3 Days Tanzania Safari in September to Serengeti Ngorongoro

Join a 3-day Tanzania safari in September to see the Big Five and Great Migration. Explore Serengeti and Ngorongoro with expert guides during the dry season.

3 Days Peak Wildlife Viewing inTanzania Safari In September

This 3-day Tanzania safari in September offers peak wildlife viewing during the dry season. You will explore the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park when animals gather around water sources. It is an ideal time to see the Big Five and the Great Migration with expert guides. This 3-day safari in September in Tanzania provides clear skies and excellent photography opportunities across the vast savannah.

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 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 takes about 1 hour and covers a distance of 50 kilometers. September is known for its clear, dust-free skies, offering a high chance of seeing the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro from the road. This day is for resting and receiving a briefing for your 3-day Tanzania safari in September. A positive and unexpected moment often occurs when guests see blue monkeys playing in the trees around the hotel gardens in Arusha.

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 covers 180 kilometers and takes approximately 3.5 hours. You will spend the day on the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater, which is a prime location on this 3-day safari in September to see the rare black rhino. Because September is dry, the grass is short, making it very easy to spot lions and hyenas. A positive highlight for many tourists is seeing a pride of lions walking calmly between parked vehicles to find shade. You will enjoy a picnic lunch near the hippo pool before heading to your lodge for dinner.

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 September in Tanzania continues as you travel 145 kilometers toward the central Serengeti National Park. The journey takes roughly 4 hours through the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands. In the afternoon, you will enter the Seronera Valley for a game drive. September is a great time for this 3-day safari in September because the Great Migration herds are often in the northern and central regions. You might experience the exciting sight of a leopard resting in an acacia tree while guarding its kill. You will spend the night at a safari camp located in the heart of 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 begins with a sunrise game drive at 6:00 AM. This is the best time to see predators like cheetahs and lions while they are still active in the cool morning air. Watching the sun rise over the endless Serengeti plains is a quiet and beautiful highlight for many travelers. 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. Along the way, you will pass through local villages and see the diverse landscapes of the Great Rift Valley. 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: 2694). 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 September to Serengeti Ngorongoro

    Can we alter our itinerary to include a visit to a Maasai boma?

    We can easily add a cultural visit to a Maasai community near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area during your journey. This visit allows you to learn about their traditional lifestyle, medicine, and cultural dances. It takes about an hour and provides a wonderful human element to your wildlife focused trip. It is a great way to support local communities while expanding your understanding of the region.

    Is it possible to see the rare black rhino during our visit to the Ngorongoro region?

    The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the best locations in Africa to spot the resident black rhino population. Our experienced guides know the specific areas where these elusive creatures tend to graze during the dry month of September. While sightings are not guaranteed by nature, the crater floor offers a very high success rate compared to other parks. It is often the highlight of the final day for many of our guests

    How are dietary requirements handled during this three-day northern Tanzania tour?

    Our lodge partners and field chefs can cater to various needs including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. Please notify us of any allergies or preferences at the time of booking so we can make the necessary arrangements. You will be provided with hot breakfasts, picnic lunches, and multi-course dinners. We prioritize fresh and healthy food to keep your energy high for animal spotting.

    What should I pack for the September weather in the Ngorongoro highlands?

    September offers sunny days with clear blue skies, but the mornings on the crater rim can be surprisingly cold. We suggest packing light layers for the daytime and a warm fleece for the early dawn descents into the crater. The dry air means you should also carry lip balm and plenty of sun protection. A good hat and sunglasses are essential for the bright afternoons on the plains.

    What amenities are available in the safari vehicles during our daily game drives?

    Our 4x4 Land Cruisers are equipped with pop-up roofs for 360-degree viewing and photography. We also provide high-quality binoculars, charging ports for your electronics, and a small fridge with cold water. These features ensure you are well-prepared for long days of exploring the wild. Every passenger is guaranteed a window seat for the best possible views.

    Can I add a hot air balloon flight to my Serengeti and Ngorongoro wildlife experience?

    You can certainly include a sunrise hot air balloon flight as an extra activity on the second morning. This provides a breathtaking aerial perspective of the plains before you land for a champagne bush breakfast. It is a popular upgrade that we can seamlessly integrate into your scheduled game drives. Please book this in advance to ensure availability during the busy September season.

    How is the travel managed from Arusha for such a quick three-day safari?

    We start our journey early from Arusha to ensure you reach the park by early afternoon on the first day. Our well-maintained 4x4 vehicles are designed to navigate the tracks efficiently while providing a comfortable ride. This allows you to squeeze in an afternoon game drive as soon as you enter the gates. The transition between the parks is handled smoothly to maximize your time in the field

    What type of lodging is included in this short three-day Tanzanian lodge-based trip?

