5 Days Affordable Budget Safari to Northern Tanzania

Planning a safari to Tanzania can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when trying to balance cost, comfort, and authentic wildlife encounters. This 5-day budget safari offered by Budget Safaris Tanzania has garnered perfect reviews for delivering a memorable experience without breaking the bank.

What makes this tour particularly appealing? First, the chance to see iconic wildlife, including the elusive tree-climbing lions and the Big Five. Second, the carefully curated itinerary covers some of the most spectacular parks in Tanzania, like Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, with plenty of game drives. Third, the price tag of just $1,400 per person offers great value for a comprehensive safari experience. That said, it’s a physically active trip, with long drives and camping, so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with outdoor adventures and robust schedules.

One thing to consider: this is a group tour with a maximum of four travelers, which can be wonderful for intimacy but might not suit everyone looking for private guiding. This safari appeals most to those seeking accessible adventure, wildlife photography opportunities, and a taste of Africa’s top national parks without spending a fortune.

Key Points

• Affordable Price Point: At $1,400 per person, the tour offers excellent value for a 5-day adventure in Tanzania’s top parks.
• Authentic Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see the Big Five, wildebeests, zebras, and even the famous tree-climbing lions.
• Expert Guides: Reviews highlight knowledgeable guides, like Noel, who go above and beyond to make your trip special.
• Immersive Experience: The itinerary includes both game drives and scenic drives through some of Africa’s most iconic landscapes.
• Camping Under the Stars: The accommodation involves camping equipment and sleeping gear, creating a genuine safari feel.
• Limited Group Size: With only four travelers max, you’ll enjoy personalized attention and a more intimate experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Tarangire National Park

Your adventure kicks off early with a pick-up from Arusha around 8:30 AM. From there, you’ll head straight to Tarangire, a lesser-known gem famous for towering baobab trees and a vibrant water source, the Tarangire River. The park is home to some of Africa’s largest elephant herds, and the scenery is both surreal and photogenic.

Expect a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch, which allows you to spend quality time observing lions, leopards, cheetahs, and a variety of antelopes—lesser kudu, eland, oryx, and more. The reviews speak highly of the guides’ knowledge, with one reviewer mentioning Noel’s dedication and personalized service, including making a birthday celebration special.

You’ll return to your campsite or lodge in the evening, where a hearty dinner awaits. Six hours of wildlife viewing on the first day sets a high bar for the trip.

Day 2: The Iconic Serengeti

An early breakfast signals the start of a long but spectacular journey to Serengeti National Park. The drive itself is part of the adventure—expect endless plains rolling to the horizon, a truly humbling sight. The name “Serengeti” means “endless plains,” and you’ll understand why as you navigate through this vast wilderness area.

Serengeti is best known for the Great Migration, with over 2 million wildebeests and countless zebras and antelopes roaming freely. This day promises excellent wildlife spotting opportunities, including lions, cheetahs, and perhaps even more elusive predators.

The review mentions that even the drive offers “spectacular views,” making the long journey worthwhile. You will spend the night at a campsite on the park’s edge, preparing for more adventures tomorrow.

Day 3: Morning Game Drive & Ngorongoro

Starting early again, you’ll head out for a morning game drive in Serengeti, when animals are most active and sightings are prime. Reviewers highlight how guides like Noel were very informative, enhancing the experience with expert insights into animal behavior and park ecology.

After brunch, the journey continues toward the Ngorongoro area, with an en-route game drive that keeps wildlife sightings happening during the transfer. Arriving at the Ngorongoro Simba Campsite on the crater rim, you’ll settle in with stunning views of the crater below.

This part of the trip is especially notable because Ngorongoro is renowned as the “Garden of Eden,” with a dense concentration of wildlife, including the Big Five. The guides’ knowledge, as one reviewer noted, made the day even more informative and engaging.

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater

Today is dedicated to exploring the Ngorongoro Crater itself, a highlight of any Tanzanian safari. The full-day game drive offers a high likelihood of spotting the Big Five—lions, rhinos, elephants, buffalo, and leopards—in their natural habitat.

