What You Need to Know: The 4-day Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari from Arusha costs from US$2,195 per person for 2 travelers at mid-range level, with one night each in Karatu, the central Serengeti and on the crater rim. It covers three of the circuit's four main parks in four days, with one long driving day. For a full Serengeti day instead of Tarangire, choose the 4-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari.
Is the 4-Day Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari Right for You?
Choose this for the most variety in four days, and especially from June to October, when Tarangire's elephants gather at the river. The trade-off is one Serengeti night instead of two, and a long Day 2 of about 7 hours on the road.
| This safari suits you if… | Consider another safari if… |
|---|---|
| You want three parks in four days | You want a full Serengeti day: the 4-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro |
| You are traveling June to October | You have five days: the 5-day safari |
| You want an early start into the crater | You prefer short drives: the 3-day Tarangire, Manyara and Ngorongoro |
The 4-Day Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari Route at a Glance
Arusha – Tarangire – Karatu – Ngorongoro highlands – central Serengeti – Ngorongoro crater rim – Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha.
| Day | Route | Driving or flying | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arusha – Tarangire – Karatu | About 2.5 hours, then 2 hours | Karatu |
| 2 | Karatu – Ngorongoro highlands – Serengeti | About 7 hours with stops and the first game drive | Central Serengeti |
| 3 | Serengeti – Ngorongoro crater rim | About 4 hours after a half-day game drive | Crater rim |
| 4 | Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha | 4–5 hours after the crater | — |
4-Day Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari Itinerary, Day by Day
Game drives can run longer when there is a good sighting, because the vehicle is yours.
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Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park, then Karatu
About 81 miles (130 km) and 2.5 hours from Arusha to the Tarangire gate. You spend the day on game drives, with your lunch box at one of the park's picnic sites. Tarangire is known for its large elephant herds and baobab trees, and lions, giraffes, zebras and wildebeest are common.
In the late afternoon you drive up to Karatu in the highlands for the night.
Elephants and baobabsTarangireLunch box, dinner -
Day 2: Karatu to the Serengeti via the Ngorongoro highlands
This is the long day: about 143 miles (230 km) and around 7 hours on the road. You climb through the Ngorongoro highlands, stop at the crater viewpoint, have a picnic lunch inside the Conservation Area, and drop onto the Serengeti plains. The game drive starts at the gate and continues to your lodge.
Into the SerengetiHighlands, SerengetiBreakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 3: Serengeti game drive, then to the Ngorongoro crater rim
An early start for a half-day game drive in the central Serengeti, where lions, elephants and giraffes are regular sightings. After lunch you drive back towards Ngorongoro, about 90–99 miles (145–160 km) and 4 hours, and spend the night on the crater rim, so you are ready to go down early.
Serengeti morningSerengeti, crater rimBreakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater game drive, return to Arusha
From the rim you are among the first vehicles down into the crater, when the light is best and the animals most active. A picnic lunch on the crater floor, then 4–5 hours back to Arusha.
The crater floorNgorongoroBreakfast, picnic lunch
How Much Does the 4-Day Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari Cost?
The 4-day Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari costs from US$2,195 per person for 2 travelers at mid-range level. The night on the crater rim is inside the Conservation Area, which adds a concession fee but gives you the earliest start into the crater.
| Travelers | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | US$2,535 | US$3,160 | US$4,395 |
| 2 | US$1,680 | US$2,195 | US$3,130 |
| 3 | US$1,355 | US$1,855 | US$2,780 |
| 4 | US$1,325 | US$1,840 | US$2,775 |
| 5 | US$1,200 | US$1,705 | US$2,635 |
| 6 | US$1,205 | US$1,720 | US$2,660 |
Park fees on this route
| Fee | 2026 rate (incl. VAT) |
|---|---|
| Tarangire National Park | About US$59 per person per 24 hours |
| 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 Tarangire, 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
Which 4-Day Safari Should You Choose?
Both 4-day safaris include the Serengeti and the crater.
| Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro | Serengeti and Ngorongoro | |
|---|---|---|
| Parks | 3 | 2 |
| Serengeti nights | 1 | 2 |
| Night on the crater rim | Yes | No |
| Price from (2, mid-range) | US$2,195 | US$2,130 |
See the 4-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari, or the 5-day safari with all four parks.
How to Book the 4-Day Tarangire, 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 Private 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.
- Tarangire National Park 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.
- Best time for a Tanzania safari: month by month, with the rains and the migration.
- 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 Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari
Is the 4-day safari private or shared?
Private. The Land Cruiser and driver-guide are for your group only, so you decide how long to stay at each sighting.
How many hours a day do you drive on this safari?
About 2.5 hours to Tarangire on Day 1, around 7 hours on Day 2 (with stops and the start of the Serengeti game drive), about 4 hours on Day 3 and 4–5 hours back to Arusha on Day 4.
Can you see the Big Five in four days?
Lions, elephants and buffalo are seen on most trips. Leopards are shy, and black rhino are most likely in Ngorongoro Crater, but no sighting can be guaranteed.
Can you add a hot-air balloon flight?
Yes. A sunrise balloon flight can be added in the Serengeti (US$490 per person) or Tarangire (US$460 per person). Tell us when you book so we can plan that morning around the flight.
Which 4-day safari is better?
This one for variety and Tarangire's elephants; the Serengeti and Ngorongoro version for a full Serengeti day.
The Bottom Line
Choose this 4-day safari for three different parks and a night on the crater rim. If you would rather have more time in the Serengeti, take the Serengeti and Ngorongoro version, or add a day.
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.