4-Day Tanzania Camping Safari through Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti

4 Days Round trip from Arusha Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Game drive in Tarangire National Park among iconic baobab trees and large elephant herds
02 Descend into the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater for exceptional wildlife density and possible black rhino sightings
03 Picnic lunch at the scenic Hippo Pool site on the crater floor
04 Explore Central Serengeti and the wildlife-rich Seronera Valley on afternoon and morning game drives
05 Overnight camping on the crater rim and in the heart of the Serengeti for an immersive safari experience

Camp your way through Tanzania's legendary northern circuit on this 4-day safari from Arusha, combining the baobab-studded landscapes of Tarangire, the wildlife-dense Ngorongoro Crater, and the vast open plains of the Serengeti. With daily game drives and picnic lunches in the bush, you'll spend your days tracking elephants, big cats, and abundant plains game in some of Africa's most celebrated parks. Your journey includes overnights in Karatu and public campsites at Ngorongoro and Seronera, bringing you closer to the sounds and atmosphere of the wilderness.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park

Languages English, French, Italian, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arusha to Tarangire Game Drive and Overnight in Karatu

Morning: After breakfast, depart from Arusha at around 8:00 AM and drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its iconic baobab trees, large elephant herds, and rich wildlife. Upon arrival, begin an exciting game drive through the park.
Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park while taking in the beautiful scenery. Continue exploring Tarangire in search of elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, impalas, and numerous bird species.
Evening: After the game drive, leave the park and proceed to Fanaka Lodge in Karatu. Relax, enjoy dinner, and spend the night preparing for the next day's adventure.

Day 02

Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Crater Rim Camping

Morning: After an early breakfast, drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend 600 meters into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater for a memorable game drive. The crater is home to one of Africa's highest concentrations of wildlife, including black rhinos, elephants, lions, buffaloes, hippos, zebras, and many other species.
Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic lunch at the scenic Hippo Pool picnic site before continuing your exploration of the crater floor, searching for more wildlife in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Evening: Ascend from the crater and drive to Ngorongoro Public Campsite on the crater rim. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay surrounded by the cool highland atmosphere.

Day 03

Ngorongoro Highlands to Central Serengeti

Morning: After breakfast, depart from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and travel through the scenic highlands toward Serengeti National Park. Along the way, enjoy spectacular views of the endless plains before entering the park through Naabi Hill Gate.
Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic lunch before beginning an afternoon game drive in Central Serengeti. Explore the Seronera Valley, one of the park's richest wildlife areas, renowned for its resident lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and countless plains game.
Evening: Continue your game drive until sunset before arriving at Seronera Public Campsite. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in the heart of the Serengeti, surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.

Day 04

Final Serengeti Game Drive and Return to Arusha

Morning: Wake up early for breakfast and enjoy a final morning game drive through Serengeti National Park, taking advantage of the best wildlife viewing hours before exiting the park.
Afternoon: Drive back through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area while enjoying a picnic lunch en route. Continue your journey to Arusha, reflecting on the unforgettable wildlife encounters experienced during your safari.
Evening: Arrive in Arusha in the late afternoon or early evening, then transfer to your hotel or the airport, marking the end of your memorable 4-day Tanzania safari.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Arusha 4 cities · 4 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Park entry fees for Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area/Crater, and Serengeti National Park.
Accommodation as per the itinerary: 1 night at Fanaka Lodge.
Accommodation as per the itinerary: 1 night at Ngorongoro Public Campsite.
Accommodation as per the itinerary: 1 night at Seronera Public Campsite.
Camping equipment (tent, sleeping mattress, chairs, and table) for campsite nights.
Services of a professional English-speaking safari guide/driver.
Private 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for wildlife viewing.
All meals during the safari (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Drinking water throughout the safari.
Government taxes and VAT.
Camping cook and camping equipment for campsite meals.

What's Not Included

International and domestic flights.
Tanzania visa fees.
Travel and medical insurance.
Airport transfers (unless stated otherwise).
Accommodation before or after the safari (unless included).
Alcoholic and soft drinks.
Tips and gratuities for the guide, cook, and camp staff.
Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, telephone calls, etc.).
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.

What to bring

Valid passport and visa (if required).
Comfortable, lightweight clothing in neutral colors (khaki, green, brown, or beige).
A warm fleece or jacket for early mornings and evenings.
Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots.
Hat or cap and sunglasses.
Sunscreen and lip balm.
Personal toiletries and medications.
Insect repellent.
Camera with extra batteries and memory cards.
Binoculars for wildlife viewing.
Flashlight or headlamp for the campsites.
Reusable water bottle.
Small daypack for personal belongings.
Power bank and charging cables.
Cash for tips, drinks, and souvenirs.

Know before you go

The safari departs from and ends in Arusha.
Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, although Tanzania's northern circuit offers excellent viewing opportunities year-round.
Distances between parks are long, and some roads are rough, which can make travel times longer than expected.
Campsites are located inside protected areas and offer shared bathroom and shower facilities.
Nights at Ngorongoro can be cold due to the high altitude, and temperatures may drop below 10°C.
Bring enough cash (USD or Tanzanian shillings) for tips, drinks, and personal purchases, as card payment may not be available everywhere.
Drones are prohibited in all Tanzanian national parks without special authorization.
Plastic bags are banned in Tanzania. Please avoid bringing or using them.