3 Days Tanzania Safari in January to Serengeti

Experience a 3-day Tanzania Safari In January. See the calving season and the Big Five in Serengeti and Ngorongoro with expert guides on this short tour.

3 Days Tanzania best Safari In January to Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater

This 3-day Tanzania Safari In January offers a unique opportunity to see the northern circuit during the short dry season. You will visit the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park when the landscape is vibrant and green. January marks the beginning of the calving season for the wildebeest migration, attracting many predators to the plains. This 3-day Safari In January in Tanzania is perfect for high-quality wildlife viewing and bird watching with expert local guides.

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 Serena Safari Lodge
3
Day 3
Central Serengeti
Overnight: Arusha Serena Hotel
End
arusha
Tour Ending Point

Arrival Day: Kilimanjaro Airport and Transfer to Arusha

Kilimanjaro Airport and Transfer 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 will see local coffee plantations and the bustling life of Arusha town. A positive and unexpected moment often occurs during this drive when the clear January skies reveal a stunning, unobstructed view of the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. You will spend the evening resting and receiving a briefing about your 3-day Safari In January.

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: Breakfast, 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 180 kilometers from Arusha to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a journey of approximately 3.5 hours. You will spend the day on the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater, which is exceptionally green and lush in January. This is a prime location to spot the rare black rhino and large prides of lions. A positive and unexpected moment often happens at Lake Magadi, where you can see thousands of flamingos creating a bright pink border against the deep green grass of the crater floor. After a picnic lunch, you will ascend the crater rim 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 Tanzania Safari In January continues as you travel 145 kilometers toward the central Serengeti National Park. The drive takes roughly 4 hours, passing through the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands and past Maasai villages. In the afternoon, you will enter the Seronera Valley for a game drive. This area is famous for its leopard population and vast savannahs. You might experience the exciting sight of a leopard resting in a large acacia tree while surrounded by the colorful wild flowers that bloom across the plains in January. You will spend the night at a safari camp located in the heart of the park.

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 January begins with an early morning game drive at 6:00 AM. This is the best time to see predators like lions and cheetahs while they are still active in the cool air. Witnessing the sunrise over the endless Serengeti plains is a quiet and beautiful highlight of the trip. After a late breakfast at the camp, you will begin the return journey to Arusha. The drive covers 330 kilometers and takes about 7 to 8 hours. An unexpected positive moment often occurs when you encounter a massive herd of zebras moving toward the southern plains, their stripes creating a beautiful pattern against the morning sun. You will arrive in Arusha in the 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: 2630). 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 January to Serengeti

    Is it possible to witness the Big Five during a three-day Tanzanian January journey across Serengeti and Ngorongoro?

    While nature is unpredictable, this short tour visits the most animal rich regions in the country. January is an excellent time to spot lions, elephants, and buffaloes in the Serengeti, while the Ngorongoro Crater is a reliable location for the rare black rhino. Our experienced guides focus on high density areas to give you the best chance of completing the list in just seventy two hours.

    How does the weather in January affect a short 3-day wildlife tour?

    January falls during the short dry season, offering clear blue skies and lush green landscapes from previous rains. The dust is minimal and the air is very clear, making it a perfect time for photography. It is generally warm during the day but can still be quite chilly on the crater rim in the early morning.

    Can I see the start of the wildebeest calving season during this trip?

    January is the month when the great migration herds begin to gather on the southern plains for the calving season. You will see thousands of wildebeest and zebras congregating in the Ndutu and southern Serengeti regions. This abundance of young life also attracts many predators like cheetahs and lions.

    What type of vehicle is used for the road trip from Arusha to the parks?

    We use specially modified 4x4 Land Cruisers equipped with pop-up roofs for a 360 degree view of the animals. These vehicles feature heavy duty suspension to handle the rough Tanzanian tracks comfortably. Each car also has charging ports for your electronics and a small fridge for cold drinks.

    Are there options to fly between the parks to save time on a 3-day schedule?

