Tanzania · Safari

4-Day Tarangire and Serengeti Wildlife Safari with Mara River Views

4 Days Round trip from Arusha Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Get a glimpse of the abundant herds of elephants in Tarangire National Park
  • 02 Explore the endless golden plains of Serengeti National Park
  • 03 Enjoy a scenic drive near the Ngorongoro Crater on the way to Serengeti
  • 04 Look out for wildlife in the Wagakuria area, known for its exceptionally high resident wildlife numbers

Explore two of the most impressive parks on Tanzania's Northern Safari Circuit on this popular 4-day budget safari. Experience the large elephant population in Tarangire National Park and discover the endless golden plains of the Serengeti, with the chance to witness the breathtaking wildebeest migration. This African budget safari brings you remarkable wildlife, iconic landscapes, and unforgettable game-viewing experiences.

The key feature is the Mara River, and it is not uncommon to see the herds cross the Mara River north on one day and then back south a few days later.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Budget
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Arusha, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park
Languages English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arusha to Tarangire's Elephants and Baobabs

  • We will depart from Arusha in the morning and travel to Tarangire National Park, where you can marvel at the colossal termite mounds and ancient baobab trees. The picturesque scenery and diverse birdlife help create the tranquil ambiance of Tarangire. The great elephant population is an especially remarkable sight. African elephants are the largest land mammals, and adult males can weigh as much as seven tons. When your game drive comes to an end, we will take you to the Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
2
Day 02

Scenic Journey to Serengeti National Park

  • An appetizing breakfast will be served at the camp, followed by a drive to Serengeti National Park. We will take the scenic route to the Serengeti, which allows us to travel near the Ngorongoro Crater. There is a possibility of spotting game along the way. The endless golden savannah, with splotches of color created by the vegetation and wildlife, makes it easy to understand why the Serengeti is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. We will stop so that you can enjoy your picnic lunch on a kopje, a small hill in a generally flat area. We will then proceed further into the Serengeti for a leisurely game drive. You will spend the night at Heritage Camp Serengeti for dinner and an overnight stay.
3
Day 03

Wildlife Viewing in Central Serengeti

  • Spend two days in Serengeti National Park, mostly exploring the wildlife. Serengeti National Park's resident wildlife numbers are exceptionally high in the Wagakuria area, with a pride of lions up to 30 strong. From July to October, the area turns into a wildlife paradise. The key feature is the Mara River, and it is not uncommon to see the herds cross the Mara River north on one day and then back south a few days later. Please note that finding a crossing is very difficult and sometimes a matter of luck.
  • We will later continue to Heritage Camp Serengeti for dinner and an overnight stay.
4
Day 04

Final Game Viewing and Return to Arusha

  • After an early breakfast, check out of the lodge with a packed picnic lunch and depart for a last game viewing on your way out of the Serengeti. In the late afternoon, drive to Arusha for your onward flight.
  • Alternatively, continue to your booked hotel for an overnight stay in Arusha.

End of tour.

Tarangire National Park, colossal termite mounds and ancient baobab trees, Ngorongoro Crater, Mara River

Where this trip takes you

Tarangire National Park, colossal termite mounds and ancient baobab trees, Ngorongoro Crater, Mara River

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

  • All applicable park entry fees as per the program
  • Government taxes and local levies
  • Unlimited game drives and all activities, unless labeled as optional
  • Services of an English-speaking professional driver-guide
  • All taxes/VAT
  • Pick-up and drop-off at the airport
  • Picnic lunch or hot lunch on safari, depending on the onward program
  • Meals on a full-board basis and accommodation on safari as indicated in the shared program, unless listed as an upgrade
  • Unlimited drinking water, as specified in the day-by-day section
  • Refreshments during the safari in the safari vehicle
  • Private transport in a customized pop-up-top 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with plugs to charge mobile phones and cameras, an intercooler to keep drinks cold, and a full AC system

What's Not Included

  • International flights (from/to home)
  • Domestic flight (from Arusha to Zanzibar)
  • Medical/luggage insurance
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips (tipping guideline: US$10.00 per person per day)
  • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa entry fees upon arrival at the airport, etc.)
  • Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees
  • Any extra orders at meals are not included. Set-menu meals are part of the package.

What to bring

  • Camera and memory cards
  • Sweater or fleece pullover to keep warm
  • Sturdy boots or sandals
  • Sun hat
  • Sunglasses
  • T-shirts or polo shirts (2-5, depending on how often you want to change)
  • Long-sleeved shirts (lightweight)
  • Shorts
  • Long trousers
  • Socks
  • Sleepwear
  • Travel towel
  • Thermal underwear, gloves, and a warm hat (during May-Sept)
  • Raincoat and rain trousers (during the rainy season Mar-May and Oct-Dec)
  • Binoculars
  • Sunscreen
  • Wet wipes
  • Insect repellent
  • Personal toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, eye drops, etc.)
  • Malaria tablets
  • Flashlight or headlamp
  • Chargers and extra batteries for your camera, phone, etc.
  • Power adapter to fit the UK-style electrical socket

Know before you go

  • This tour starts and ends in Arusha.
  • The operator can help select your international or domestic flights, but you will have to book them yourself.
  • Fly to/from Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO - check price) near Arusha. Or fly to/from Arusha Airport (ARK - check price) via Dar es Salaam or Nairobi (Kenya).
  • A transfer from and back to the airport is included.
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Arusha, Tanzania
Tour start
Arusha, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 4 days finish where they began, in Arusha.

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Starting from

USD 1,480 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $1,480.00 — $3,088.00
Double Sharing $1,480.00 — $1,960.00

When

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