4 days Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro

Planning a safari in Tanzania can feel overwhelming—so many parks, tour styles, and providers. This 4-day tour with Wild Life Oasis Tours promises an adventure that ticks many boxes: seeing the iconic Big Five, visiting UNESCO sites, and camping under the stars—all without breaking the bank. We’ve looked into what makes this trip stand out and what you should consider before booking.

What really excites us about this safari? First, the small group size (max of 6 travelers) means more personalized attention—no cramped trucks here. Second, the knowledgeable guides like Deogratius and Luther, who have received rave reviews for their expertise and friendly approach. Third, the value for money — for just over a thousand dollars, you get an authentic, full-immersion experience with food, camping, and park entries included.

However, it’s worth noting that camping and full-board accommodation might not suit everyone’s comfort level, especially if you prefer luxury lodges. Also, you’ll need to be prepared for early mornings and long game drives. This tour is ideal for travelers who crave a genuine, active adventure and are comfortable with outdoor sleeping arrangements. Perfect for wildlife lovers, budget-conscious explorers, and those eager to see the Big Five with expert guidance.

Key Points

• Authentic camping experience with full board included
• Small group size ensures more interaction and flexibility
• Visits two UNESCO World Heritage sites, Tarangire and Serengeti
• Expert guides known for making wildlife sightings memorable
• Great value for money considering food, transport, and park fees included
• Suitable for adventurous travelers who enjoy outdoor accommodations

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Tarangire National Park

Your adventure kicks off with an early morning pickup from Arusha, heading straight into Tarangire National Park. Known for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees, Tarangire offers a fantastic start to your safari. The 6-hour game drive is paced to maximize animal sightings, with picnic lunches served amidst the wilderness.

Travelers often highlight the quality of the guides—reviewers mentioned guides like Nuru and Malisa, who are praised for their extensive knowledge and ability to get you out of tricky situations on rough terrain. The scenery, combined with the chance to see lions, buffalo, and various antelope species, creates a memorable first day.

At night, you’ll camp at the Tarangire campsite, enjoying full-board meals cooked by your dedicated chef, Dula. Guests appreciate the authentic camping experience, highlighting the delicious food and the chance to sleep under the stars. One reviewer raved that the trip “exceeded expectations in every way,” mentioning the guides’ skill and the tasty meals.

Day 2: Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, your journey continues westward to the world-famous Serengeti, known for its endless plains and spectacular animal migrations. The 6-hour drive offers stunning scenery and ample opportunities for wildlife sightings along the way, including possibly spotting predators stalking prey from the comfort of your vehicle.

Once in Serengeti, you’ll embark on a game drive, with a late afternoon safari to catch the animals at their most active. Visitors consistently praise the variety of wildlife, with some lucky guests mentioning they saw more animals than they could have imagined. The Seronera Campsite provides a base for the night, with dinner and full overnight camping.

Day 3: Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The third day begins with another early breakfast before heading toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, famous for its volcanic crater, often called “Africa’s Garden of Eden.” The drive from Serengeti takes about 6 hours, with a game drive en route that offers a preview of the diverse animal populations you’ll encounter inside Ngorongoro.

Guests have shared that guides like Luther are excellent at spotting rare animals, and their local knowledge makes every sighting richer. You’ll arrive at Simba Campsite on the crater rim in the evening, with dinner served under the open sky, giving you that true safari vibe.

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater Floor

The final day is dedicated to exploring Ngorongoro’s crater floor, often described as the best wildlife viewing spot in Africa. You’ll descend early in the morning for a full day of game viewing, with picnic lunches to sustain you through the day. Here, you’ll have the chance to see all of the Big Five—lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos—often in close proximity.

Reviewers love how guide Yuma expertly navigates the terrain, sharing fascinating insights about the ecosystem and conservation efforts. The crater’s compact size means more animals in a concentrated area, making every moment exciting. After your long day, you’ll head back to Arusha in the evening, concluding your safari with memories of an authentic African adventure.

Transportation, Group Size, and Timing

This tour keeps the group small—maximum of 6 travelers—which makes for a more intimate and flexible experience. The transport is likely a comfortable, safari-ready vehicle, ideal for navigating rough roads. Starting early at 6:30 am from Arusha, you can expect long days filled with wildlife encounters, so pack accordingly.

