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elephants on Tanzania safari

4 Days Tanzania Safari

Tarangire National Park, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater

A powerful short Tanzania safari designed for travelers who want maximum wildlife in just two unforgettable days.

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2 Days safari in Tanzania overview

This 2 Days Tanzania Safari is designed for travelers who are short on time but want to experience Tanzania's incredible wildlife up close. In just two days, you will visit two of the most famous wildlife parks in northern Tanzania, Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. This short safari offers an opportunity to see a vast array of animals in different but equally impressive ecosystems, led by your personal expert guide.

Safari glance

Here is a quick overview of this 2 Days Tanzania Safari:

Duration

4 Days/3 nights

Destination

Tarangire National Park and
Ngorongoro Crater

Safari type

Private Safari/Group Safari

Starting point

Arusha

End Point

Arusha, Kilimanjaro Airport, or Zanzibar

Ideal for

Short-stay visitors, couples, families, first-time safari travelers

Descending in Ngorongoro Crater on a Tanzania Safari

Full Itinerary – 4 Days Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar or Arusha

njiro legacy hotel

Day 0: Arrival in Tanzania – Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam

Upon your arrival in Tanzania, expect a warm reception at the airport and a seamless transfer to your elegant accommodations. A short orientation prepares you for the days ahead. Relax and let the excitement of discovering Tanzania’s vibrant ecosystems take over.

  • Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Zanzibar Airport, or Dar es Salaam Airport

  • You’ll be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel

  • Overnight in Arusha (if arriving via JRO), Zanzibar (if continuing next day), or Dar depending on your arrival plan

Meals: None

serengeti wild camp

Day 1: Begin Safari from Arusha or Fly in from Zanzibar to Tarangire National Park

Start your safari with a drive from Arusha to the expansive Tarangire National Park. Famous for its dense wildlife population, the park promises an exciting day of game viewing. Marvel at the sight of elephants bathing in the Tarangire River and zebras grazing in the open plains. After an exhilarating day, head to your accommodation. Whether you opt for a lodge within the park to stay close to nature or a nearby hotel for a touch of luxury, you’ll enjoy a restful night, ready for more adventures.

  • If staying in Arusha, depart early by road to Tarangire National Park

  • If in Zanzibar, take a morning flight to Arusha where your guide will meet you

  • Drive to Tarangire for your first Tanzania safari game drive

  • Enjoy picnic lunch under the baobabs

  • Afternoon game drive with chances to see large herds of elephants

  • Overnight at lodge near Tarangire or in Karatu

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

sererengeti mara river crossing

Day 2: Karatu to Serengeti National Park

From Baobabs to the Endless Plains

After breakfast, journey toward Serengeti, crossing the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Stop at scenic viewpoints and optional Maasai villages for cultural insight.

Entering the central Serengeti plains is breathtaking:

  • Expansive grasslands

  • Iconic kopjes (rock formations)

  • Year-round predator activity

Wildlife Opportunities:

  • Lions and cheetahs in open plains

  • Leopards along riverine forests

  • Wildebeest and zebra herds

  • Hippo pools and elephant crossings

Seasonal Notes:

  • Dec–Mar: Southern Serengeti calving season

  • Jun–Aug: Western corridor migrations

  • Aug–Oct: Northern Serengeti river crossings

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner included

ngorongoro wild camp

Day 3: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Predator Action and Scenic Transfer

Wake up early for a sunrise game drive. This is the prime time for predators and photography.

Morning Activities:

  • Spot lions, hyenas, leopards, and cheetahs

  • Explore kopjes and plains

  • Golden-hour photography

Optional Balloon Safari: Float over the Serengeti at sunrise, ending with a champagne breakfast.

Afternoon Drive to Ngorongoro: Witness wildlife along the route and ascend to the crater rim, arriving for sunset views.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner included

Descending in Ngorongoro Crater on a Tanzania Safari

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater Tour and Return to Arusha or Zanzibar

 

The World’s Wildlife Eden

Spend a day on a game drive in Ngorongoro Crater, exploring one of Africa's most famous wildlife areas. Encounter large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, as well as a healthy population of predators. Take in the spectacular views from the crater rim before descending to the floor. After a day of remarkable wildlife sightings, unwind at your lodge, surrounded by the serene environment.

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater early morning for a full-day game drive. The crater is home to an extraordinary wildlife density.

Wildlife to Expect:

  • Black rhinos

  • Lions and hyenas

  • Buffalo herds and elephants

  • Hippos and flamingos

  • Birdlife diversity

Enjoy a picnic lunch by the hippo pool before returning to Arusha for drop-off.

Related 4-Day Tanzania Safari Packages

Explore more short, adventure-packed itineraries with our curated selection of 4-day Tanzania safari packages. These trips offer a variety of park combinations and wildlife experiences, making them perfect for travelers seeking a balanced, time-efficient adventure. If you're planning a safari from Zanzibar, you’ll also find several fly-in safari options that connect seamlessly from the island to the Serengeti or Ngorongoro. For even more ideas, browse our complete range of Tanzania safari packages to find the itinerary that best fits your travel style.

📅 Best Time to Book a Tanzania Safari

Tanzania offers year-round safari opportunities. However:

  • June to October: Dry season, best for wildlife concentration

  • November to March: Lush landscapes and calving season in Serengeti

 

❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Tanzania Safari

 

🧍‍♂️🧍‍♀️ Is this safari available as a group tour?

Yes. This Tanzania safari is available as either a private safari or a shared group safari, depending on your preference and budget. No. This is a private Tanzania safari, tailored to your preferences. You’ll have your own guide and vehicle.

 

✈️ Can I fly from Zanzibar to join the safari?

Yes, we offer convenient morning flights from Zanzibar to Arusha. Your guide will meet you at the airport and begin your Tanzania safari right away. Yes, we offer morning flights from Zanzibar to Arusha. Your guide will meet you at the airport and begin the tour immediately.

🦁 Are Big Five animals included in this itinerary?

Yes, the Big Five are commonly seen on this Tanzania safari, especially in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Rhino sightings are best in Ngorongoro. Yes, the Big Five can be spotted, especially in Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Rhino sightings are more likely in Ngorongoro Crater.

🛏️ What type of accommodation is used?

We offer a range of options for this Tanzania safari—from mid-range lodges to luxury tented camps—depending on your travel style and budget. You can choose between mid-range lodges, luxury tented camps, or budget options depending on your preferences.

🛠️ Can I customize this safari?

Absolutely. This Tanzania safari can be fully tailored to match your travel dates, interests, group size, and accommodation preferences. Absolutely. We offer fully tailored Tanzania safari packages based on your timing, interests, and budget.

 📅 When is the best time to go on this safari?

The best time for this Tanzania safari is during the dry season from June to October. Calving season in January to March is also a special time to visit.

🦓 How long is the drive between parks?

Drive times on this Tanzania safari are moderate: 2.5 hrs from Arusha to Tarangire, 4–5 hrs from Karatu to Serengeti, and 3 hrs from Serengeti to Ngorongoro.

 

🍽️ Are meals included during the safari?

Yes, your Tanzania safari package includes full-board accommodation—breakfast, lunch (often picnic-style), and dinner.

 

 👨‍👩‍👧 Is this safari suitable for families?

Yes, this Tanzania safari is family-friendly. We offer family suites and guides experienced with children.

 

🏕️ Can I do this safari on a budget?

Yes, we offer more affordable versions of this Tanzania safari using budget lodges or joining a small group to reduce costs.

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