3 Days Tanzania Night Game-Drive Safari to Serengeti Ngorongoro

Join a 3-day Tanzania night game-drive safari. Discover nocturnal predators in Serengeti and Ngorongoro with expert guides and specialized spotlights.

3 Days Experience Nocturnal Wildlife on a Tanzania Night Game-Drive Safari

This 3-day Tanzania night game-drive safari provides a unique chance to see nocturnal animals that are rarely active during the day. You will visit the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park to witness the transition from day to night in the bush. This 3-day night game-drive safari in Tanzania is perfect for travelers wanting to see honey badgers, aardvarks, and predators on the hunt. Our expert guides use specialized spotlights to locate wildlife in the dark safely while maintaining a respectful distance from the animals.

Tour Highlights:

Day 1
Arusha to Ngorongoro Crater (Full Day Tour)
Day 2
Ngorongoro to Serengeti (Half-day game Drive)
Day 3
Serengeti (Morning game drive) – Back to Arusha
Duration 3 Days
🚙
Tour Mode -
🎯
Main Tour Focus -
Tour Type -
Destination/Accommodation
Start
kilimanjaro
Tour Starting Point
1
Day 1
Ngorongoro Crater
Overnight: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
2
Day 2
Central Serengeti
Overnight: Serengeti Sopa Lodge
3
Day 3
Central Serengeti
Overnight: Arusha Serena Hotel
End
arusha
Tour Ending Point

Arrival Day: Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha

Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), our driver will meet you and provide a private transfer to your hotel in Arusha. The drive covers 50 kilometers and takes about 1 hour. During the journey, you can see the local town life and views of Mount Meru. This day is for resting and receiving a briefing from your guide about the unique equipment used on your 3-day night game-drive safari. You will prepare for the upcoming search for nocturnal species and rest well before the adventure begins the following morning.

Destination: Kilimanjaro Airport

Accommodation: Arusha Serena Hotel

  luxury 4 star lodge

Arusha Serena Hotel Images
Arusha Serena Hotel Images
Arusha Serena Hotel Images
Arusha Serena Hotel Images
Arusha Serena Hotel Images
Arusha Serena Hotel Images
Arusha Serena Hotel Images
Arusha Serena Hotel Images
Arusha Serena Hotel

Meals & Drinks: Lunch, Dinner

Day 1: Arusha to Ngorongoro Crater (Full Day Tour)

Arusha to Ngorongoro Crater (Full Day Tour)

After an early breakfast, you will travel from Arusha to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive takes about 3.5 hours and covers 180 kilometers. You will descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full day of game viewing. This area is home to the rare black rhino and large prides of lions. A positive and unexpected moment often occurs as the sun begins to set over the crater rim, casting long shadows and changing the behavior of the animals as they prepare for the night. You will enjoy a picnic lunch near the hippo pool before ascending to your lodge on the rim for dinner and an overnight stay.

Destination: Ngorongoro Crater

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

  luxury 4 star lodge

Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge Images
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge Images
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge Images
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge Images
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge Images
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge Images
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge Images
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge Images
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge Images
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge Images

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Ngorongoro to Serengeti (Half-day game Drive)

Ngorongoro to Serengeti (Half-day game Drive)

Today your 3-day night game-drive safari in Tanzania continues toward the central Serengeti National Park. The journey covers about 145 kilometers and takes roughly 4 hours. After an afternoon game drive to see leopards and cheetahs, the highlight of this tour begins as darkness falls. In authorized areas of the Serengeti, you will head out for a night game drive. You might experience the exciting sight of a pride of lions beginning their nightly hunt or a rare aardvark searching for termites. The use of infrared or filtered spotlights allows you to see the glowing eyes of predators in the dark, a thrill that daytime safaris cannot provide

Destination: Central Serengeti

Accommodation: Serengeti Sopa Lodge

  luxury 4 star lodge

Mid rage 3 star lodge
Semi luxury 4 star lodge

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Serengeti (Morning game drive) – Back to Arusha

Serengeti (Morning game drive) – Back to Arusha

The final day of your 3-day Tanzania night game-drive safari begins with a sunrise game drive at 6:00 AM. This is a great time to see the transition of activity as nocturnal animals find cover and daytime animals wake up. You may see a leopard returning from a night of hunting with its kill. After a mid-morning breakfast, you will begin the return journey to Arusha, covering 330 kilometers in about 7 hours. Along the way, you will pass through the scenic highlands and local markets. You will arrive in Arusha in the late evening for your flight home or an overnight stay.

