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.
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.
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
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We offer two pricing options:
The cost is shared within your private group. More people means a lower price per person.
Join others on a fixed-date tour at a set per-person rate—ideal for solo travelers or small groups.
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The Booking Form
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.
N.B: After you send your booking we will get back to you with in 24 hours.
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
natural and magical crater experience
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A professional services
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exciting moments
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happy and good photography memories
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the most exciting moment of the whole day
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the most exciting moment of the whole day
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The experience was top notch and the colors were so vibrant
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perfect day trip for our family during the Christmas break
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lush and beautiful the scenery was during the short rains
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A wonderful holiday
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