5-Day Tanzania Budget Safari: Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire Adventure
Elephants in Tarangire, predators in the Serengeti and the wildlife density of Ngorongoro Crater, on a private camping safari with an expert driver-guide and personal chef.
The best of Tanzania’s northern circuit on an action-packed private camping safari.
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.
Top Tour Features
- 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.
- Private Safari Experience
- This is a fully private tour—just for you and your travel companions. No shared vehicles or group schedules.
- Flexible Start Dates
- The tour can begin on any day of the week, depending on lodge availability—ideal for fitting into your travel plans.
- Customizable Itinerary
- Personalize your safari by requesting changes to the route, accommodations, or pace of the tour.
- Family-Friendly
- Designed to be safe and enjoyable for travelers of all ages, including young children.
Day by day, from Arusha and back again.
Your route and accommodation overview. Lodges shown are sample choices and may vary with availability.
- StartArusha (Day 1)
- Day 1Tarangire National ParkBudget Camping – Inside Tarangire National ParkLunch & Dinner Included
- Day 2Mto wa Mbu (Cultural Visit & Cycling Tour)Fig Tree Lodge & Camp – Budget hotel in Mto wa Mbu (Town)All Meals Included
- Day 3Central Serengeti National ParkBudget Camping – Inside Central Serengeti National ParkAll Meals Included
- Day 4Ngorongoro HighlandsBudget Camping – Inside Ngorongoro HighlandsAll Meals Included
- EndArusha (Day 5)End of Tour – No AccommodationBreakfast & Lunch Included
- Day 1
Arusha to Tarangire National Park
⌂AccommodationBudget CampingInside Tarangire National ParkLunch & Dinner Included
Day details
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.
- Day 2
Morning Game Drive & Village Life in Mto wa Mbu
⌂AccommodationFig Tree Lodge & CampBudget hotel in Mto wa Mbu (Town)All Meals IncludedDay details
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.
- Day 3 · Highlight
Into the Serengeti
⌂AccommodationBudget CampingInside Central Serengeti National ParkAll Meals IncludedDay details
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.
- Day 4
Serengeti Sunrise & Drive to Ngorongoro Highlands
⌂AccommodationBudget CampingInside Ngorongoro HighlandsAll Meals IncludedDay details
Wake up early for a final game drive in Serengeti’s golden morning light—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.
- Day 5
Ngorongoro Crater Safari & Return to Arusha
⌂AccommodationEnd of TourNo AccommodationBreakfast & Lunch IncludedDay details
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.
Transparent from the start, tailored in your quote.
The final price and full list of inclusions and exclusions is confirmed by the local operator in your personalized quote, based on dates, group size and the lodges you choose.
Prices may vary depending on the lodges or camps selected. Ask for simpler accommodations if you need something more budget-friendly, or upgrade where it matters to you.
Get a Free QuoteIncluded
- Park fees (for non-residents)
- All activities (unless marked optional)
- All accommodation (unless listed as an upgrade)
- Professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled optional)
- All taxes & VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals (as specified in the daily itinerary)
- Drinking water (provided every day)
Excluded
- International flights (to/from home)
- Extra accommodation before or after the tour
- Tips (suggested US$10 per person per day)
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Possible government increases on taxes or park fees
Rates per person
- SoloNot possible
- 2 people$1,690
- 3 people$1,485
- 4 people$1,380
- 5 people$1,290
- 6 people$1,200
Important notes about rates
- All rates are per person and do not include international flights to/from your home country.
- Prices are listed in US dollars (USD).
- Children of all ages are welcome! Kids under 12 enjoy a special discount, and little ones under 2 travel for free.
- 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!
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