Destination: Central Serengeti

Accommodation: Arusha Serena Hotel

  luxury 4 star lodge

Arusha Serena Hotel Images
Arusha Serena Hotel Images
Arusha Serena Hotel Images
Arusha Serena Hotel Images
Arusha Serena Hotel Images
Arusha Serena Hotel Images
Arusha Serena Hotel Images
Arusha Serena Hotel Images
Arusha Serena Hotel

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

TOUR PRICE/COST

We offer two pricing options:

  •   Private Tour (Sharing Price)
  • The cost is shared within your private group. More people means a lower price per person.

  •   Group Joining Tour
  • Join others on a fixed-date tour at a set per-person rate—ideal for solo travelers or small groups.

    Private (Shared) Price

    Pricing Notice: No activities or park fees were found for this itinerary (ID: 2502). Please check the admin panel and ensure fees are selected and saved.

    PRICE INCLUSIONS & PRICE EXCLUSIONS

    Inclusions
  •  Rescue fee
  •  Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)
  •  All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)
  •  All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
  •  All Taxes/VAT
  • Exclusions
  •  International flights to/from the start/end of the tour
  •  Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  •  Tips: tipping guideline
  •  Personal items
  •  Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
  • The Booking Form

    RELATED FAQS ABOUT 3 Days Tanzania Night Game-Drive Safari to Serengeti Ngorongoro

    What makes the experience in an open-sided safari car different on this three-day journey?

    Traveling in an open car provides an immersive experience where you can hear the sounds of the bush and feel the breeze as you drive. It offers unobstructed views for photography and wildlife spotting, allowing you to see animals without any glass or pillars in the way. This type of vehicle is perfect for those who want a closer connection to the Tanzanian wilderness.

    How likely is it to spot the Big Five during this 3-day open-vehicle safari to Serengeti and Ngorongoro?

    The unobstructed view from our open-vehicle safari makes it much easier to spot predators like leopards or rhinos that might be tucked away in the thickets. While wildlife sightings depend on luck and nature, our guides focus on the best habitats in the Serengeti and the crater floor to maximize your chances. You will spend most of your time in high-density wildlife areas specifically chosen for their Big Five populations.

    How do guests protect themselves from dust and sun while traveling in these specialized vehicles?

    We recommend wearing light, breathable clothing and using a high-SPF sunscreen to protect your skin from the African sun. Most open cars are equipped with a canopy roof to provide shade while still keeping the sides open for viewing. It is also helpful to bring a scarf or buff to cover your nose and mouth on dusty roads in the Serengeti

    What is the typical daily schedule for this short three-day exploration of Northern Tanzania?

    Your days will begin with an early morning game drive when animals are most active and the temperatures are still cool. After a picnic lunch in a scenic spot, you will continue exploring different parts of the park until the late afternoon. The schedule is designed to balance exciting animal encounters with relaxing evenings at your lodge or camp.

    Where do travelers stay during this short wildlife expedition?

    We offer a range of accommodations from luxury tented camps that sit right in the heart of the bush to comfortable lodges on the crater rim. These stays are chosen for their high standards of service, private bathrooms, and excellent dining facilities. Staying inside or near the park boundaries ensures you spend more time on safari and less time traveling.

    Can I request a private trip or add extra activities like a balloon ride?

    Yes, you can easily customize this package to be a private tour for your family or group of friends. You can also add a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the Serengeti plains to get an aerial view of the migrating herds. Simply let us know your preferences during the booking process so we can adjust the logistics and permits.

    Are these vehicles better for professional photography compared to standard closed ones?

    Professional photographers often prefer open-sided cars because they offer a lower vantage point and no window reflections. You can easily move your camera from side to side to follow the action of a hunting lion or a running cheetah. The lack of barriers ensures that your shots are clear and captured from the best possible angles.

    What happens if it rains during our time in the Serengeti?

