Tour Overview
Looking for an unforgettable 3-day Serengeti safari from Arusha? Get ready for an incredible safari into Tanzania’s most famous national park, home to the Big Five, amazing landscapes, and the world-famous Great Migration! You can choose to drive from Arusha (a scenic 6-7 hour journey with wildlife spotting along the way) or fly in just 1 hour, giving you more time for a game drive. Over 3 days safari, you'll explore the heart of the Serengeti, witness stunning African sunsets, and experience close encounters with lions, elephants, giraffes, and more! With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and non-stop adventure, this safari promises memories that will last a lifetime. Book your dream Serengeti safari today!
Safari Highlight
Comfortable Lodging
Stay in lodges or tented camps with great service
Expert Guides
Knowledgeable safari guides for the best wildlife experience
Choose Your Travel Option
Drive (6-7 hours with scenic views) or Fly (1-hour quick flight)
See the Big Five
Lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos in their natural habitat
3-Day Serengeti Safari from Arusha – Itinerary
Day 1: Travel from Arusha to Serengeti – Drive or Fly
Your 3-day Serengeti safari from Arusha starts early in the morning. If you choose to drive, enjoy a 6-7 hour scenic journey through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you might see wildlife along the way. When you reach the Serengeti, you’ll go on an afternoon game drive to spot lions, elephants, giraffes, and more. If you fly, you’ll take a 1-hour flight straight to the Serengeti, where your safari guide will pick you up for your first game drive. After an exciting day of wildlife spotting, relax at your comfortable lodge or tented camp, enjoy a delicious dinner, and soak in the beauty of the African wilderness.
Accommodation: Mid-range or luxury lodge/tented camp
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Full-Day Safari – Big Five & Great Migration
Start the day with an early morning game drive, the best time to see predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs as they hunt. After breakfast, explore Seronera Valley, a great spot for seeing elephants, zebras, and buffalo. If you're visiting at the right time of year, you might witness the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras move across the plains. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wild or head back to the lodge for a break. In the afternoon, go on another game drive, looking for more animals like hippos, crocodiles, and rare birds. As the sun sets, return to camp for dinner and relax after a full day of adventure.
Accommodation: Mid-range or luxury lodge/tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Morning Safari & Return to Arusha – Drive or Fly
On your last day, take an early morning game drive to spot any animals you may have missed. After breakfast, you can either drive back to Arusha, enjoying the last scenic views of the Ngorongoro area, or take a quick flight back to Arusha, arriving before noon. If time allows, you can visit a Maasai village to learn about their traditions before ending your safari. This 3-day Serengeti adventure gives you unforgettable memories of Africa’s incredible wildlife and landscapes.
Accommodation: No Accommodations
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
✅ Inclusions:
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Pick-up & drop-off in Arusha
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Transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof
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Professional English-speaking safari guide
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Park entry fees for Serengeti National Park
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Accommodation (lodges/tented camps) for 2 nights
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Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) as per itinerary
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Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
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Game drives in Serengeti National Park
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Government taxes and levies
❌ Exclusions:
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International & domestic flights
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Visa fees for Tanzania
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Travel insurance
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Tips for the guide & lodge staff (optional but appreciated)
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Alcoholic & soft drinks (unless specified)
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Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.)
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Optional activities (balloon safari, cultural tours)
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Extra accommodation before or after the safari (available at an extra cost)
Related Safari packages
Related questions about Tanzania Safari from Arusha
1. Why is Arusha the best starting point for a Tanzania safari?
Arusha is known as the safari capital of Tanzania because it serves as the gateway to some of the most famous national parks in East Africa. The city is strategically located near Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, and Lake Manyara, making it an ideal starting point for a safari. Arusha has excellent infrastructure, including a good road network for overland safaris and two airports (Arusha Airport and Kilimanjaro International Airport), offering both local and international access. Most safari companies operate from Arusha, making it easy to find experienced guides, well-organized tours, and accommodations for all budgets.
2. How long does it take to reach Serengeti from Arusha?
There are two main ways to travel from Arusha to Serengeti: by road or by air. If you choose to drive, the journey takes about 6-7 hours, passing through Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Along the way, you’ll see stunning landscapes, Maasai villages, and possibly wildlife before even reaching the Serengeti. Although long, the drive itself is an adventure.
If you prefer a quicker and more comfortable option, you can take a 1-hour domestic flight from Arusha Airport (ARK) to Seronera Airstrip in central Serengeti or other nearby airstrips. Flying safari saves time and gives you more hours for game drives, making it a popular choice for short safaris. However, flights are more expensive than driving.
3. What animals can I see on a Tanzania safari from Arusha?
A safari from Arusha offers incredible wildlife viewing as you visit some of the most diverse ecosystems in Africa. You have a high chance of seeing the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), along with cheetahs, hyenas, hippos, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, crocodiles, gazelles, antelopes, and many more. The Serengeti is also home to over 500 species of birds, making it a paradise for bird watchers.
One of the most spectacular sights is the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move across the Serengeti and into Kenya’s Maasai Mara. This natural wonder happens year-round in different parts of the park, so the best time to see it depends on the season.
4. What is the best time to go on a Tanzania safari from Arusha?
The best time for a Tanzania safari depends on what you want to see. The dry season (June to October) is considered the best time because the weather is clear, and animals gather around waterholes, making them easier to spot. This is also the best time to see predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs in action.
If you want to witness the Great Migration, the best months vary:
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December to March – The herds are in the southern Serengeti, where they give birth to thousands of calves.
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April to June – The migration moves north, and the famous river crossings at the Grumeti River happen.
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July to September – The herds cross into Kenya, with dramatic Mara River crossings, where crocodiles lie in wait.
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October to November – The herds move back south to Tanzania.
The green (wet) season from November to May is also great for fewer tourists, lush landscapes, and bird watching, though rain may affect road conditions.
5. Should I drive or fly to Serengeti from Arusha?
Whether to drive or fly depends on your budget, time, and personal preference.
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Driving (6-7 hours) is great for budget travelers and those who enjoy scenic landscapes and wildlife spotting along the way. The drive takes you through Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you might see elephants, zebras, and even Maasai villages. However, it is a long journey, and the roads can be rough.
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Flying (1 hour) is ideal for those who want to save time and maximize game drives in the Serengeti. The aerial view of the plains is stunning, and you avoid the long drive. However, flights are more expensive than driving.
6. What type of accommodation is available on a Tanzania safari?
Tanzania safaris offer different types of accommodations to suit every traveler:
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Luxury Lodges – High-end safari lodges with spacious rooms, en-suite bathrooms, gourmet dining, and top-notch service. Some even have private pools and spa services.
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Mid-Range Tented Camps – Comfortable tented camps with proper beds, en-suite bathrooms, and excellent meals, offering a mix of adventure and comfort.
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Budget Camping – A more adventurous and affordable option where you sleep in tents at public campsites with shared facilities.
Most accommodations are located inside or near national parks, offering an immersive experience in the wild.
7. Is a Tanzania safari safe?
Yes, Tanzania is a safe country for safari travel, and national parks have strict safety regulations. Safaris are led by professional guides who are trained to handle wildlife encounters. You will always be in a safari vehicle during game drives, ensuring a safe distance from animals.
However, it’s important to follow your guide’s instructions, avoid feeding animals, and stay within designated areas, especially at lodges and camps.