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3-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater fly-in safari from Zanzibar with wildlife game drives

Safari ultime de 2 jours au départ de Zanzibar : vol vers le parc national de Tarangire et le cratère du Ngorongoro

Trip Length
3days / 2Night 

Starts/End
Zanzibar

Fly-in
Serengeti & Crater

Live Guides 
German, French & Spanish

Let’s Plan Your Dream Safari Together!

No obligation · 100% private · Local safari experts

« Notre safari de deux jours au départ de Zanzibar, à Tarangire et au cratère du Ngorongoro, méticuleusement planifié et optimisé en termes de temps, est le choix idéal pour les voyageurs qui souhaitent vivre une expérience faunique inoubliable sans sacrifier une seule journée à la plage. Cet itinéraire exclusif en avion vous évite de longs trajets en voiture et vous permet de passer 48 heures à observer les Big Five et à vous émerveiller devant les merveilles naturelles de la vallée du Grand Rift. »

How the 3-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Fly-In Safari Works.

Understanding the logistics builds confidence and helps travelers plan with ease.

Flights From Zanzibar to Serengeti

Your safari begins with a domestic flight from Zanzibar to the Serengeti. Flights are operated by reliable local airlines using light aircraft.

  • Flight time: approximately 2–3 hours

  • Scenic aerial views of Tanzania

  • Land at Serengeti airstrips such as Seronera

Upon landing, your safari guide is waiting, and game drives begin immediately.

Private Safari Guide & Vehicle

This is a private safari, meaning:

  • Your own professional, licensed guide

  • A private 4×4 safari vehicle

  • Flexible game-drive schedules

Private safaris allow better wildlife tracking and a more relaxed experience.

Seamless Return to Zanzibar

After completing the Ngorongoro Crater safari, you fly back to Zanzibar the same day. This keeps Zanzibar as your main base and simplifies international travel plans.

Route Overview

2-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater safari from Zanzibar route map showing fly-in connectionsr safari from Zanzibar

Zanzibar To Serengeti 🇹🇿

  • Start:  Zanzibar (Day 1)

  • Day 1:  Serengeti NP

  • Day 2: Hot Air Balloon

  • Day 3: Crater then Zanzibar

3-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari From Zanzibar – Detailed Itinerary

 

This itinerary is carefully designed to balance wildlife quality, travel time, and comfort. Minor adjustments may be made based on flight schedules and wildlife movement.

Day 1 – Fly From Zanzibar to Serengeti & Afternoon Game Drive

 

Your journey begins with an early pickup from your Zanzibar hotel and transfer to the domestic terminal. You board a light aircraft bound for the Serengeti, enjoying scenic views of northern Tanzania along the way.

Upon landing at a Serengeti airstrip, you are met by your private safari guide. Your first game drive begins immediately, giving you your first taste of the Serengeti’s vast plains and abundant wildlife.

Expect to see:

  • Lions and large herbivore herds

  • Giraffes, zebras, and antelope

  • Possibly cheetahs or leopards

  • Wildebeest migration

You continue game viewing until late afternoon before heading to your lodge or tented camp for dinner and overnight inside or near Serengeti National Park.

Day 2 – Morning Serengeti Game Drive + Hot Air Balloon & Transfer to Ngorongoro Highlands

After an early breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive in the Serengeti with an option for a hot air balloon ride over the plains, one of the best times to see predators in action. Your guide focuses on wildlife hotspots based on recent sightings and seasonal movements.

Late in the morning, you begin your scenic drive toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, passing through changing landscapes and Maasai land. Along the way, optional stops may include:

  • A Maasai village visit

  • Olduvai Gorge, known as the “Cradle of Mankind”

You arrive in the Ngorongoro highlands in the afternoon and check into your lodge near or on the crater rim, where cooler temperatures and dramatic views await.

Day 3 – Ngorongoro Crater Safari & Fly Back to Zanzibar

Day 3 begins early with a descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife areas.

The crater floor is home to:

  • Lions and large buffalo herds

  • Elephants and hippos

  • Flamingos and other birdlife

  • The rare black rhinoceros

After a picnic lunch on the crater floor, you ascend back to the rim and transfer to the nearby airstrip for your flight back to Zanzibar. You arrive the same day, allowing you to continue your beach holiday or prepare for onward travel.

Serengeti National Park – What Makes It Special?

Serengeti National Park is Tanzania’s most famous wildlife destination and a cornerstone of African safari travel.

Wildlife & Big Cats

The Serengeti supports:

  • One of Africa’s largest lion populations

  • Healthy numbers of cheetahs and leopards

  • Year-round wildlife sightings

The Great Migration (Seasonal)

Depending on the time of year, you may encounter the Great Migration, involving millions of wildebeest and zebras moving across the ecosystem.

Landscapes

Endless plains, rocky kopjes, and river systems create diverse habitats that support a wide range of wildlife.

Ngorongoro Crater – A Natural Wildlife Sanctuary

The Ngorongoro Crater is a massive volcanic caldera forming a natural enclosure for wildlife.

Why Ngorongoro Is Unique

  • Extremely high wildlife density

  • Compact area ideal for short safaris

  • One of the best places to see the Big Five in one day

Wildlife Highlights

Lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, flamingos, and endangered black rhinos are commonly seen.

Accommodation Options for the 3-Day Safari

Accommodation is selected based on comfort, location, and reliability.

Luxury Lodges & Tented Camps

  • Prime wildlife locations

  • Ensuite facilities

  • Ideal for honeymoons and special occasions

Mid-Range Safari Lodges

  • Comfortable rooms

  • Excellent value

  • Popular with couples and families

All accommodation is chosen to minimize travel time and maximize wildlife experience.

