
4-Day Tanzania Bush Safari
Central Serengeti • Ngorongoro Crater
Trip Summary
- •Central Serengeti National Park
- •Ngorongoro Crater
- •Optional hot air balloon safari
Day-by-Day Overview
2026 Pricing (USD per person)
Safari Overview
Synchronize your pulse with the earth on this exceptional 4-day Tanzania safari adventure. Explore spectacular landscapes and wildlife treasures across Tanzania's most iconic destinations - the endless Serengeti plains and the remarkable Ngorongoro Crater.
Experience complete immersion in the vast Serengeti safari, home to the Great Wildebeest Migration and the Big Five. Descend into the lush floor of the collapsed volcano at Ngorongoro Conservation Area, spending a day surrounded by lion prides, black rhinos, wading hippos, and Africa's largest elephants. This smooth and seamless journey is filled with exciting animal encounters and atmospheric accommodations.
Safari Highlights
Serengeti Plains
Endless grass plains with timeless vistas and wide horizons, home to the Great Wildebeest Migration and large predators.
Ngorongoro Crater
UNESCO World Heritage Site with spectacular wildlife viewing including black rhinos, lion prides, and massive elephants.
Big Five Encounters
Experience close encounters with lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and the rare black rhinoceros.
Hot Air Balloon Safari
Optional: Float silently over the endless plains for breathtaking aerial views of wildlife and landscapes.
Rift Valley Scenery
Epic Rift Valley landscapes and dramatic escarpment views throughout your journey.
Expert Guided Tour
Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof and professional wildlife guide throughout your adventure.
Accommodation Options
Midrange Category (3★)

Tukaone Serengeti Camps
Comfortable tented camp in the heart of Central Serengeti with authentic safari atmosphere.

Ang'ata Ngorongoro Camp
Intimate tented camp on the Ngorongoro Crater rim with stunning views.
MidLuxury Category (4★)

Nyota Luxury Camp
Stylish luxury camp offering exceptional comfort and service in Central Serengeti.

Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
Elegant lodge perched on the crater rim with breathtaking panoramic views.
Luxury Category (5★)

Four Seasons Safari Lodge
World-class luxury lodge offering unparalleled comfort and service in the Serengeti.

Ngorongoro Lodge Meliá Collection
Five-star luxury lodge with modern design and spectacular crater views.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha to Central Serengeti National Park
Pick up from your accommodation in Arusha in your private 4x4 safari jeep and drive to Serengeti National Park. The journey proceeds with scenic vistas and wildlife viewing along the way. Explore these unique landscapes dotted with spectacular natural wonders as you drive to your accommodation located in a conservation initiative protecting crucial cheetah and big cat habitats. Late afternoon arrival for evening leisure time, dinner, and overnight.
Day 2: Full Day in Central Serengeti
Morning in Serengeti is an experience worth cherishing. Wake up surrounded by enchanted sounds and smells of the wilderness, staring at a magnificent breathtaking sunrise over the endless plains. Begin your day with aromatic coffee in the open air with limitless views. After breakfast, hop in your safari vehicle for exciting game drives in central Serengeti. Considered the most thrilling spectacle in the animal kingdom, the annual mass migration of wildebeest and other herbivores with their ever-attendant entourage of predators is breathtaking. Further explorations immerse you in the heart of the wilderness. Optional hot air balloon safari available ($520 per person, weather permitting, early morning departure).
Day 3: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Final game drives at Serengeti National Park before you proceed to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Enjoy scenic views and wildlife sightings on the way. Optional and weather permitting: Crater Rim Nature Walking Safari - a guided 90-minute wildlife walk around the Ngorongoro Crater rim with a resident naturalist. See an array of bird species, wildlife, plants and flowers while enjoying spectacular views of the crater floor. Arrive at your lodge perched on the crater rim for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha
Early breakfast then descend down to the crater floor for a full day game drive. The descent takes you through lush highland forest with magnificent birdlife among different tree species. Once on the grassy crater floor, discover a large variety of grazing herbivores and the predators attracted by this abundant prey. The 260 sq km floor is surprisingly diverse with a permanent lake, open savannah, and areas of mature woodland. Surrounded by steep, densely forested walls rising over 600m high, the effect is that of a huge natural amphitheater. Picnic lunch at the crater floor picnic site. After a spectacular day, ascend and drive back to Arusha. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
What to Expect
Expect intensive wildlife viewing with early morning game drives through the Serengeti's endless plains, opportunities to witness the Great Migration (seasonal), close encounters with the Big Five including lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and black rhinos, a spectacular descent into Ngorongoro Crater's diverse ecosystem, dramatic Rift Valley landscapes, comfortable tented camps and lodges with full amenities, and expert guides sharing deep knowledge of wildlife behavior and habitats.
Best Time to Visit
This safari works wonderfully year-round with different seasonal highlights. June to October offers peak dry season with concentrated wildlife around water sources and excellent visibility. January to March brings the wildebeest calving season in southern Serengeti with dramatic predator-prey interactions. April to May sees fewer tourists and lush green landscapes with afternoon rains. November to December offers the short rains with migrating herds moving south. The Ngorongoro Crater maintains excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year due to its unique microclimate and permanent water sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 4 days enough for a Tanzania safari?
Yes! While longer safaris offer more diversity, 4 days is sufficient to experience Tanzania's most iconic destinations. This itinerary focuses on the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater - two of Africa's premier wildlife areas with the highest concentration of big game. You'll experience the endless Serengeti plains, potentially witness the Great Migration, and explore the Ngorongoro Crater floor with its incredible biodiversity. Most travelers see the Big Five and numerous other species in this timeframe. It's ideal for those with limited vacation time who want maximum impact.
What is the best time for a 4-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari?
The Serengeti and Ngorongoro offer excellent wildlife viewing year-round. For the Great Migration, timing matters: January-March for calving season in southern Serengeti, June-July for river crossings in western Serengeti, and August-October for northern Serengeti crossings. The dry season (June-October) provides easiest wildlife spotting with sparse vegetation and animals gathering at water sources. The green season (November-May) offers dramatic landscapes, fewer tourists, and excellent birdwatching. Ngorongoro Crater maintains superb wildlife viewing all year due to its permanent water and enclosed ecosystem.
What's included in the 4-day bush safari price?
The safari includes a private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for optimal viewing, professional English-speaking guide throughout your journey, all national park fees and conservation fees for Serengeti and Ngorongoro, 3 nights accommodation at your chosen category (midrange, MidLuxury, or luxury), full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), bottled water and soft drinks during game drives, airport transfers from Arusha, WiFi in the safari vehicle, and binoculars for wildlife viewing. Not included: international flights, Tanzania visa ($50-100), travel insurance, optional hot air balloon safari ($520), tips for guides and camp staff, and personal items.
Trip Summary
- •Central Serengeti National Park
- •Ngorongoro Crater
- •Optional hot air balloon safari
Day-by-Day Overview
2026 Pricing (USD per person)
What's Included
- ✓4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- ✓Professional safari driver-guide
- ✓All national park entry fees
- ✓Ngorongoro Crater service fees
- ✓3 nights accommodation (full board)
- ✓Bottled water and soft drinks on game drives
- ✓WiFi in safari vehicle
- ✓Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- ✓Airport transfers (Arusha)
- ✓All government taxes
Essential Travel Info
- •Visa: $50 ($100 US citizens)
- •Currency: USD preferred (post-2006 notes)
- •Temperatures: 27-29°C day, 15°C nights
- •Clothing: Neutral colors, warm layers
- •Camera: Telephoto lens recommended