6-Day Affordable Safari in Tanzania: Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro
Location
Full Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by your professional safari guide and driver. Your guide will assist with your luggage and provide a brief introduction to the exciting adventure ahead.
You’ll then be transferred to Planet Lodge Arusha, a serene retreat nestled amidst lush gardens. The lodge offers comfortable chalet-style accommodations with modern amenities, a refreshing swimming pool, and a warm, welcoming ambiance. After check-in, unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Optional Activities (time permitting):
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Visit the bustling Maasai Market to browse traditional crafts and souvenirs.
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Explore Arusha town to get a glimpse of local Tanzanian culture and lifestyle.
Spend your evening indulging in a delicious dinner at the lodge’s restaurant, featuring local and international dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Accommodation Option: Planet Lodge Arusha – Chalet-style rooms surrounded by lush greenery.
Meals: Dinner at the lodge.
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
After a hearty breakfast, depart Arusha and embark on a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park, famed for its dramatic landscapes dominated by ancient baobab trees and its large elephant population.
Upon entering the park, enjoy a thrilling game drive, exploring Tarangire’s diverse habitats. The park is a haven for wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and predators such as lions and leopards. Bird enthusiasts will also delight in spotting vibrant species like the lilac-breasted roller and Kori bustards.
Break for a picnic lunch at a designated spot within the park, surrounded by the pristine beauty of nature.
In the late afternoon, you’ll head to Sangaiwe Tented Lodge, situated near the park’s boundary. This eco-friendly lodge offers luxurious tented accommodations with en-suite facilities, panoramic views, and exceptional service. Unwind with a refreshing drink on your private deck as the sun sets over the African wilderness.
Accommodation Option: Sangaiwe Tented Lodge – Spacious tented rooms with breathtaking views.
Meals: Breakfast at Planet Lodge, picnic lunch in the park, and dinner at Sangaiwe Tented Lodge.
Day 3: Tarangire to Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, bid farewell to Tarangire as you journey toward the iconic Serengeti National Park. En route, pass through the spectacular Ngorongoro Highlands, where rolling hills and Maasai villages create a picturesque backdrop.
Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way before entering the Serengeti, renowned for its vast plains teeming with wildlife. Depending on the time of year, you may witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras traverse the plains in search of greener pastures.
Your afternoon will be filled with an exhilarating game drive, where sightings of lions, cheetahs, leopards, and other predators are common.
Arrive at Osinon Camp, a tranquil retreat in the heart of the Serengeti, blending modern comforts with the rustic charm of the bush. Relax in your luxurious tent, enjoy a delectable dinner, and immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of the wilderness.
Accommodation Option: Osinon Camp – Luxury tented accommodations with en-suite facilities and stunning surroundings.
Meals: Breakfast at Sangaiwe, picnic lunch en route, and dinner at Osinon Camp.
Day 4: Full Day in Serengeti National Park
Start your day with an early morning game drive, the perfect time to spot predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas as they hunt in the cool hours of dawn. Afterward, return to the camp for a hearty breakfast.
Spend the rest of the day exploring the Serengeti’s diverse ecosystems, from acacia-dotted savannahs to lush riverine forests. Depending on the season, you may witness dramatic predator-prey interactions or massive herds of herbivores grazing peacefully.
Optional Activity: Consider an early morning hot air balloon safari (additional cost), offering breathtaking aerial views of the Serengeti, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush.
As the sun sets, return to Osinon Camp to relax by the campfire, sharing stories of the day’s adventures with fellow travelers.
Accommodation Option: Osinon Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the camp.
Day 5: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
After breakfast, leave the Serengeti behind and travel to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, stopping along the way to admire the scenic beauty of the Ngorongoro Highlands.
Arrive at Angata Ngorongoro Camp, perched on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. The camp offers stunning views and a cozy atmosphere, providing the perfect base for exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Take the evening to unwind, enjoy a delicious dinner, and prepare for the next day’s adventure into the Crater.
Accommodation Option: Angata Ngorongoro Camp – A tranquil tented camp with spectacular views.
Meals: Breakfast at Osinon Camp, picnic lunch en route, and dinner at Angata Ngorongoro Camp.
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive and Return to Arusha
Begin the day with an early breakfast before descending into the Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” This caldera hosts a unique ecosystem, supporting a dense population of wildlife, including the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino.
Spend the morning exploring the crater floor, observing animals such as hippos, wildebeest, and flamingos in their natural habitat. Break for a picnic lunch by the Hippo Pool, surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
In the afternoon, ascend the crater walls and journey back to Arusha. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home, marking the end of an unforgettable Tanzanian safari.
Meals: Breakfast at Angata Ngorongoro Camp, picnic lunch in the crater.
Inclusions:
- Accommodation: 5 nights in comfortable lodges and tented camps.
- Meals: All meals as specified, including picnic lunches during game drives.
- Safari Activities: Game drives in Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro, led by a professional guide.
- Transfers: Airport and safari transfers in a 4x4 safari vehicle.
- Entrance Fees: Park entry fees for Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro.
- Crater Game Drive: Guided exploration of the Ngorongoro Crater.
- Bottled Water: Provided during game drives.
Exclusions:
- International flights.
- Travel insurance (highly recommended).
- Visa fees.
- Optional activities (e.g., Serengeti balloon safari).
- Drinks and personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, tips).
