4 Day Tanzania Safari — Game Drives and Balloon Safari
4-Day Tanzania Safari Adventure
A 4 Day Tanzania Safari is the perfect short safari for travelers who want to experience the best of Tanzania in just a few days. In this trip, you will explore Tarangire National Park, the world-famous Serengeti, and the stunning Ngorongoro Crater. You will enjoy exciting game drives, see the Big Five animals, and even have the chance to take a hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti.
This safari is perfect for couples, families, and solo travelers. It’s a great option if you are visiting Tanzania for a short time or want to combine your safari with a beach holiday in Zanzibar.
Highlights
- Highlight Mammals and Others: See majestic animals like leopards, African lions, cheetahs, black rhinos, savannah elephants, Cape buffalo, Nile hippos, and Nile crocodiles.
- Sit back and watch the Serengeti’s wildlife ebb and flow across the savannah.
- Spot wildlife while taking in mind-blowing views from the edge of Ngorongoro Crater and listen to the sounds of the African night in a thrilling camping experience.
- And, depending on the time of year you travel, you may have nature’s greatest spectacle to witness: the incomparable Wildebeest Migration.
Tour Summary
Duration
4 Days
Vehicle Type
4WD Safari
Tour Type
Private
Languages
Any Language
Places to Visit
Best Time to Go on a 4 Day Tanzania Safari
Tanzania is a year-round safari destination, but the best time depends on your interests:
| Season | Months | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | June to October | Best for wildlife, easier to spot animals |
| Green Season | November to May | Beautiful landscapes, fewer tourists |
| Migration Viewing | January to March | Calving season in Southern Serengeti |
| Balloon Safari | Year-round | Weather-dependent, best at sunrise |
Tour Itinerary
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1:
Arusha to Tarangire National Park – Elephants and Baobab Trees
Tarangire Game Drive Adventure
Your journey begins in Arusha, the gateway to Northern Tanzania safaris. After breakfast, your safari guide will pick you up and take you on a 3-hour drive to Tarangire National Park.
Tarangire is famous for:
Large elephant herds
Ancient baobab trees
Peaceful river views
Good chances of seeing lions, zebras, giraffes, and more
Enjoy a full game drive in the park, spotting animals and taking photos. Your guide will help you learn about wildlife and nature along the way.
Picnic Lunch in the Park
You will stop for a delicious picnic lunch inside the park, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and perhaps some curious animals in the distance.
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Tarangire Game Drive
Tarangire National Park Photos
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Karatu
- Room Type: Standard
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
Pro Tip:
Visit Tarangire between June and October, during the dry season, when many animals gather near the river. You’ll have a better chance of seeing more wildlife in one place, and the photos are incredible with the golden light and giant baobab trees in the background.
Day 2:
Karatu to Serengeti – Enter the Wild
Scenic Drive Through Ngorongoro to Serengeti
After breakfast, you’ll drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, heading toward the Serengeti National Park. This 4-hour drive is full of amazing views and animals. You might see Maasai herders, zebras, or even giraffes along the way.
Game Drive in Central Serengeti (Seronera)
Once you arrive in the Seronera region of the Serengeti, the real adventure begins. You’ll go on an exciting game drive across the plains. This area is known for:
Big cats like lions, leopards, and cheetahs
Huge herds of wildebeest and zebras
Beautiful sunsets and wildlife action
Depending on the season, you may also see part of the Great Migration, one of the world’s top wildlife events.
Optional Balloon Safari (Next Morning)
Tonight, you can prepare for a magical experience—a hot air balloon safari at sunrise on Day 3. Float above the Serengeti and see animals from above, then enjoy a champagne breakfast in the bush (optional activity at extra cost).
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Enter Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Serengeti Central Game Drive
Serengeti National Park Photos
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Serengeti National Park
- Room Type: Safari Tent
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
Experience the Magic of a Balloon Safari
A balloon safari is not just a tour—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Conducted inside the national park, this exclusive experience allows you to soar above the breathtaking landscapes, offering an unparalleled view of the wildlife below.
Though it comes at a premium price, every moment is worth it. The early morning start is crucial—it’s when the savannah is alive with movement, and the golden sunrise paints the sky in dazzling hues. From above, you’ll witness elephants marching in herds, lions prowling through the grass, and giraffes gracefully wandering—all in their natural habitat, undisturbed.
More than just a safari, this is a chance to see the wild from a completely new perspective. The serenity of the flight, the thrill of spotting animals from above, and the unforgettable views make it an experience that simply has no comparison.
Day 3:
Serengeti Morning Game Drive & Travel to Ngorongoro
Early Morning Game Drive
Wake up early and set off for a sunrise game drive in Serengeti. This is one of the best times to spot predators as they hunt. You may see:
Lions resting after a night hunt
Hyenas roaming
Elephants enjoying the morning sun
If you booked the balloon safari, this will be your chance to fly above the plains and see wildlife from a new angle.
Drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
After the game drive and brunch, begin your journey back toward Karatu. Along the way, you will drive through the Ngorongoro Highlands, offering stunning views of the crater rim and lush scenery.
