Beginning and concluding in Arusha, this brief Tanzania Camping Safari delves into the wildlife-abundant Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit. This budget-friendly Tanzania Safari is perfect for those with a tight schedule and wallet.

Embark on an exciting journey with an affordable African safari at the stunning Lake Manyara National Park, renowned as one of the most captivating game reserves in Tanzania. Embark on an exhilarating 4×4 game drive through the breathtaking Lake Manyara National Park, renowned for its remarkable tree-climbing lions, lively baboon troops, diverse birdlife, and majestic elephant herds. Next, venture into the iconic Serengeti National Park, where fierce predators roam and the breathtaking Great Migration unfolds each season. Finally, embark on an exhilarating game viewing experience in the renowned Ngorongoro Crater, home to Africa’s Big 5 and a rich variety of other wildlife.

This private Budget Tanzania Safari promises an exhilarating and picturesque exploration through one of Africa’s premier safari destinations!

Day 1: Journey from Arusha to the enchanting Lake Manyara National Park (Tanzania)

This 4-day Budget Tanzania Safari takes you through three of Tanzania’s most exciting wildlife parks. Your journey begins at Lake Mayara, followed by the iconic Serengeti National Park and the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, all nestled within the captivating Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit.

Our Tanzania Camping Safari begins with an exciting tour briefing in Arusha before we embark on our journey west to Lake Manyara National Park. Our first Tanzania safari destination, this compact national park is a stunning wilderness area waiting to be explored in Tanzania. Our drive leads us through the breathtaking landscapes of northern Tanzania, passing through the vibrant village of Mto wa Mbu, and into the majestic Great Rift Valley.

This afternoon we set off on the inaugural wildlife journey of our Tanzania Safari. We embark on an exhilarating 4×4 game drive through the breathtaking Lake Manyara Park, soaking in the magnificent landscapes and encountering diverse wildlife along the way. This national park is nestled in the Great Rift Valley, at the foot of the dramatic Rift Valley escarpment, featuring shallow soda lakes and lush woodland areas. Our game drive takes place in an open-topped safari vehicle, perfect for immersing yourself in the wonders of wildlife and bird watching. The vibrant national park is centered around Lake Manyara, an alkaline gem of the Great Rift Valley. Lake Manyara is home to an incredible array of waterbirds, boasting more than 400 recorded bird species. Encounters feature a variety of migratory species and aquatic birds, including cormorants, geese, pelicans, and storks. During certain times of the year, thousands of flamingoes gather at the lake, creating a breathtaking spectacle.

Lake Mayara National Park captivates with its remarkable tree-climbing lions, large troops of baboons, and a thriving population of elephants, featuring majestic bull elephants adorned with impressive tusks. We may encounter an array of fascinating creatures such as buffalos, cheetahs, wildebeest, zebras, Masai giraffes, hippos, monkeys, and a variety of antelope species. You’ll encounter an abundance of warthogs, hippos, mongooses, monkeys, and a few elusive leopards.

As the sun begins to set, we depart from the enchanting Lake Manyara and journey towards our first overnight camp nestled in the vibrant village of Mto wa Mbu.

Dining: Midday Feast; Evening Banquet
Journey: 140 km (approximately 2-3 hours)

Day 2: Journey from the Lake Manyara Area to the vast Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)

Day two kicks off with breakfast at our camp in Mto wa Mbu. Then our journey through Tanzania takes us to the breathtaking Serengeti National Park, traversing the stunning highlands of the region.

At around noon, we step into Tanzania’s premier wildlife park and experience the iconic Serengeti Plains for the first time. Tanzania’s largest and most renowned national park, the Serengeti National Park is frequently celebrated as the ultimate safari destination in Africa. This vibrant wildlife park is brimming with exciting animal life all year round. It features a rich variety of vegetation zones, habitats, and landscapes in northern Tanzania, adjacent to Masai Mara in Kenya. On our journey to the camp, we traverse the diverse landscapes of Serengeti, moving through expansive grassy plains, vibrant savannahs, thick scrub, serene wetlands, and sparkling lakes. You’ll encounter the unusual rocky formations scattered across the vast plains teeming with wildlife.

At certain times of the year, you might find yourself witnessing the breathtaking spectacle of the Great Migration in Serengeti National Park. This renowned wildlife phenomenon witnesses countless herbivores journeying between the Serengeti and Masai Mara annually. During the brief rainy season in November and December, you might witness the herds making their journey from the northern hills to the southern plains while on safari. The herds embark on their journey guided by the whims of rainfall each year, leading to ever-changing locations and timing for their migration. Your knowledgeable guide leads you to the most incredible spots in Serengeti, maximizing your experience with wildlife during your safari, regardless of whether you witness the migration.

