Overview

The 4 Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Big Five Safari is the most classic short-to-mid-length safari in Tanzania’s Northern Circuit, combining extended exploration of Serengeti National Park with the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater.

This itinerary is designed for travelers who want more time in the Serengeti than a standard 3-day safari allows, while still experiencing the unmatched wildlife density of Ngorongoro Crater.

Serengeti delivers vast open plains filled with predators and migrating herbivores, while Ngorongoro provides one of the most reliable Big Five viewing environments in Africa.

This safari starts and ends in Arusha and is ideal for first-time visitors seeking a complete and iconic Tanzania wildlife experience.

Why Choose This Safari?

This itinerary is built around depth, balance, and reliable wildlife viewing.

More Time in Serengeti

A full extra day increases chances of predator encounters and migration sightings.

Two Iconic Destinations

Combines Serengeti’s open plains with Ngorongoro’s crater ecosystem.

Strong Big Five Potential

Ngorongoro Crater offers consistent Big Five sightings, including black rhino.

Ideal First Safari Experience

Perfect introduction to Tanzania’s Northern Circuit.

Balanced Travel Pacing

Enough game drive time without rushing between parks.

Safari Highlights

• Full-day Serengeti National Park game drives
• Big Five wildlife opportunities
• Lion, leopard, and cheetah sightings
• Wildebeest and zebra herds (seasonal migration)
• Elephant and buffalo encounters
• Ngorongoro Crater safari experience
• Black rhino sightings in the crater
• Scenic Great Rift Valley landscapes
• Professional safari guide
• 4×4 pop-up roof safari vehicle

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha → Serengeti National Park

06:00 AM – Pick-Up from Arusha

Depart from your hotel after breakfast and safari briefing.

Drive through the scenic Great Rift Valley and Ngorongoro highlands toward Serengeti National Park.

01:00 PM – Arrival in Serengeti

Enter Serengeti and begin your first game drive en route to your lodge or camp.

Afternoon Game Drive

Explore the vast plains of Serengeti.

Wildlife You May See

• Lions resting under acacia trees
• Elephants moving across open plains
• Giraffes and zebras
• Wildebeest herds (seasonal)
• Hyenas and jackals

06:30 PM – Dinner & Overnight Stay

Dinner and overnight at a lodge or tented camp inside or near Serengeti.

Day 2: Full-Day Serengeti Game Drive

06:30 AM – Early Breakfast

Early departure for a full-day exploration.

Full-Day Game Drive

Explore multiple Serengeti ecosystems depending on wildlife movement.

Key Wildlife Encounters

• Big cat predators (lions, cheetahs, leopards)
• Elephant herds and buffalo
• Wildebeest migration (seasonal)
• Hippos and crocodiles in rivers
• Rich birdlife and scavengers

01:00 PM – Picnic Lunch in the Bush

Lunch at a scenic wildlife viewing location.

Afternoon Game Drive

Continue tracking predators and herbivore movements.

05:30 PM – Return to Camp

Dinner and overnight stay in Serengeti.

Day 3: Serengeti Morning Game Drive → Transfer to Ngorongoro

06:30 AM – Early Morning Game Drive

Final Serengeti exploration during peak wildlife activity hours.

Wildlife You May See

• Lions on morning hunts
• Cheetahs scanning open plains
• Elephants and giraffes
• Hyenas returning from night hunts

11:00 AM – Depart Serengeti

Begin drive toward Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Scenic Stop: Great Rift Valley Viewpoint

Short break for photography and landscape views.

06:00 PM – Arrival at Ngorongoro Lodge

Dinner and overnight stay near crater rim or highlands.

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater Safari → Return to Arusha

06:00 AM – Breakfast

Early breakfast before descending into the crater.

07:00 AM – Descent into Ngorongoro Crater

Begin game drive in one of Africa’s most wildlife-dense environments.

Morning Game Drive

Explore crater floor ecosystems including grasslands, swamps, and forests.

Wildlife You May See

• Black rhinos
• Lions
• Elephants
• Buffalo
• Zebras and wildebeest
• Hyenas

12:30 PM – Picnic Lunch at Hippo Pool

Lunch in a scenic wildlife viewing area.

Afternoon Game Drive

Continue exploring crater habitats before ascent.

03:00 PM – Ascend Crater & Return to Arusha

Drive back through Ngorongoro highlands.

06:30 PM – Arrival in Arusha

Drop-off at hotel or airport.

End of safari.

Wildlife You May See

Mammals

• Lions
• Leopards
• Cheetahs
• Elephants
• Black rhino
• Buffalo
• Zebras
• Wildebeest
• Hyenas
• Giraffes

Birds

• Ostriches
• Eagles
• Vultures
• Secretary birds
• Flamingos (seasonal crater lakes)

About This Safari Combination

This itinerary combines:

• Extended Serengeti game viewing experience
• High-density Big Five wildlife in Ngorongoro Crater
• Scenic Rift Valley landscapes

It is one of the most balanced and popular Tanzania safari circuits for first-time visitors.

Best Time to Visit

June – October

Best wildlife visibility and dry season game viewing.

December – March

Calving season in Serengeti with strong predator activity.

April – May

Green season with lush landscapes and fewer crowds.

Estimated Safari Price

Safari Inclusions

• Park entry fees (Serengeti & Ngorongoro)
• Professional safari guide
• 4×4 safari vehicle
• 3 nights accommodation
• Meals as per itinerary
• Bottled drinking water
• Crater service fees
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off (Arusha)
• Government taxes

Safari Exclusions

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses
• Alcoholic beverages
• Tips and gratuities
• Optional balloon safari

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this better than a 3-day safari?

Yes. It allows more time in Serengeti for deeper wildlife tracking.

Can I see the Big Five?

Yes. Ngorongoro Crater offers excellent Big Five chances.

Is this safari good for photographers?

Yes. Extended game drives improve photography opportunities.

Is Serengeti fully covered?

Yes. At least two game drive days are included.