5 Day Budget Safari Adventure in Tanzania’s Top Parks & Kilimanjaro Day Trek

Overview

This budget-friendly camping safari offers an exciting blend of comfort, adventure, and authentic wildlife experiences. Over the course of your journey, you’ll explore four of Tanzania’s most renowned destinations: Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and the breathtaking foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. Each location provides a unique landscape and an incredible variety of wildlife, from large herds of elephants in Tarangire to the iconic predators of the Serengeti.

As you traverse these stunning environments, you’ll be immersed in the natural beauty of Tanzania, where every moment offers a new adventure. Whether it’s watching the migration of wildebeest in the Serengeti or gazing out over the vast crater floor in Ngorongoro, you’ll experience some of the world’s most spectacular wildlife and natural wonders.

This safari is designed for those who want to connect with nature in an authentic way, all while enjoying the comfort of well-appointed camping accommodations. It’s the perfect way to discover the heart of Tanzania, making memories that will last a lifetime.

TOUR PLAN

Day 1: Tarangire National Park.

We will pick you up from your hotel or the airport and begin our adventure. On the first day, we depart at 6:30 am and drive from Arusha to Tarangire, a 2-hour journey covering approximately 150 km. Once we arrive, we’ll embark on a 6-hour game drive inside the park, with a delicious hot lunch served in the park itself. Afterward, continue exploring the park in the afternoon, where you’ll have the opportunity to spot lions, giraffes, zebras, and a wide variety of bird species.

Tarangire National Park is renowned for its birdwatching opportunities and large elephant herds. During the dry season, the Tarangire River serves as the sole water source for much of the wildlife in the area. The park’s iconic landscape is also notable for its numerous baobab trees. In addition to wildlife viewing, the park is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with a diverse range of species to observe.

At the end of an exciting day, we’ll head to Fanaka Safari Campsite & Lodges for an authentic and comfortable overnight stay. Enjoy a cozy, budget-friendly experience under the stars, surrounded by the beauty of Tanzania’s nature.

Main Destination:
Tarangire National Park – Known for its impressive elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and exceptional wildlife viewing, Tarangire offers a truly immersive safari experience.

After the afternoon game drive, which is expected to conclude by late evening, you will be dropped off at your respective accommodations for a restful and comfortable night at Fanaka Safari Camps Enjoy the tranquility of the Tarangire as you unwind in the camp’s cozy and serene atmosphere, surrounded by the wilderness.

Wake up and get ready for an early start as we depart at 6:30 am. We’ll embark on a 4-hour drive from Fanaka Safari Campsite & Lodges to the Serengeti, covering a distance of 231 km. Upon arrival in the Serengeti, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch at the designated Serengeti picnic site before continuing with an exciting afternoon game drive.

As the day winds down, we’ll head to the Seronera Campsite, where our team will take care of all the details. They will set up the camping equipment, including erecting your tents and arranging cozy sleeping accommodations, ensuring you have a comfortable and restful night. Enjoy the unique experience of spending the night under the stars in the heart of the Serengeti, surrounded by the sounds of nature and wildlife.

Start your day with an early morning breakfast or a refreshing cup of coffee before heading out for a thrilling game drive around 6:30 am. Afterward, return to the campsite for a delicious brunch. In the afternoon, we’ll embark on another exciting game drive as we exit the Serengeti and drive towards the Ngorongoro Crater.

We’ll spend the night at the Ngorongoro Simba Campsite, located just outside the crater rim. Enjoy a peaceful and restful evening, surrounded by the serene beauty of nature, before continuing your adventure the next day.

Main Destination: Serengeti National Park

Start your day with an early morning game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater, where we’ll embark on a 6-hour adventure exploring this unique landscape. We’ll enjoy a delicious lunch inside the park. The Ngorongoro Crater, a collapsed volcanic caldera spanning 260 km², boasts a stunning array of habitats, including montane forests, grasslands, acacia woodlands, salt lakes, and swamps. This diversity supports an incredible range of wildlife, including the Big Five, offering unforgettable game viewing in a truly breathtaking setting.

The crater floor is home to a large concentration of wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos, as well as hippos, crocodiles, zebras, antelopes, and other plains game. The variety of species and stunning landscapes make for an unforgettable experience.

After a day filled with wildlife sightings, we’ll head to Charity Hotel for a relaxing dinner and a comfortable overnight stay, where you can unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures.

Our adventure begins with a visit to the stunning Materuni Waterfalls, where you’ll enjoy a refreshing hike through the lush forest. Along the way, your guide will share the history and cultural significance of this remarkable location. The Chagga people, who have called this area home for centuries, will warmly welcome you into their village, offering a unique insight into their traditional lifestyle.

Next, you’ll visit a local coffee plantation, where you’ll learn about the entire coffee production process—from cultivation and drying to roasting and brewing. Watch as the villagers demonstrate their artisanal coffee-making techniques and listen to traditional songs that accompany the process. You’ll also have the opportunity to taste freshly brewed coffee and sample a local banana soup, a beloved dish in the region.

For lunch, you’ll enjoy a traditional Chagga meal, giving you a true taste of the local cuisine.

Afterward, we’ll return to Arusha, or, if you prefer, we can arrange a transfer to the airport as needed.

Main Destination:

  • Materuni Waterfalls (Highlight)

After checking out, you will return to Arusha, while being transferred direct to the Arusha airport or Kilimanjaro Airport in time for your afternoon departure back to your homeland. We hope you have enjoyed your journey and have unforgettable memories with Across The Wild Safaris!

Please share your experience with friends and family safe travels and see you soon! Karibu tena! 🌍🦁

  • All Meals throughout safari and hot lunch/picnic lunch where necessary.
  • Enough mineral bottled water while on safari.
  • Private Transport while on Safari.
  • Ultimate game drives in our specially designed 4 x 4-wheel drive with pop-up roof for maximum game viewing and everyone guaranteed a window seat.
  • Services of a professional safari guide of language of your preference.
  • Park fees (For non-residents)
  • All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
  • All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
  • All Taxes/VAT
  • Roundtrip airport transfer
  • Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Medical insurance
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Passports and visas
  • Activities listed as optional
  • Tips (tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)

Guide Gratuities and Tips

  • International flight
  • Balloon Ride (US $590.00 pp per trip)
  • Services not mentioned in the program