5 Days Tanzania Budget Safari — Customized Itinerary
5 Days Tanzania Budget Safari: Customized Itinerary for an Affordable Adventure
If you are dreaming of a classic safari experience without spending too much, this 5 Days Tanzania Budget Safari is perfect for you. This itinerary covers some of Tanzania’s best parks: Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara. It’s a great way to see the “Big Five,” witness the wildebeest migration, and enjoy Tanzania’s natural beauty—all while staying within your budget.
Let us take you on an unforgettable safari adventure that is both affordable and full of wildlife surprises!
Safari Highlights
- See the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo)
- Visit 4 top parks: Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara
- Explore Serengeti's wildlife-rich plains and witness the wildebeest migration (seasonal)
- Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Affordable luxury with scenic campsites and great food
Tour Summary
Duration
5 Days
Vehicle Type
4WD Safari
Tour Type
Private
Languages
Any Language
Places to Visit
Tour Itinerary
Day-by-Day Honeymoon Safari Itinerary
Day 1:
Arusha to Tarangire National Park to Karatu
Your adventure begins after breakfast in Arusha. You will start with a scenic three-hour drive to Tarangire National Park, home to the highest number of elephants in northern Tanzania.
Tarangire is a special place where giant baobab trees stand tall and wildlife is easy to spot. You will enjoy a full game drive inside the park, where elephants, lions, zebras, and giraffes roam freely. A picnic lunch inside the park gives you time to relax while surrounded by nature.
After the game drive, continue your journey to Karatu, where you will spend the night at Eileens Trees Inn. The lodge offers comfortable rooms, a peaceful garden, and warm hospitality
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Tarangire Game Drive
Tarangire National Park Photos
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Karatu
- Room Type: STANDARD CHALET
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
Pro Tip:
Tarangire National Park is one of Tanzania’s hidden gems, often overlooked but truly unforgettable for anyone on an African safari. Known for its vast landscapes dotted with iconic baobab trees and the seasonal migration of elephants, Tarangire offers a more intimate and less crowded safari experience compared to its famous neighbors. The park is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, giraffes, and over 500 bird species, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers. It’s also an ideal destination for travelers seeking an Africa budget safari, as it provides excellent game viewing without the high price tag of more commercial parks. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned adventurer, Tarangire delivers a unique and affordable window into the wild heart of Tanzania.
Day 2:
Karatu to Serengeti Central for Game Drive
After breakfast, drive towards Serengeti National Park, one of the most famous safari destinations in Africa. This drive takes about four hours, passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you may spot wildlife even before entering the park.
When you reach Serengeti Central (Seronera), enjoy a thrilling game drive across the endless plains. This region is known for its high concentration of wildlife. You may see lions, elephants, wildebeests, cheetahs, leopards, and many more. If you are lucky, you might witness part of the Great Wildebeest Migration.
The scenery here is breathtaking—golden grasslands, rocky kopjes, and flowing rivers create the perfect backdrop for your safari photos.
Spend the night at Tukaone Serengeti Camp, a budget-friendly tented camp that brings you close to nature while offering comfortable beds and delicious meals.
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Enter Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Serengeti Central Game Drive
Serengeti National Park Photos
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Seronera - Serengeti Central
- Room Type: STANDARD
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
Expert Tip:
Seronera, in Central Serengeti, is a year-round safari hotspot! It offers incredible wildlife sightings any month of the year, thanks to its permanent water sources that attract big cats, elephants, and plenty of plains game. Located in the heart of the Great Migration route, Seronera lets you catch the action as thousands of wildebeest and zebras pass through—especially around April to June and again from October to November. Whether you’re on an African safari or looking for an Africa budget safari, Seronera guarantees unforgettable moments.
Looking for a 5 Days Tanzania Budget Safari — Customized Itinerary for your dates?
Receive a free Tanzania safari quote straight to your email within 6 hours! Customize your preferences, and we’ll craft a unique experience just for you. Prices vary based on group size and accommodation choice.
EXPLORE SERONERA - SERENGETI CENTRAL
Day 3:
Full Day Serengeti Central Experience
Today is dedicated to a full-day game drive in Serengeti Central. Start early to catch predators like lions and leopards in action before the heat of the day.
Your guide will take you to different parts of the park, increasing your chances of spotting more animals. You may witness thrilling animal interactions, including predator hunts and massive herds of wildebeest and zebras.
Optional: If you want to make your safari extra special, you can join a hot air balloon safari (extra cost) at sunrise and view the Serengeti from the sky. It is a magical experience you will never forget.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush and continue exploring until late afternoon. Return to your camp for a warm dinner and stories around the campfire.
