4-day safari from Arusha: Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro

Four days crossing three parks and descending into Africa's largest intact caldera

A 4-day guided safari from Arusha Town through Tarangire National Park, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area with professional English-speaking guide, game drives, picnic lunches and lodge accommodation. The itinerary moves through three distinct ecosystems in sequence: first the elephant herds and baobabs of Tarangire, then the endless plains of the Serengeti, and finally a descent 600 meters into Ngorongoro Crater to see predators, wildebeest and flamingos at Lake Magadi. Groups stay small at 6 to 7 people. Children from age 5 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

• Breakfast in Arusha
• Last minute purchases in Arusha Town
• Drive to Tarangire National Park
• Game drive with picnic lunch
• Dinner and overnight at lodge

Day 2: Karatu to Serengeti National Park

• Breakfast at lodge
• Depart for Serengeti via Karatu and Ngorongoro
• Arrive Serengeti and have lunch
• Afternoon game drive in Serengeti
• Dinner and overnight at lodge

Day 3: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

• Early morning game drive
• Depart to Ngorongoro Crater
• Dinner and overnight at lodge

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha Airport

• Early breakfast
• Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for wildlife viewing
• Visit Lake Magadi
• Transfer to Arusha for dinner and overnight or airport drop off

The experience

The tour starts in Arusha Town with time for last-minute supplies, then heads 130 kilometers to Tarangire National Park for your first game drive. Tarangire anchors an annual migration that brings up to 3,000 elephants, 25,000 wildebeest and 30,000 zebras through its landscape of baobab trees. You'll have a picnic lunch in the park and overnight at Marera View Lodge with dinner included.

Day two takes you through the farmland of Karatu and across the Ngorongoro Conservation Area before descending into the Serengeti. The drive covers 145 kilometers and the landscape opens into the endless plains the park is known for. You'll arrive in time for lunch at Serengeti Heritage Tented Lodge, then head out for an afternoon game drive in the Seronera area, where the river draws the widest range of species the park holds.

An early morning game drive on day three catches the Serengeti at its most active before you depart for Ngorongoro, arriving in time for dinner at your lodge. On the final day, you descend over 600 meters into Ngorongoro Crater itself. The crater's year-round water and vegetation support herds of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo and elephant, plus a dense population of predators: lions, hyenas, cheetahs and leopards. Lake Magadi, a shallow alkaline lake in the crater's southwestern corner, draws flamingos and hippos. Late afternoon brings a transfer back to Arusha for airport drop-off or overnight accommodation (available at extra cost).

What’s included

• Professional English-speaking guide throughout the 4 days.
• game drives in Tarangire National Park, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
• picnic lunch each day.
• three nights of lodge accommodation (Marera View Lodge, Serengeti Heritage Tented Lodge, and Ang'ata Tented Lodge or Ngorongoro Wild Camp Lodge).
• all meals at the lodges.
• all park entry fees and taxes.
• hotel or airport pickup in Arusha on day one.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 10

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cubs Expeditions Limited

Is this one for you?This is a shared group safari with 6 to 7 travelers and a professional guide leading all game drives, so you're not navigating or spotting wildlife alone. The guide handles the route and knows where to find animals. It suits anyone who wants the three major parks in one trip without arranging logistics separately, and the 4-day length fits a long weekend or the middle stretch of a longer Tanzania visit.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

How many elephants and other wildlife will I actually see in Tarangire?

Tarangire forms the center of an annual migration cycle that includes up to 3,000 elephants, 25,000 wildebeest and 30,000 zebras. The park is known for its huge elephant population and baobab trees, though wildlife sightings vary by season and location within the park on any given day.

What's included in the 4-day safari price?

Game driving, all park fees and taxes, professional guide, picnic lunch and three nights of lodge accommodation with meals are included. The guide speaks English and travels with the group throughout. Tips are not included.

How much time do I spend actually driving versus traveling between parks?

Game viewing happens each day in the parks. Non-game driving time between locations runs 3 to 4 hours per day, covering distances of 130 to 210 kilometers depending on the leg. Early morning and afternoon game drives are built into each day's schedule.

What happens on the last day after the Ngorongoro Crater descent?

After viewing the crater's wildlife and Lake Magadi in the morning, you'll transfer back to Arusha in the late afternoon for airport drop-off. Overnight accommodation in Arusha can be added at extra cost if your flight departs the next day.