The crater is a unique ecological system, and the views from the rim are breathtaking. The highlight for many is the picnic lunch on the crater floor itself, surrounded by wildlife. The reviews mention that guides like Noel are not only knowledgeable but also attentive, making sure guests get the best possible sightings.

In the evening, you’ll ascend to the crater rim and drive to a cozy lodge in Karatu, where you can reflect on a day filled with wildlife encounters.

Day 5: Lake Manyara & Farewell

The final morning offers a game drive at Lake Manyara National Park. This park’s claim to fame is the tree-climbing lions, a sight that many travelers find delightfully unusual. The park’s varied landscape—forest, grassland, and lakeshore—supports a diverse array of wildlife, including the Big Five.

Expect to see giraffes, zebras, elephants, and possibly elusive leopards. After completing your game drive, you’ll begin the drive back to Arusha, arriving around 6:00 PM, with plenty of memories to share.

The reviews echo the enjoyment of this last stop, with one visitor praising the park’s scenery and wildlife, and another noting the professionalism and kindness of the guides.

What’s Included & What to Consider

This tour offers all meals, park fees, and activities—a significant value considering the comprehensive nature of the safari. The inclusion of camping equipment and a sleeping bag means you get a true safari experience, sleeping under the stars rather than in luxury lodges.

However, some travelers might find camping logistics a bit rough if they prefer more comfort, as the trip involves outdoor sleeping arrangements and long drives. The tour is also tailored for small groups (up to four travelers), which usually means more personalized service but less flexibility in itinerary adjustments.

The price of $1,400 per person covers all taxes/VAT and meals, making it clear what the core costs are. Extras like tips or personal expenses are not included, so budget accordingly.

Why It’s a Good Deal

Many reviews note that guides like Noel are especially attentive, informative, and enthusiastic—factors that significantly enhance the safari experience. The price point is attractive for those wanting to see key parks without luxury accommodations, focusing instead on wildlife and scenery.

Who Should Consider This Safari?

This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers who are happy to camp and spend long days on game drives. It’s perfect if you want authentic wildlife encounters in some of Africa’s most famous parks without the high price tag of luxury lodges.

Those who appreciate knowledgeable guides and don’t mind basic amenities will find this trip well worth it. It’s also a great choice for small groups seeking a personalized experience—the review mentions the team being professional and friendly.

Final Thoughts

This 5-day safari offers a compelling mix of wildlife, scenery, and cultural authenticity, all at a budget-friendly price. You’ll get to see some of the best parks in Tanzania, including the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, with the chance to spot iconic animals like lions, elephants, and the famed tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara.

The tour’s emphasis on knowledgeable guides, especially their attentiveness and local insights, helps turn a standard safari into a truly memorable adventure. Camping under the stars adds a real touch of the wild, making this experience perfect for travelers eager for a genuine, no-frills African safari.

While it’s not for those seeking luxury or private tours, it’s a top choice for quality, value, and authentic exploration. Expect scenic drives, abundant wildlife, and friendly guides who want you to leave with stories to tell for a lifetime.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation from Arusha and during all game drives is included, and the tour provides a mobile ticket for ease of access.

What kind of accommodations are used?
Camping equipment and a sleeping bag are provided, meaning you’ll stay in basic but functional tents on the safari grounds.

Are meals included?
All meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—are included in the tour price, along with drinking water, ensuring you’re well-fed throughout.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Given the maximum group size of four travelers, it’s perfect for small groups or solo travelers who enjoy a more intimate experience.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
Expect to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, zebras, giraffes, and possibly the elusive tree-climbing lions at Lake Manyara.

How flexible is the itinerary?
The schedule is fixed, with set game drives and park visits, but guides are generally experienced in maximizing wildlife sightings.

Does the tour involve a lot of driving?
Yes, especially on Day 2, with a long drive to Serengeti, but the journey itself is scenic and part of the adventure.

Are tips included?
No, tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and cooks are not included and are at your discretion.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, making it flexible for sudden schedule changes.

This safari is perfect for travelers craving an affordable, authentic, and wildlife-focused adventure in Tanzania. With expert guides, stunning landscapes, and iconic animals, it promises an unforgettable journey into Africa’s heart.