4-Day Tanzania Safari: Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater

Summary

Wildlife Safari Adventure in Northern Tanzania

If you want real wildlife encounters—elephants close enough to count their eyelashes, lions sprawled under acacias, rhinos grazing in morning mist—this 4-day safari is hard to beat. You’ll travel with local guides who know every shortcut and story along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air in Arusha felt crisp as we loaded our bags into the jeep—there’s a certain buzz at 8am, with street vendors already calling out and the sun just starting to warm up. Our guide, Joseph, greeted us with a grin and a thermos of strong coffee before we set off for Tarangire National Park. The drive took about two hours, passing through small villages and fields dotted with goats. Once inside Tarangire, it didn’t take long before we spotted our first herd of elephants lumbering between ancient baobab trees. There’s this earthy smell after last night’s rain, and you can hear birds everywhere—hornbills mostly. Lunch was simple but perfect: sandwiches and mango juice by the Tarangire River, watching zebras pick their way down to drink. We kept going until dusk, catching sight of giraffes silhouetted against the orange sky before heading to Ngedere Lodge for dinner and a hot shower.

The next day started early with breakfast in Karatu—fresh chapati and eggs—before the long drive towards Serengeti. We stopped at the Ngorongoro Crater viewpoint; honestly, photos don’t do it justice. The wind up there is chilly even when the sun’s out, and you can see forever across the caldera floor. By late afternoon we reached Seronera in central Serengeti. That first game drive was unreal: wildebeest everywhere, a pride of lions lounging under an acacia tree, and at one point Joseph pointed out a cheetah stalking through tall grass. Sunset in Serengeti is something else—the whole sky goes pink and gold while hyenas start calling in the distance.

Day three kicked off before sunrise (the camp coffee helps). Early mornings are best for spotting big cats; sure enough, we saw a leopard draped over a branch just after 7am. The roads get bumpy here—don’t wear white! After lunch under a lone sausage tree (watch out for monkeys), we made our way back toward Ngorongoro for the night at Simba campsite. The air cools quickly up here and you can sometimes hear jackals yipping after dark.

Our last day started even earlier—down into Ngorongoro Crater by 6:15am. It’s quiet except for distant buffalo grunts and the crunch of gravel under tires. Black rhinos are shy but Joseph knew where to look; we finally spotted one near some fever trees on the far side of the crater floor. Most animals are easy to see here—zebra herds everywhere, hippos wallowing in muddy pools, even flamingos if you’re lucky with timing. After lunch by a small lake (watch your food—the birds know tourists), we climbed out of the crater and headed back to Arusha as clouds started rolling in over the highlands.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arusha to Tarangire Park

• Drive from Arusha to Tarangire National Park
• Full day game drive in Tarangire
• Picnic lunch by Tarangire River
• Evening game drive exiting park
• Dinner and overnight at Ngedere Lodge

Day 2 — Ngorongoro and Serengeti

• Drive from Karatu to Serengeti with stops
• Stop at Ngorongoro Crater viewpoint
• Late afternoon game drive in Seronera
• Sunset wildlife viewing in Serengeti

Day 3 — Serengeti Game Drives

• Early morning game drive in Seronera
• Picnic lunch in Serengeti
• Afternoon game drive to sunset
• Drive to Ngorongoro and overnight at Simba campsite

Day 4 — Ngorongoro Crater Safari

• Descend Ngorongoro Crater for game drive
• Lunch in crater area
• Ascend crater and drive back to Arusha

Top questions

What kind of accommodation is included?

You’ll stay at comfortable lodges or public campsites each night—Ngedere Lodge near Tarangire, Tumbili campsite in Serengeti, then Simba campsite by Ngorongoro Crater.

Is this safari suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes—it’s mostly game drives by vehicle so you don’t need special fitness or hiking experience.

Are park entrance fees covered?

All park entrances and taxes are included in your tour price.

Can I join if I’m pregnant or have health issues?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart conditions due to bumpy roads.

What animals will I likely see?

You’ll have good chances to spot elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras—and possibly black rhino in Ngorongoro Crater.

What’s included

Your safari covers all accommodation during the trip plus park entry fees and taxes. You’ll also have an experienced local guide throughout your journey—and picnic lunches each day so you can eat right out in nature without missing any wildlife action!