5 Days Northern Tanzania Budget Safari

Overview

This 5-day safari offers an immersive experience in northern Tanzania’s top wildlife destinations, perfect for budget-conscious travelers seeking adventure and authentic wildlife encounters. The safari takes you to Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, the Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater, combining diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and spectacular scenery. You will enjoy game drives, scenic drives through the Rift Valley, and nights in budget lodges or camps, all while experiencing the magic of Tanzania’s wilderness.

Highlights

Explore four northern Tanzania parks: Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro
Witness elephants, lions, cheetahs, wildebeests, flamingos, and more
Enjoy game drives in diverse landscapes: savannah, crater, lake, and forest
Ideal for short but comprehensive safari adventures

Detailed Itinerary

Your safari begins with a morning pick-up from Arusha or Moshi, followed by a drive to Tarangire National Park, where large elephant herds, lions, giraffes, and iconic baobab trees await. After a full-day game drive, you will spend the night at a budget lodge or campsite in Mto wa Mbu or Karatu.

On the second day, you visit Lake Manyara National Park, known for tree-climbing lions, flamingos, hippos, and diverse birdlife. After a morning game drive, you will continue your journey to the Serengeti National Park, arriving in time for an afternoon game drive in the Seronera region, and stay overnight at a public campsite or budget lodge.

Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire National Park

Pick-up from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi in the early morning. Drive through scenic landscapes to Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds, baobab trees, lions, giraffes, and other wildlife. Enjoy a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch in the park. In the late afternoon, drive to a budget lodge or campsite in Mto wa Mbu or Karatu for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2: Tarangire – Lake Manyara – Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park for a morning game drive. Experience its unique scenery, tree-climbing lions, flamingos, hippos, and abundant birdlife. Afterward, continue the journey to Serengeti National Park, arriving in time for an afternoon game drive in the Seronera area. Spend the night at a public campsite or budget lodge inside the Serengeti.

Day 3: Full Day Serengeti Exploration

Wake up early for a sunrise game drive in the Serengeti, maximizing your chances to spot predators and wildlife such as lions, cheetahs, elephants, wildebeests, and giraffes. After lunch, continue with an afternoon game drive in different areas of the park. Return to your campsite or lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Conservation Area

After breakfast, depart Serengeti and drive toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, enjoying scenic views and wildlife along the way. Stop at viewpoints to admire the Ngorongoro Crater from above. Arrive at a campsite or budget lodge on the crater rim for dinner and overnight, taking in the spectacular landscapes surrounding you.

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha

Descend early into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive. Spot the Big Five, hippos, zebras, wildebeests, and possibly rare black rhinos while exploring the crater floor. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the hippo pool before ascending the crater in the afternoon and returning to Arusha or Moshi, marking the end of your safari.