Tanzania Safari Review: 3 Days in Serengeti & Ngorongoro

Thinking about a quick trip to Tanzania to see some amazing animals? Well, a 3-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater safari might just be what you need. It’s a really popular option for people with limited time, or maybe who want to add a wildlife trip to, you know, a beach vacation in Zanzibar. I spent a bit experiencing one, and, as a matter of fact, I’m going to give you my review of it, plus some recommendations if you’re thinking of planning your own.

Why Choose a Short Safari?

First things first, let’s think about why a shorter safari could be right. You see, not everyone has weeks to spend searching for the Big Five. A 3-day safari means you get to experience some prime wildlife areas without using up too much vacation time. That is, and it’s often easier on the wallet, too, making it an option for budget-conscious travellers. So too it’s almost like a sampler platter of what Tanzania has to offer, and you can always come back for a longer visit!

Time and Budget Friendly: So a 3-day safari allows you to see a lot in a short amount of time without spending all of your vacation funds.
Great Add-On: It is perfect, too it’s almost, if you’re already planning to visit other parts of East Africa.

Day 1: Arrival and Serengeti National Park

My safari, it turns out, started in Arusha, the gateway city to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. Actually, after a quick briefing, we hopped into a sturdy 4×4 –that is, very important for those bumpy roads! Then, it’s off to the Serengeti! It is quite a drive, that is, maybe around 6-7 hours, including a stop at the Ngorongoro Conservation Area gate.

The first view of the Serengeti, very, is pretty stunning. It really is a vast, seemingly endless plain. So it’s a truly humbling experience. On our first game drive that afternoon, we, you know, saw herds of zebras, giraffes gracefully munching on acacia trees, plus quite a few elephants. Then, that evening, we arrived at our accommodation – a comfy tented camp, by the way – just as the sun was starting to dip below the horizon, painting the sky orange and pink.

Morning: Transfer from Arusha to Serengeti.
Afternoon: First game drive in central Serengeti.
Evening: Arrive at your accommodation (tented camp or lodge) and unwind.

Day 2: Full Day Serengeti Exploration

Day two, well, this was the heart of the safari! An entire day dedicated to exploring the Serengeti, that is, really something. After an early wake-up, we set off, and our guide, his name was Joseph, by the way, was extremely skilled at spotting wildlife. So that meant we got to see a whole range of animals. We saw a pride of lions lazing around after what was most likely a hefty meal, a cheetah skillfully stalking a gazelle, and just tons of different bird species.

We had a picnic lunch, too it’s almost, out in the bush – an unforgettable experience, that. We’re talking the wide-open plains, the sounds of the wild all around us, and really not another human in sight. Actually, the vastness of the Serengeti, still, it really hits you at moments like that. In the afternoon, we kept exploring different areas, and Joseph shared extremely interesting info about animal behaviour, local plant life, and just the area, really. Later on, as the sun went down, we drove back to our camp, pretty tired but filled with what we’d experienced.

Morning: Early morning game drive, with optimal chances to see predators active.
Afternoon: Exploration continues, covering varied regions of the Serengeti.
Evening: Rest at your accommodation and enjoy the sounds of the African night.

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater and Departure

Day three, well, it started early again, with a drive toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You see, the Ngorongoro Crater that is basically a giant volcanic caldera. Then, once we got to the crater rim, the view that is really unbelievable. Descending into the crater very, is also an adventure in itself – that’s a steep and winding road, by the way.

The crater, you know, teems with wildlife. It’s a contained ecosystem, which really makes for really easy wildlife spotting. I’m talking rhinos, which, in fact, are quite rare to see, hippos chilling in the pools, plus more lions, flamingos, and various species of antelopes. We spent the morning exploring the crater floor, taking tons of pictures, that is, really something. We had lunch, still, by a hippo pool, before starting our drive back to Arusha in the afternoon. I had enough time to get a flight out that evening, that is, exhausted but so thrilled with the short but sweet safari experience.

