7-Day Budget Safari to Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire
Discover Tanzania’s breathtaking wildlife and landscapes on this 7-Day Budget Safari to Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire. Designed for travelers seeking a combination of adventure and affordability, this safari offers an incredible chance to experience the Big Five lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos while camping in the heart of Africa’s most iconic national parks. This journey also includes opportunities to see flamingos at Lake Manyara, ancient baobab trees in Tarangire, and the unique ecosystem of the Ngorongoro Crater.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha city, you will be greeted by your professional safari guide. Take some time to relax and acclimatize to the warm African climate. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore Arusha town, known as the safari capital of Tanzania, or rest at your lodge or campsite. Enjoy dinner and prepare for an exciting adventure ahead. Overnight stay in Arusha.
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
After an early breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, renowned for its enormous elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. The park’s rolling plains, river valleys, and scattered acacia forests provide a stunning backdrop for game viewing.
Enjoy an afternoon game drive, spotting lions lounging under shade, graceful giraffes browsing treetops, and large herds of zebras and wildebeest grazing near the Tarangire River. The park is also home to over 550 bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers.
In the evening, check in at your campsite inside or near the park. Gather around the campfire for dinner while listening to the sounds of the African bush. Overnight stay at camp.
Day 3: Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife. Lake Manyara offers unique experiences such as spotting lions that climb trees, watching hippos in the shallow waters, and seeing flocks of pink flamingos along the lake’s edge.
Spend the day exploring the park’s dense forests, lakeshore, and open savannah. Your guide will help identify a variety of animals and birds, providing fascinating insights into their behaviors and habitats.
By late afternoon, head toward your campsite near Ngorongoro Conservation Area or Mto wa Mbu, a lively town known for its local markets and scenic surroundings. Enjoy dinner at camp and relax under the starry night sky.
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater Safari
Rise early for a day-long adventure in the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations. Descend approximately 600 meters into the crater, a natural enclosure home to an extraordinary concentration of wildlife.
During your game drive, spot elephants, buffalo, lions, hippos, and, with luck, the elusive black rhino. The crater’s unique ecosystem and scenic landscape make it a photographer’s paradise. Pause for a picnic lunch at a scenic spot while enjoying the views of the wildlife-rich crater floor. In the late afternoon, ascend to the rim and head to your campsite for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Ngorongoro to Serengeti National Park
Depart from the Ngorongoro Highlands and journey toward Serengeti National Park, the heart of Tanzania’s wildlife kingdom. Along the way, take in the breathtaking highland scenery, dotted with traditional Maasai villages. Optional stops include a visit to the Olduvai Gorge, known as the “Cradle of Mankind,” where important archaeological discoveries were made.
Arrive in the central Serengeti by afternoon for an evening game drive. Witness lions, cheetahs, and herds of wildebeest and zebras against the backdrop of the vast plains. Dinner and overnight stay at your campsite.
Day 6: Full-Day Game Drive in Serengeti
Spend the entire day exploring the Serengeti ecosystem. Depending on the season, you may witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move across the plains in search of fresh grazing grounds.
Your guide will help locate predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs in action, as well as elephants and giraffes. The park’s wide-open landscapes provide endless opportunities for photography and wildlife observation. Return to your campsite for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7: Serengeti to Arusha via Ngorongoro
Enjoy a final morning game drive in Serengeti before returning to Arusha. Drive through the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands, where you may stop for photos or visit local villages. Arrive in Arusha by afternoon, marking the end of your 7-Day Budget Safari to Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire. Depart for your onward journey with memories of an unforgettable African adventure.
Safari Includes
- Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide
- Park entrance fees for Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro
- Camping accommodation with full camping equipment
- All meals during the safari (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Bottled water during game drives
- Government taxes and levies
Safari Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Visa and travel insurance
- Tips for driver/guide and camp staff
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, laundry, etc.)
- Optional activities (Olduvai Gorge visit, Maasai cultural tours)
- Email: info@mandaritravel.com
- Call/WhatsApp +255 750 900 811.
Fill out the form below to request a quote for the 7-Day Budget Safari to Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire.
