3-Day Budget Safari in Serengeti & Ngorongoro

Q: What is the starting and ending point of the safari?

The safari begins and ends in Arusha, Tanzania. In addition, the package includes hotel pickup and drop-off within Arusha.

Q: Is this a private or group safari?

This is a group joining safari. Therefore, it is perfect for solo travelers, backpackers and budget-conscious adventurers who want to share the experience with others.

Q: What types of accommodations are provided?

You’ll stay at public campsites, such as: First, Nyani Public Campsite in the Serengeti Then Simba Public Campsite on the Ngorongoro Crater rimWe also provide tents and sleeping gear.

3-Day Budget Safari in Serengeti & Ngorongoro - Serengeti Wildlife Safaris

Elephant walking around of the search pasture from serengeti wildlife safaris library

3-Day Budget Safari Tanzania

3 Days 2 Nights

Overview

This budget safari is run by Serengeti Wildlife Safaris, a locally based Tanzanian operator. You travel with an experienced local guide, and we plan every detail with you.

Why book this budget safari with us

First, every budget safari we run is tailor-made, so we can adjust the dates, accommodation and pace. In addition, our local team supports you from arrival to departure. Before you travel, you can also read about the area on the official Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) website. For more ideas, see our other Arusha tours.

An unforgettable group safari through iconic landscapes, rich wildlife, and the heart of Africa’s Big Five territory.

Embark on an exhilarating 3-day group safari adventure through two of Tanzania’s most celebrated wildlife destinations. First you explore Serengeti National Park, and then you visit the Ngorongoro Crater.

This shared safari experience suits budget-conscious travelers, solo adventurers and backpackers. As a result, it offers maximum exploration at minimal cost. Expertly guided game drives, scenic vistas and authentic camping under the stars also await you. In short, the tour combines affordability with rich encounters in the African wilderness.

The trip starts and ends in Arusha. Therefore, it is the perfect short escape if you are eager to see the Big Five in their natural habitat.

Itinerary

Day 01 :

Arusha to Serengeti National Park

Your safari begins with an early departure from Arusha. First, you head toward the world-famous Serengeti via the beautiful Ngorongoro Highlands. Along the way, enjoy scenic views and spot wildlife even before you reach the park.

Once you arrive in the Serengeti, you set off on your first thrilling game drive. Look out for elephants, lions, giraffes, cheetahs and zebras. In season, you may also see the Great Migration. Later, as the sun sets, settle into your public campsite for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Public campsite in Serengeti

Day 02 :

Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Wake up early for a sunrise game drive across the Serengeti plains. The early morning is prime time for spotting predators on the hunt. After that, enjoy breakfast at camp.

Next, a half-day safari takes you gradually out of the Serengeti and toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Along the way, you can stop at scenic viewpoints and Maasai villages (optional). Finally, you reach the crater rim by late afternoon. Dinner and overnight follow at a designated campsite overlooking the crater.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Simba Campsite (Ngorongoro Crater rim)

Day 03 :

Ngorongoro Crater Tour – Return to Arusha

After an early breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to over 25,000 animals, such as black rhinos, lions, hippos, and herds of wildebeest and zebra.

Then enjoy a full morning game drive on the crater floor. At midday, you also stop for a picnic lunch beside a hippo pool. By afternoon, you climb out of the crater and begin your return journey. Finally, you arrive back in Arusha by early evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Included & Excluded

All park entry fees and public campsite fees
Guaranteed group departure (shared safari)
Accommodation at Nyani (Serengeti) and Simba (Ngorongoro) public campsites
Transport in a 4x4 pop-up roof Land Cruiser
Professional English-speaking safari guide/driver
All game drives, crater descent, and listed activities
All meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)
2 liters of bottled water per person per day
Government taxes and VAT

International flights and visa fees
Airport transfers (available on request)
Extra accommodation before/after the tour
Travel insurance, personal expenses, and tips
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary

Map

Frequent Asked Question

What is the starting and ending point of the safari?

The safari begins and ends in Arusha, Tanzania. In addition, the package includes hotel pickup and drop-off within Arusha.

Is this a private or group safari?

This is a group joining safari. Therefore, it is perfect for solo travelers, backpackers and budget-conscious adventurers who want to share the experience with others.

What types of accommodations are provided?

You’ll stay at public campsites, such as: