Tanzania's Two Most Famous Parks, Including a Night on the Crater Rim
from$2,040Per Person
What Does the 4-Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari Include?
This is a 4-day, 3-night private safari focused on Tanzania's two best-known wildlife areas, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. We collect you from the airport on Day 1 for a night in Arusha, drive to the Serengeti on Day 2, have a sunrise game drive and travel to the crater rim on Day 3, and descend into the crater early on Day 4 before returning to Arusha. Prices start from $2,040 per person for two people sharing at mid-range level.
The arrival night in Arusha means you start the safari rested, and the night on the crater rim lets you enter the crater early, before most vehicles arrive. You can choose lodges or, at budget level, camping at public campsites inside the Serengeti and on the crater rim. Wildlife moves with the seasons, and no sighting can be guaranteed.
The sections below cover each day, the wildlife you may see, the best season, prices by group size and what to pack.
Trip at a Glance
| Duration | 4 days, 3 nights |
|---|---|
| Start and finish | Arusha or Kilimanjaro airport; drop-off in Arusha or at the airport |
| Parks | Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater |
| Activities | An afternoon and a sunrise game drive in the Serengeti, and an early crater game drive |
| Tour type | Private, with a 4x4 safari vehicle and an English-speaking driver-guide |
| Overnights | Arusha (Night 1); central Serengeti (Night 2); Ngorongoro Crater rim (Night 3) |
| Physical level | Easy and vehicle-based, with a long drive on Day 2 |
| Price | From $2,040 per person (mid-range, 2 sharing); see the table for other levels and group sizes |
Safari Highlights
- A rest night in Arusha before the safari starts
- An afternoon and a sunrise game drive in central Serengeti
- A night on the Ngorongoro Crater rim
- An early descent into the crater, before most vehicles arrive
- Lodge or budget camping options
What Happens on Each Day of the Safari?
Day 1: Arrival and Night in Arusha
Day 1 starts when you land at Kilimanjaro or Arusha airport. Our driver meets you and takes you to your hotel in Arusha, where you can rest after your flight.
If you arrive early, you can explore Arusha town in the afternoon, for example the markets or a cultural centre. This is optional and not included in the price. Your guide briefs you on the safari in the evening or the next morning.
- Overnight: A hotel in Arusha
- Meals: Not included on Day 1
- Driving: About 1 hour from Kilimanjaro airport, or less from Arusha airport
Day 2: Arusha to the Serengeti
Day 2 begins after breakfast at about 7:30 am. The road climbs through the Ngorongoro highlands, and if the weather is clear you stop briefly at the crater viewpoint before descending to the Serengeti plains. The drive takes roughly six to seven hours, including stops.
You have lunch near the Naabi Hill gate, then continue on an afternoon game drive into central Serengeti, looking for lions, cheetahs, elephants and large herds. You reach your lodge or campsite in time for dinner.
- Overnight: A lodge, camp or campsite in central Serengeti
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Driving: Roughly 6–7 hours, then an afternoon game drive
Day 3: Sunrise Game Drive, Then to the Crater Rim
Day 3 starts at about 6:00 am with a packed breakfast and a sunrise game drive, when many animals are most active. You have breakfast in the bush and continue game viewing before a hot lunch at camp.
In the afternoon you drive out of the Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Crater rim, where you spend the night. Evenings on the rim are cold, at roughly 2,300 m above sea level.
- Overnight: A lodge or campsite on the Ngorongoro Crater rim
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Driving: Game drives, then roughly 3 hours to the crater rim
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater, Then Back to Arusha
Day 4 starts at about 6:00 am with a packed breakfast and the descent to the crater floor. The crater is roughly 20 km across, and you spend about five to six hours exploring it.
You may see lions, buffaloes, elephants, wildebeest, zebras, hyenas and hippos, and with luck the crater's rare black rhinos. After lunch you drive back to Arusha, arriving at about 5–6 pm. We can drop you at Arusha or Kilimanjaro airport instead.
- Overnight: Not included; the safari ends in Arusha or at the airport
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch
- Driving: Roughly 3–3.5 hours from the crater to Arusha
Route: airport → Arusha (overnight) → Ngorongoro highlands → central Serengeti (overnight) → Ngorongoro Crater rim (overnight) → Ngorongoro Crater → Arusha or the airport. Drive times are approximate.
Photos from the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater
What Wildlife Can You See in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro?
Central Serengeti is excellent for big cats, and Ngorongoro Crater gives the best chance of black rhinos. The table is a general guide only; no sighting can be guaranteed.
| Animal | Central Serengeti | Ngorongoro Crater |
|---|---|---|
| Lion | Often | Often |
| Cheetah | Sometimes | Occasionally |
| Leopard | Sometimes, with luck | Rarely |
| Elephant | Often | Often, mostly bulls |
| Black rhino | Very rarely | Rarely; a small population |
| Wildebeest and zebra | Depends on the migration | Often, resident herds |
| Hippo | Sometimes | Often |
When Is the Best Time for This Safari?
This safari runs year-round. June to October is generally the easiest time for game viewing, and the migration herds move around the Serengeti through the year. Campsites are colder and wetter in the long rains of April and May.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Main dry season | June–October | The easiest game viewing: short grass and animals near water. Cool mornings, dusty tracks and the busiest period. |
| Short rains | November–December | Brief showers, greener scenery and fewer vehicles. Wildlife begins to disperse. |
| Short dry spell | January–February | Usually warm and fairly dry, with good viewing and calving in the southern Serengeti. |
| Long rains | March–May | The wettest period, especially April and May. Lush and quiet, but some tracks become muddy. |
How Much Does This Safari Cost in 2026–2027?
- ✓ Campsites or basic tented camps
- ✓ Shared or simple facilities
- ✓ Same parks, guide & vehicle
- ✓ Comfortable lodges or en-suite tents
- ✓ Private bathrooms, hot showers
- ✓ Restaurant meals
- ✓ Upmarket lodges or tented camps
- ✓ More space and premium service
- ✓ Same private vehicle and guide
Prices are per person for two people sharing. Every level includes the same private 4×4 vehicle, guide, park fees and meals; only the accommodation changes.
Price per Person by Group Size
| Group size | Budget camping | Mid-range lodge | Luxury lodge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $2,270 | $2,815 | $4,210 |
| 2 people | $1,545 | $2,040 | $2,985 |
| 3 people | $1,275 | $1,765 | $2,690 |
| 4 people | $1,250 | $1,740 | $2,685 |
| 5 people | $1,145 | $1,635 | $2,570 |
| 6 people | $1,150 | $1,645 | $2,590 |
Contact us for a confirmed quote for your dates and group size.
What Affects the Price?
- Group size: the vehicle, guide and any Ngorongoro crater fee are shared, so the per-person price falls noticeably as your group grows.
- Accommodation level: budget camping, mid-range lodges or luxury lodges and camps.
- Parks: Ngorongoro Crater adds a per-vehicle crater fee, and nights inside national parks add concession fees.
- Fee changes: park and conservation fees are set by the authorities and can change, so we confirm your price in writing before you pay.
What Is Included in the Price?
Private 4x4 safari vehicle
A safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, used only by your group.
English-speaking driver-guide
Your guide drives, finds wildlife and explains the parks.
Park entrance fees
Entry fees for every park on the itinerary, including the Ngorongoro crater fee.
Accommodation
Three nights: one in Arusha, one in central Serengeti and one on the Ngorongoro Crater rim at your chosen level, confirmed in your final quotation.
Meals
Meals as listed in the itinerary, including picnic lunches on game-drive days.
Drinking water
Bottled water in the vehicle throughout the safari.
Transfers
Airport pickup and drop-off as described in the itinerary.
Government taxes
All applicable taxes and levies.
What Is Not Included?
International flights and visa
Flights to and from Tanzania and the Tanzania visa.
Travel insurance
We strongly recommend cover for medical treatment and evacuation.
Tips
Tips for your guide and lodge staff.
Alcoholic drinks
Alcoholic and other drinks not listed in the itinerary.
Optional activities
Extras such as a Maasai village visit or balloon flight.
Personal expenses
Souvenirs, laundry and extra snacks.
Where Will You Stay?
You spend Night 1 at a hotel in Arusha, Night 2 in central Serengeti and Night 3 on the Ngorongoro Crater rim, at your chosen level. At budget level, Nights 2 and 3 are at public campsites inside the parks, in tents with shared facilities. We confirm the exact properties in your quotation.
Budget Camping
Campsites or basic tented camps with simple facilities. You visit the same parks with the same guide and vehicle; only where you sleep differs.
Mid-Range Lodges & Tented Camps
Comfortable lodge rooms or en-suite tented camps with private bathrooms and restaurant meals. A good balance of comfort and cost.
Luxury Lodges & Camps
Upmarket lodges and tented camps with more space, premium furnishings and full-service dining.
Is This Safari Right for You?
This safari suits travellers who want the Serengeti and the crater, an arrival night to rest, and the option of camping. If you would rather add Tarangire, another route will suit you better.
A Good Fit If You…
- Want the Serengeti and the crater
- Are arriving in Tanzania on Day 1
- Would enjoy a night on the crater rim
- Are interested in camping at budget level
Consider Another Safari If You…
- Want Tarangire too: 4-Day Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro
- Have only three days: 3-Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro
- Want the river crossings: 4-Day Great Migration Safari
- Want to compare all 4-day routes: 4-day safaris
What Should You Pack?
Pack warm layers for the crater rim, where nights are cold, and light clothes for the Serengeti plains. If you are camping, bring a head torch and a warm hat.
- Neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, olive, beige); avoid dark blue and black where tsetse flies occur
- A warm fleece or jacket for early mornings, essential on the Ngorongoro rim
- Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Camera with a zoom lens and binoculars
- Passport, as details are recorded at park gates
- Motion-sickness tablets if you need them
- Small notes for tips and any personal medication
