What You Need to Know: The 4-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari from Arusha costs from US$2,130 per person for 2 travelers at mid-range level, with two nights in the central Serengeti, a full Serengeti day, a night near the crater and a morning on the crater floor. It is our recommended first safari if you have four days. Add Tarangire with the 4-day Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari.
Is the 4-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari Right for You?
Choose this if it's your first safari and the Serengeti and the crater are what you came for. Two Serengeti nights mean one full day without driving between parks. It is less suited to travelers who want to avoid long drives: Day 1 and Day 3 each include several hours on the road.
| This safari suits you if… | Consider another safari if… |
|---|---|
| It's your first safari and you have four days | You also want Tarangire's elephants: the 4-day Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro |
| You want a full day in the Serengeti | You have five days: the 5-day safari |
| The crater is a must | You don't want long drives: the 3-day fly-in |
The 4-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari Route at a Glance
Arusha – Ngorongoro highlands – central Serengeti (2 nights) – Ngorongoro highlands – Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha.
| Day | Route | Driving or flying | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arusha – central Serengeti | Most of the day, with a game drive from the gate | Central Serengeti |
| 2 | Full day in the Serengeti | Game drives only | Central Serengeti |
| 3 | Serengeti – Ngorongoro highlands | About 4 hours after a morning drive | Karatu |
| 4 | Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha | 4–5 hours after the crater | — |
4-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari Itinerary, Day by Day
Day 1 takes you into the Serengeti, Day 2 is the main wildlife day, Day 3 brings you back to the highlands, and Day 4 is the crater.
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Day 1: Arusha to the Serengeti
An early start for the drive through the Ngorongoro highlands and down onto the Serengeti plains, with your lunch box on the way. The game drive begins as soon as you enter the park and continues to your camp in the central Serengeti.
Reach the SerengetiHighlands, SerengetiLunch box, dinner -
Day 2: Full day in the Serengeti
The main wildlife day. You head out early, when it is cooler and predators are active, and explore the plains, river valleys and kopjes of the central Serengeti, with a picnic lunch or a midday break at camp.
A full game-drive dayCentral SerengetiBreakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 3: Serengeti morning, then to Ngorongoro
A last game drive after breakfast, then the drive back across the plains and up into the Ngorongoro highlands, about 4 hours, to spend the night close to the crater.
Last Serengeti driveSerengeti, highlandsBreakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater and back to Arusha
Down to the crater floor for a game drive across grassland, woodland and wetland, with a picnic lunch, then the drive back to Arusha, arriving in the evening.
The crater floorNgorongoroBreakfast, picnic lunch
How Much Does the 4-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari Cost?
The 4-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari costs from US$2,130 per person for 2 travelers at mid-range level. Two nights inside the Serengeti add park concession fees, which is why it costs more per night than our 3-day trips.
| Travelers | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | US$2,470 | US$3,065 | US$4,770 |
| 2 | US$1,605 | US$2,130 | US$3,475 |
| 3 | US$1,285 | US$1,870 | US$3,185 |
| 4 | US$1,250 | US$1,775 | US$3,115 |
| 5 | US$1,130 | US$1,690 | US$3,015 |
| 6 | US$1,135 | US$1,655 | US$3,000 |
Park fees on this route
| Fee | 2026 rate (incl. VAT) |
|---|---|
| Serengeti National Park | US$82.60 per person per 24 hours |
| Serengeti concession fee (nights inside the park) | Per person per night, by season |
| Ngorongoro Conservation Area (also charged when you drive through) | US$70.80 per person per 24 hours |
| Ngorongoro crater service fee | US$295 per vehicle per descent |
What the 4-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari Price Includes
- Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and your own driver-guide
- All park fees and the Ngorongoro crater service fee
- 3 nights' accommodation at the level you choose
- Lunch box on Day 1; other meals at your lodges
- Drinking water in the vehicle
Not included
- International flights and visas (US$100 for US citizens)
- Tanzania's mandatory inbound travel insurance, US$44 per adult from October 1, 2026 (we can help you buy it)
- Travel insurance, including medical evacuation
- Tips for your guide and lodge staff
- Drinks at lodges and personal items
- Arusha hotel nights and airport transfers, which we can add
- Optional activities such as a Serengeti balloon flight
When Is the Best Time for the 4-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari?
Any month outside the long rains of April and May works well; the central Serengeti has resident wildlife all year. Any month from June to October gives the best general game viewing, with dry roads and animals gathered near water; January and February are also excellent. We don't recommend the long rains of April and May for road safaris: roads slow down and some camps close.
Which 4-Day Safari Should You Choose?
Our two 4-day safaris both include the Serengeti and the crater.
| Serengeti and Ngorongoro | Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro | |
|---|---|---|
| Serengeti nights | 2 | 1 |
| Full Serengeti day | Yes | No |
| Tarangire | No | Yes |
| Price from (2, mid-range) | US$2,130 | US$2,195 |
See the 4-day Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari and the 5-day safari, which has both.
Flying in from the UK? Our 4-day safari from London covers the same parks with three Serengeti nights, plus airport transfers and a night in Arusha on each side.
How to Book the 4-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari
| When you cancel | Refund |
|---|---|
| 60 days or more before arrival | 100% |
| 30–59 days | 90% |
| 15–29 days | 60% |
| 10–14 days | 25% |
| Less than 10 days, or a no-show | No refund |
What Else to Read Before You Book
This page covers what is particular to the 4-Day Tanzania Safari. The parts that work the same way on our other trips are explained once, in these guides:
- Serengeti National Park guide: the wildlife, the best areas and the season.
- Ngorongoro Crater guide: the wildlife, the best areas and the season.
- Our safari vehicles: the Land Cruisers we use, pop-up roofs, charging and who drives.
- Safari lodges and camps: budget, mid-range and luxury stays and what each includes.
- Airport transfers and nights in Arusha: getting from Kilimanjaro airport to the start of your safari.
- Zanzibar beach holidays: adding a few days on the coast after the safari.
- Safari safety tips: how game drives, camps and walks are kept safe.
- Vaccinations and travel health: malaria, yellow fever and what to ask your doctor.
- Tipping on safari: how much to give your driver-guide and lodge staff.
- Booking and cancellation terms: deposit, payment and refunds.
Common Questions About the 4-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari
Is this safari private?
Yes. The vehicle and driver-guide are for your group only.
How long is the drive from Arusha to the Serengeti?
Most of Day 1. You leave early and start game viewing as soon as you enter the park.
Can you see the Great Migration on a 4-day safari?
Sometimes, depending on the month. The herds move with the rains, so ask us which area suits your dates.
Is four days enough for a Tanzania safari?
Yes, for the Serengeti and the crater. Five or six days let you add Tarangire and Lake Manyara without rushing.
The Bottom Line
For a first safari in four days, this is the itinerary we recommend: a full Serengeti day and a crater morning. Add a day to include Tarangire as well.
Send us your dates, the number of travelers and your lodge level through the booking form, on WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or by email to jaynevytours@gmail.com, and our sales team will reply with a written quotation.