4 Days Experience big five in Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari

Travelers hunting for a classic Tanzanian safari will find this 4-day adventure packed with breathtaking wildlife encounters, expert guides, and authentic camping experiences. We’ve reviewed this popular tour offered by Wildlife Experience Tanzania, which promises a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and value for money.

What we love most? The knowledgeable guides who truly know their animals, the chance to witness the iconic Big Five in their natural habitat, and the well-organized itinerary that maximizes every minute of your trip. The camping setup allows for a more authentic experience, surrounded by nature rather than the confines of a luxury lodge.

One thing to consider is that this tour involves quite a bit of driving—about seven hours to Serengeti on day two and similar distances later on—so it’s best suited for those comfortable with long game drives. Yet, for wildlife lovers seeking a genuine, up-close experience, this safari strikes a great balance.

This tour suits adventurers who want to see plenty of wildlife, meet other travelers from different nations, and prefer staying in campsites over luxury lodges. It’s also ideal if you’re short on time but still want a comprehensive Tanzanian safari experience.

Key Points

• Authentic Camping Experience: Staying in tents at campsites like Kizumba, Seronera, and Simba provides a closer connection to nature.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Damas, Joseph, Festus, and Musa are praised for their knowledge and friendly approach.
• Big Five & More: Expect to see elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, and buffalos, plus a wide range of birds and other animals.
• Well-Paced Itinerary: A good mix of game drives, scenic routes, and optional stops like Olduvai Gorge enrich the trip.
• Value for Money: At $1,280 per person, including park fees, meals, and transportation, the tour offers a comprehensive package.
• Long Drives, Big Rewards: With approximately 7 hours on the road on some days, expect a full day of wildlife spotting and scenic landscapes.

The Itinerary: What to Expect Each Day

Day 1: Tarangire National Park

The adventure kicks off with a morning pickup from your hotel in Arusha, heading straight to Tarangire National Park. This park is famous for its towering baobab trees, large herds of elephants, and diverse birdlife. The guide will take you on a game drive, where you’ll have the chance to spot elephants, lions, cheetahs, and various antelopes.

We loved the way guides like Damas focus on giving visitors the best photo opportunities, making sure you don’t miss wildlife moments. After a picnic lunch amidst the wildlife, the afternoon drive continues to soak in the landscapes. Your day ends at Kizumba Campsite, where you’ll camp under the stars, a real highlight for those wanting an immersive experience.

Reviewers mention that the guides are friendly, professional, and incredibly knowledgeable about animal behavior and park features. The scenery is stunning, especially with the iconic baobabs acting as natural landmarks.

Day 2: Serengeti National Park

A hearty breakfast starts your day early, followed by a long drive to Serengeti National Park. It’s about a seven-hour journey, but the route itself is scenic, with the option to stop at Olduvai Gorge—a site of significant archaeological interest. This optional stop adds a historical layer to your safari, making it more than just wildlife viewing.

Once inside Serengeti, the game drives are fantastic. You’ll encounter huge herds of zebras, wildebeests, and elephants, along with predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards. We loved hearing from reviewers that guides like Festus carefully drove and made everyone feel safe, even when the animals were lively.

Lunch is packed to keep you energized for the afternoon safari, which continues until dusk. The day ends at Seronera Campsite, where you’ll camp on the serenely wild plains—the perfect spot for a quintessential safari night.

Day 3: Serengeti to Ngorongoro

After an early breakfast, another game drive begins—this time to catch the sunrise animals and predators in action. The Serengeti’s vastness offers unforgettable views of lions lounging and cheetahs stalking prey. Reviewers mention seeing Big Five animals here, along with a variety of antelopes and birds.

Post-lunch, you’ll depart for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, stopping en route for a game drive. The drive to Simba Campsite on the crater rim is about three hours, offering spectacular views of the crater landscape. Staying on the rim gives you a head start for tomorrow’s Ngorongoro sightseeing.

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater

The final day begins with an early descent into the Ngorongoro Crater—a UNESCO World Heritage site. This massive volcanic caldera is home to around 30,000 animals, including the last remaining Black Rhinos. The crater’s dense concentration of wildlife makes for one of the best game viewing spots in Africa.

Expect to see herds of elephants, lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and flamingos around the hippo pools. Picnic lunch at Hippo Pool allows you to relax amid the natural backdrop, watching the animals in their habitat. Reviewers emphasize that guides like Malisa are incredibly experienced, making sure you catch the highlights without missing any animals.

