First, we embark on an exploration of the diverse Tarangire National Park, a sanctuary for one of Tanzania’s largest elephant populations and renowned as one of the most stunning game reserves in the country. Next, we embark on a breathtaking drive through the Great Rift Valley to Tanzania’s renowned game reserve, Serengeti National Park, where the spectacular annual Great Migration unfolds, showcasing the world’s largest animal migration! From the game-rich plains of the vast Serengeti, we journey to Ngorongoro through Karatu, where we embark on a guided walk amidst the coffee plantations. Lastly, we delve into the wonders of the Big Five Ngorongoro Crater, celebrated as Africa’s Garden of Eden, relishing in the thrill of exceptional game viewing.

This Budget Tanzania Lodge Safari concludes in Arusha, the starting point of our unforgettable wildlife and scenic expedition.

Day 1: Journey from Arusha to Tarangire National Park (Tanzania)

This Tanzania Lodge Safari begins with an exciting tour briefing in Arusha before we embark on our journey southwest to our first thrilling destination, Tarangire National Park.

This vibrant game park boasts an incredible array of wildlife and is regarded as one of the most stunning wilderness regions in northern Tanzania. Tarangire Park is home to one of the largest elephant populations in Tanzania and is renowned as one of the finest locations in East Africa to encounter these majestic giants up close. The game park is scattered with majestic baobab and acacia thorn trees, serving as a vibrant habitat for a stunning variety of birds. This premier Tanzanian game park boasts an array of magnificent big cats such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs, alongside the intriguing tree-climbing pythons. Other African animals roaming the game park include numerous giraffes, buffalos, zebras, and a variety of antelope species like gazelles.

We spend the afternoon immersed in incredible wildlife experiences in Tarangire Park, followed by our first night at a cozy tented safari lodge just a short drive from Tarangire National Park.

We stay in exquisite, en-suite tents with verandas that offer breathtaking views of Lake Burunge and the vast Tarangire landscape beyond. The safari camp boasts a pool, a main lounge, and a dining/bar area elevated on a wooden deck, allowing guests to soak in the stunning views. Unwind with a drink as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the lake and the encircling wilderness, or gather around the inviting fireplace on cool evenings.

Dining: Midday Feast; Evening Banquet

Day 2: Journey from Tarangire National Park to Lake Manyara Park (Tanzania)

Following breakfast on the second day of our Tanzania Lodge Safari, we set off from the Tarangire area, heading north towards the stunning Lake Manyara National Park.

Lake Manyara Park captivates visitors with its remarkable tree-climbing lions and impressive baboon troops. At times, massive flocks of flamingoes can be spotted here, accompanied by various other waterbirds. The national park is home to more than 400 bird species, so make sure to have your binoculars at the ready. Encountering elephants is a thrilling experience, especially when you spot majestic bull elephants showcasing their magnificent tusks. This Tanzania safari park is alive with an abundance of hippos and large herds of giraffe, wildebeest, buffalo, and zebra.

Following an exhilarating game drive in Lake Manyara Park, we set off towards our next safari lodge. This tented lodge is perched on the brink of the Rift Valley, offering breathtaking views of Lake Manyara and the expansive floor of the Great Rift Valley. Surrounded by the lush Ngorongoro Highlands, the accommodation features cozy tented rooms equipped with en suite bathrooms. Lodge amenities include a dining room and a bar complete with a viewing deck.

Morning meal; Midday feast; Evening banquet

Day 3: Journey from the Great Rift Valley to the Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)

On day three, we embark on a journey from the African Rift Valley, traversing the vibrant crater highlands to reach Serengeti Park.

As we ascend to the Ngorongoro Crater highlands, breathtaking vistas unfold before us, revealing the expansive southern Serengeti Plains. As we journey forward, we pause to capture stunning photographs and relish the breathtaking vistas around us. Gazing across the vast, undulating landscape, one can understand why the Maasai people refer to it as “Siringitu” – the endless plain.

At around noon, our budget safari in Africa arrives at the renowned Serengeti National Park. We then venture into the southern region of Tanzania’s largest national park and journey to our tented safari lodge nestled within Serengeti Park. The southern section of the Serengeti Plains seems to extend endlessly, reaching out to the horizon in a breathtaking expanse. The Kopje, a small rocky hill amidst the vast plains, presents a perfect hunting ground for cheetahs and other majestic big cats of Africa.

We lodge in a tented camp nestled in the heart of the Serengeti, with thrilling wildlife sightings along the way. This evening, we unwind by the campfire at our tented safari lodge, enveloped by the wild beauty of the African bush.

