4 Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater Safari
The 4-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater safari is one of the most requested tours in Tanzania. This itinerary is commonly known as the “Classic Express. Safari”
Although 4 days may not be sufficient for the expansive Serengeti, this is definitely feasible if you don’t mind the long drive on your last day. This is the most efficient itinerary. Including the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater in one safari tour creates the dream “Northern Circuit” tour. It is a combination of the best aspects of both parks - the expansive plains of the Serengeti and the high concentration of animals in the Ngorongoro Crater.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire. Game drives at Tarangire
Day 2: Transfer to Central Serengeti. Afternoon game drives in Central Serengeti
Day 3: Morning game drives, lunch, and transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater Tour to Arusha
Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Tour Price
Solo Traveler: US $ 3050
2 people: US $ 2060 per person
3 people: US $ 1770 per person
4 & more: US $ 1600 per person
What's Included in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari
- Park Fees (For Non-Residents Only)
- All Taxes and VAT
- 4x4 Land Cruiser
- Drinking Water During Safari Tour (2 Litres Per Person Per Day).
- Meals As per Itinerary.
- Concession / Camping Fees.
- Game Drives Every Day During the Safari
- Professional Driver / Guide
Exclusions
- Airport Transfer (unless specifically stated).
- Any other Activities that are not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Personal Items (Souvenirs, Travel Insurance, Visa Fees Etc.)
- International Flights
- Tips
- Extra Nights Accommodation Prior and After the Tour (unless mentioned).
Detailed Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater Safari
Day 1 - Arusha to Central Serengeti
At 8 AM, we will depart for our safari from your hotel in Arusha. Once all guests have boarded the vehicle, we will set out for Serengeti National Park on a 240 km journey that takes about 6 hours. “Serengeti” is a local Maasai word meaning “endless plains”, and the sight of the grasslands stretching to the horizon, ultimately fusing into the sky, is truly magnificent. Covering 14,763 sq km, it makes our idea of distance seem utterly insignificant. Not only does the Serengeti have the “Big 5” (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard), but another truly delightful sight will be to spot one of Africa’s most beautiful animals - The Impala, gazelles and many others. The Serengeti ecosystem is home to the greatest remaining concentration of plains game in Africa. The legendary Serengeti National Park is best known for its large populations of wildebeest, lions and leopards. Seronera is the central area of Serengeti National Park and one of its most productive wildlife zones. Seronera’s distinguishing feature is the Seronera River, the main water source that attracts the region’s typical wildlife. When exploring the zone of Seronera, pay attention to numerous prides of lions that live in this place. One more interesting feature is the Serengeti Kopjes – giant granite formations emerging from the sea of grass and serving as a wonderful shelter for different plants and animals. Lunch will be served during the day safari game drive
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Day 2: Central Serengeti
Enjoy a relaxed morning breakfast, then embark on a whole-day game drive starting at 9:00 am, with lunch packed and return to the lodge in the late afternoon at 6:00 pm. Or you may choose to set out early in the morning at 6:00 am for game drives and then return back to the lodge for breakfast. After relaxing a bit, you may depart for afternoon game drives, witwith lunch packed. Today, you will visit the central part of the Serengeti National Park. The famous Serengeti National Park is a well-known safari destination due to its outstanding lion and leopard population. The central part of the Serengeti, called the Seronera area, is one of the park’s best wildlife habitats. This area features the Seronera River, an important water source for wildlife. During the wildebeest migration off-season, you need to be very cautious around the several lion prides common here. The behaviors and survival of these lion prides offer great game-viewing experiences year-round. After enjoying a picnic lunch and a full-day game drive, the day ends around 5PM. The day ends with a hearty meal and a good night’s sleep at your accommodation.
Day 3: Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro
After breakfast, you will take a morning game drive within Serengeti National Park. Afterwards, leave for Ngorongoro Conservation Area with a packed lunch. Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest volcano and a sixteen-mile expanse of pure natural wilderness. The Ngorongoro Crater is surrounded by extinct volcanoes, and its bottom, filled with water holes, contains about 30,000 wild animals.
Day 4 - Ngorongoro Crater Tour and back to Arusha
Your last day of the safari starts early after a quick breakfast; you will descend into the crater floor at around 6:30 AM. The Ngorongoro Crater is the largest inactive, intact and unfilled volcanic caldera in the world. It covers about 260 sq km and drops more than 2000 feet deep. The 5-hour game drive in the crater offers ample wildlife-sighting opportunities. Having your camera handy is definitely advisable. You can see African elephants, buffalo, black rhinos, Hippos, Hyenas, Cheetahs and lions in abundance here. After a picnic lunch at the pretty Hippo Pool, you will begin climbing to the top of the crater. Your final safari drive to Arusha has just started, with a 4-hour drive still remaining. You will reach your destination in Arusha by 6:00 PM in the evening. With a great experience and lots of memories to cherish, it is now time to say goodbye to your team.
Best Months to Visit
The best time to go on safari in Tanzania's Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater is June to October for excellent wildlife viewing, dry weather, and a high chance of seeing animals.
However, the best month depends on whether you want to see the Great Migration, witness the wildebeest calving season, avoid crowds, or travel on a smaller budget.
However, the best month depends on whether you want to see the Great Migration, witness the wildebeest calving season, avoid crowds, or travel on a smaller budget.
June to October (Dry season)
Excellent wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources.
Generally good visibility and fewer obstacles from tall grass.
Best period for dramatic river crossings, particularly July–September in the northern Serengeti, although crossings are never guaranteed.
Generally good visibility and fewer obstacles from tall grass.
Best period for dramatic river crossings, particularly July–September in the northern Serengeti, although crossings are never guaranteed.
January to March (Calving season)
Huge herds of wildebeest gather around the southern Serengeti and Ndutu area.
Excellent opportunities to see newborn calves and predator activity.
Beautiful green landscapes and superb photography conditions.
Excellent opportunities to see newborn calves and predator activity.
Beautiful green landscapes and superb photography conditions.