5 Day Budget Safari Through Tanzania’s

Trip Overview
Itinerary
Cost Info

Trip Overview

Embark on a 5-day budget safari through Tanzania’s iconic wildlife destinations with Gardenia African Safaris. This unforgettable journey takes you from the vast elephant plains of Tarangire National Park, across the boundless savannahs of the Serengeti, and into the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater. You’ll enjoy thrilling game drives, authentic camping at public campsites like Tarangire and Nyani in Serengeti, and full-board meals throughout the trip. From massive herds of wildebeest to elusive predators and rare birds, this safari offers a front-row seat to Africa’s natural drama. With two nights in central Serengeti and personalized guiding from experienced locals, this is the perfect adventure for travelers seeking rich wildlife encounters on a modest budget. Your tour concludes with an overnight in Arusha and airport drop-off.

Itinerary

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1
Arrival in Arusha .
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, a friendly representative from Gardenia African Safaris will greet you. You’ll be transferred to your Arusha hotel or campsite for check-in. Depending on arrival time, you may have the option to explore the vibrant local culture in Arusha or relax and recover from your journey. Your safari guide will meet you in the evening for a detailed orientation, reviewing the itinerary, expected wildlife, and safety tips for the upcoming adventure. This is also a great time to ask questions and get to know your travel team. Enjoy a welcome dinner and prepare for an early departure the next morning as your safari officially begins. Overnight in Arusha with dinner and rest, ensuring you're ready for the exciting wildlife encounters awaiting you in Tarangire National Park on Day 2.

Accommodation: Tulia Boutique Hotel

Meals: Full Board
Day 2
Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, depart Arusha and journey to Tarangire National Park, roughly a 2.5-hour drive through scenic rural Tanzania. Renowned for its massive elephant herds and ancient baobab trees, Tarangire offers a unique ecosystem shaped by the Tarangire River. Begin your game drive upon arrival, traversing open savannahs and river valleys where lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and more roam freely. Bird enthusiasts will be thrilled—Tarangire boasts over 500 species, including ostriches, lovebirds, and hornbills. You'll enjoy a picnic lunch in a shaded area before continuing your game drive into the afternoon. The park is less crowded than others, offering a more intimate wildlife experience. As the sun sets, head to Tarangire Public Campsite, located within the park area. After dinner, enjoy the sounds of the African night—crickets, distant hyena calls, and rustling leaves under a star-filled sky.

Accommodation: Tarangire Public Campsite,

Meals: Full Board
Day 3
Drive to Serengeti via Ngorongoro .
Wake up early for a scenic drive through the Ngorongoro Highlands, en route to Serengeti National Park. Along the way, pass Maasai villages, forested slopes, and crater viewpoints. Enter Serengeti through the Naabi Hill Gate, where endless plains stretch as far as the eye can see. Begin your first Serengeti game drive across the central Seronera region, known for year-round wildlife and big cat activity. Watch for cheetahs sprinting across the plains, prides of lions basking under acacia trees, and large herds of buffalo and gazelles. Enjoy a picnic lunch and continue wildlife viewing en route to Nyani Public Campsite, located in central Serengeti. After check-in, unwind and watch the sunset over the savannah. With no fences, wildlife often roams nearby, offering a truly wild camping experience. Dinner is served at camp, followed by a night under the stars.

Accommodation: Nyani Public Campsite

Meals: Full Board
Day 4
Full-Day in Serengeti National Park
Spend a full day exploring Serengeti National Park, one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife havens. Depart early for a sunrise game drive—this is prime time to see predators hunting, including leopards, hyenas, and lions. You’ll traverse river valleys, open plains, and kopjes—rocky outcrops often used by big cats for hunting and resting. The central Seronera Valley offers exceptional chances to see elephants, warthogs, crocodiles, and possibly the elusive serval cat. Enjoy a packed lunch at a scenic picnic spot and continue tracking wildlife in the afternoon. During the Great Migration season (roughly May to July in this area), you may witness thousands of wildebeest and zebras. Return to Nyani Campsite before sunset. After dinner, gather around the campfire to share stories and listen for distant roars and calls echoing across the dark plains.

Accommodation: Nyani Public Campsite

Meals: Full Board
Day 5
Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha
Departure early from Serengeti and drive back through Ngorongoro Conservation Area to reach the Crater gate. After registration, descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly every major East African species. Inside this natural amphitheater, you’ll enjoy game viewing like no other—black rhinos, large prides of lions, elephants, jackals, hippos, and flamingos along Lake Magadi. The crater floor is lush, supporting thousands of herbivores and the predators that follow them. After a packed lunch at a scenic picnic site, ascend the crater wall and drive back to Arusha. Upon arrival, check into your lodge or hotel for a final night’s rest. The next morning, you’ll be transferred to either Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport, marking the end of an extraordinary journey with Gardenia African Safaris.