Tonight we set up camp in the heart of Serengeti, a place famous for its majestic big cats and rich wildlife encounters.

Dining: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Journey: 200 km (approximately 4-6 hours)

Day 3: Journey from Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Tanzania)

On day three of our Budget Tanzania Safari, we embark on an exhilarating early morning game drive in the Serengeti. Experience the tranquil beauty of a sunrise illuminating the expansive Serengeti Plains as we observe wildlife wandering through the bush in the gentle morning glow.

In the Seronera region of central Serengeti, herds of wildebeest, zebras, and other grazers frequently roam alongside lurking predators. With a bit of fortune, we might encounter lions, cheetahs, and even leopards during our time in Serengeti National Park.

After our exhilarating game drive, we return to our campsite for a hearty breakfast. As we journey out of Serengeti, our eyes sweep across the vast plains, eager to spot the wildlife that calls this place home. Departing from the breathtaking Serengeti Plains, we ascend into the highlands toward our ultimate destination in Tanzania, the renowned Ngorongoro Crater. This afternoon we arrive at the crater rim and take in the breathtaking views. Then we settle in at our camp on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater, immersing ourselves in the breathtaking views of this 600 m deep caldera (unflooded volcano) as the sun dips below the horizon.

Dining: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Journey: 140 km (approximately 3-5 hours)

Day 4: Journey from Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha (Tanzania)

On the final day, we enjoy a sunrise breakfast at our camp, with breathtaking views of the crater before us. Then we descend into the renowned Ngorongoro Crater for the ultimate 4×4 wildlife experience of our Budget Tanzania Safari. The forests of the steep crater slopes soon transition into acacia-studded savannahs brimming with vibrant wildlife. You’ll soon discover the reasons behind the Ngorongoro Crater’s reputation as Africa’s Garden of Eden.

Ngorongoro is a vibrant part of the Serengeti ecosystem, alive with African wildlife. It is a vast caldera stretching an astonishing 18 km across, with towering walls reaching heights of 600m. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts an incredible array of wildlife, featuring approximately 25,000 large mammals, making it a thrilling destination for nature enthusiasts. The rich environments on the lush crater floor teem with an array of wildlife, featuring elephants, monkeys, hyenas, jackals, hippos, and vibrant herds of zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, and various antelope species.

The Ngorongoro Crater is home to Africa’s Big 5, showcasing one of the world’s most impressive populations of lions. This compact crater is home to nearly all the wild animal species that roam the savannahs of East Africa. Ngorongoro Crater presents an extraordinary opportunity for game viewing and is renowned as one of the premier locations to photograph the endangered black rhino.

Following an exhilarating morning of wildlife exploration, we pause for a delightful picnic lunch in the Ngorongoro Crater. Then we climb the rugged crater walls and bid farewell to the refreshing highlands. We journey back to Arusha, the starting point of this budget-friendly Tanzania camping expedition. As we travel, we journey through the Great Rift Valley, celebrated for its stunning landscapes and rich wildlife, extending over 6000 km from north to south, all the way from Syria to Mozambique in Southern Africa.

As the sun begins to set, we find ourselves back in Arusha, marking the conclusion of this remarkable journey through the Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit.

Dining: Morning Feast; Afternoon Repast
Journey: 190 km (approximately 3-4 hours)

Tanzania Camping Expedition Note

This short and budget-friendly Tanzania Safari is the perfect complement to your Zanzibar Holiday Trips or Tanzania Hiking Tours. For further information, reach out to Maseke Adventure Co..

The Fascinating Journey of the Wildebeest Migration

Keep in mind that the Wildebeest Great Migration occurs at certain times of the year. As a wildlife phenomenon, it is fluid and unpredictable. For this reason, witnessing the Great Migration is not something that can be assured.

The wildebeest and various wild herbivores embark on an epic journey between Masai Mara in Kenya and Serengeti in Tanzania. These herds embark on an incredible journey, traversing a vast circular path that spans approximately 1200 miles (1931km). Wildlife flows through various landscapes, appearing in different places throughout the seasons. At various points in this yearly journey, the animals scatter or take their time, while at other moments, the migration accelerates, with the herds growing in size and density. The Wildebeest Great Migration is a dynamic spectacle, shifting in location and rhythm with the changing seasons, and each year brings its own unique patterns to the movement of these magnificent wildlife herds.