7-Day Tanzania Budget Safari: Big 5 Tour Of Serengeti, Tarangire, and Ngorongoro

7-Day Tanzania Budget Safari Itinerary

Accommodation: Budget Lodges & Tented Camps
Transport: 4×4 Safari Vehicle with Pop-Up Roof
Included: Park fees, meals, guide, game drives
Starts/Ends: Arusha, Tanzania
Best For: Budget travelers, wildlife enthusiasts, first-timers

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Safari Briefing & Overnight Stay

  • Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport.

  • Meet your driver/guide and transfer to your budget lodge in Arusha.

  • Safari briefing and opportunity to explore the town (time permitting).

  • Overnight: Budget lodge in Arusha

  • Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park – Elephant Kingdom

  • Depart Arusha after breakfast, drive ~2.5 hours to Tarangire National Park.

  • Full-day game drive in a park famous for:

    • Large elephant herds

    • Iconic baobab trees

    • Predators like lions and leopards

    • Rich birdlife along the Tarangire River

  • Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park.

  • Evening transfer to your budget camp/lodge near the park.

  • Overnight: Budget camp/lodge near Tarangire

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Tarangire to Serengeti via Ngorongoro Highlands – Scenic Drive & Wildlife En Route

  • After early breakfast, depart for Serengeti National Park, passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

  • Stop at Ngorongoro Crater viewpoint for photos.

  • Afternoon game drive en route into Serengeti Central (Seronera) – known for its predator population.

  • Witness sweeping savannahs, wildlife herds, and potentially the Great Migration (depending on season).

  • Overnight: Budget tented camp in Serengeti

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Full-Day Game Drive in Serengeti – Big Cats & Endless Plains

  • Early morning and afternoon game drives in Serengeti.

  • Seek out:

    • Lions, cheetahs, and leopards

    • Buffalo, giraffe, elephants

    • Possibly wildebeest migration (seasonal)

  • Picnic lunch in the bush or return to camp for hot lunch.

  • Optional: Balloon Safari (at extra cost).

  • Overnight: Same budget tented camp in Serengeti

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Serengeti to Ngorongoro – Game Drive & Travel

  • Morning game drive as you exit Serengeti.

  • Optional stop at Olduvai Gorge (prehistoric site, small fee).

  • Continue to Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

  • Arrive at your camp on the crater rim or nearby.

  • Overnight: Budget lodge/camp near Ngorongoro

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater – Big Five Finale

  • Descend early into the Ngorongoro Crater – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Game drive on the crater floor, home to:

    • Black rhinos, lions, hyenas, elephants, hippos, and flamingos

    • High chance to spot the Big Five

  • Picnic lunch by the hippo pool.

  • Ascend crater and drive to Lake Manyara area.

  • Overnight: Budget lodge near Lake Manyara or Mto wa Mbu

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Lake Manyara Game Drive & Return to Arusha

  • Morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park (optional visit, depending on timing).

  • Highlights:

    • Tree-climbing lions

    • Birdwatching (flamingos, pelicans)

    • Scenic groundwater forest

  • Return to Arusha in the afternoon.

  • Drop-off at your hotel or airport.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Safari Inclusions:

  • Park entry fees

  • Transportation in 4×4 safari vehicle

  • Accommodation (6 nights)

  • All meals as stated

  • Professional English-speaking guide

  • Bottled water during game drives

Exclusions:

  • International flights

  • Tips & personal expenses

  • Optional activities (e.g., balloon safari, Olduvai Gorge visit)

  • Travel insurance