4-Day Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Amazing Safari Experience

TRIP OVERVIEW

This 4-day private safari takes you to three amazing parks in northern Tanzania: Tarangire, Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater. You’ll see a wide variety of animals, including elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and maybe even the rare black rhino. The tour starts and ends in Arusha, with comfortable stays in mid-range lodges. It’s a great way to experience Tanzania’s wildlife in a short time, with beautiful views and exciting game drives each day.

ITINERARy

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Your day begins with a morning pick-up from your lodge or the airport in Arusha, followed by a 2–3 hour drive (approximately 120 km) south to Tarangire National Park with packed lunch boxes. Upon arrival, you’ll start your game drive, exploring the diverse landscapes and spotting elephants, lions, leopards, and many other incredible animals.

The Tarangire River, the park’s main water source, attracts wildlife, offering excellent opportunities for sightings. Around midday, you’ll take a break to enjoy your picnic lunch in the park before continuing with an afternoon drive to discover more of Tarangire’s beauty. By late afternoon, you’ll head to your mid-range lodge, where you can relax, enjoy dinner, and have a rest before the next day’s adventure.

Main Destination: Tarangire National Park
Distance from Arusha to Tarangire: ~120 km
Travel Time: Approx. 2 to 2.5 hours
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge – Mid-range lodge located in Karatu

Day 2: Karatu to Serengeti National Park

After breakfast at Marera Valley Lodge, you will start your journey to Serengeti National Park, a place known for its wide open plains and amazing wildlife. As you travel, you’ll see the landscape change from green highlands to endless golden grasslands.

Once inside the park, you will go on a game drive, searching for animals like wildebeests, zebras, and antelopes. You may also spot lions, cheetahs, and leopards resting or hunting. Around midday, you will stop at a scenic spot inside the park to enjoy lunch.

In the afternoon, the game drive continues, allowing you to explore more of the park and see animals in their natural habitat. By evening, you will arrive at your mid-range lodge, where you will have dinner and spend the night, preparing for another exciting day ahead.

Optional Visit: Maasai Village (Entrance fee: $40–$50)
Duration: 20–45 minutes
Note: This visit is not included in the safari price.

Main Destination: Serengeti National Park
Distance from Karatu to Serengeti (Seronera): ~200 km
Travel Time: Approx. 6 hours (with stops)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tanzania Bush Camps Central Serengeti –
Mid-range tented camp located inside Serengeti NP

Day 3: Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast at your lodge in Serengeti National Park, you’ll head out for a morning game drive, taking in the last incredible sights of the Serengeti’s wildlife. You’ll have another chance to spot big cats, elephants, giraffes, and possibly a glimpse of the great migration.

By midday, you’ll pause for lunch before beginning the drive toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The journey offers stunning views as you travel across the rolling plains, eventually reaching the lush, green highlands of Ngorongoro.

Upon arrival, you’ll settle into your mid-range lodge, where you can relax, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the exciting crater exploration the next day.

Main Destination: Serengeti National Park
Distance from Serengeti to Ngorongoro): ~120 km
Travel Time: Approx. 3 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Rhino Lodge
Mid-range lodge located on the crater rim of Ngorongoro Crater

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater Tour – Return to Arusha

After an early breakfast, your guide will take you to the Ngorongoro Crater for a full day of game viewing. This crater is one of the best places in Tanzania to see a wide range of animals in one area — it’s like a natural zoo without fences. The crater floor is home to lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, and many more. One of your main highlights today is the search for the rare black rhino, which can sometimes be seen grazing in the open grasslands.

You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch inside the crater, surrounded by beautiful views and wildlife. After lunch, you’ll continue with a short game drive, then begin the ascent back up the crater wall.

From there, you’ll begin your journey back to Arusha, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel. The drive from Ngorongoro to Arusha takes about 4 to 4.5 hours and covers roughly 190 km. You’ll arrive in the early evening, marking the end of your unforgettable 4-day safari adventure.