πŸ•οΈ Budget SafariπŸ’° From $1,200 per person

5-Day Tanzania Budget Safari – Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire Adventure

Discover the best of Tanzania’s northern circuit on this action-packed 5-day private camping safari, perfect for wildlife lovers and adventurers seeking close-to-nature experiences. From the elephant-rich landscapes of Tarangire National Park to the predator-filled plains of the Serengeti and the breathtaking wildlife density of the Ngorongoro Crater, this journey offers a front-row seat to Africa’s raw beauty.

Enjoy the comfort of private guidance by an expert driver-guide and personal safari chef while sleeping under the stars at well-situated campsites. You’ll also get a taste of Tanzanian culture with a cycling tour in Mto wa Mbu village, immersing yourself in local life. This is one of the best value-for-money safaris for those looking for authentic wildlife experiences, flexible travel, and budget-friendly comfort.

πŸ—ΊοΈ Tanzania Safari Route

🏁 Start: Arusha (Day 1)

🐘 Days 1–2: Tarangire National Park
🚴 Day 2: Mto wa Mbu cultural visit
🦁 Day 3: Central Serengeti National Park
πŸŒ„ Day 4: Ngorongoro Highlands
πŸŒ‹ Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater

🏁 End: Arusha (Day 5)

⭐ Top Tour Features

πŸ•οΈ Authentic Budget Experience: Embrace the adventure of the wild with carefully selected budget campsites and basic lodges, offering an authentic and affordable safari experience close to nature.

πŸš™ Private Safari Experience: This is a fully private tourβ€”just for you and your travel companions. No shared vehicles or group schedules.

πŸ“… Flexible Start Dates: The tour can begin on any day of the week, depending on lodge availabilityβ€”ideal for fitting into your travel plans.

πŸ› οΈ Customizable Itinerary: Personalize your safari by requesting changes to the route, accommodations, or pace of the tour.

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦ Family-Friendly: Designed to be safe and enjoyable for travelers of all ages, including young children.

πŸ›οΈ Safari Accommodations Overview

πŸ“… Day 1
πŸ•οΈ Budget Camping – Inside Tarangire National Park
🍽️ Lunch & Dinner Included

πŸ“… Day 2
🏨 Fig Tree Lodge & Camp – Budget hotel in Mto wa Mbu (Town)
🍽️ All Meals Included

πŸ“… Day 3
πŸ•οΈ Budget Camping – Inside Central Serengeti National Park
🍽️ All Meals Included

πŸ“… Day 4
πŸ•οΈ Budget Camping – Inside Ngorongoro Highlands
🍽️ All Meals Included

πŸ“… Day 5
🚫 End of Tour – No accommodation
🍽️ Breakfast & Lunch Included

Day 1 – Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Your adventure begins with a scenic 2-hour drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its stunning baobab trees and one of the largest elephant populations in East Africa. After entering the park, enjoy a game drive that explores different areas depending on recent wildlife sightings. With a bit of luck, you’ll spot lions, leopards, or cheetahs.

You’ll stop for a picnic lunch at the Tarangire River viewpoint, where herds of animals gather to drink. Watch out for mischievous monkeys and baboons who might try to sneak a snack! The day ends with an authentic wild camping experience, sleeping in the heart of nature under the stars.

πŸ“ Main Destination: Tarangire National Park
πŸ•οΈ Accommodation: Budget camping
🍽️ Meals: Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 2 – Morning Game Drive & Village Life in Mto wa Mbu

Start the morning with a final game drive through Tarangire’s golden landscapes. Then, head to Mto wa Mbu, a vibrant multicultural town near Lake Manyara. After lunch and a bit of rest, hop on a guided bicycle tour that takes you through banana plantations, rice fields, and small villages. You’ll meet local farmers, see waterfalls in the forest, and get a real feel for Tanzanian rural life.

In the evening, settle into your cozy lodge in town and enjoy a well-deserved meal and a warm shower.

πŸ“ Main Destination: Mto wa Mbu
🏨 Accommodation: Fig Tree Lodge & Camp
🍽️ Meals: All Meals Included

Day 3 – Into the Serengeti

After breakfast, begin your drive to the legendary Serengeti National Park, traveling through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Along the way, you can opt to visit a traditional Maasai village to learn about the customs and rituals of this iconic tribe (entrance not included).

