Package Overview What this trip is, in a nutshell
This private three-day fly-in safari is designed for travelers who want a time-efficient northern Tanzania wildlife experience without the long drive from Dar es Salaam. A scheduled light aircraft carries you to Central Serengeti, where a private guide-driver and pop-up-roof 4x4 are ready for game viewing soon after arrival. The route then crosses the Serengeti plains to a crater-rim night before an early Ngorongoro Crater descent and an onward scheduled flight from Arusha to Dar es Salaam.
Central Serengeti supports varied year-round resident wildlife among open grassland, kopjes and riverine habitat. Ngorongoro Crater adds grassland, woodland, marsh and soda-lake habitat with opportunities to look for big game and, with luck, black rhino. Wildlife sightings and migration movements are natural events and cannot be guaranteed.
The package combines Safari Haven Serengeti Camp near Seronera with Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge on the crater rim. The private format gives your party exclusive use of the game-drive vehicle and guide, allowing photography interests, comfort stops and current wildlife information to shape the pace within park rules and the limits of this compact itinerary.
The displayed USD 2,145 price is the standard/high-season per-person rate for two travelers sharing. The source also gives standard planning rates of USD 2,090 for three travelers, USD 2,035 for four, and USD 1,980 for five or six, subject to final dates, rooms, flights, government fees and availability. Solo travel is available only by tailored quotation; the source's USD 3,050 standard solo figure is a planning estimate rather than an automatic website rate.
Accommodation, flight times, baggage allowances and exact airstrips are subject to reconfirmation. Comparable accommodation of a similar standard and location may be proposed when a named property is unavailable.
Package Summary Everything at a glance
| Item | Package detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 Days / 2 Nights |
| Safari type | Private |
| Comfort level | Luxury |
| Starting point | Dar es Salaam |
| Ending point | Dar es Salaam |
| Main destinations | Serengeti, Ngorongoro |
| Accommodation type | Lodge (Tented Camp, Lodge) |
| Meal plan | Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch |
| Transportation | Domestic Flight, 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Suitable travellers | Family, Friends, Fly-In, Honeymoon, Couples and small groups |
| Customization | Yes — this itinerary can be tailored to you |
Route Overview 3 days — where you go and how far
| Day | Route | Overnight | Approx. distance | Approx. time | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Dar es Salaam → Seronera Airstrip → Central Serengeti | Serengeti | Dar transfer ~10-25 km; scheduled flight roughly 750-800 km; safari tracks varia | 30-75 minutes airport transfer plus 2-3 hours scheduled air routing and an after | Domestic Flight |
| Day 2 | Central Serengeti → Naabi Hill → Ngorongoro Crater Rim | Ngorongoro | ~ 160-180 km plus morning game-drive tracks | 4.5-6 hours overland and track time after the morning game drive, longer with wi | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 3 | Ngorongoro Crater Rim → Ngorongoro Crater and Arusha Airport → Dar es Salaam | No accommodation — departure day | Crater tracks variable; ~ 190-220 km road to Arusha Airport; scheduled flight on | Crater game drive plus 4-5 hours road transfer and the scheduled flight | Domestic Flight |
Distances and driving times are indicative and vary with road and game-viewing conditions.
Day 1 From the Indian Ocean Coast to the Serengeti Plains
Day 1 — From the Indian Ocean Coast to the Serengeti Plains
| Starting location | Dar es Salaam |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Seronera Airstrip |
| Ending location | Central Serengeti |
| Main destination | Serengeti |
| Approx. departure | 05:30-06:30, adjusted to the confirmed flight |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | Airstrip arrival approximately 10:00-11:30; camp after game viewing |
| Approx. distance | Dar transfer ~10-25 km; scheduled flight roughly 750-800 km; safari tracks varia |
| Approx. road-driving duration | 30-75 minutes airport transfer plus 2-3 hours scheduled air routing and an after |
| Transport | Domestic Flight |
Day description
Transfer from your Dar es Salaam hotel to the domestic terminal and fly by scheduled light aircraft to the Serengeti. Meet the private guide-driver at the airstrip, begin game viewing immediately and spend the afternoon exploring Central Serengeti before dinner at camp.