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Full Day Game Drive In Serengeti Central
Serengeti National Park Photos
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Seronera - Serengeti Central
- Room Type: STANDARD
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
Add a balloon safari for a once-in-a-lifetime view! Floating silently over the Serengeti at sunrise is a magical way to witness wildlife and landscapes from above. It’s a special experience that adds a touch of adventure and romance to your African safari, and yes—even if you’re on an Africa budget safari, it’s a worthy upgrade that many travelers say was the highlight of their trip.
Day 4:
Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive
After breakfast, leave the Serengeti behind and head to Ngorongoro Crater, also known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” This drive takes about three hours and offers amazing views as you cross into the Ngorongoro Highlands.
Once you reach the crater, descend into this natural caldera for a game drive. The Ngorongoro Crater is home to all members of the Big Five: lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos. With its lush green floor, forests, lakes, and open grasslands, the crater is one of the best places to spot animals easily.
Enjoy your picnic lunch near the hippo pool and take in the peaceful surroundings. After the game drive, head to Migombani Campsite near Lake Manyara National Park for your final overnight stay.
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Enter Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Game Drive In Ngorongoro Crater
- Serengeti Central Game Drive
Ngorongoro Crater Photos
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Lake Manyara National Park
- Room Type: Camping
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
Day 5:
Lake Manyara Game Drive to Arusha
Your last day begins with breakfast and a short drive to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions and large flocks of flamingos.
Start with a game drive through the forested areas and open plains. Look for monkeys, elephants, giraffes, and hippos around the lake. Manyara is also great for bird lovers, with over 400 bird species recorded here.
Enjoy a peaceful picnic lunch in the park before visiting the Manyara Treetop Walkway (optional), where you walk above the trees on a suspension bridge—a fun and unique way to see the forest.
In the afternoon, return to Arusha (about 3 hours drive), where your unforgettable safari ends.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: None (End of Tour)
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Lake Manyara Game Drive
- Lake Manyara Treetop Walkway
We've got you covered
Our tours are top-notch but give you great value. The price we tell you upfront covers most of the costs for one person, like flights and all transfers.
Includes
- Park fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- Air Ambulance Service by AMREF Flying Doctors;
Excludes
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips to your safari guide ($30-50 per day per car).
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Alcohol drinks
- Visas and visa fees where relevant
- Additional activities not offered as scheduled by the accommodation
- Lunch and dinner in hotel (only before and after safari);
Let's Start Planning
Receive a free Tanzania safari quote with absolutely no obligations. Plan your adventure at your own pace—no pressure, just expert guidance!
How to plan your Tanzania safari
Connect
Call us or enquire online. Share your wish list and we’ll start planning your adventure.
Customise
Your dedicated travel expert will be in touch within 12hrs to start designing your bespoke African itinerary.
Confirm
We won’t stop refining your plans until we get the perfect trip at the best price.
Travel
Receive your Seko Tours documents, pack your bags and set off on your trip of a lifetime.
Popular questions about 5 Days Tanzania Budget Safari — Customized Itinerary
The package usually includes park fees, accommodation, meals, a professional guide, game drives, and transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle.
Exclusions may include international flights, visas, travel insurance, personal expenses, and optional activities.
The safari covers Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park.
Budget safaris offer camping or basic lodges/tented camps with shared or private facilities, depending on the package.
The safari can be done year-round, but the best wildlife viewing is during the dry season (June–October) and during the Great Migration (December–July).
Prices vary, but a budget safari typically starts from around $2,191 per person, depending on group size and season.
Yes, solo travelers can join group safaris to reduce costs or book a private tour for a more personalized experience.
You can see elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, buffaloes, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, and many bird species.
The itinerary usually includes a full day in Serengeti, half-day in Ngorongoro, and game drives in Tarangire and Lake Manyara.
Pack light clothing, a warm jacket, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, sunglasses, a camera, and personal essentials.
Yes, most travelers need a visa, which can be obtained online or on arrival at the airport.
A 4x4 safari vehicle with an open roof for better wildlife viewing is used for the safari.
Yes, three meals per day are included, with options for vegetarian and other dietary needs upon request.
Tanzania is generally safe for tourists, and experienced guides ensure a secure and enjoyable safari experience.
Yes, most tour operators allow itinerary customization based on your interests and budget.
You can book through a reputable tour operator online by selecting your preferred dates and making a deposit.
If your question is not listed, please contact us from here.
