4-Day Northern Tanzania Highlights Safari

Tour Overview

Experience three of Northern Tanzania’s most celebrated wildlife destinations on this private four-day safari through Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater.

Begin among Tarangire’s ancient baobab trees, acacia woodland and open grassland while searching for its celebrated elephant herds and other wildlife around the Tarangire River.

Continue through the Ngorongoro Highlands towards Serengeti National Park. Explore its open plains, river valleys, woodland and rocky kopjes while searching for lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, giraffes and grazing herds.

Complete your journey with a descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, where grassland, woodland, wetlands and lakeshore habitats support an impressive concentration of wildlife.

Your safari includes a private 4×4 vehicle and professional local guide. Accommodation, airport transfers, travel dates and daily arrangements can be adjusted around your group size, comfort preference and budget.

Day - by - Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Depart from Arusha in the morning with your private safari guide and travel towards Tarangire National Park. After completing the park entry formalities, begin your first game drive through ancient baobab trees, acacia woodland, open grassland and the Tarangire River.

Tarangire is particularly known for its elephant population. Depending on wildlife movement, you may also encounter giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, impalas, warthogs and different predators.

Stop for a picnic lunch before continuing your afternoon game drive. Later, leave the park and travel to your lodge or tented camp near Tarangire or in the Karatu area.

Planned Activities
  • Private departure from Arusha
  • Scenic drive to Tarangire
  • Morning and afternoon game drives
  • Elephant and wildlife viewing
  • Baobab landscape photography
  • Picnic lunch inside the park
Meal Plan Lunch and Dinner

Breakfast can be arranged separately

Accommodation Lodge or Tented Camp

Near Tarangire National Park or Karatu

After breakfast, travel through the fertile Ngorongoro Highlands towards Serengeti National Park. The journey offers changing scenery as cultivated highlands gradually give way to open savannah.

Enter Serengeti and continue with an en-route game drive towards your accommodation. Begin searching for lions, cheetahs, giraffes, elephants, zebras, wildebeest and other plains wildlife.

Stop for a picnic lunch during the journey and continue exploring the park in the afternoon. Arrive at your lodge or tented camp in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.

Planned Activities
  • Scenic drive through the Ngorongoro Highlands
  • Entry into Serengeti National Park
  • En-route game drive
  • Big-cat and plains wildlife search
  • Wildlife and landscape photography
  • Sunset scenery, depending on arrival time
Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Full-board safari meals

Accommodation Lodge or Tented Camp

Inside or near Serengeti National Park

Begin the day with an early breakfast followed by another game drive through Serengeti National Park. Your guide will select the route according to recent sightings, wildlife activity and seasonal conditions.

Search for lions around rocky kopjes, cheetahs on the open plains, leopards near woodland and large herds of grazing wildlife. This final Serengeti game drive provides another opportunity for wildlife and landscape photography.

After lunch, continue towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Travel into the cooler highlands and proceed to your lodge or tented camp for dinner and preparation for the following day’s crater safari.

Planned Activities
  • Morning Serengeti game drive
  • Big-cat and plains wildlife search
  • Wildlife photography
  • En-route game viewing
  • Scenic transfer to Ngorongoro
  • Evening at leisure
Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Full-board safari meals

Accommodation Lodge or Tented Camp

Near Ngorongoro or in Karatu

After an early breakfast, travel to the crater entrance and descend onto the Ngorongoro Crater floor for your final game drive.

Explore grassland, woodland, wetland and lakeshore habitats while searching for lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles and other wildlife. The crater also provides a possibility of seeing black rhinoceroses, although sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Enjoy a picnic lunch before ascending from the crater and beginning your return journey to Arusha. You will be transferred to your Arusha hotel, Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport according to your confirmed arrangements.

Planned Activities
  • Ngorongoro Crater descent
  • Crater-floor game drive
  • Wildlife and birdwatching
  • Picnic lunch
  • Scenic crater ascent
  • Transfer to Arusha or the airport
Meal Plan Breakfast and Lunch

Dinner is not included

Accommodation Not Included

Additional Arusha night available on request

Tour Highlights:

  • Explore three celebrated Northern Tanzania safari destinations.
  • Discover Tarangire’s ancient baobab landscapes and elephant country.
  • Experience the wildlife-rich plains of Serengeti National Park.
  • Search for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants and giraffes.
  • Enjoy morning, afternoon and en-route game drives.
  • Explore Serengeti’s plains, woodland, river valleys and rocky kopjes.
  • Descend onto the remarkable Ngorongoro Crater floor.
  • Look for buffaloes, hippos, zebras, wildebeest and black rhinoceroses.
  • Travel in a private 4×4 safari vehicle with a viewing roof.
  • Explore with a knowledgeable local safari guide.
  • Enjoy excellent wildlife and landscape photography opportunities.
  • Personalize the safari for couples, families or private groups.