Morning meal; Midday feast; Evening banquet

Day 4: Serengeti Expedition (Tanzania)

On the fourth day of our Tanzania Lodge Safari, we will immerse ourselves in the thrilling experience of game viewing in the expansive Serengeti National Park. The most exciting spots and intriguing locations are selected to ensure you have the greatest opportunity to witness the wild creatures and snap that ideal shot.

Tanzania’s most renowned game park, the Serengeti Park is the stage for the breathtaking spectacle of the annual Great Migration, the largest animal migration on the planet. Here, immense groups of wildebeest, gazelle, and zebra thunder across the plains, driven by the quest for fresh grazing, which in turn draws a host of predators eager for the chase.

At certain times of the year, you can experience the breathtaking spectacle of countless wildebeests and zebras charging across the vast plains in an exhilarating display of nature’s wonders. In the brief rainy season of October and November, herds can often be spotted journeying from the Kenyan Maasai Mara across the northwest Serengeti to the expansive plains in the south. Following the rainy season in April, May, and June, the herds make their way back through the west and northwest Serengeti at a leisurely pace. The animals embark on their journeys, navigating diverse paths and timings, responding to the ever-changing patterns of rainfall. Your guide will expertly navigate the terrain to uncover the perfect moments for animal sightings, ensuring you experience the wonders of the national park from the most breathtaking vantage points.

Serengeti National Park presents an exhilarating experience for wildlife enthusiasts throughout the year, showcasing vibrant populations of Africa’s iconic Big Five – rhino, lion, buffalo, elephant, and leopard, alongside vast herds of diverse antelope species including eland, topi, kudu, impala, oribi, waterbuck, and gazelle. The Serengeti is home to a vibrant tapestry of wildlife, featuring cheetahs, hippos, giraffes, serval cats, crocodiles, hyenas, and a diverse assortment of other creatures, including countless monkeys, mongooses, and rodents, as well as more than 500 species of birds!

Embark on an exciting journey to the visitor’s center with a knowledgeable representative from the Frankfurt Zoological Society. The experienced guide is ready to share insights about the organization’s fascinating journey over the past thirty years in Serengeti (request when booking). We relish in the thrill of game viewing in the afternoon, before heading back to our tented camp in Serengeti for another night immersed in the wilds of Africa.

This evening, you will find yourself at the same Serengeti Tented Camp as on day three.

Morning meal; Midday feast; Evening banquet

Day 5: Journey from Serengeti Park to Karatu (Tanzania)

This morning, after a hearty breakfast, we set off from Serengeti Park, ready for the journey ahead. As we journey onward, we relish one final game drive, taking in the breathtaking wildlife of Africa before our departure in the early afternoon. From Seronera Valley in Serengeti, we embark on a journey to the Ngorongoro Crater.

As we reach the brink of the Ngorongoro Crater, breathtaking vistas of the caldera unfold before us. Then we depart from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and journey towards our next safari lodge close to Karatu. Once you’ve made yourself at home in our safari lodge nestled in the Ngorongoro highlands, you can embark on a guided walk through the coffee plantations to discover the fascinating process of coffee cultivation and production.

Tonight we find ourselves at a perfectly situated safari lodge close to Karatu. Nestled near a coffee estate, just a half-hour from the entrance of the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area, these safari lodges provide stunning vistas of the vibrant crater highlands.

Morning meal; Midday feast; Evening banquet

Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater & Karatu (Tanzania)

On the sixth day of our Tanzania Lodge Safari, we embark on an exciting journey into the Ngorongoro Crater. After a hearty breakfast at our safari lodge in the highlands, we make our way back to the crater and navigate the steep outer walls in our 4×4 safari vehicle.

We spend the morning wandering through this vibrant Tanzania safari park, alive with wildlife. Ngorongoro, nestled within the Serengeti ecosystem, is a vast caldera measuring 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 Ngorongoro Crater is home to the Big Five of Africa—lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo—featuring one of the highest concentrations of lions globally. Ngorongoro Crater is home to the Big Five of Africa and nearly every wild animal species that roams the savannahs of East Africa. Ngorongoro provides exceptional wildlife experiences and is regarded as one of the top locations to photograph the endangered black rhino. The rich environments present on the lush crater floor teem with an array of wildlife, featuring elephants, monkeys, hyenas, jackals, and vibrant herds of zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, and various antelope species.

We pause for a picnic lunch in the crater during our exhilarating game drive. Then we set off from the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area and make our way back to our safari lodge near Karatu.

Morning meal; Midday feast; Evening banquet

Day 7: Journey from Karatu to Arusha (Tanzania)

After a delightful breakfast at our picturesque lodge, we journey back to Arusha where this budget Tanzania Lodge Safari concludes.

Depending on your personal travel plans and your flight departure, there may be an opportunity to explore the vibrant markets in Arusha or partake in other exciting optional activities.

Morning meal; Midday feast