professional guides with deep knowledge of Tanzania’s ecosystems and wildlife.
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Comfortable Safari Accommodation – Stay in a luxury tented camp located inside the Serengeti.
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Private 4×4 Safari Vehicles – Custom Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs for optimal wildlife viewing and photography.
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Perfect Short Safari from Arusha – Ideal for travelers who want a high-quality safari experience in just three days.
Quick Itinerary Snapshot
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🗓️ Day 1: Arusha to Serengeti National Park
Scenic drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area followed by an afternoon Serengeti game drive. -
🗓️ Day 2: Full-Day Serengeti Safari
Explore the vast Serengeti plains searching for the Big Five and incredible wildlife. -
🗓️ Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater Safari + Return to Arusha
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a thrilling wildlife safari before returning to Arusha.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 2: Full-Day Serengeti Safari Adventure
After breakfast at 7:00 AM, begin a full-day exploration of the vast plains of Serengeti National Park.
The Central Serengeti is widely considered one of the best wildlife viewing areas in Africa. With its open savannahs and scattered acacia trees, the region provides ideal habitats for predators and large herbivores alike.
Throughout the day, your guide will navigate through wildlife-rich areas searching for incredible animals including:
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Leopards resting in acacia trees
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Cheetahs sprinting across the plains
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Elephants traveling in family groups
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Buffalo herds grazing together
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Zebras, gazelles, and wildebeests
The Serengeti offers some of the best big-cat sightings in Africa, making this a truly unforgettable safari experience.
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Main Destination: Serengeti National Park
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 1: Scenic Game Drive Transfer to Serengeti National Park
Jambo and welcome to Tanzania! Your safari adventure begins with a 7:00 AM pickup from either Kilimanjaro International Airport or your hotel in Arusha.
Together with your professional safari guide, you will travel toward the world-famous Serengeti National Park through the spectacular landscapes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive takes approximately five hours, offering beautiful views of volcanic highlands, wildlife, and traditional Maasai landscapes.
Upon arrival at Nabi Gate, enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch before continuing your journey into the endless plains of the Serengeti.
The Serengeti is one of the most celebrated wildlife destinations on Earth, famous for its massive populations of wildlife and the spectacular Great Migration. During your afternoon game drive, you may encounter:
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Lions and cheetahs hunting across the plains
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Elephants roaming the savannah
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Large herds of zebras and wildebeests
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Giraffes browsing acacia trees
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Buffalo and various antelope species
In the evening, arrive at your comfortable luxury tented camp, where a freshly prepared dinner awaits while the sounds of the African wilderness surround you.
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Main Destination: Serengeti National Park
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Meals: Lunch & Dinner
DAY 3: Ngorongoro Crater Safari + Return to Arusha
Ngorongoro Crater Safari + Return to Arusha
After breakfast, depart for the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You will descend into the crater floor, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, which supports an astonishing concentration of wildlife.
The crater is home to approximately 30,000 large mammals, making it one of the best places in Africa to see wildlife in a single day.
During your game drive you may see:
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Lions and spotted hyenas
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Massive buffalo herds
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Zebras and wildebeests
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Hippos in freshwater pools
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The rare and endangered black rhino
Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic site inside the crater before continuing your wildlife viewing.
In the afternoon, begin the scenic return journey to Arusha, where you will be dropped off at your hotel or the airport depending on your travel plans.
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Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater
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Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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All national park entrance fees
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All accommodation
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Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
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Professional safari guide
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All meals during the safari
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Bottled drinking water during game drives
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Government taxes and VAT
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
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International flights
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Travel insurance
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Personal expenses
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Tips for guide and lodge staff
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Optional activities
BEST TIME TO GO
This safari operates year-round, but the best wildlife viewing occurs during:
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June – October (dry season)
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January – March (calving season in Serengeti)
