12-Day Budget Camping Safari Package in Tanzania

Tour Overview

12-Day Budget Camping Safari Package

This 12-day budget camping safari takes you through Tanzania’s premier national parks, offering unparalleled wildlife experiences without breaking the bank. Camp under the African sky in Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti, immersing yourself in nature and wildlife.

Highlights

  • Affordable adventure in Tanzania’s top parks
  • Camping under the stars in Serengeti
  • Spot the Big Five in their natural habitat
  • Explore Ngorongoro Crater’s unique ecosystem
  • Photograph Lake Manyara’s birdlife and lions
  • Guided game drives in 4x4 vehicles
  • Includes camping gear and setup
  • Early bird discount available
  • Available January to December
  • All park fees included
Price
Price
Per person in Group of 6 people • June-October
$3420

Day to Day Trip

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Your adventure begins upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your budget accommodation in Arusha. Private Transfer to Lodge: Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your budget lodge for an overnight stay. Evening at Leisure: After settling in, relax or take a short walk around Arusha to get a feel of the local atmosphere.
Meals Included: Dinner
Accommodation: Budget Lodge in Arusha
Key Activities:
• Arrival transfer
• Leisure time in Arusha

Days 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Begin your safari by heading to Tarangire National Park, known for its elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. Morning Departure: Drive from Arusha to Tarangire National Park, which takes about 2.5 hours. Private Game Drive: Begin exploring Tarangire’s rich wildlife. Watch elephants moving gracefully through the park, and spot giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. Lions and leopards can often be seen resting in the shade. Picnic Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch within the park while surrounded by stunning scenery. Afternoon Game Drive: After lunch, continue your game drive along the Tarangire River, a popular spot for animal activity during the dry season. Arrival at Campsite: At the end of the day, arrive at your campsite, where your camp crew will prepare dinner and set up your tent.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Tarangire Public Campsite
Key Activities:
• Private game drive in Tarangire
• Scenic picnic lunch
• Evening camping in Tarangire
Wildlife: Elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and antelopes.

Days 3: Tarangire to Serengeti National Park

On Day 3, you’ll travel to the world-renowned Serengeti National Park, famous for the annual Great Migration. Morning Departure: After breakfast, drive towards the Serengeti National Park, passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Lunch at Ngorongoro Crater Rim: Stop for a picnic lunch overlooking the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater. Afternoon Game Drive in Serengeti: Upon arrival in Seronera (the central Serengeti), embark on your first game drive in this wildlife-rich region, renowned for its predators. Camp Setup in Serengeti: In the evening, arrive at your campsite in central Serengeti, where your crew will set up tents and prepare a hearty dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Seronera Public Campsite
Key Activities:
• Scenic drive through Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Afternoon game drive in Serengeti
• Campsite setup in Seronera
Wildlife: Lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes, and wildebeests.

Days 4: Full-Day Safari in Serengeti National Park

Day 4 is dedicated to exploring the Serengeti, one of the most wildlife-rich areas in Africa. Sunrise Game Drive: Start the day with a sunrise game drive, where you may see predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs hunting. Bush Breakfast: After your game drive, enjoy a simple bush breakfast surrounded by the stunning Serengeti plains. Full-Day Game Drive: Continue exploring the Serengeti’s expansive savannahs, following the migration herds (seasonal) and watching for predators like lions and hyenas. Return to Camp: After a full day of adventure, return to your campsite for dinner around the campfire.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Seronera Public Campsite
Key Activities:
• Sunrise game drive
• Full-day game drives in Serengeti National Park
• Bush breakfast in the wild
Wildlife: Lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, wildebeests, zebras, and buffaloes.

Day 5: Serengeti to Northern Serengeti (Kogatende)

Today, you will travel to Northern Serengeti, a region famous for the Mara River crossings during the Great Migration. Morning Game Drive: Start the day with a game drive in central Serengeti before heading to the northern plains. Scenic Drive to Kogatende: Enjoy the scenic drive through the northern part of the Serengeti, which is less crowded and offers stunning views of the open savannah. Afternoon Game Drive at Mara River: Upon arrival, head to the Mara River, where you may witness wildebeests and zebras crossing the river while crocodiles wait below. Camp Setup in Northern Serengeti: In the evening, arrive at your campsite in Northern Serengeti, where your crew will set up tents and prepare dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Kogatende Public Campsite
Key Activities:
• Morning game drive in central Serengeti
• Scenic drive to Northern Serengeti
• Mara River crossing viewing
Wildlife: Wildebeests, zebras, lions, leopards, crocodiles, and giraffes.

Day 6: Full-Day Safari in Northern Serengeti (Mara River)

Spend the entire day exploring the northern Serengeti, focusing on the Mara River, where the dramatic crossings take place. Morning Game Drive: Begin your day with a morning game drive along the Mara River, watching for wildebeests, zebras, and predators like lions and leopards. Picnic Lunch by the River: Have a picnic lunch by the Mara River, keeping you close to the wildlife action. Afternoon Game Drive: Continue exploring the northern Serengeti in the afternoon, focusing on the rich wildlife in this region. Return to Camp: After a day filled with wildlife sightings, return to your campsite for a relaxing evening under the stars.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Kogatende Public Campsite
Key Activities:
• Full-day game drives along the Mara River
• Picnic lunch by the river
• Evening campfire experience
Wildlife: Wildebeests, zebras, crocodiles, lions, leopards, and elephants.

