This 6 Days budget safari captures the essence of Tanzania’s wild

Trip Overview
Itinerary
Cost Info

Trip Overview

This 6-day budget safari captures the essence of Tanzania’s wild beauty, blending iconic national parks with authentic local experiences. Start your adventure in Arusha, the gateway to the northern safari circuit, and head into the wildlife-rich Tarangire National Park, home to ancient baobabs and elephant herds. Rest at the Twiga Camp in Mto wa Mbu before venturing deep into the vast plains of Serengeti National Park for two thrilling nights of game drives among lions, cheetahs, and the Great Migration. Then, explore the Ngorongoro Crater, a natural amphitheater teeming with wildlife, before returning to Arusha. Meet with Gardenia Safaris for your farewell briefing before transferring to either Zanzibar for relaxation or Kilimanjaro Airport. This journey combines affordability with unforgettable encounters, perfect for travelers seeking a rich safari experience without compromising quality.

Itinerary

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1
Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport – Overnight at Tulia Hotel, Arusha
Your unforgettable safari begins with a warm welcome at Kilimanjaro International Airport by a Gardenia Safaris representative. You’ll be transferred to Tulia Boutique Hotel in Arusha, nestled at the base of Mount Meru. Arusha is a bustling town known as the safari capital of northern Tanzania. Tulia offers a calm and comfortable atmosphere with well-appointed rooms and a cozy garden—ideal for unwinding after a long flight. If time permits, enjoy a light walk in town, visit a local café, or relax at the hotel. In the evening, meet your guide for a short safari briefing and dinner. This night gives you a chance to rest, acclimate, and prepare for the upcoming adventure into Tanzania’s most celebrated national parks. Your journey into the wild begins tomorrow morning with a drive to Tarangire National Park.

Accommodation: Tulia Boutique Hotel

Meals: Full Board
Day 2
Tarangire National Park – Overnight at Twiga Campsite.
After breakfast, depart from Arusha to Tarangire National Park, approximately a two-hour drive. Tarangire is famed for its giant baobab trees, sweeping savannahs, and the large number of elephants that roam freely. The Tarangire River flows year-round, drawing herds of wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, impalas, and predators like lions and leopards. You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of the park, surrounded by natural beauty and wildlife. In the afternoon, continue your game drive before heading to the vibrant village of Mto wa Mbu, located at the foot of the Great Rift Valley. You’ll overnight at Twiga Camp, a comfortable budget campsite with a swimming pool and restaurant. Enjoy dinner and relax under the stars, with the sounds of the African night all around. This spot also offers great views of Lake Manyara’s escarpment.

Accommodation: Twiga Camp

Meals: Full Board
Day 3
Drive to Serengeti National Park – Overnight in Central Serengeti
Leave early and begin your scenic journey toward Serengeti National Park, one of the most celebrated wildlife reserves in the world. Drive through the Ngorongoro Highlands, where you’ll witness dramatic landscapes, Maasai villages, and maybe even wildlife along the way. Enter the Serengeti via Naabi Hill Gate and enjoy your first thrilling game drive en route to your campsite. The Central Serengeti (Seronera area) is known for its year-round wildlife, including big cats like leopards, cheetahs, and lions, along with elephants, giraffes, and countless grazing animals. Arrive at your budget tented camp or public campsite, set in the heart of the savannah. Enjoy a hot dinner and watch the sunset paint the endless plains gold. Falling asleep to the distant roars of lions is a memory that will stay with you forever.

Accommodation: budget tented camp

Meals: Full Board
Day 4
Full Day Game Drive in Serengeti National Park
Today is all about immersive wildlife exploration in the Serengeti. After an early breakfast, set out for a full-day game drive through the Central Serengeti plains. Depending on the season, you may witness the Great Migration—thousands of wildebeest and zebras moving in search of fresh grazing, followed closely by predators. Keep your camera ready for encounters with lions, cheetahs, hyenas, elephants, warthogs, and more. Your expert guide will navigate through the best wildlife hotspots and explain animal behavior and ecosystem balance. Enjoy a picnic lunch near a hippo pool or under an acacia tree before continuing your drive. In the evening, return to camp, freshen up, and share safari stories around the campfire. Experience the thrill of the wild in its raw, untouched beauty. The Serengeti under starlight is truly magical.

Accommodation: budget tented camp

Meals: Full Board
Day 5
Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater – Game Drive & Return to Arusha
Wake up early, enjoy a quick breakfast, and begin your drive from Serengeti toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You’ll descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This natural enclosure is home to over 30,000 animals, including the rare black rhino, lions, buffalos, zebras, hippos, and even flamingos in the soda lake. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot, often near a hippo pool. After your game drive, ascend the crater walls and begin the return journey to Arusha, passing lush highlands and traditional Maasai settlements. Arrive in the evening and check into your hotel or transfer directly for your next destination. This day offers some of the most concentrated wildlife viewing opportunities in all of Africa.

Accommodation: Tulia Boutique Hotel

Meals: Full Board
Day 6
Arusha Town – Meet Gardenia Safaris – Transfer to Zanzibar or Kilimanjaro Airport
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning in Arusha, where you can explore the town or visit a local craft market, coffee shop, or cultural center. This is the perfect time to pick up souvenirs or simply reflect on your safari experience. You’ll meet with a Gardenia Safaris representative for a final debrief, share feedback, and receive your personalized safari certificate or a photo memento if arranged. Depending on your schedule, you will be transferred to either Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight or to the Arusha Airport if you’re heading to Zanzibar for a relaxing beach extension. Whether your journey continues or concludes here, you leave Tanzania with unforgettable memories of wild landscapes, close wildlife encounters, and authentic local hospitality—all on a budget-friendly itinerary crafted to perfection.