Multi-day from Zanzibar

Serengeti and Ngorongoro in 3 days

Fly to Arusha, then into the Serengeti and down into the Ngorongoro Crater, and return to the beach.

Plan this safari See the plan

Duration3 days, 2 nights

FlightVia Arusha, then a light-aircraft hop

Best seasonYear-round. The Great Migration moves, so we advise on timing.

Best forGuests with limited time who want the big names

Your flight path

DepartZanzibar Via Arusha, then a light-aircraft hopSerengeti and Ngorongoro Crater

If you want the most famous scenery in Africa without a long road safari, this fast-moving trip links Zanzibar with the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater by air. It is intensive but rewarding, with the big plains, the big cats and one of the world's great natural wonders.

Flights usually connect through Arusha or Dar es Salaam, depending on schedules. We confirm timings in your proposal.

Highlights

Open Serengeti plains and big cats
Descent into the Ngorongoro Crater
A chance to see the Great Migration, depending on the season
Two nights in camps or lodges chosen for the area
Return to the beach to recover

Day by day

How your safari unfolds

Timings are a guide. We confirm the final schedule with the flights available on your date.

Day 1
Zanzibar to the Serengeti
Fly from Zanzibar to Arusha and on to the Serengeti by light aircraft. Your guide meets you on the airstrip for an afternoon game drive, then you settle into camp.
Day 2
Serengeti to Ngorongoro
A morning game drive in the Serengeti, then a drive to the Ngorongoro highlands. Overnight on the crater rim, with views over the caldera.
Day 3
Crater floor and return
Descend into the crater for a game drive among rhinos, lions, hippos and flamingos. After a picnic lunch, drive to Arusha and fly back to Zanzibar.

From our safari specialists

Learn more about the parks

Our partner Upcountry Adventures runs full multi-day safaris in these parks. Their destination pages go deeper on wildlife, seasons and where to stay.

Serengeti National Park

Open plains, big cats and the wildebeest migration, with safari tours and hot air balloon safaris.

Read on Upcountry Adventures →

Ngorongoro Crater

A vast volcanic crater packed with wildlife, with safari and cultural tour options.

Read on Upcountry Adventures →

What you may see

Wildlife

Sightings are never guaranteed, but your guide knows where to look and when.

Lion and cheetah

On the Serengeti plains

Elephant and buffalo

In both parks

Black rhino

Seen in the Ngorongoro Crater with luck

Wildebeest and zebra

Seasonal herds

Hippo and flamingo

In the crater

Leopard

In acacia trees along rivers

What is included

Return flights from Zanzibar, as set out in your proposal
Private transfers between your hotel and the airport
Park entry fees and conservation fees
A licensed local guide and a safari vehicle or boat
Meals and drinks as listed in your day plan
A local planner on WhatsApp on the day

Not included

Tips for guides and camp staff
Travel insurance, which we strongly advise you to carry
Alcohol and drinks not listed
Personal spending and souvenirs
Any change of flights caused by weather or schedules (we help you rebook)

Good to know

Is three days too short?

It is fast, but very rewarding. For a deeper trip, we can extend to four or five days.

Will I see the Great Migration?

The herds move through the year. We advise on the best area and time for your dates, but cannot guarantee sightings.

Is it tiring?

There is flying and driving, with early starts. Mornings are long, afternoons are easier.

Can I connect with a full safari?

Yes. We can link this with a longer safari through our safari partner.

More fly-in safaris

Nyerere (Selous) day trip

A short scenic flight, then a game drive or a boat safari on the Rufiji River, and back on the beach for dinner.

Day tripAbout 45 to 60 minutes each way

Nyerere overnight

Add a night in camp for dawn and dusk game drives, when the animals are most active.

1 nightAbout 45 to 60 minutes each way

Nyerere two nights: river, bush and walking

Two nights in camp, with time for a boat safari, game drives and a walking safari.

2 nightsAbout 45 to 60 minutes each way

Request this safari