5-Day Budget Tanzania Safari | Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro

Overview

This 5-day budget Tanzania safari delivers a complete Northern Circuit experience by combining four of the country’s most iconic wildlife destinations — Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, and the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater.

Designed for travelers seeking maximum wildlife value at a reasonable cost, this itinerary offers diverse landscapes, excellent game viewing, and comfortable budget-friendly safari lodges and camps—without sacrificing authentic safari experiences.

 Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire National Park – Mto wa Mbu

Overnight: Figi Tree Lodge

Depart Arusha in the morning and drive to Tarangire National Park, renowned for its massive elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and rich birdlife. Enjoy a full game drive before continuing to Mto wa Mbu for dinner and overnight at Figi Tree Lodge.

Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park

Overnight: Figi Tree Lodge

After breakfast, explore Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions, flamingo-filled soda lake, lush groundwater forest, and diverse wildlife. After your game drive, return to the lodge for a relaxed evening.

Day 3: Manyara – Ngorongoro Conservation Area – Serengeti National Park

Overnight: Elwai Camp (Serengeti)

Travel through the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands, passing Maasai villages and volcanic landscapes before descending into the endless plains of the Serengeti. Enjoy game viewing en route as wildlife sightings increase toward the central Serengeti. Dinner and overnight at Elwai Camp, located inside the park.

Day 4: Full-Day Safari in Serengeti National Park

Overnight: Elwai Camp

Spend a full day exploring the legendary Serengeti National Park, home to lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hyenas, and — seasonally — the Great Wildebeest Migration. Enjoy extensive game drives across vast savannahs before returning to camp.

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater – Return to Arusha

After breakfast, depart Serengeti and head to the Ngorongoro Crater, descending over 600 meters into one of Africa’s most wildlife-dense natural sanctuaries. Enjoy a half-day game drive with chances to spot black rhinos, lions, elephants, hippos, and large herds of plains game.

In the afternoon, drive back to Arusha, marking the end of your 5-day Tanzania budget safari adventure.

Why Choose This Safari?

• Covers four top Northern Circuit parks in one trip
• Ideal for first-time safari travelers
• Excellent wildlife viewing at a budget-friendly level
• Balanced pace with varied landscapes and ecosystems
• Comfortable lodges and camps inside key wildlife areas