3 Days Tanzania Open-Vehicle Safari to Serengeti and Ngorongoro

Book a 3-day Tanzania open-vehicle safari to Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Enjoy 360-degree views of lions and rhinos on this 3-day open-vehicle safari.

3 Days Tanzania Open-Vehicle Safari to Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater

This 3-day Tanzania open-vehicle safari provides an immersive wildlife experience in the most famous parks. You will travel in a specially designed vehicle with open sides, offering unobstructed views and better photography opportunities. Explore the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park to see the Big Five. This 3-day open-vehicle safari in Tanzania is ideal for those who want to feel closer to nature while guided by professional experts.

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), your driver will meet you and provide a private transfer to your hotel in Arusha. This 50-kilometer drive takes about 1 hour. You will see local coffee farms and the peak of Mount Meru along the way. This day is for resting and receiving a briefing about your 3-day open-vehicle safari in Tanzania. You will meet your guide to discuss the route and the special features of the open-sided vehicle that you will use for the wildlife viewing days.

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 breakfast, you will drive 180 kilometers from Arusha to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which takes about 3.5 hours. You will descend into the crater floor for a full day of wildlife viewing. Because you are on a 3-day open-vehicle safari, you will have a clear, panoramic view of the rare black rhino and the large prides of lions. A positive and unexpected moment often occurs when a curious elephant walks very close to the vehicle, allowing you to hear its breathing and see the texture of its skin without a glass window in the way. You will enjoy a picnic lunch near the hippo pool before ascending to your lodge for dinner

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 open-vehicle safari continues toward the central Serengeti National Park. The journey is approximately 145 kilometers and takes roughly 4 hours. As you travel through the highlands and into the plains, the open vehicle allows you to smell the fresh savannah air and hear the calls of birds clearly. In the afternoon, you will explore the Seronera Valley, famous for its leopards. You might experience the exciting sight of a leopard resting on a low branch of a sausage tree, perfectly visible through the open sides of your car. You will spend the night at a safari camp inside the park.

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 open-vehicle safari in Tanzania begins with a sunrise game drive at 6:00 AM. This is the prime time to see cheetahs and lions while they are still active. A positive moment you may experience is hearing the powerful roar of a lion vibrating through the open vehicle, an experience that is much more intense than in a closed car. After a late breakfast, you will begin the return journey to Arusha. The drive is about 330 kilometers and takes 7 to 8 hours. You will pass through scenic landscapes and local villages, arriving in Arusha in the late evening for your flight home.

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: 2508). 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 Open-Vehicle Safari to Serengeti and 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 Tanzania Open-Vehicle Safari to Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater

    Write a Review

    An Unforgettable One-Day Wildlife Adventure

    5/5

    The open-sided car made a huge difference for my photography and I loved feeling the breeze on the plains. Burigi Chato Safaris CO LTD organized everything perfectly and the guide was a true professional.

    By: Mark van der Berg
    From: Flag AU

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    Impressive Knowledge and Help Finding the Qibla

    5/5

    Seeing a pride of lions from an open vehicle was a bit scary at first but mostly incredible. The Ngorongoro Crater is like a lost world and we saw so much in just one day.

    By: Jessica Taylor
    From: Flag AU

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    Celebrated Every Step of the Way on a Movie-Like Safari

    5/5

    Our guide from Burigi Chato Safaris CO LTD was an expert at finding the elusive leopard in the Serengeti. The lodge was comfortable and the food was surprisingly good for being in the middle of the bush. I highly recommend this company for a short but intense trip.

    By: Chloe Dubois
    From: Flag DE

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    Romance and Serenity on a Perfect Safari Day

    5/5

    I loved the unobstructed views and the feeling of being truly out in the wild. Three days was just enough to see the highlights of the northern circuit.

    By: Carlos Gomez
    From: Flag AU

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    The Best Day of Our Lives in a Breathtaking Place

    5/5

    The organization was top-notch and we felt very safe even when a lion walked right past our car. It was an experience that I will never forget and I will definitely be back.

    By: sarah jenkin
    From: Flag AU

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    The Halal food was excellent and the guide was very respectful of our prayer times throughout the day.

    5/5

    Burigi Chato Safaris CO LTD provided a fantastic experience and we managed to see all of the Big Five. The crater floor was teeming with wildlife and the open vehicle was the best way to see it all.

    By: Heidi Schmidt
    From: Flag AU

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    Romance and Serenity on a Perfect Safari Day

    5/5

    Great value for money and a very knowledgeable guide who spoke perfect English. The tented camp was luxurious and the beds were very comfortable after a long day of game drives.

    By: Marc Lefebvre
    From: Flag DE

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    Impressive Knowledge and Help Finding the Qibla

    5/5

    The photography opportunities were endless because there were no windows in the way. Every detail was handled with care and we never felt rushed during our game drives.

    By: James Harrison
    From: Flag GB

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    Romance and Serenity on a Perfect Safari Day

    5/5

    This was a very efficient way to see the best of Tanzania in a short amount of time. The Serengeti plains are vast and beautiful, and the open car made us feel like we were part of the landscape.

    By: sarah muller
    From: Flag AU

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    "Effortless Safari Experience from Start to Finish

    5/5

    I was impressed by how many animals we saw in just three days. The service was excellent and the whole journey was smooth from the moment we were picked up in Arusha.

    By: Emily safaris
    From: Flag US

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