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

Summary

Private Safari Adventure in Tanzania’s Top National Parks

If you want real wildlife encounters—elephants close enough to count their eyelashes, lions sprawled under trees—and nights under African skies, this safari’s for you. You’ll travel with local guides who know every shortcut and story behind these parks.

What’s the experience like?

Sunlight crept through the curtains just as I zipped up my bag—there’s something about early mornings in Usa River that gets you moving. After a quick breakfast (the coffee here has a kick), we piled into the jeep and headed for Tarangire National Park. The drive itself was a patchwork of little villages and baobab silhouettes. Inside the park, it’s hard not to notice how many elephants roam close to the road—sometimes so near you can hear them chewing. Our guide, Joseph, pointed out clusters of zebra and impala gathering by the Tarangire River. There’s this earthy scent after last night’s rain, and you can hear birds calling over the hum of insects. We spent the night at Fanaka campsite—simple but comfortable enough after a day like that.

The next morning, we left for Serengeti National Park with picnic lunches packed by a local café in Karatu (their chapati is worth trying). The road climbs through green farmland before dropping down into those endless plains you always see in documentaries. At Nabi Gate, we stretched our legs and watched Maasai herders passing by. The afternoon game drive in Seronera was wild—lions lounging under acacia trees, wildebeest everywhere you looked. By sunset, dust hung in the air and everything glowed gold. Sleeping at Seronera Campsite meant falling asleep to distant hyena calls—not exactly quiet, but unforgettable.

Day three started slow; we lingered over breakfast while vervet monkeys eyed our toast. A short morning drive turned up a cheetah stalking through tall grass—our guide whispered for us to keep still. After brunch back at camp (hot tea never tasted better), we set off toward Ngorongoro Crater. The drive is long but never dull; giraffes sometimes block the track and there are always new birds to spot. We reached Simba Campsite on the crater rim just as mist rolled in—chilly enough for an extra sweater.

The last day kicked off before sunrise with strong coffee and an early descent into Ngorongoro Crater. It’s cooler down there than you’d think; I kept my jacket on while watching hippos laze in muddy pools and buffalo graze nearby. We got lucky—a rhino crossed right in front of us, which even Joseph said doesn’t happen every day. Lunch was picnic-style on the crater floor with views that make sandwiches taste better somehow. By late afternoon, we were back on the road to town—tired but already missing it all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tarangire National Park Safari

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Tarangire National Park
• Game viewing at Tarangire River
• Dinner and overnight at Fanaka campsite

Day 2 — Serengeti National Park Exploration

• Breakfast
• Drive via Karatu and Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Lunch at Nabi gate
• Afternoon game drive in Serengeti
• Dinner and overnight at Seronera Camp

Day 3 — Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

• Morning game drive in Serengeti
• Brunch and hot lunch at campsite
• Game drive en-route to Ngorongoro Crater
• Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Simba Campsite

Day 4 — Ngorongoro Crater Tour and Return

• Early breakfast
• 5-6 hour crater tour with picnic lunch
• Return to town and airport drop-off

Top questions

Is this safari suitable for families with kids?

Yes, it’s family-friendly! Kids love spotting animals and campsites are safe with basic amenities.

Are vegetarian or special diets possible during meals?

No problem—just let us know your dietary needs ahead of time so we can arrange meals accordingly.

How much time do we spend driving each day?

You’ll have some long drives between parks (up to 5-6 hours), but there are plenty of stops for wildlife viewing and breaks along the way.

Will I see all of the Big Five?

You’ve got a good chance! Sightings depend on luck and season, but these parks are home to all Big Five species.

What’s included

Your tour covers private transport throughout the trip, park entry fees, taxes, all meals as described (including picnic lunches), camping accommodations each night, plus guidance from experienced local guides who really know these parks inside out.