8-Days Unforgettable Budget Safari

Overview

Trip Overview
Itinerary
Cost Info

Trip Overview

Overview
Explore the magic of Tanzania’s northern circuit during the calving season with this 8-days budget safari by Gardenia African Safaris. Witness breathtaking landscapes and dramatic wildlife spectacles across Tarangire, Lake Natron, North & Central Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater. Highlights include flamingo-filled soda lakes, cascading waterfalls, and the wildebeest calving season where thousands of newborns attract predators in a raw display of nature. Travel through Maasai land, stay in scenic public campsites and eco-lodges, and enjoy full-board meals throughout the journey. From elephants in Tarangire to lions in the Serengeti and endangered black rhinos in Ngorongoro, each day brings a new wildlife encounter. This adventure is ideal for travelers who seek an unforgettable safari experience on a budget without compromising on wildlife richness and cultural immersion.

Itinerary

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1
Arrival in Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a representative from Gardenia African Safaris will meet and transfer you to your accommodation in Arusha at the comfortable Njiro Legacy Hotel. This day is meant for relaxation and preparation for your safari adventure. If time permits, explore the vibrant neighborhood of Njiro, visit a nearby cultural market, or relax at the hotel. In the evening, meet your professional safari guide for a detailed briefing on the upcoming itinerary, game viewing highlights, safety, and travel logistics. Your guide will ensure you're ready for an early departure the next day. Enjoy a warm welcome dinner and settle into your room for a good night’s rest. This overnight stay in Arusha allows you to adjust after your flight and sets the tone for the diverse wildlife and scenic beauty awaiting you in the coming days.

Accommodation: Njiro Legacy Hotel,

Meals: Full Board
Day 2
Tarangire National Park & Mto wa Mbu
After breakfast, drive to Tarangire National Park, renowned for its ancient baobab trees and enormous elephant herds. Begin your game drive at the park’s entrance and follow the Tarangire River, a life source for countless animals including zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, buffaloes, and lions. Birdlife is spectacular—over 500 species flourish here. Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the scenic sites within the park. In the afternoon, continue wildlife tracking and enjoy the dramatic scenery of open plains and seasonal swamps. As the day cools down, animals become more active, offering excellent photographic opportunities. Exit the park in the late afternoon and drive to Mto wa Mbu, a culturally diverse town nestled at the base of the Rift Valley escarpment. Overnight at twiga Campsite, where dinner is served under the stars amid a peaceful, natural setting.

Accommodation: Twiga Lodge & Campsite

Meals: Full Board
Day 3
Lake Natron Ecosystem & Waterfalls
After breakfast, depart Mto wa Mbu and drive northeast toward the Lake Natron ecosystem, traveling along dramatic landscapes and Maasai villages. The road to Natron is rough but scenic, passing volcanic formations and the towering Ol Doinyo Lengai, the sacred Maasai mountain. Upon arrival, visit the alkaline Lake Natron, where thousands of flamingos nest and feed on the mineral-rich soda waters, painting the lake in stunning pink hues. Then embark on a guided walk to the nearby Engare Sero Waterfalls, a hidden oasis amid volcanic rocks. Along the way, engage with Maasai communities to learn about their unique traditions and connection to the land. The day offers rich photographic moments and an immersive cultural experience. Overnight at Maasai Giraffes Lodge, an eco-friendly retreat nestled in this spectacular environment, where you can relax and enjoy a hearty meal surrounded by nature.

Accommodation: Maasai Giraffes Lodge,

Meals: Full Board
Day 4
Drive to North Serengeti & Evening Game Drive
After an early breakfast, begin the scenic journey westward to the North Serengeti National Park via Klein’s Gate. Passing through traditional Maasai grazing lands, you’ll witness vast savannahs dotted with wildlife such as giraffes, ostriches, and antelopes. Upon arrival in the remote Lobo area, embark on an afternoon game drive where rocky kopjes provide excellent predator habitat. Expect sightings of lions, leopards, elephants, and large herds of herbivores thriving in this less crowded region. The rich birdlife adds color to the dramatic landscape. As the sun sets, enjoy the peaceful wilderness ambiance while settling at Lobo Public Campsite. Here, dinner is served around a campfire under a star-studded sky, perfect for reflecting on the day’s unforgettable encounters in the Serengeti.

Accommodation: Lobo Public Campsite.

Meals: Full Board
Day 5
Full Day Game Drive in North Serengeti
Rise early for breakfast before embarking on a full-day game drive in the vast North Serengeti, focusing on the Lobo and surrounding areas. While the main wildebeest migration may be further south, this area teems with resident wildlife including elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and abundant predators such as lions and leopards. The kopjes and river valleys are perfect spots to witness natural predator-prey interactions. Bird enthusiasts will delight in raptors and colorful species like lilac-breasted rollers. Stop mid-day for a shaded picnic lunch amidst the Serengeti plains. The afternoon offers further wildlife exploration, with chances to spot elusive species like serval cats or honey badgers. Return to Lobo Public Campsite by dusk to enjoy a warm dinner and restful night surrounded by the sounds of African wilderness.

Accommodation: Lobo Public Campsite.

Meals: Full Board
Day 6
Drive to Central Serengeti & Game Drive
After breakfast, journey southwards into the Central Serengeti, the core of Tanzania’s wildlife abundance. Travel through diverse habitats, including open plains and riverine forests near the Seronera River, known for high concentrations of wildlife year-round. Enjoy game viewing of elephants, zebras, giraffes, hippos, lions, and elusive leopards. Stop for a picnic lunch amid breathtaking scenery. The afternoon game drive continues through the park’s rich ecosystems, with excellent chances to witness the migration herds depending on timing, as well as resident species. As the day ends, arrive at Tumbili Public Campsite in Central Serengeti for overnight. The campsite offers basic facilities and stunning views, allowing you to connect deeply with the wilderness atmosphere.

Accommodation: Tumbili Public Campsite

Meals: Full Board
Day 7
Ngorongoro Conservation Area & Simba Campsite
After an early breakfast, depart the Serengeti and head toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, transitioning from open plains to lush highlands. The landscape changes dramatically as you approach the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas. Stop at the crater rim viewpoint to marvel at the vast wildlife sanctuary below. Continue to Simba Public Campsite, located on the rim, where you will spend the night. Enjoy a full-board meal and relax in cool highland air, surrounded by panoramic views of the crater and nearby forests. The campsite is ideal for resting before the early morning crater descent. Absorb the peaceful surroundings and prepare for the incredible game viewing that awaits inside the crater on the final day.

Accommodation: Simba Public Campsite,

Meals: Full Board
Day 8
Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive & Departure
Wake up early to descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a morning game drive, equipped with packed breakfast and lunch boxes. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a natural wildlife haven home to endangered black rhinos, elephants, lions, hippos, and vast herds of wildebeest and zebras. Explore highlights such as Lake Magadi, where flamingos often congregate, and the Lerai Forest, a favorite leopard habitat. The crater’s diverse ecosystems make it one of Tanzania’s richest wildlife areas, offering close-up animal encounters and excellent photographic opportunities. After a rewarding morning, ascend back to the crater rim and begin the drive to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey. If needed, arrange an overnight stay in Arusha. Your 8-day calving season migration safari with Gardenia African Safaris concludes with memories of unparalleled wildlife and stunning landscapes.