Timing is optimized for game viewing, especially in the early mornings and late afternoons when animals are most active. The itinerary is flexible enough to allow for spontaneous animal sightings, a highlight appreciated by many reviewers.

Accommodation & Food

Camping is the main accommodation style, with full-board meals included. Guests rave about the quality of the food prepared by the chef, Gidion, who often receives praise for his delicious meals, including local dishes and snacks. While camping may not suit everyone’s comfort preferences, it offers a genuine taste of safari life and close contact with nature.

Value for Money

At $1,070 per person, this tour offers significant value. It includes park entrance fees, transport, guiding, and full meals—costs that typically add up when booked separately. Many reviewers mentioned that this is one of the most affordable options for a comprehensive Tanzanian safari, with some highlighting the professionalism and organization of Wildlife Oasis Tours as key to the smooth experience.

Guests also noted that the guides go above and beyond to ensure wildlife sightings are maximized, often getting close to animals and sharing insightful stories. The combination of knowledgeable guides, authentic camping, and inclusions makes this tour an excellent choice for budget travelers who want more than just a quick glance at Tanzania’s wildlife.

What Sets This Safari Apart?

Reviewers frequently mentioned the expert guides like Deogratius, Yuma, and Luther, who are praised for their local knowledge and ability to find animals in tricky terrain. The delicious food cooked by dedicated chefs, often highlighted as a surprise in such outdoor adventures, adds a layer of comfort.

The small group size ensures personalized attention and flexibility, which often results in tailored game drives and more intimate encounters with wildlife. Many guests appreciated the seamless organization, from pickup to drop-off, and the fact that the tour is designed to give you the best chances of spotting all the Big Five within a short time frame.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This safari is ideal for adventurous travelers who enjoy camping and outdoor living, and are comfortable with basic facilities. It suits those seeking authentic experiences away from luxury lodges but who still want excellent guides and well-organized logistics. Wildlife lovers eager to see the Big Five in just a few days will find this trip offers a balanced mix of excitement, scenery, and culture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a safari that balances value, authenticity, and wildlife encounters, this 4-day tour with Wild Life Oasis Tours checks all those boxes. From the iconic landscapes of Serengeti to the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, you’ll experience Tanzania’s most celebrated parks with expert guides and a close-up view of Africa’s biggest animals.

While camping might not be for everyone, the overall experience—delicious food, personalized attention, and the chance to witness the Big Five—makes it a trip worth considering. It’s perfect for those who want a genuine, budget-friendly safari that doesn’t skimp on the adventure.

This tour is highly recommended for wildlife enthusiasts, first-time safarists, or anyone eager to get a real taste of Tanzania’s wilderness in just a few days.

FAQ

How many people are in each group?
The tour hosts a maximum of 6 travelers, ensuring a more personalized and flexible experience.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers park entrance fees, transportation, guiding, and full-board camping meals, making it a well-rounded value.

Is camping comfortable?
While the tour is camping-focused, guests frequently praise the quality of the food and the authentic safari experience. Expect basic but well-organized facilities.

What kind of vehicle is used?
A safari-ready vehicle suitable for long game drives and rough roads is utilized, ensuring comfort and safety throughout the journey.

Can I see the Big Five?
Yes, the itinerary is designed to maximize chances of spotting all five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino—especially in Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti.

Are meals included?
Full-board meals, prepared by the chef, are included and often praised for their quality and taste.

What are the starting and ending points?
The tour begins at Shoppers Supermarket in Arusha at 6:30 am and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is this suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. The small group size and organized logistics make it a good fit for solo adventurers.

What should I pack?
Bring comfortable outdoor clothing, layers for early mornings and evenings, a hat, sunscreen, and binoculars for wildlife viewing.

To sum it up, this safari offers a fantastic opportunity to see Tanzania’s iconic parks with a knowledgeable team, authentic camping, and exceptional value. It’s perfect for those who love wildlife, adventure, and genuine outdoor experiences, all wrapped into a well-organized, budget-friendly package.