    We select lodges and tented camps that offer a high level of comfort and proximity to the wildlife action. These accommodations feature private en-suite bathrooms, comfortable beds, and full-board meals prepared with fresh ingredients. You will enjoy spectacular views of the savannah right from your private balcony or tent. Staying inside the park boundaries ensures you are closer to the animals at sunrise.

    Where can we expect to see the Great Migration during this September wildlife journey through the northern circuit?

    During September, the massive herds of wildebeest and zebras are usually concentrated in the northern part of the park near the Mara River. While this 3-day itinerary focuses on the central regions to maximize travel efficiency, we can adjust the game drives to catch the tail end of the herds. The dry conditions ensure that animal activity is high across all regions we visit. You will still see plenty of resident wildlife even if the main herds are further north.

    Is September a good time to view the Big Five on this three-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro trip?

    September is one of the best months for viewing wildlife because it is the peak of the dry season. Animals tend to congregate around permanent water sources like the Seronera River and the Ngorongoro Crater floor. This makes it much easier to spot lions, elephants, leopards, and buffaloes in a shorter timeframe. The lack of thick vegetation also improves visibility for spotting rhinos in the crater.

    REVIEWS FOR 3 Days Peak Wildlife Viewing inTanzania Safari In September

    Write a Review

    best tour safaris

    5/5

    Our university group had an incredible time studying the lions in the Serengeti. The guide was extremely knowledgeable and answered every technical question we had about the ecosystem.

    By: elena rose
    From: Flag DE

    Photos related to the place visited

    Review Image
    Review Image
    Review Image

    unforgetable tour

    5/5

    This was a perfectly organized trip for our biology class and we saw more animals than we ever expected. Burigi Chato Safaris CO LTD made sure we were safe and comfortable while camping in the middle of the wilderness.

    By: Marco gracia
    From: Flag FR

    Photos related to the place visited

    Review Image
    Review Image
    Review Image

    The landscape was beautiful and the guide was very patient

    5/5

    I was impressed by how much ground we covered in just three days without feeling rushed. The Ngorongoro Crater is a geography student's dream and the wildlife density is simply mind blowing.

    By: James t82
    From: Flag US

    Photos related to the place visited

    Review Image
    Review Image
    Review Image

    we felt very safe with our professional driver

    5/5

    As a research student, I found the expertise of our guide to be invaluable for my field notes. The vehicle was equipped with everything we needed to keep our equipment charged and ready for action.

    By: David Anderson
    From: Flag AU

    Photos related to the place visited

    Review Image
    Review Image
    Review Image

    perfectly and the festive lunch and lovely surprise.

    5/5

    Burigi Chato Safaris CO LTD coordinated our large student convoy with great professional care. Every student in our group managed to see the entire Big Five list before we headed back to Arusha.

    By: Emily Watson
    From: Flag AU

    Photos related to the place visited

    Review Image
    Review Image
    Review Image

    perfect condition

    5/5

    The picnic lunches were fresh and filling which was perfect for our long days on the savannah. I highly recommend this tour for any student group looking for a balance of education and adventure

    By: sarah.b85
    From: Flag DE

    Photos related to the place visited

    Review Image
    Review Image
    Review Image

    amaizing views

    5/5

    We received excellent value for our money and the educational aspect of the tour was top notch. The sunrise over the Serengeti is something our students will talk about for years to come.

    By: Chloe Lefebvre
    From: Flag AU

    Photos related to the place visited

    Review Image
    Review Image
    Review Image

    comfortable and professional vehicle

    5/5

    Including the Maasai village visit was a great choice for our cultural studies project. The interactions were authentic and provided a deep understanding of the local way of life alongside the wildlife.

    By: Marco Rossi
    From: Flag US

    Photos related to the place visited

    Review Image
    Review Image
    Review Image

    very educational and exciting day out in the wild.

    5/5

    Our guide was a fantastic spotter and helped us identify over fifty different bird species during our trip. Burigi Chato Safaris CO LTD really knows how to handle student groups with passion and expertise.

    By: David Wilson
    From: Flag DE

    Photos related to the place visited

    Review Image
    Review Image
    Review Image

    a unique natural wonder

    5/5

    This was a once in a lifetime experience for our graduation trip and everything went smoothly from start to finish. The 4x4 vehicles were sturdy and perfect for navigating the dusty tracks of the Serengeti.

    By: Andreas Muller
    From: Flag IT

    Photos related to the place visited

    Review Image
    Review Image
    Review Image


    ITINERARY