7-Day Budget Camping Safari — Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro
Package Overview
This 7-day camping safari is our most comprehensive budget itinerary, covering the full Northern Circuit highlight reel — Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater — with two full days in the Serengeti for a proper wildlife experience. It’s built for travelers who want the complete Northern Circuit journey without lodge-level costs.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Depart Arusha after breakfast for Tarangire National Park, known for its massive elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. Afternoon game drive along the Tarangire River. Overnight camping near Tarangire.
Day 2: Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park
Depart Tarangire and drive to Lake Manyara National Park for an afternoon game drive through groundwater forest and along the lake shore, known for tree-climbing lions and flamingos. Overnight camping near Lake Manyara.
Day 3: Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park
Depart for the Serengeti via Ngorongoro, with a game drive en route to camp. Overnight camping in the Serengeti.
Day 4: Serengeti National Park
Full day of game drives exploring the Serengeti’s plains, tracking lion, leopard, cheetah, and — depending on season — the Great Migration herds. Overnight camping in the Serengeti.
Day 5: Serengeti National Park
A second full day in the Serengeti, exploring different areas of the park and following your guide’s read on current wildlife movement. Overnight camping in the Serengeti.
Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Depart the Serengeti for Ngorongoro, arriving in time to settle into camp on the crater rim, with sweeping views into the caldera below.
Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater – Return to Arusha
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a final game drive among one of Africa’s densest concentrations of wildlife. In the afternoon, ascend and drive back to Arusha, arriving in the evening.
- Park entrance fees
- Professional driver-guide
- 4×4 safari vehicle
- Accommodation
- Full board meals
- Bottled drinking water
- Airport transfers
- Government taxes and levies
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Optional activities (hot air balloon safari, cultural village visits)