Tour Overview
| Duration | 5 Days / 4 Nights |
|---|---|
| Destination | Tanzania — Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater |
| Price From | $995 per person (twin share) |
| Tour Style | Budget Camping Safari (authentic adventure) |
| Best Season | June — October, December — March |
| Data Source | Tanzania Safari Radar / SafariBando 2026 budget pricing |
Itinerary Highlights
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire — Elephant Kingdom
Morning departure from Arusha to Tarangire National Park (2 hours). Tarangire is famous for its elephants — over 3,000 individuals, with herds of 50-100 common in dry season. Game drive through the park’s diverse landscapes: baobab forests (some trees over 1,000 years old), acacia woodlands, and the Tarangire River where animals congregate. Picnic lunch at a scenic viewpoint. Afternoon game drive then drive to your campsite near Mto wa Mbu. Your safari crew sets up camp while you relax — dome tents with foam mattresses, camp chairs around the fire, dinner cooked over an open flame. Fall asleep to the sounds of the African night. Overnight: camping near Mto wa Mbu.
Day 2: Karatu to Serengeti — Into the Wild
Early start — drive through the Ngorongoro Highlands (brief stop at the crater viewpoint), across the vast NCA plains, to Serengeti National Park. Game drive en route to your campsite in central Serengeti. The transition from highlands to the endless plains is unforgettable — giraffes silhouetted against the sky, zebra herds stretching to the horizon. Arrive at camp in late afternoon for sunset. Dinner around the campfire — your cook prepares three-course meals even in the bush (the quality of Tanzanian camp cooking is legendary among budget safari-goers). Overnight: camping in central Serengeti (bush camp, no fences — animals may pass through, which is part of the thrill).
Day 3: Serengeti — Full Day Game Drive
Full day exploring Serengeti. Your guide knows the best areas for wildlife based on season and recent sightings. The budget safari format means you’re in a vehicle with other travelers (typically 4-6 per vehicle) — great for sharing the excitement and reducing costs. Track the big cats, witness the migration (seasonal), and absorb the sheer scale of Serengeti’s wildlife. Picnic lunch in the bush. Return to camp for a bush sunset and dinner. Overnight: camping in central Serengeti.
Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro — Crater Rim Camp
Morning game drive out of Serengeti, stopping at Olduvai Gorge (optional). Drive to the Ngorongoro Crater rim for camping — at 2,286m elevation, bring warm clothes! The nights are cold (can drop to 5°C) but the experience of camping on the crater rim with views into the caldera is priceless. Evening: campfire on the rim, sharing stories and looking down into the crater. Overnight: camping on Ngorongoro Crater rim.
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater — Game Drive & Return
Dawn descent into the crater — the early start maximizes wildlife viewing and gives you the crater largely to yourselves in the first hour. Full morning game drive: black rhino, lions, elephants, hippos, flamingos. Picnic lunch at a hippo pool. Late morning: ascend the crater and drive back to Arusha (approximately 4 hours), arriving in the afternoon for your onward journey.
Included
- 4 nights camping: quality dome tents, foam mattresses
- All meals on safari (your cook prepares hot meals — not just sandwiches!)
- Shared 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof (max 6 passengers)
- Expert English-speaking guide + dedicated safari cook
- All camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag, mattress, camp chairs)
- All park fees: Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, NCA
- Arusha hotel pickup/drop-off
- Unlimited drinking water
