7-Day Northern Circuit Budget Safari Itinerary
Experience Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations on this 7-Day Northern Circuit Budget Safari Itinerary. This adventure takes you through Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater, offering an affordable yet immersive safari experience. Perfect for budget travelers, this safari combines thrilling game drives, breathtaking scenery, and nights spent in cozy campsites close to nature.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha, you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to your budget lodge. Take the day to rest or explore the town’s local markets and cultural centers before your safari begins.
Dinner and overnight stay in Arusha.
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its impressive elephant herds and majestic baobab trees. Enjoy a full-day game drive spotting zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, lions, and a variety of birdlife along the Tarangire River.
Dinner and overnight at a campsite or budget lodge near the park.
Day 3: Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park
Today, head to Lake Manyara National Park, a small but stunning park famous for its tree-climbing lions and pink flamingos. Explore its lush forests and lake shores on a guided game drive.
In the afternoon, visit Mto wa Mbu village for a cultural walk, where you can meet locals, visit banana plantations, and learn about traditional crafts.
Dinner and overnight at a lodge or campsite near Manyara.
Day 4: Manyara to Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, journey through the Ngorongoro Highlands to reach Serengeti National Park, one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations. Enter the park for an afternoon game drive across the vast plains, home to lions, elephants, giraffes, and countless antelope species.
Dinner and overnight stay at a public campsite or budget lodge in the Serengeti.
Day 5: Full-Day Safari in Serengeti
Spend the entire day exploring the Serengeti, renowned for its rich wildlife and the Great Wildebeest Migration (depending on season). Search for the Big Five lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos and observe predators in action.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park and return to camp for dinner and overnight stay surrounded by the sounds of the wild.
Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, enjoy a short morning game drive before leaving Serengeti. Drive towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, stopping at Olduvai Gorge (optional) the cradle of mankind.
Arrive at your campsite near the crater rim for dinner and overnight stay with stunning views of the Ngorongoro highlands.
Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater Tour – Return to Arusha
Rise early for your descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” The crater is home to more than 25,000 animals, including lions, elephants, buffalo, flamingos, and the rare black rhino.
Enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor before ascending and returning to Arusha, marking the end of your 7-Day Northern Circuit Budget Safari.
Safari Includes
- Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide
- Park entrance fees for all mentioned parks
- Accommodation in budget lodges and campsites
- 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 lodge staff
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, laundry, optional activities)
- Optional visits (Olduvai Gorge, Maasai village, balloon safari)
- Email: info@mandaritravel.com
- Call/WhatsApp +255 750 900 811.
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