    Yes, you can customize your package to include a flight from Arusha directly into the Serengeti. This saves several hours of driving and allows for an extra afternoon game drive. We can easily arrange for a vehicle to meet you at the bush airstrip upon your arrival.

    What kind of charging facilities are available in the safari cars and lodges?

    All of our vehicles are fitted with internal power outlets so you can keep your camera and phone batteries charged while on the move. Most lodges and tented camps also offer charging stations in the main lounge or in your private room. This ensures you never miss a photo opportunity due to a dead battery.

    Can we visit a Maasai boma near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area during the tour?

    We can easily alter the final day to include a cultural visit to a local Maasai community. You will learn about their traditional way of life, see their homes, and watch cultural dances. It is a wonderful way to add a human element to your wildlife focused journey.

    Is a hot air balloon flight possible during this January safari?

    A sunrise balloon flight over the Serengeti plains is a very popular upgrade for the second morning. It provides a unique aerial perspective of the vast herds and the landscape. The flight concludes with a traditional champagne breakfast in the bush before you continue with your ground game drives.

    What type of food is served at the tented camps and lodges?

    Our packages include full board meals that consist of a mix of local and international dishes. You will have hot breakfasts and dinners at the lodge, while lunches are usually provided as picnic boxes for the field. We can easily accommodate vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary needs with prior notice.

    Is January a good time for bird watching in Northern Tanzania?

    January is an incredible month 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. The lush greenery after the short rains provides a stunning backdrop for spotting over five hundred different species

    REVIEWS FOR 3 Days Tanzania best Safari In January to Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater

    Write a Review

    natural and magical crater experience

    5/5

    Our three day trip was the highlight of our vacation and we saw so many lion cubs in the Serengeti. The organization by Burigi Chato Safaris CO LTD was flawless and our guide was an absolute expert at spotting animals.

    By: Wolfgang Weber
    From: Flag AU

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    A professional services

    5/5

    January is a beautiful time to visit because everything is so green and fresh. The Ngorongoro Crater was teeming with wildlife and we even saw a rhino within the first hour.

    By: Isabelle Girard
    From: Flag AU

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    exciting moments

    5/5

    Burigi Chato Safaris CO LTD provided an excellent service and the vehicle was very comfortable for the long drives. Our guide knew so much about the birds and plants as well as the big animals. I highly recommend this company for a short but intense safari experience.

    By: David Brown
    From: Flag DE

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    happy and good photography memories

    5/5

    We had a fantastic time and the tented camp was much more luxurious than I expected. Seeing the migration herds starting to gather was a moment I will never forget

    By: Chloe Thompson
    From: Flag FR

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    the most exciting moment of the whole day

    5/5

    The logistics were handled with great professional care and we never felt rushed despite only having three days. The picnic lunches in the middle of the park were a lovely touch.

    By: James Wilson
    From: Flag AU

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    the most exciting moment of the whole day

    5/5

    Everything was perfect and the wildlife sightings were constant.

    By: sarah jenkin
    From: Flag IT

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    The experience was top notch and the colors were so vibrant

    5/5

    Burigi Chato Safaris CO LTD made our family trip very special and the kids loved seeing the elephants up close. The 4x4 with the pop-up roof was perfect for taking photos without any obstructions.

    By: Mark van der Berg
    From: Flag FR

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    perfect day trip for our family during the Christmas break

    5/5

    A very well organized trip with a guide who really cared about our experience. The views from the crater rim in the early morning are simply breathtaking and worth the travel.

    By: david miller
    From: Flag DE

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    lush and beautiful the scenery was during the short rains

    5/5

    We saw the entire Big Five list in just three days which was more than we hoped for. The food at the lodges was delicious and the staff were incredibly welcoming to our group.

    By: jans peter
    From: Flag AU

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    A wonderful holiday

    5/5

    I loved the peaceful atmosphere of the Serengeti in January. Burigi Chato Safaris CO LTD is a top notch operator and I would definitely book with them again for a longer tour.

    By: echen vans
    From: Flag FR

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