Explore the heart of Tanzania's Northern Circuit with this classic 4-day safari package. Discover the elephant herds of Tarangire, the wildlife density of the Ngorongoro Crater, and the cultural charm of Materuni Falls with comfortable lodging.
$1190 / Starting Price Per Person
The 4-Day Classic Lodging Safari is the perfect short, high-impact Tanzania tour for first-time visitors seeking an authentic Northern Circuit experience. This popular package combines world-class wildlife viewing with a rewarding cultural excursion. You will explore Tarangire National Park, famous for its majestic Baobab trees and vast elephant herds, and descend into the breathtaking, wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater.
Unlike many short safaris, this itinerary concludes with a unique cultural immersion: a day trip to Materuni Waterfalls near Moshi, including a traditional Chagga coffee tour. Travel in comfort with lodge accommodation (or tented camps as preferred), a private 4x4 safari vehicle, and an expert local guide. Book this affordable and comprehensive Northern Circuit safari with Africantrust Safari for an unforgettable journey. Organic Keywords: 4 days Tanzania safari, Tarangire Ngorongoro Materuni, classic Northern Circuit tour, lodge safari Tanzania, Materuni Waterfalls and coffee tour, Ngorongoro Crater day trip.
| Destination Focus | Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Materuni Village (Moshi) |
| Duration | 4 Days / 3 Nights |
| Starting/Ending Point | Arusha or Moshi (Road Safari) |
| Best For | First-time Africa visitors, Big Five seekers, Culture & Nature Balance, Mid-Range Budget Travelers |
| Accommodation Types | Classic Mid-Range Lodges (Comfortable En-Suite Rooms) or Permanent Tented Camps |
| Key Wildlife Highlight | Tarangire Elephant herds, Ngorongoro Rhino/Big Five, Diverse Birdlife, Chagga Culture |
| Operator Recommendation | Africantrust Safari Your specialist for short, high-value Tanzania wildlife and cultural tours. |
An expertly designed road safari maximizing game drive time in two world-famous parks, balanced with a memorable cultural day trip near Mount Kilimanjaro. This itinerary is logistically optimized for the best 4 days in Tanzania.
Your classic Tanzania safari begins with morning pickup from your accommodation in Arusha or Moshi. We drive southwest to Tarangire National Park (approx. 2-hour drive). Known as the "Elephant Sanctuary," Tarangire is famous for its colossal Baobab trees and the highest concentration of elephants in the world. You'll enjoy a full day of game drives, tracking large elephant herds, resident lion prides, and numerous zebra, wildebeest, and giraffe. The Tarangire River provides a vital lifeline, especially during the dry season. Dinner and overnight will be at a comfortable lodge near the park gears
After a delicious breakfast, we depart from Tarangire and drive toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), traveling through the scenic Great Rift Valley landscape. We check into your lodge perched on the Crater rim. The afternoon is spent enjoying the stunning views, learning about the Masai culture, and preparing for the exciting descent the following day. This strategic location offers an early start to the crater and saves driving time. Dinner and overnight at a Ngorongoro Crater rim lodge (Karatu area alternative is also available).
A highlight of your Tanzania Big Five safari! We rise early to descend 600 meters onto the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This unique ecosystem hosts an estimated 25,000 animals, offering the best chance to spot the endangered Black Rhino. We spend a crucial 6 hours on the crater floor, viewing lion, leopard, hyena, and vast flocks of flamingos at Lake Magadi. After a picnic lunch, we ascend the crater wall and drive back towards the Moshi/Arusha area for your final night's stay, positioning you perfectly for the next day's cultural tour.
The final day combines nature and culture. After breakfast, we drive to Materuni Village, the home of the Chagga tribe on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. You’ll take a guided hike to the stunning Materuni Waterfalls, where you can swim in the refreshing pool. Afterward, enjoy a detailed, hands-on Materuni coffee tour, learning about the coffee-making process from bean to cup. This delightful cultural day trip near Moshi includes a traditional hot lunch. In the late afternoon, your guide will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or back to your Arusha/Moshi hotel, concluding your comprehensive 4-day Tarangire Ngorongoro Materuni tour.
A transparent and high-value package from Africantrust Safari, designed to deliver the best 4-day Northern Circuit experience at an excellent price point.
| Services Included (Classic Lodging Package) |
|
||||||||
| Services Not Included |
|
Find answers to the most common questions about booking your short, comprehensive Northern Circuit lodge safari with Africantrust Safari.
This itinerary is ideal for those with limited time who want the maximum variety of wildlife and culture without the added cost of a domestic flight or the long drive to the Serengeti. Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Materuni are logistically closer to Arusha/Moshi, allowing for comfortable road travel and two major game parks plus a cultural day in just four days.
The best game viewing in Tarangire is during the dry season (June to October). During these months, thousands of animals (especially the famous elephant herds) congregate along the Tarangire River, making wildlife sightings easier and more predictable. The green season offers lush scenery and excellent birding.
Yes, there is a very high probability, especially in the Ngorongoro Crater. The crater floor is one of the most reliable places in Africa to spot the endangered Black Rhino, which is often the most difficult of the Big Five. Lion, elephant, and buffalo are abundant, and we actively search for the elusive leopard, though their sightings are never guaranteed.
The hike to the Materuni Waterfalls is generally considered moderate. It involves walking on uneven, sometimes muddy, paths for about 45 minutes to one hour each way. It's suitable for most travelers with a basic level of fitness. Proper walking shoes are recommended, and local guides are there to assist.
Discover why this 4-Day Classic Lodging safari provides the best balance of wildlife, culture, and value for your Tanzania adventure.
This itinerary masterfully connects the sheer wildlife spectacle of Tarangire’s elephants and the dense Big Five population of the Ngorongoro Crater with a refreshing cultural and natural break at Materuni Village. It is the ultimate Northern Circuit short tour, ensuring you leave Tanzania with both iconic safari photos and meaningful cultural memories of the Chagga people and their coffee traditions.
Join Africantrust Safari for thrilling wildlife encounters, majestic landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. One click is all it takes to start your adventure.
Ready to Book Your Classic Tarangire & Ngorongoro Adventure?
Secure your spot on this popular 4-day Northern Circuit tour! Contact Africantrust Safari now for current availability and a tailored quote for your travel dates.