Arriving in the Central Serengeti (Seronera), you’ll head out on a thrilling game drive through rolling savannahs teeming with life. This area is famous for big cats, large herds of wildebeest, and dramatic sunsets. Spend the night camping in the wild, surrounded by the sounds of Africa.

πŸ“ Main Destination: Central Serengeti National Park
πŸ•οΈ Accommodation: Budget camping
🍽️ Meals: All Meals Included

Day 4 – Serengeti Sunrise & Drive to Ngorongoro Highlands

Wake up early for a final game drive in Serengeti’s golden morning lightβ€”an ideal time to spot predators on the hunt. After lunch, you’ll slowly exit the park, taking in wildlife along the way, and make your way to the Ngorongoro Highlands.

You’ll camp near the crater rim at Simba Campsite, where you might even see animals like buffalo or zebras roaming nearby. Enjoy your last night in the wilderness, surrounded by breathtaking crater-edge views.

πŸ“ Main Destination: Ngorongoro Highlands
πŸ•οΈ Accommodation: Budget camping
🍽️ Meals: All Meals Included

Day 5 – Ngorongoro Crater Safari & Return to Arusha

After an early breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a 600-meter-deep volcanic caldera often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” The fertile floor supports an incredible concentration of wildlife, including black rhinos, elephants, lions, hyenas, hippos, and flamingos.

You’ll spend around 5–6 hours on the crater floor, including a scenic picnic lunch near a hippo pool. After exiting the crater, return to Arusha where your safari ends. Airport transfer is included if needed.

πŸ“ Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater
🚫 Accommodation: End of Tour
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included

Included βœ…

πŸ¦“ Park fees (for non-residents)
πŸš™ All activities (unless marked optional)
πŸ•οΈ All accommodation (unless listed as an upgrade)
πŸ‘¨β€πŸ’Ό Professional driver/guide
πŸš— All transportation (unless labeled optional)
πŸ’° All taxes & VAT
✈️ Roundtrip airport transfer
🍽️ Meals (as specified in the daily itinerary)
πŸ’§ Drinking water (provided every day)

Excluded ❌

🌍 International flights (to/from home)
🏨 Extra accommodation before or after the tour
πŸ’΅ Tips (suggested US$10 per person per day)
πŸŽ’ Personal expenses (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
πŸ“ˆ Possible government increases on taxes or park fees

πŸ“Œ Important Notes About Rates

πŸ’΅ All rates are per person and do not include international flights to/from your home country.
🌍 Prices are listed in US dollars (USD).
πŸ‘Ά Children of all ages are welcome! Kids under 12 enjoy a special discount, and little ones under 2 travel for free.
πŸ“… The rates shown here are estimates only. Final pricing depends on your travel dates, the exact itinerary, and chosen accommodations. Each local agency will provide you with a personalized, definitive quote.
⚠️ Rates may vary due to seasonal demand, availability, and occasional changes in park fees or taxes.

✨ Ready to get your customized safari quote? Submit your details now and take the first step toward your unforgettable adventure!

πŸ“Œ Rates per person:

Solo2 people3 people4 people5 people6 people
Not possible$1,690$1,485$1,380$1,290$1,200

Safari starting at (per person)

$1,200

🦁 About This Itinerary

This 5-day safari has been designed in collaboration with my trusted local guides in Tanzania.
When you request a quote, each local agency will share their preferred version of the itinerary β€” including small variations in routing and accommodation β€” based on availability and their expert knowledge.

🏨 Accommodation flexibility matters!
Prices may also vary depending on the lodges or camps selected. Some sample itineraries include mid-range or luxury options, but if you love the route and need something more budget-friendly, you can request simpler accommodations. Everything is customizable!

πŸ› οΈ Want this exact itinerary?
No problem! Just let them know when requesting your quote and they’ll do their best to match it.

βœ‰οΈ Every quote is 100% free and personalized.
Get in touch and let the adventure begin!

Excited to Safari? Get Your Custom Quote Today!