3 Days Tanzania Safari in December to Serengeti and Ngorongoro

Experience a 3-day Tanzania Safari In December. See the Big Five in Serengeti and Ngorongoro during the lush green season with expert local guides.

3 Days Explore the Green Season Tanzania Safari In December

This 3-day Tanzania Safari In December takes you through the lush landscapes of the northern circuit during the start of the green season. You will visit the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park when the plains are vibrant and the dust has settled. This 3-day Safari In December is perfect for bird watchers as migratory species arrive from Europe. It is also a time of high activity as many animals begin calving. Our 3-day Safari In December in Tanzania offers a fresh perspective of the wild.

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 Tortilis Camp
2
Day 2
Central Serengeti
Overnight: Serengeti Serena Safari 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. In December, the town is often lively with a festive atmosphere. A positive and unexpected moment often occurs during this drive when the clouds part after a refreshing afternoon shower to reveal a clear, stunning view of Mount Meru. This day is for resting and receiving a briefing for your 3-day Tanzania Safari In December.

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. In December, the crater floor is covered in a carpet of green grass, making it a beautiful place to see the rare black rhino and large prides of lions. A positive moment often experienced here is spotting newborn zebras or wildebeests taking their first steps. You will enjoy a picnic lunch near the hippo pool before ascending the rim for dinner at your lodge.

Destination: Ngorongoro Crater

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp Images
Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp Images
Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp Images
Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp Images
Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp Images
Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp Images
Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp Images
Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp Images
Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp 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 Safari In December continues toward the Serengeti National Park. The journey is approximately 145 kilometers and takes roughly 4 hours. As you drive through the highlands, you will witness the landscape changing into vast, open plains. In the afternoon, you will enter the Seronera Valley for a game drive. This area is famous for its big cats. You might experience the exciting sight of a leopard resting in a sausage tree while colorful migratory birds, like the European Roller, fly nearby. You will spend the night at a safari camp, listening to the sounds of the African bush.

Destination: Central Serengeti

Accommodation: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

  luxury 4 star lodge

Aerial view - Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Standard Room - Extra beds - Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Breakfast, lunch and dinner served 33 - Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Breakfast, lunch and dinner served - Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Breakfast, lunch and dinner served 2 - Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Breakfast, lunch and dinner served 3 - Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Exterior - Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Facials, massage - treatment rooms - Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
food and drinks - Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Free daily English breakfast - Serengeti Serena Safari 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 Safari In December in Tanzania begins with a sunrise game drive at 6:00 AM. This is the prime time to see predators like cheetahs and hyenas before they seek shade. A positive highlight often seen in December is a pride of lions playing in the tall, fresh grass under the soft morning light. After a late breakfast, you will begin the return journey to Arusha. The drive covers 330 kilometers and takes about 7 to 8 hours. You will pass through scenic Rift Valley viewpoints and local markets before arriving in Arusha in the evening for your departure.

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: 2624). 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 Safari in December to Serengeti and Ngorongoro

    What kind of weather should I expect on a three-day Tanzanian safari during the month of December?

    December marks the short rainy season, so you might see brief afternoon showers. These rains turn the landscape a lush green and help settle the dust on the roads. Temperatures are generally warm during the day but can drop slightly at night, especially around the crater rim. It is a beautiful time to visit because the scenery is vibrant and full of life

    Is it possible to see the Big Five during this short December expedition to Serengeti and Ngorongoro?

    Yes, the high concentration of animals in the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti makes it very likely to spot the Big Five. The fresh green grass attracts many herbivores, which in turn brings out predators like lions and leopards. Our guides are experts at navigating the terrain to give you the best possible viewing chances. Even with the rains, wildlife viewing remains spectacular throughout the region.

    Can I customize my three-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro December holiday to include a hot air balloon flight?

    You can certainly add a sunrise balloon flight as an extra activity on the second morning of your trip. This experience offers a unique perspective of the migrating herds from above before you continue with your ground game drives. It is a fantastic way to celebrate the festive season in the heart of the wilderness. This upgrade can be pre-arranged to ensure availability during the busy holiday period

    Where is the Great Migration located during a safari in December?

    During December, the wildebeest herds are usually moving towards the southern Serengeti and the Ndutu plains. This is a great time to witness the start of the calving season, where thousands of newborns are born daily. Predators are often very active in these areas, hoping to catch young calves. It creates a very intense and dramatic wildlife experience for visitors.

    How is the travel managed for such a short three-day trip from Arusha?

    To maximize your time with the animals, we start very early from Arusha to reach the Serengeti by the first afternoon. We use well-maintained 4x4 vehicles to navigate the roads efficiently and ensure you spend most of your daylight hours on game drives. Every hour is planned to balance travel with high-quality wildlife encounters. This ensures you see the highlights without feeling overly rushed

    What type of accommodation is provided during this festive season safari?

    We offer a range of options from mid-range tented camps to luxury lodges, many of which host special Christmas and New Year dinners. These accommodations provide private bathrooms, quality meals, and a true bush experience under the African stars. You can choose the level of comfort that best fits your budget and holiday preferences. Each location is chosen for its safety and proximity to the main game-viewing areas.

    What amenities are available in the safari vehicles for our comfort?

    Our 4x4 Land Cruisers are equipped with pop-up roofs for 360-degree viewing and charging ports for your electronics. We also provide a fridge with cold bottled water and books to help you identify the birds and animals you see. The vehicles are designed to handle the rough terrain while keeping you as comfortable as possible. Each guest is guaranteed a window seat for the best possible views

    Is this short three-day December tour suitable for families with children?

    This trip is a great way for families to see a lot of wildlife in a short period. We provide child-friendly vehicles and can adjust the pace of the game drives to keep the little ones engaged. It is an educational experience that children usually find to be the highlight of their winter holiday. Many lodges also offer family suites to keep everyone together comfortably

    How is the bird watching during a December safari in Northern Tanzania?

    December is a prime time for birding as many migratory species from Europe and Northern Africa are present. You will see vibrant colors and hear diverse calls across the different habitats of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Our guides are knowledgeable about avian life and can help you identify rare species throughout the journey. The green landscape provides a stunning backdrop for photography.

    Can we alter the itinerary to include a visit to a Maasai village?

    We can easily add a visit to a Maasai boma near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area during your transition between parks. This cultural activity allows you to learn about traditional customs and see how the local communities live alongside wildlife. It is a wonderful way to add a human element to your wildlife focused adventure. The visit usually takes about an hour and is highly recommended.

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