Still have questions?

Our travel specialists are happy to assist you!

Explore Northern Tanzania

Top Destinations You’ll Visit

Journey through three of Tanzania’s most remarkable wildlife destinations, from Tarangire’s elephant country to the endless Serengeti plains and the extraordinary Ngorongoro Crater.

Arusha Tarangire Serengeti Ngorongoro Arusha
Elephants walking through an African safari landscape Day 2
Tanzania Safari Destination

Tarangire National Park

Discover a beautiful landscape of ancient baobab trees, acacia woodland, open grassland and the life-giving Tarangire River. The park is especially celebrated for its impressive elephant population.

Destination Highlights
  • Large elephant herds
  • Ancient baobab trees
  • Tarangire River
  • Excellent birdlife
Best known for Elephants & Baobabs
Ngorongoro Crater safari destination in Tanzania Day 7
Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Ngorongoro Crater

Descend into one of Africa’s most remarkable natural wildlife areas. Its grassland, woodland, wetlands and lakeshore support an extraordinary variety of animals within a compact landscape.

Destination Highlights
  • Crater-floor safari
  • Dense wildlife population
  • Black rhino possibility
  • Remarkable scenery
Best known for Crater Wildlife Safari
Know Before You Book

What Your Safari Includes

Your final proposal and quotation will confirm the exact services included in your personalized itinerary.

Generally Included

  • Private airport transfers shown in the confirmed itinerary
  • Private 4×4 safari vehicle with a viewing roof
  • Professional English-speaking safari guide
  • Six nights of confirmed accommodation
  • Meals listed in the daily itinerary
  • Park entry and conservation fees shown in the quotation
  • Ngorongoro Crater service included in the itinerary
  • Game drives and activities described in the itinerary
  • Bottled drinking water during safari game drives
  • Government taxes applicable to confirmed services

Generally Not Included

  • International and domestic flights unless specifically stated
  • Tanzania visa and passport-related expenses
  • Travel, medical and evacuation insurance
  • Optional Serengeti balloon safari
  • Tips for guides, drivers and accommodation staff
  • Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and personal purchases
  • Vaccinations, medication and personal medical expenses
  • Additional accommodation before or after the safari
  • Activities not included in the confirmed itinerary
Request This Safari

Start Planning Your Adventure

Share your travel details and preferences. We will use the information to prepare a personalized itinerary and quotation for your private Northern Tanzania safari.

Experiences that interest you
Plan With Confidence

Safari Questions Answered

Helpful information about planning your four-day journey through Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater.

Can this safari itinerary be customized?

Yes. Accommodation, travel dates, activities, arrival arrangements and the daily pace can be adjusted around your interests, group size, comfort preference and budget. Additional safari days or a Zanzibar extension can also be arranged.

Is this a private or group safari?

This itinerary is designed as a private safari with your own professional guide and private 4×4 safari vehicle. Group options can be discussed when suitable departures are available.

Which destinations are included in the safari?

The itinerary includes wildlife experiences in Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, with transfers through the scenic landscapes of Northern Tanzania.

When is the best time to take this safari?

This safari can operate throughout the year. The drier months are popular for general wildlife viewing, while the greener months offer beautiful landscapes, active birdlife, fewer visitors and different seasonal wildlife experiences.

Will we see the Great Migration?

Great Migration sightings cannot be guaranteed during this short itinerary. The herds move naturally according to rainfall, water and grazing conditions. Your guide will use recent information to select the most rewarding available wildlife-viewing areas.

Does the itinerary involve long driving distances?

Yes. This compact safari covers three major destinations in four days, so some travel days include several hours of driving. The changing landscapes and en-route wildlife viewing form an important part of the experience. Additional days can be added for a more relaxed pace.

What type of accommodation is available?

The safari can use budget-conscious, mid-range, upper-range, luxury or mixed accommodation. Your final selection will depend on your preferred comfort level, travel dates, availability and budget.

Is this safari suitable for families?

Yes. The itinerary can be arranged with family-friendly lodges, suitable room configurations and flexible stops. For families with younger children, adding an extra day may create a more comfortable travel pace.

Can I add a Serengeti balloon safari?

A Serengeti balloon safari may be added at an additional cost, subject to location, advance availability and weather conditions. Because this is a compact itinerary, an additional Serengeti night may be recommended.

How is the final safari price calculated?

Pricing depends on your travel dates, group size, accommodation preference, availability, park fees and optional activities. A personalized quotation will be prepared after receiving your enquiry.

How do I confirm my booking?

After approving the proposed itinerary and quotation, you will receive the applicable booking terms, deposit requirements, payment schedule and confirmation instructions.

Your Safari Starts Here

Four Days. Northern Tanzania at Its Best.

From elephants beneath Tarangire’s ancient baobabs to wildlife on the Serengeti plains and an unforgettable descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, your private Tanzania safari is ready to be shaped around you.