4 Days Tanzania Short Safari

Wildlife Safari

Price

$1200

Min Age

Duration

Max People

60

Overview

This 4-day "Short Safari" package by Tanzania Footprints Adventures is an excellent choice for travelers who want to experience the highlights of the Northern Safari Circuit but have limited time. The itinerary is a classic loop that efficiently covers some of Tanzania's most famous and game-rich national parks: Tarangire, the Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater. This trip is designed to maximize your time for game viewing and to provide a diverse experience, from the baobab-studded landscapes of Tarangire to the endless plains of the Serengeti and the unique caldera ecosystem of Ngorongoro.

Highlights

  • Full-day game drive in Tarangire National Park, famous for its elephants.
  • Extensive game drives in the Serengeti, a prime location for the Great Migration and predators.
  • Descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site and natural wonder.
  • High probability of spotting the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino).
  • Witnessing a diverse range of landscapes and ecosystems in a short period.
  • Opportunity to see a Maasai village (optional).

Other Important Tour Information

  • Pricing: The cost of a 4-day short safari package can range significantly based on the level of accommodation and the number of travelers. Expect prices from approximately $800 to over $2,500 USD per person.
  • Budget (Camping): $800 - $1,200 USD per person.
  • Mid-Range (Lodge/Tented Camp): $1,200 - $1,800 USD per person.
  • Luxury (Lodge/Tented Camp): $2,000 - $2,500+ USD per person.
  • Starting Point: This safari package typically begins and ends in Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania's Northern Safari Circuit.
  • Vehicle: A comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof will be used for all game drives and transfers.
  • Meals: All meals are included while on safari (full board), but drinks and alcoholic beverages are often excluded.
  • Customization: While this is a standard itinerary, it can be customized to include other activities or different parks like Lake Manyara.

Tour Plan

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Your safari adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Arusha. You will drive to Tarangire National Park, a journey of about 2.5 hours. Tarangire is known for its iconic baobab trees and large elephant herds, which are often seen congregating around the Tarangire River. You will spend the day on a game drive, with a picnic lunch in the park, searching for lions, leopards, giraffes, and a wide variety of bird species. In the late afternoon, you will drive to your lodge or camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 2: Tarangire to Serengeti National Park

After an early breakfast, you will depart for the world-famous Serengeti National Park. The drive is a full experience in itself, passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with its stunning landscapes and occasional wildlife sightings. Upon arrival in the Serengeti, you will immediately begin a game drive en-route to your camp. The afternoon will be dedicated to exploring the vast plains, famous for the Great Migration (seasonal) and a high concentration of predators. You will arrive at your accommodation in the central Serengeti for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Rise before dawn for a sunrise game drive, the best time to see predators on the hunt and for exceptional photographic opportunities. After a final game drive and a hot lunch, you will begin your journey to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive takes you up into the highlands, where you will stay at a lodge or campsite on the crater rim. The evening is yours to relax, enjoy the incredible panoramic views of the caldera below, and prepare for the next day's adventure.

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater Tour and Departure

This morning, you will descend 600 meters to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a true natural wonder. You will spend the day on a game drive in this self-contained ecosystem, which is home to an incredible density of wildlife. This is your best chance to spot the "Big Five" and a huge number of other animals, including hippos and flamingos at the soda lake. After a picnic lunch on the crater floor, you will ascend the crater walls and begin your drive back to Arusha, where you will be dropped off at your hotel or the airport for your onward flight.

Included/Excluded

  • Transportation
  • Professional Guide
  • Park Fees
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • Water
  • All government taxes and levies.
  • International Flights
  • Visa Fees
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips and Gratuities
  • Personal Expenses
  • Beverages
  • Optional Activities

Tour Map

Frequency Asked Questions

What’s included in a Tanzania Footprints Adventures safari package?

Our safari packages typically include park entry fees, full-board accommodation, professional English-speaking guides, game drives in 4×4 safari vehicles, and bottled drinking water. International flights, visas, travel insurance, and personal expenses are not included.

When is the best time to go on a Tanzania safari?

The dry season (June–October) offers the best wildlife viewing, while the green season (November–March) is perfect for birding and witnessing the Serengeti wildebeest calving season. With Tanzania Footprints Adventures, every season has its own unique highlights.

How many days do you recommend for a safari?

Most guests enjoy 5–7 days, which allows time to explore the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire. Shorter safaris (3–4 days) are great for quick getaways, while longer trips (8–12 days) cover more parks at a relaxed pace.

What type of accommodation do you offer?

We work with a wide range of options—from budget camping safaris to mid-range lodges and luxury tented camps. Tanzania Footprints Adventures tailors accommodation to match your budget and style.

Are your safaris safe?

Yes. Safety is our top priority. Our experienced guides are trained to handle wildlife encounters and ensure your comfort throughout the journey. Camps and lodges also provide 24-hour security.

What should I pack for my safari?

We recommend lightweight neutral-colored clothes, a warm jacket for evenings, sturdy walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, and a good camera. A detailed packing list will be shared once you book with us.

Will I see the Big Five on safari?

Tanzania is one of the best places in Africa to spot the Big Five. Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater offer excellent chances of seeing lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and even the rare black rhino.

Can my safari be customized?

Absolutely. At Tanzania Footprints Adventures, we design tailor-made itineraries to match your preferences—whether that’s more time in Serengeti, cultural visits with local tribes, hot-air balloon safaris, or adding a beach holiday in Zanzibar.

Do I need a visa to visit Tanzania?

Yes, most travelers require a tourist visa. You can apply online (e-visa) before traveling or obtain it on arrival. We’ll guide you through the process once your safari is confirmed.

Can I combine my safari with other adventures?

Yes. Many guests combine their safari with Kilimanjaro trekking or a relaxing beach extension in Zanzibar. We also arrange cross-border trips to Kenya and Rwanda for gorilla trekking.

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