Morning: Early start, drive to Ngorongoro Crater.
Full Day: Exploration within the crater, a real place to see wildlife.
Afternoon: Drive back to Arusha for departure.

Accommodation and Food

For accommodations, options can range, of course, from basic tented camps to really high-end lodges. That is, the tented camps they usually offer a really comfortable bed, a private bathroom with a toilet, as a matter of fact, plus a shower. That is, you’re still in the wild, alright, so don’t expect five-star amenities, even. Lodges, in fact, generally, feature things, very, like swimming pools, multiple dining options, that is, and better electricity. Then, the food that I experienced was pretty decent. You see, you will get buffet-style meals with soups, salads, some local dishes, and plenty of fruits.

So too it’s almost always best to check reviews and do what feels right for your travel preferences when it comes to making the travel arrangements to ensure everything is done professionally. After all, this is one trip that’s meant to be memorable and relaxing for any group!

Tented Camps: Really comfortable with necessary facilities; expect being closer to nature.
Lodges: Really feature more upscale options like swimming pools and several dining choices.
Food: You can typically get buffet-style meals featuring local and continental options.

What to Pack

Packing for a safari you, just a little, requires thought, of course, to make certain you are ready for the weather conditions plus the activities planned. Things, too, like:

Clothes: You are going to want lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing. A long-sleeved shirt or too is almost crucial, of course, for mosquito protection at night.
Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are, like your, extremely important, especially if you’re planning on walking safaris.
Sun Protection: Sunscreen, a hat, of course, and sunglasses are, as a matter of fact, always useful.
Insect Repellent: A reliable insect repellent, anyway, is extremely necessary to guard against mosquito bites.
Binoculars and Camera: A good pair of binoculars plus a camera, seriously, are actually useful for wildlife viewing and capturing those memories.
Personal Items That’s always a really long list but bring your toothbrush!

Things to Keep in Mind

Before you commit to a safari, here are really a few points that may be really useful:

Best Time to Visit: That actually varies by what you are after, or course! The dry season (June to October) is great for seeing animals, yet, the green season (November to May) means fewer crowds plus some spectacular scenery.
Health Precautions: You will want to visit a doctor, you know, before your trip to talk about any needed vaccinations, that, and malaria preventatives.
Travel Insurance: Always seriously get travel insurance that includes medical evacuation, honestly, just in case.
Respect Wildlife: Keep a safe distance, you know, from animals, actually, and listen to your guide’s instructions. It’s, in fact, their home, so be courteous.

Is a 3-Day Safari Worth It?

So, circling back: Is a 3-day safari enough to appreciate what Tanzania has? That may depend, of course, on your expectations. If you are looking for an intensive, very thorough experience, very, then probably longer is, kind of, useful. But, if you are shorter on time, right, or want a quick, like your, taste of what East Africa offers, well, then three days will certainly offer you some truly memorable animal viewings in extremely impressive settings. What really sold it for me it seems, basically, the contrast between the Serengeti plains plus the unbelievable Ngorongoro Crater. Both are extremely unique places that actually offer so many chances to experience some great animal sightings. You are, literally, not going to see it all, maybe, but you will get some wonderful tastes!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to go on safari in Serengeti and Ngorongoro?

The very dry season from June to October is, of course, ideal for, actually, wildlife viewing due to the reduced vegetation and animals assembling near water sources. Though, actually, keep in mind the high season will probably mean extra crowds, you see, so you will want to factor this, kind of, into making your travel decisions. A thing, honestly, to do!

Are visas required for Tanzania?

You actually will require a visa for Tanzania, or, so, that is easily purchased online ahead of your travels and or on arrival in the East African nation itself, still, do verify all requirements on any main government sites to, I mean, make certain your info that is right, right, due to policy differences always in effect!

Is it safe to drink tap water?

It actually is normally advised to just stick to drinking bottled or treated water at safari venues and urban regions and it’s often wise, for example, to test, I mean, whether water used to really wash salad will also not trigger ailments for guests.