Day 7: Northern Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

Today, you’ll travel from the northern Serengeti to the majestic Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Morning Game Drive: Enjoy a morning game drive in the northern Serengeti before leaving for Ngorongoro. Scenic Drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area: The drive takes you through the beautiful Ngorongoro Highlands, offering breathtaking views of the landscape. Arrival at Ngorongoro Campsite: In the evening, arrive at your campsite near the Ngorongoro Crater, where your crew will set up camp and prepare dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Simba Public Campsite
Key Activities:
• Morning game drive in Northern Serengeti
• Scenic drive to Ngorongoro
• Camping on the crater rim
Wildlife: Lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, and wildebeests.

Day 8: Full-Day Safari in Ngorongoro Crater

Spend the entire day exploring the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most biodiverse areas in the world. Morning Game Drive: Descend into the crater for a morning game drive. The Ngorongoro Crater is home to a large concentration of wildlife, including lions, elephants, and the rare black rhino. Picnic Lunch in the Crater: Enjoy a picnic lunch by a waterhole, where you can watch hippos and other animals gather. Afternoon Game Drive: Continue exploring the crater floor, keeping an eye out for the Big Five and other wildlife. Return to Camp: After a rewarding day of game viewing, return to your campsite on the crater rim.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Simba Public Campsite
Key Activities:
• Full-day game drive in Ngorongoro Crater
• Picnic lunch by the waterhole
Wildlife: Lions, elephants, black rhinos, buffaloes, zebras, and flamingos.

Day 9: Ngorongoro Crater to Lake Manyara National Park

On Day 9, you’ll travel to the scenic Lake Manyara National Park, known for its unique tree-climbing lions, large elephant herds, and diverse birdlife. Morning Departure: After breakfast at the Ngorongoro Crater rim campsite, embark on a scenic drive to Lake Manyara National Park. Morning Game Drive in Lake Manyara: Upon arrival, start your game drive along the lake’s shores, where flamingos, hippos, and large herds of elephants gather. Picnic Lunch in the Park: Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park while taking in the beautiful views of the lake and the Great Rift Valley. Afternoon Game Drive: Continue exploring Lake Manyara’s forested areas, where you might spot the famous tree-climbing lions and baboons. Arrival at Campsite: In the evening, arrive at your campsite near Lake Manyara, where you’ll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay under the stars.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Lake Manyara Public Campsite
Key Activities:
• Game drives in Lake Manyara National Park
• Scenic picnic lunch in the park
Wildlife: Tree-climbing lions, elephants, flamingos, giraffes, hippos, and baboons.

Day 10: Lake Manyara to Mto wa Mbu Village – Cultural Experience

On Day 10, enjoy a cultural immersion at Mto wa Mbu, a vibrant village near Lake Manyara that offers insights into Tanzania’s diverse cultures. Morning Village Tour: After breakfast, head to Mto wa Mbu village for a guided cultural tour. Visit local markets, banana plantations, and traditional homes, and learn about the various ethnic groups living in this area. Traditional Lunch: Savor a traditional Swahili lunch, made with local ingredients, at a local home or community center. Afternoon Leisure: After lunch, explore the village further or relax at your campsite. Evening at Campsite: Return to your campsite for dinner and an evening of relaxation.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Lake Manyara Public Campsite
Key Activities:
• Village tour and cultural immersion
• Traditional Swahili lunch
• Evening relaxation at campsite

Day 11: Lake Manyara to Arusha – Optional Activities

On Day 11, you’ll return to Arusha for a relaxing day, with options to explore the town or enjoy optional activities. Morning Drive to Arusha: After breakfast, drive back to Arusha, arriving by mid-morning. Optional Activities: Spend the afternoon relaxing at your budget lodge or exploring Arusha. Optional activities include visiting the Arusha Cultural Heritage Center, taking a walking tour of the town, or visiting a local Maasai market. Evening at Leisure: Enjoy your final night in Arusha, reflecting on your safari experience.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Budget Lodge in Arusha
Key Activities:
• Return to Arusha
• Optional cultural and shopping activities

Day 12: Departure from Arusha – End of Tour

On the final day of your adventure, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure or onward journey. Morning Relaxation: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your lodge before your transfer to the airport. Private Airport Transfer: After lunch, your guide will take you to the airport for your flight home, marking the end of your budget safari adventure.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Not included (can be arranged upon request)
Key Activities:
• Final relaxation at lodge
• Transfer to airport

WHAT WE DO

Activities to Do with This Safaris Package

Game Drives

Game Drives

On a 4x4 adventure across the Serengeti’s endless plains, spotting the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, rhinos) and witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration (seasonal).

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Grab your binoculars to spot over 400 bird species, including flamingos and pelicans, in this lush park known for its alkaline lake and tree-climbing lions.

Hot Air Balloon

Hot Air Balloon Safari

Soar above the Serengeti or Tarangire at sunrise, taking in panoramic views of sprawling savannas, grazing herds, and the golden dawn—followed by a champagne breakfast.

Cultural Visit

Cultural Visit

Meet the Maasai people, learn about their traditions, and witness vibrant dances and craftsmanship—an authentic glimpse into Tanzania’s rich heritage.

Walking Safari

Walking Safari

Stretch your legs with a guided bush walk, tracking animal footprints, learning about native plants, and experiencing the wilderness up close alongside expert rangers.

Photography Expeditions

Photography Expeditions

Capture Tanzania’s iconic landscapes and wildlife with guided tours designed for shutterbugs, offering prime vantage points and expert tips.

INCLUDED
  • Airport transfers
  • Camping gear and setup
  • Guided game drives in 4x4 vehicles
  • All park fees and permits
  • Meals during the safari
  • Bottled water during game drives
  • Camping accommodation
  • 24/7 support from our team
  • Early bird discount (if applicable)
  • Experienced safari guides
EXCLUDED
  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa fees
  • Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs)
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Tips for guides and staff
  • Optional activities not listed

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