Visiting Tanzania and want to see the major parks and all of the Big 5 but are short on time?  No worries!  We have the perfect 4 day Tanzania Safari itinerary for you.

Growing up I had heard of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater so when we booked our trip to Tanzania I knew these were places we could not miss.  While there are plenty of national parks to see in the country (a total of 16!), if it is your first time you’ve got to head up to the Northern Circuit to see these most famous parks.

Day 0

After your long journey to Tanzania you will want a day to relax before your safari.  We began by spending our first night in Arusha at a lovely coffee plantation lodge.

What to see:

We spent the afternoon relaxing by the pool in the lovely garden setting.  The next morning before we departed for our safari we enjoyed a peaceful walk around the grounds.  It was interesting seeing all the different types of plants and birds.

Where to stay: Moivaro Lodge

If you have an extra day in Arusha like we did, we recommend experiencing some local culture with a homestay!  Read about our Maasai Homestay Experience in Arusha

Day 1

Time to start your dream safari!

Where to go: Tarangire National Park

What to see:

Tarangire is known for its elephants.  For an elephant-lover like me, this is the place you want to be!  It is also full of giant baobab trees which are quite the impressive sight to see.  Another big draw for Tarangire is for its birdwatching, with over 550 species recorded.

While the elephants are the major attraction here, we also saw cheetahs, giraffes, impalas, antelopes, zebras and many more off of our safari checklist.

Tip: If you picnic in this park, watch out for the naughty monkeys!  Even though we were warned about them, one monkey still managed to steal my food from right in front of me!  I was totally shocked but also laughed about it after.  They are quick!!

Where to stay: Lake Manyara Wildlife Lodge

This lodge is not located inside Tarangire.  Instead, it is overlooking the beautiful Lake Manyara, placing you in a good position to start another full day of safari on Day 2.

Day 2

With only 4 days of safari you can skip going into Lake Manyara National Park.  Instead, make your way to Tanzania’s most famous park.

Where to go: Serengeti National Park

Tip: On your way to Serengeti, shortly after leaving Lake Manyara Wildlife Lodge, make a quick stop at the Ngorongoro Crater Lookout for fabulous views over the crater from above.

What to see:

The Serengeti is what most people picture when they think of Tanzania and a typical African landscape.  It is one of the world’s most famous wildlife sanctuaries and Tanzania’s largest park.  Coming in at a total of 14,763 square kilometres, this park is MASSIVE.

This park is most famous for being home to the world’s largest wildlife migration.  If you can make it to Tanzania during migration season then you will be able to witness this most impressive sight.  However, there is still plenty to see outside of migration season and you won’t be disappointed!

The endless plains are full of amazing wildlife.  You will be able to see almost every safari animal imaginable, but the highlight is the predators.  You will come across so many lion prides and if you are lucky you will get to witness a kill.

Leopards are another animal to look out for as well as all kinds of unique birds.  And if you didn’t get your fill of elephants on Day 1, you will be able to see many more here!   Buffalo, giraffe and all kinds of antelope can also be found.

Where to stay: Kubu Kubu Tented Camp

Out of all the places you can stay on safari, this will probably be your favorite!  Located right in the heart of the Serengeti with the most fantastic views.

Day 3

There is still so much more to see!

Where to go: Serengeti National Park – continued.

Such a vast park deserves at least another day of exploration.

What to see:

Today you can look out for any animals that eluded you on Day 2.  An early morning/sunrise game drive is your perfect opportunity!  Make sure to head out before 6am and watch the plains come alive.

We saw many groups of antelopes grazing on the dew-covered grass.  A leopard also sneakily passed by us and a pride of lions were stalking some buffalo.

Another feature of the Serengeti not to miss is the unique-looking kopjes scattered around the plains.  These are eroded granite “islands” which were created millions of years ago from volcanic bubbles coming to the surface.  They are quite interesting to see.

Since your park pass for the Serengeti is only good for 24 hours you will need to make your way to your next destination after lunch time.

Where to stay: Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge

This lodge is situated right on the rim of the crater and every room offers fantastic views!  Don’t forget your binoculars!  You can watch the wildlife on the crater floor right from your room.

Day 4

Today is the day to hunt for the most rare animal of the Big 5!

Where to go: Ngorongoro Crater

What to see:

Ngorongoro Crater is probably most famous for being the place where you can see one of the very rare and endangered black rhinos that are freely roaming around!

Other than the famous black rhinos, Ngorongoro is also where you can find the densest population of predators in action.  You will see many lions, as well as hyenas, and some leopards if you are lucky.  There are also tons of hippos in the various pools around the crater.

All kinds of birds can also be seen, including many flamingos, and some ostriches.

Where to stay: Country Lodge

Staying in the town of Karatu is a good choice if you need to make it to the airport the next day.  You still have quite a ways to drive back so staying outside of the parks is a wise idea.  It is also a nice place to relax after a bumpy and dusty safari.

And there you have it!  With this perfect 4 day safari itinerary you should be able to cross off all the Big 5 from your safari animal checklist plus many, many more.  You will also have covered Tanzania’s most famous parks!

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