Other Zanzibar to Serengeti Safaris You May Like

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How Much Does a 3-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari Cost?

Pricing depends on several factors.

What Affects the Price

  • Travel season

  • Accommodation level

  • Number of travelers

What’s Included

  • Domestic flights Zanzibar ↔ Serengeti

  • Park and crater fees

  • Private safari guide and vehicle

  • Accommodation and meals

What’s Not Included

  • International flights

  • Travel insurance

  • Tips and personal expenses

Clear quotations are provided before booking, with no hidden costs.

Best Time for a 3-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari From Zanzibar

This safari can be done year-round.

June to October – Dry Season

  • Excellent wildlife viewing

  • Cooler temperatures

January to March – Calving Season

  • Newborn wildlife in southern Serengeti

  • High predator activity

July to September – Migration Highlights

  • River crossing season in northern Serengeti

Our team advises on the best timing based on your travel dates.

Safety, Guides & Safari Standards

  • Licensed and experienced safari guides

  • Well-maintained 4×4 vehicles

  • Strict adherence to park regulations

Safety and responsible tourism are prioritized throughout your safari.

Why Book Your 3-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari With Us?

Local Tanzania Safari Experts

We are based in Tanzania and specialize exclusively in Tanzania safaris.

Private, Well-Planned Safaris

Every itinerary is customized and privately operated.

Transparent Pricing & Support

No hidden fees, clear communication, and full support from arrival to departure.

3-Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Fly-In Safari From Zanzibar – FAQs

 

Is a 3-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari from Zanzibar worth it?

  • Yes, this safari is one of the most efficient ways to experience Tanzania’s top wildlife destinations in a short time. It includes fly-in access from Zanzibar, maximizing game drive time while avoiding long road transfers. The combination of Serengeti and Ngorongoro delivers excellent wildlife diversity in just three days.

Can I really start and end this safari in Zanzibar?

  • Yes, this itinerary is specifically designed to start and end in Zanzibar. You fly from Zanzibar to the Serengeti and return to Zanzibar after the Ngorongoro Crater safari. This makes planning easy for travelers staying on the island.

Are flights from Zanzibar to the safari parks included?

  • Yes, domestic flights between Zanzibar and the Serengeti are included in the safari package. These flights save significant travel time and allow you to start game drives immediately after landing. Return flights to Zanzibar are also included.

Is 3 days enough to visit both Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater?

  • Yes, the itinerary is carefully planned to cover both parks efficiently. You enjoy game drives in the Serengeti and a full Ngorongoro Crater safari without rushing. Fly-in logistics make this possible within three days.

What wildlife can I expect to see on this safari?

  • You can expect to see lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and many antelope species. The Serengeti is famous for big cats, while Ngorongoro Crater offers one of the best chances to see the Big Five. Wildlife sightings vary by season but are consistently excellent.

Which part of the Serengeti will I visit?

  • The safari usually focuses on Central Serengeti, which offers year-round wildlife viewing. Depending on the season, areas such as Ndutu or northern Serengeti may also be considered. The exact location is chosen to maximize wildlife sightings.

Is this a private safari or a group tour?

  • This is a private safari with your own professional guide and safari vehicle. Private safaris allow flexible game drive timing and a personalized experience. This is ideal for couples, families, and honeymoon travellers.

What type of accommodation is used during the safari?

  • Accommodation includes carefully selected lodges or tented camps in or near the parks. Options range from comfortable mid-range to luxury, depending on your preference. All accommodation is chosen for safety, comfort, and location.

Is the safari suitable for families with children?

  • Yes, this safari can be adapted for families traveling with children. Family-friendly lodges can be selected, and game drive durations can be adjusted. Safety and comfort are always prioritised.

Can this safari be combined with a Zanzibar beach holiday?

  • Yes, this safari is designed to fit perfectly into a Zanzibar beach holiday. You can do the safari during your island stay and return to Zanzibar afterward. This makes it ideal for combining beach and wildlife experiences.

What is the best time to do this 3-day safari from Zanzibar?

  • The safari can be done year-round, but the best time depends on your interests. June to October offers excellent general wildlife viewing, while January to March is great for calving season. Your travel dates will help determine the best experience.

Are park fees and crater fees included?

  • Yes, all national park and Ngorongoro Crater fees are included in the safari price. This ensures smooth access to both parks without extra payments. All inclusions are clearly outlined before booking.

How physically demanding is this safari?

  • This safari is not physically demanding and is suitable for most travelers. Game drives are conducted in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle, and walking is minimal. No special fitness level is required.

Is the safari safe?

  • Yes, the safari is operated by licensed professionals with experienced guides. Vehicles are well maintained, and park regulations are strictly followed. Safety is a top priority throughout the trip.

Why book a 3-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari with local experts?

  • Local experts provide real-time knowledge of wildlife movements and flight logistics. This results in better planning, smoother coordination, and more rewarding game drives. You also benefit from on-ground support throughout the safari.

Is this safari suitable for wheelchair users or travelers with limited mobility?

  • This safari can be adapted for travelers with limited mobility, including wheelchair users in Zanzibar, depending on individual needs and accommodation choice. While game drives are vehicle-based and do not require walking, advance planning is essential to select suitable lodges, vehicles, and routes. We recommend discussing mobility requirements early so the itinerary can be customized safely and comfortably.

Are multilingual guides available and is the safari LGBT-friendly?

  • Yes, multilingual safari guides speaking German, French, Spanish, and Italian can be arranged on request, subject to availability. Tanzania safaris are generally welcoming and professional, and our private safaris are conducted with respect, discretion, and inclusivity for all travelers, including members of the LGBT community. Clear communication in advance ensures a comfortable and well-managed experience.

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