Afterward, the drive back to Arusha takes about three hours, arriving around 5 pm, completing your safari with plenty of memories and photos.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Knowledgeable Guides: Reviewers consistently praise guides such as Damas, Joseph, Festus, and Malisa for their expertise. They don’t just drive—they tell stories, share insights about animal behavior, and help you get the best photo moments. One reviewer described Damas as “friendly, professional, and knowledgeable”—someone who clearly loves what he does.

Authentic Camping: Staying in tents at campsites like Kizumba and Simba Campsite offers a more immersive experience. It’s perfect for those who want to feel closer to nature rather than staying in a hotel. You’ll sleep under canvas with the sounds of the bush around you, which many reviewers say adds to the adventure.

Wildlife & Scenery: The safari visits three iconic parks, each with its unique appeal. Tarangire’s elephants and baobabs, Serengeti’s sprawling plains and predator sightings, and Ngorongoro’s dense animal population all bring something special. The reviews confirm that a wide variety of animals are often seen—big cats, rhinos, elephants, and more.

Value for Money: At $1,280 per person, the package covers park fees, meals, transportation, and guiding. Travelers highlight that the tour offers excellent value, especially considering the comprehensive itinerary and included amenities.

Long Day Drives: Expect about 7 hours on the road on some days, but this is a small trade-off for the chance to see such diverse landscapes and animals. Reviewers mention how guides make the long drives enjoyable, sharing stories and keeping everyone engaged.

Practical Tips & Considerations

Travel Comfort: The long drives mean you should be comfortable with extended periods in the vehicle. Having a good neck pillow and staying hydrated (they provide bottled water and drinks) will help.

Camping Gear: Since the tour is camping-based, bring a sleeping bag, insect repellent, and a sense of adventure. The campsites are generally well-organized, but it’s a different experience from luxury lodges.

Group Size: With a maximum of six travelers, the tour maintains an intimate feel. You’ll have plenty of interaction with your guide and fellow travelers.

Booking & Preparation: The tour is typically booked about 53 days in advance, so plan ahead. Confirm any dietary restrictions early, especially if you’re vegetarian or have specific needs.

Weather & Packing: Tanzania can be warm during the day but cooler at night. Pack layers, hat, sunscreen, and binoculars if you have them for better wildlife viewing.

Final Thoughts

This 4-day safari offers an excellent balance of adventure, education, and authentic camping experiences. The guides are clearly passionate and knowledgeable, turning what could be a simple game drive into a storytelling, wildlife-watching journey.

The price reflects a well-rounded package that includes park fees, meals, and transportation, making it a good value for those wanting a comprehensive Tanzanian safari without the luxury hotel price tag. The long drives are a small price to pay for the chance to see Africa’s most iconic animals in their natural habitat, all while camping under the stars.

Suitable for adventure seekers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those new to safaris who want a genuine experience, this tour is a proven way to create memorable moments in Tanzania’s wilderness.

If you’re eager to see the Big Five and experience Africa’s vast landscapes in a relatively short period, this safari delivers on its promises—and then some.

FAQ

What animals will I see on this tour?
You can expect to see elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, rhinos, and buffalos, along with various antelopes and many bird species, especially in Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro.

Are the accommodations in tents?
Yes, the tour includes camping at designated campsites like Kizumba, Seronera, and Simba Campsite, offering a more authentic bush experience.

How long are the game drives each day?
Game drives can last several hours, with some days involving about seven hours of driving to maximize wildlife sightings and scenery.

Is food included in the tour?
Meals—breakfasts, lunches, and dinners—are provided as specified in the itinerary, along with bottled water, coffee, and tea.

What is the group size?
The tour operates with a maximum of six travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour starts, providing flexibility if your plans shift.

Final Takeaway

This safari isn’t about luxury—it’s about authentic, close-to-nature experiences with expert guides, stunning scenery, and abundant wildlife. It’s perfect for those wanting to see the Big Five, meet fellow travelers, and camp under the stars in some of Africa’s most iconic locations.

Travelers who value knowledgeable guides, genuine camping, and a well-paced itinerary will find this tour offers excellent value and unforgettable moments. If you’re ready for adventure, this 4-day safari in Tanzania is a fantastic choice to add to your bucket list.