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Serengeti Central Game Drive
Serengeti National Park Photos
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Karatu
- Room Type: Standard
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
Day 4:
Ngorongoro Crater Safari – End in Arusha
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater
This is the final day of your safari, but it may be the most exciting. You will descend 600 meters into the famous Ngorongoro Crater, often called the Eighth Wonder of the World.
Inside the crater, you can find:
All Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo)
Hippos in the pool
Flamingos by the lake
Amazing landscapes and photo spots
Picnic Lunch at Hippo Pool
You’ll enjoy a peaceful picnic lunch by the hippo pool before heading back to Arusha for your overnight stay or flight home.
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Enter Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Game Drive In Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater Photos
We've got you covered
Our tours are top-notch but give you great value. The price we tell you upfront covers most of the costs for one person, like flights and all transfers.
Includes
- Park fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- Air Ambulance Service by AMREF Flying Doctors;
Excludes
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips to your safari guide ($30-50 per day per car).
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Alcohol drinks
- Visas and visa fees where relevant
- Additional activities not offered as scheduled by the accommodation
- Lunch and dinner in hotel (only before and after safari);
How to plan your Tanzania safari
Connect
Call us or enquire online. Share your wish list and we’ll start planning your adventure.
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Confirm
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Travel
Receive your Seko Tours documents, pack your bags and set off on your trip of a lifetime.
Packing Tips for a 4 Day Safari
Here’s what you should pack for your Tanzania adventure:
Light clothes (neutral colors)
Warm jacket (early mornings can be cold)
Hat and sunglasses
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Camera or smartphone
Binoculars (optional but useful)
Travel documents and safari itinerary
Suggested Add-Ons After Your Safari
Zanzibar Beach Holiday – Relax after your safari on white sand beaches
Materuni Waterfalls and Coffee Tour – Great day trip from Arusha
Cultural Tours in Mto wa Mbu – Explore village life and taste local food
Mount Kilimanjaro Day Hike – For adventurous travelers
Why Book With Seko Tours Adventures?
At Seko Tours Adventures, we are locals and safari experts. Here’s why guests love traveling with us:
Personal service: We plan every trip with care
Trusted guides: Friendly, knowledgeable, and fun
Comfortable lodges: Hand-picked places for your stay
Flexible itineraries: We adjust based on your needs
Great value: Quality safaris at a fair price
Ready to Experience Tanzania’s Best Safari in Just 4 Days?
Plan your unforgettable adventure with Seko Tours Adventures. Whether you’re curious or ready to book, we’ll give you a free quote with no obligation. Let us help you design your perfect Africa safari—just the way you like it!
Popular questions about Tanzania Safari 4 Day Tanzania Safari — Game Drives and Balloon Safari
Yes, 4 days is enough to experience some of the best wildlife parks in Tanzania. This itinerary covers Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro, which are top safari destinations with rich wildlife and beautiful landscapes.
Even though it’s a short trip, you will enjoy full-day game drives, see the Big Five, and even have the option of a balloon safari. It’s a great option for travelers with limited time who still want a memorable Africa safari.
The cost of a 4-day safari in Tanzania depends on the type of accommodation and level of service. On average, budget safaris start at around $1,350 per person, while mid-range safaris range from $2,100. Luxury safaris can cost $3,000 or more.
This price usually includes accommodation, meals, park fees, and a guide. Balloon safaris are optional and are paid separately. Flights and tips are also not included in the basic cost.
A hot air balloon ride in the Serengeti usually costs around $550 to $600 per person. The price includes a sunrise flight over the plains, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience where you can see animals from above, including lions, elephants, and possibly the wildebeest migration. It’s optional but highly recommended for those seeking a unique view of the Serengeti.
You can expect to see a wide range of animals like elephants, lions, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, hippos, and buffalo. In Serengeti and Ngorongoro, there are chances to spot the Big Five, including leopards and rhinos.
Bird lovers will enjoy seeing many species, especially in Tarangire. From open savannahs to crater lakes, every park offers a new wildlife viewing experience.
Yes, hot air balloon safaris in Tanzania are very safe and operated by professional pilots with many years of experience. They follow strict safety rules, and the equipment is checked regularly.
Before the flight, guests receive a safety briefing to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Even children above a certain age can join with adult supervision.
Yes, Ngorongoro Crater is home to the Big Five, including the rare black rhino. However, sightings depend on wildlife movements.
The best time to go is during the dry season from June to October, when animals are easier to spot around water sources and the weather is comfortable.
However, the green season from November to March also has its charm, with fewer crowds and beautiful scenery. If you want to witness the Serengeti migration or calving season, January and February are ideal.
A 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for excellent wildlife viewing and photography.
This is a private safari, meaning you will have a dedicated vehicle and guide for your group.
If you are already in Zanzibar, no additional visa is needed for this domestic safari trip.
Bring light clothing, a warm jacket for cool mornings, comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, binoculars, and a camera.
Some lodges and camps may have Wi-Fi, but mobile coverage in the parks is limited.
Yes, but it is recommended for children aged 5 and above for a better experience.
You can do this safari year-round, but the dry season (June–October) offers the best wildlife viewing.
It’s best to book 6-12 months in advance, especially during the peak season, to secure your preferred itinerary and accommodation.
Contact Seko Tours through their website or email [email protected] to make a reservation.
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