Morning
A Splendor Safari representative collects you from your Dar es Salaam hotel and transfers you to the domestic terminal. After baggage and check-in formalities, fly toward the Serengeti, possibly with intermediate bush-airstrip stops depending on the confirmed service.
Afternoon
Meet the private guide-driver at the Serengeti airstrip and start the safari by game-drive route. Lunch is served at camp or arranged as a picnic before exploring Seronera plains, kopjes, riverine vegetation and seasonal drainage lines.
Evening
Arrive at camp with time to settle in before dinner, listen to the sounds of the Serengeti after dark and review the early-morning plan with your guide.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Airport Pick Up — Dar Es Salaam Hotel (Morning)
- 🏞 Scenic Flight — Dar Es Salaam To Serengeti (2-3 Hours Scheduled Routing)
- 🏞 Game Drive — Central Serengeti (Afternoon)
- 🏞 Photographing — Central Serengeti (Afternoon)
Meals
Safari Haven Serengeti Camp
About this stay
Tented safari camp in Central Serengeti, approximately 5 km from Seronera Airstrip, on full board. Its position supports immediate game viewing after the fly-in arrival. Alternatives are Kubu Kubu Tented Camp and Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge.
Bush flights have strict luggage limits. Use a soft-sided bag and reconfirm the exact allowance after ticketing. Breakfast is not included unless provided by the pre-tour hotel.
Day 2 Serengeti Sunrise and a Night Above Ngorongoro
Day 2 — Serengeti Sunrise and a Night Above Ngorongoro
| Starting location | Central Serengeti |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Naabi Hill |
| Ending location | Ngorongoro Crater Rim |
| Main destination | Serengeti |
| Approx. departure | 06:00-06:30 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | 17:00-18:00 |
| Approx. distance | ~ 160-180 km plus morning game-drive tracks |
| Approx. road-driving duration | 4.5-6 hours overland and track time after the morning game drive, longer with wi |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Begin with an early Central Serengeti game drive, then travel through Naabi Hill and the southeastern plains into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Reach the crater-rim lodge before dark for dinner and panoramic views.
Morning
Leave early while temperatures are cool and follow a route selected from current wildlife information. Return to camp for breakfast or use a packed or bush-style breakfast when operationally available.
Afternoon
Continue game viewing through Central Serengeti, take lunch en route or at a picnic site, and cross the southeastern plains toward the Ngorongoro highlands. A brief Olduvai-area stop or viewpoint may be considered if time permits.
Evening
Check into Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge on the crater rim for dinner and, weather permitting, changing light over the volcanic amphitheatre before an early night.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Game Drive — Central Serengeti (Early Morning)
- 🏞 Transfer — Central Serengeti To Ngorongoro Crater Rim (4.5-6 Hours With Wildlife Stops)
- 🏞 Photographing — Serengeti And Ngorongoro Highlands (Full Day)
Meals
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
About this stay
Luxury lodge on the Ngorongoro Crater rim on full board, positioned for an early final-day descent and crater panoramas. Alternatives are Ngorongoro Lion's Paw Camp and Ngorongoro Crater Camp.
The crater rim can be cold, windy or misty, so keep a warm fleece or light insulated jacket accessible. A brief Olduvai-area stop is possible only when time permits and the lodge can still be reached before dark.
Day 3 Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Return to Dar es Salaam
Day 3 — Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Return to Dar es Salaam
| Starting location | Ngorongoro Crater Rim |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Ngorongoro Crater and Arusha Airport |
| Ending location | Dar es Salaam |
| Main destination | Ngorongoro |
| Approx. departure | 05:45-06:15 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | Dar es Salaam late afternoon or evening, depending on the confirmed flight |
| Approx. distance | Crater tracks variable; ~ 190-220 km road to Arusha Airport; scheduled flight on |
| Approx. road-driving duration | Crater game drive plus 4-5 hours road transfer and the scheduled flight |
| Transport | Domestic Flight |
Day description
Descend into Ngorongoro Crater shortly after the gate opens for a private safari and picnic lunch. Ascend the crater wall, drive through Karatu and the Rift Valley highlands to Arusha Airport, then fly to Dar es Salaam and transfer to your own hotel or onward connection.