    Our open vehicles are equipped with high-quality roll-down waterproof covers that can be quickly deployed if a shower occurs. These covers protect you and your camera gear while still allowing for a view of the landscape through clear sections. Even in the rain, the experience remains exciting as the animals often change their behavior during a downpour.

    What kind of dining options are available during the day in the parks?

    We provide full-board meals that include a mix of hot breakfasts, picnic lunch boxes for the field, and multi-course dinners. Your lunch box usually contains fresh fruit, sandwiches, or chicken, and we can cater to any dietary needs such as vegetarian or gluten-free. Staying hydrated is important, so we always keep a supply of bottled water in the vehicle

    Is it safe to be in an open-sided vehicle when near large predators like lions?

    Our guides are highly trained professionals who understand animal behavior and maintain a safe distance from all wildlife. Animals in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro are generally accustomed to the presence of vehicles and do not see the passengers as a threat or food source. We follow strict park regulations to ensure your safety while providing a thrilling and up-close encounter with nature.

    REVIEWS FOR 3 Days Experience Nocturnal Wildlife on a Tanzania Night Game-Drive Safari

    Write a Review

    Fast, Professional, and Full of Wildlife Wonders

    5/5

    The nocturnal drives were the highlight of my life. Seeing a leopard hunt under the stars was a surreal experience that I never thought possible. Burigi Chato Safaris CO LTD handled the logistics perfectly and made us feel safe the whole time.

    By: Chloe Lefebvre
    From: Flag AU

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    A Crater Teeming with Wildlife from Above

    5/5

    I was amazed by how much wildlife comes out at night. We saw honey badgers and a serval cat within the first hour of our evening excursion. The guide was incredibly talented at spotting eyes in the distance.

    By: Chloe Thompson
    From: Flag DE

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    So Much to See in So Little Time

    5/5

    This three-day journey was the perfect amount of time to see both the crater and the plains. The spotlighting sessions added a layer of mystery and excitement that you just don't get during the day.

    By: klein weber
    From: Flag AU

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    Flawless Planning and Incredible Lion Sightings

    5/5

    : Watching the lions wake up and start their hunt was breathtaking. The organization by Burigi Chato Safaris CO LTD was top-notch from the moment they picked us up. I would highly recommend this specific nocturnal package to any true nature lover.

    By: Robert Brown
    From: Flag IT

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    A Crater Teeming with Wildlife from Above

    5/5

    A very well-planned safari that exceeded all our expectations. The equipment provided for the night viewing was professional and worked perfectly to find hidden animals. It was a short trip but we saw more than we did on our last ten-day safari.

    By: michael thomas
    From: Flag FR

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    Fast, Professional, and Full of Wildlife Wonders

    5/5

    Our guide was a walking encyclopedia of animal behavior. He explained everything we were seeing in the dark, from the owls to the hippos grazing far from the water. The food and lodging were also excellent throughout.

    By: Isabella Rossi
    From: Flag AU

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    Safe, Welcoming, and Full of Wildlife

    5/5

    The Ngorongoro views are stunning, but the Serengeti night drive was the true winner. We were lucky enough to see a hyena clan competing with lions over a kill. It was intense and the best photography opportunity I have ever had.

    By: Jessica Smith
    From: Flag AU

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    Comfortable Ride and a Memorable Picnic Stop

    5/5

    Everything about this trip was seamless. The transition from the sunny afternoon drive to the cool evening spotlighting was handled with great care. Burigi Chato Safaris CO LTD is clearly an expert in these types of specialized tours.

    By: Heidi Schmidt
    From: Flag FR

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    Making Friends Over a Lion Hunt

    5/5

    Exploring the bush after dark felt like being in a different world. The stars over the Serengeti are incredibly bright and the animal sounds are so loud at night. I will definitely be coming back for a longer version of this adventure.

    By: Maria Conti
    From: Flag IT

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    Safe, Welcoming, and Full of Wildlife

    5/5

    If you want to see the real action of the African bush, you have to go out at night. We saw so many predators that are usually just sleeping during the day. The entire three-day itinerary was packed with action and beautiful scenery.

    By: Mark van der Berg
    From: Flag AU

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