7-Day Classic Northern Tanzania Budget Camping Safari
Overview
This seven-day camping safari is the most complete budget program in this collection. It includes Tarangire, Lake Manyara, three Serengeti nights and Ngorongoro Crater. The extra day creates enough space for both ecosystem variety and serious Serengeti time, while camping keeps the overall package accessible compared with lodge-based equivalents.
The route uses a combination of an organised campsite near Mto wa Mbu and public wilderness campsites in Serengeti and Ngorongoro. This gives guests a gradual transition from a more serviced campsite to the basic, unfenced park-camping experience. It is an excellent choice for travellers who specifically want to feel close to the environment and are comfortable with shared ablution facilities and simple nights under canvas.
Category: Budget Camping Safari
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Route: Arusha - Tarangire - Lake Manyara - Serengeti - Ngorongoro - Arusha
Best for: Budget travellers wanting the most complete classic northern-circuit camping experience
From price: USD 1,650 per person (4-6 travellers)
Travellers — Indicative Price per Person
2 travellers: USD 2,250 pp
3 travellers: USD 1,900 pp
4-6 travellers: USD 1,650 pp
Prices are indicative “From” prices per person, subject to travel dates, party size, accommodation availability and a confirmed quotation.
Safari Packing List
Practical travel preparation
Pack simply, travel comfortably
Your final packing guidance depends on season, route and accommodation. Begin with these essentials and we will share a tailored checklist before departure.
- Neutral, light layers for game drives
- A warm layer for early mornings
- Sun protection and reusable water bottle
- Binoculars, camera and spare batteries
- Personal medication and travel documents
- Comfortable closed walking shoes
Safari Tour Pricing
Prices are planning guides per person and vary with season, availability, accommodation and group size. We confirm the exact quote in writing before you book.
From $ 1,650 per person
Subject to confirmationBased on 4–6 travellers sharing the safari vehicle. Rates for 2 and 3 travellers are listed in the overview.
View the full pricing basis in the overviewPrice per person. International flights, visa costs and personal purchases are not included unless expressly listed in your confirmed quotation.
Itinerary
7 planned days
Day 1Arusha to Tarangire
Lake Manyara
Destination: Tarangire National Park
Depart Arusha for Tarangire and spend the day among baobabs, acacia woodland and the river ecosystem that supports wildlife through the dry season. Enjoy a picnic lunch and afternoon game drive before continuing to camp near Mto wa Mbu.
Night accommodation: Migombani Camp camping grounds or comparable
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara
Destination: Lake Manyara National Park
Explore the compact but diverse Lake Manyara National Park. The day may include the groundwater forest, floodplain, lake viewpoints and acacia woodland. Birdlife is a major attraction, while elephant, giraffe, buffalo, hippo, baboon and other species are possible. Return to the same campsite, which avoids unnecessary packing and gives the crew an easier preparation day before the longer Serengeti sector.
Night accommodation: Migombani Camp camping grounds or comparable
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3Mto wa Mbu to Serengeti
Serengeti
Destination: Serengeti National Park
Travel through the Ngorongoro highlands toward Serengeti. After entering the park, game-drive toward the central Seronera region and arrive at the public campsite in the late afternoon. The campsite is basic and unfenced, so listen carefully to the crew’s safety briefing.
Night accommodation: Seronera-area public campsite - Pimbi/Nyani/Tumbili or comparable allocation
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4Full-Day Serengeti
Serengeti
Destination: Central Serengeti
Spend the whole day exploring central Serengeti. Early and late hours can be especially productive for predators, while the middle of the day gives time to investigate river valleys, kopjes and other habitat. A picnic lunch keeps you in the field.
Night accommodation: Same Seronera-area public campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5Second Full-Day Serengeti
Serengeti
Destination: Central Serengeti
Use the second full day to follow current wildlife rather than repeat the same route. Your guide may travel farther afield if recent reports justify it, or stay close to a productive area where animal behaviour is developing. The evening returns you to the same camp for the final Serengeti night.
Night accommodation: Same Seronera-area public campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6Serengeti to Ngorongoro Rim
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Destination: Serengeti / Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Leave camp after breakfast and game-drive out of the Serengeti toward the Ngorongoro highlands. Stop for wildlife and viewpoints on the way, then reach Simba A Public Campsite on the rim for the final camping night.
Night accommodation: Simba A Public Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha
Arusha
Destination: Ngorongoro Crater / Arusha
Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for the final game drive. The crater is an excellent contrast to the huge Serengeti because wildlife is concentrated within a defined caldera landscape. After a picnic lunch, ascend and return to Arusha, where the safari ends.
Night accommodation: None - end of safari
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Inclusions
What's included in this safari
The final inclusions are confirmed in your written quotation.
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for the confirmed safari party.
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide throughout the road-safari sector.
- Designated campsite fees and park/conservation fees stated in the confirmed quotation.
- Safari dome tents, camping mattresses, sleeping bags where included by the final operations plan, chairs and dining table.
- Safari cook and camp crew, including tent setup and breakdown.
- Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner as stated in the day-by-day itinerary.
- Drinking water during the safari.
- Government taxes and operational charges specifically listed in the final quotation.
What's not included
Anything not expressly listed in the final quotation remains your responsibility.
- International and domestic flights unless specifically stated.
- Tanzania visa, travel insurance and medical costs.
- Tips for guide, cook and camping crew.
- Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and personal purchases.
- Optional cultural visits, balloon safaris and other optional activities unless listed as included.
- Pre- and post-safari hotels unless the confirmed quotation includes them.
- Any service not specifically stated as included.
Expert support before departure
Our team will confirm the daily flow, recommended packing, meeting arrangements and any practical details relevant to your specific travel dates.
Visa & Travel Documents
Plan your entry requirements
Visa requirements and entry conditions can change and depend on your citizenship and travel route. Select your citizenship to note it in your enquiry; we will help point you to the appropriate official guidance.
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- Accommodation will be confirmed by our team.
Optional Activities
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