Morning
Descend into Ngorongoro Crater soon after the gate opens and explore grassland, Lerai-style woodland, marsh and soda-lake habitats with your private guide.
Afternoon
Pause for a picnic lunch at an authorized area, continue game viewing as time permits, then ascend and drive through Karatu, the Rift Valley highlands and farming areas to Arusha Airport for the scheduled Dar es Salaam flight.
Evening
Arrive in Dar es Salaam and transfer to your own hotel or onward connection as quoted. Dinner and post-tour accommodation are not included unless added.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Crater Tour — Ngorongoro Crater (Morning To Midday)
- 🏞 Transfer — Ngorongoro To Arusha Airport (4-5 Hours)
- 🏞 Scenic Flight — Arusha To Dar Es Salaam (Scheduled Flight)
- 🏞 Airport Drop Off — Dar Es Salaam (Evening)
Meals
About this stay
No safari accommodation is included after the return to Dar es Salaam. A post-tour hotel can be arranged separately.
Do not book a tight same-day international connection. Flight and road schedules can change, and a post-safari Dar es Salaam hotel night is strongly recommended for an early or expensive onward flight.
Safari Highlights 12 reasons this trip stands out
-
Scheduled fly-in from Dar es Salaam to the Serengeti replaces a very long overland approach.
-
An exclusive private 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof is reserved for your party in the northern circuit.
-
A professional English-speaking Tanzanian guide-driver plans the road safari around wildlife, light and your interests.
-
Afternoon and early-morning game-viewing opportunities focus on Central Serengeti around Seronera.
-
A tented-camp night near Seronera makes efficient use of the fly-in arrival day.
-
A scenic overland transfer crosses the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
-
The second night is spent at a luxury lodge on the Ngorongoro Crater rim.
-
An early crater safari explores grassland, woodland, marsh and soda-lake habitats with a picnic lunch.
-
Photography-friendly private pacing works within the practical limits of the compact itinerary.
-
Dar es Salaam transfers and scheduled domestic-flight budgets are integrated into the package.
-
Seasonal routing advice follows current wildlife distribution without promising migration events.
-
Responsible wildlife viewing avoids chasing or crowding animals and follows park regulations.
Included
- Private pop-up-roof 4x4 safari vehicle from Serengeti arrival through the northern-circuit road safari
- Professional English-speaking Tanzania guide-driver during the private safari
- Scheduled domestic-flight budget from Dar es Salaam to the confirmed Serengeti airstrip and from Arusha to Dar es Salaam
- Dar es Salaam hotel and airport transfers associated with the included flight sectors as quoted
- Two nights of accommodation as stated or confirmed equivalents
- Meals stated in the day-by-day itinerary
- National park
- conservation-area and crater-service fees included in the written quotation
- All standard game drives described in the itinerary
- Drinking water in the safari vehicle
- Applicable government taxes included in the final quotation
- Pre-safari briefing and operational reconfirmation of flight and road logistics
- Emergency logistical support from Splendor Safari during the safari
Excluded
- International flights to and from Tanzania
- Tanzania visa and other immigration charges
- Travel and medical insurance
- Medical treatment
- evacuation expenses
- vaccinations and medicines
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal purchases and souvenirs
- Alcoholic
- premium and minibar drinks unless explicitly included by the confirmed property
- Laundry unless specifically included by the property
- Optional activities and upgrades not listed as included
- Serengeti balloon safari
- Additional or changed domestic flights beyond the included flight budget
- Bank-transfer
- foreign-exchange and card-processing charges where applicable
- Accommodation before Day 1 or after Day 3 unless quoted
- Dinner after arrival in Dar es Salaam on Day 3 unless added
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best time of year for this tour?
Dry seasons often offer easier wildlife viewing (Jun–Oct). Green seasons are beautiful and quieter (Nov–Mar).
Can we customize the itinerary?
Yes — add days, change lodges (lodge/camp), or include balloon safaris/cultural visits.
What is the typical group size?
Private tours are just your party with a driver-guide. Shared departures may have 4–7 guests per vehicle.
See it for yourself
A few moments from this safari, filmed on the ground.
