5-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Budget Safari

Safari Overview

Embark on a breathtaking 5-day wildlife photographic safari through Tanzania’s most iconic national parks—Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater. This budget-friendly adventure offers stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and incredible photographic opportunities.

Safari Route Map

Your journey will take you through:
Arusha (Arrival)
Tarangire National Park
Serengeti National Park
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Return to Arusha (Departure)

Safari Schedule

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Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Begin your journey with a scenic transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha, where a warm welcome and relaxing lodge stay set the tone for your safari adventure.

Details

Distance: Approximately 50 km (31 mi) from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha
Activities: Meet and greet upon arrival, detailed safari briefing, and time to relax at the lodge
Accommodation: Budget lodge in Arusha offering comfort and convenience before your safari begins

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Day 2: Tarangire National Park

Travel from Arusha to Tarangire for your first full safari experience—an unforgettable day of wildlife encounters and iconic landscapes.

Details

Distance: Approximately 120 km (75 mi) from Arusha to Tarangire; around a 2-hour scenic drive
Highlights:

Encounter large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees
Enjoy a game drive with chances to spot lions, giraffes, zebras, and more

Accommodation: Budget lodge located near Tarangire National Park, offering easy access to the wildlife-rich area

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Day 3: Serengeti National Park

Journey from Tarangire to Serengeti via the breathtaking Ngorongoro highlands, ending with an afternoon game drive and overnight stay in the heart of the wild.

Details

Distance: Approximately 220 km (137 mi) from Tarangire to Serengeti; estimated 5–6-hour drive
Highlights:

Scenic drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Afternoon game drive in Serengeti with chances to spot lions, cheetahs, and possibly witness the Great Migration

Accommodation: Budget campsite located inside Serengeti National Park, offering immersive wilderness experience

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Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater

Depart Serengeti after a morning game drive and journey to Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day safari packed with iconic wildlife encounters.

Details

Distance: Approximately 150 km (93 mi) from Serengeti to Ngorongoro; estimated 3–4-hour drive
Highlights:

Morning game drive in the Serengeti plains
Scenic descent into Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day safari
Opportunity to spot the Big Five: lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards

Accommodation: Budget campsite near Ngorongoro Crater, offering close proximity to the conservation area

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Day 5: Departure from Arusha

Conclude your safari with a final morning of wildlife viewing before heading back to Arusha for your onward journey.

Details

Distance: Approximately 190 km (118 mi) from Ngorongoro to Arusha; estimated 4-hour drive
Highlights:

Morning wildlife viewing in the Ngorongoro area
Scenic return to Arusha for departure or onward travel

Important Note

If your travel plans require you to check out later than 10:00 AM, there is the convenience late check-out option for an additional fee, especially helpful for those with evening flights.

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Safari Pricing Terms of Service

Included in the Safari Price:

✔ Meet and greet services upon arrival and departure at the airport.
✔ Full-board accommodation during the safari (Luxury, Standard, or Budget based on package selection).
✔ Private safari guide (English as the standard language; additional language guides available upon request).
✔ Round-trip transfers between the international airport and safari destinations.
✔ National park entry fees.
✔ All meals throughout the safari experience.
✔ Safari vehicles equipped with:
- Ice chest stocked with mineral water.
- Wildlife guidebook for reference during game drives.
- Karibuni welcome packet with useful information for guests.
✔ Government taxes, VAT, and service charges related to accommodation and meals.
✔ Domestic flight to Zanzibar for package with Zanzibar Extension
✔ Any additional special services requested will be included in the final itinerary package.

Not Included in the Safari Price:

✖ Tanzania Visa Fees:

$50 per person on arrival.
USA and Canada passport holders: $100 per person.

✖ Personal Expenses:

Laundry, telephone calls, alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages, souvenirs, etc.

✖ Meals not specified in the itinerary.
✖ Domestic flights, unless explicitly mentioned in the itinerary.
✖ Optional/Add-on Tours:

Hot air balloon ride: $500 per person.
Other optional excursions available upon request.

✖ Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, local people for cultural tours and hotel staff.

✖ Any items of a personal nature not listed in the inclusions.

Tanzania Safari General FAQs

When is the best time to go on a safari in Tanzania?

The best time depends on your priorities:

June to October: Dry season, ideal for wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources.
January to February: Calving season in the Serengeti, offering incredible predator-prey interactions.
March to May: Rainy season, fewer crowds, but some roads may be challenging.

What are the top national parks to visit?

Tanzania is home to several iconic parks:

Serengeti National Park: Famous for the Great Migration and Big Five.
Ngorongoro Crater: Dense wildlife populations in a unique volcanic setting.
Tarangire National Park: Known for its elephant herds and baobab trees.
Lake Manyara National Park: Great for birdwatching and tree-climbing lions.
Ruaha National Park: Offers a more remote, rugged safari experience.

Do I need a visa to enter Tanzania?

Yes, most travelers require a visa. You can obtain one on arrival at the airport or apply online in advance. Tourist visas are typically valid for up to 90 days.

What vaccinations are required for Tanzania?

Recommended vaccinations include:

Yellow fever (required if arriving from an at-risk country)
Hepatitis A & B
Typhoid
Routine vaccines (MMR, tetanus, polio)

What should I pack for a safari?

Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing
Binoculars and a 300mm+ telephoto lens for photography
Sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat
Comfortable hiking shoes
Extra camera batteries and memory cards

How much does a Tanzania safari cost?

Safari costs vary based on accommodation, season, and itinerary:

Budget safari: $200–$400 per day
Mid-range safari: $400–$800 per day
Luxury safari: $800+ per day

Is Tanzania safe for safaris?

Yes, Tanzania is generally safe for tourists. Follow these precautions:

Use reputable safari operators.
Avoid walking alone at night in cities.
Keep valuables secure.
Follow park regulations and guide instructions.

What wildlife can I expect to see?

Tanzania is home to the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino), along with giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, and countless bird species.

What type of safari vehicles are used?

Most safaris use 4x4 Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs for optimal wildlife viewing and photography.

Can I do a self-drive safari?

While possible, self-drive safaris are challenging due to rough terrain and navigation difficulties. Hiring a professional guide is highly recommended.

What is the Great Migration, and when can I see it?

The Great Migration is the annual movement of over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras across the Serengeti and Maasai Mara.

June to October: River crossings at the Mara River.
January to February: Calving season in the southern Serengeti.

What are the accommodation options?

Budget: Campsites and basic lodges.
Mid-range: Comfortable lodges and tented camps.
Luxury: High-end lodges with premium amenities.

Can I combine a safari with a Zanzibar beach holiday?

Absolutely! Many travelers end their safari with a relaxing beach retreat in Zanzibar, known for its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters.

What is the food like on safari?

Most lodges and camps offer buffet-style meals with a mix of local and international cuisine. Special dietary requests can usually be accommodated.