4 Days Tarangire and Serengeti Safari from Arusha

This 4-Day Tarangire and Serengeti Safari from Arusha offers a short and rewarding Tanzania northern circuit experience. The itinerary combines Tarangire National Park, known for large elephant herds and baobab trees, with Serengeti National Park, famous for open plains, big cats and diverse wildlife. The safari also offers an optional visit to the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the best wildlife viewing areas in Africa due to its high concentration of animals within a compact landscape. Starting and ending in Arusha, this safari is ideal for travellers who want to experience Tanzania’s top wildlife destinations within a limited time while enjoying game drives, scenic landscapes and comfortable lodge or tented camp stays.

Safari Highlights

Pick up from Arusha and transfer to Tarangire National Park
Game drive in Tarangire, known for elephants and baobab trees
Morning game drive in Tarangire before transfer to Serengeti
Scenic drive through Ngorongoro highlands with crater viewpoint stop
Enter Serengeti National Park with en route game viewing
Full day game drive in Central Serengeti
Search for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes and zebras
Visit hippo pools and birdlife areas in Serengeti
Optional Ngorongoro Crater visit on return
Travel in a 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof

Detailed itinerary

Day 1, Arusha to Tarangire National Park, Elephant Herds and Baobab Game Drive

Depending on your location in Arusha, your safari driver guide will meet you for a short briefing before departure. Proceed to Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s best parks known for large elephant herds and baobab trees. On arrival, complete park entry formalities and begin your afternoon game drive. During the game drive, you may see elephants, zebras, giraffes, gazelles, wildebeests, buffaloes and lions. Tarangire is especially known for its high concentration of elephants during the dry season. Later, proceed to your lodge for check-in, dinner and overnight stay. Accommodation Tarangire Safari Lodge, Tarangire Ndovu Tented Lodge

Day 2, Tarangire Morning Game Drive, Ngorongoro Viewpoint and Serengeti Transfer

Naabi Hill Gate entrance to Serengeti National Park

After an early morning tea or breakfast, check out and begin with a short morning game drive in Tarangire. This gives you another opportunity to see wildlife that may have been missed the previous day. After the game drive, depart for Serengeti National Park, passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. A stop may be made at the crater viewpoint for scenic views. Continue to Naabi Hill Gate for park clearance before entering Serengeti. From here, enjoy an en route game drive as you proceed across the open plains towards your lodge. You may see zebras, wildebeests, gazelles, giraffes, elephants and other plains wildlife along the way. Arrive in the evening, relax at the lodge or enjoy a short evening game drive if time allows. Accommodation Central Serengeti Tanzania Bush Camp, Serengeti Malaika Luxury Tented Camp.

Day 3, Full Day Serengeti Game Drive, Big Cats, Hippo Pools and Birdlife

Hippos gathered at a pool in Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, check out of the lodge and begin your journey back to Arusha. Depending on your safari plan, you may include an optional visit to the Ngorongoro Crater. If included, descend about 600 metres into the crater floor for a game drive. The crater is known for its high concentration of wildlife including lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, hyenas and, with luck the rare black rhino. After the crater visit, continue to Arusha with a packed lunch en route. Upon arrival, you will be dropped off at your preferred location or at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight. This marks the end of your 4-Day Tarangire and Serengeti Safari.