Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park – Mto wa Mbu

Your driver-guide will pick you up from Arusha in the morning to drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its prehistoric baobab trees and massive elephant herds. Spend the day on an extensive game drive tracking lions, leopards, and giraffes along the Tarangire River. After a picnic lunch in the wild, exit the park in the late afternoon and head to the vibrant town of Mto wa Mbu for dinner and your first night under the stars.

• Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Mto wa Mbu to Serengeti National Park (via Ngorongoro)

After an early breakfast, depart toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, ascending the Great Rift Valley wall for a brief, stunning photo-stop at the crater rim view point. Continue driving across the highlands into the endless grasslands of the Serengeti National Park. Enter through the Naabi Hill Gate and enjoy an en-route afternoon game drive through the central Seronera valley—the big cat capital of the park. Set up camp in the heart of the wild for dinner and an authentic bush experience.

• Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Full Day in Serengeti National Park

Awaken to the sounds of the African bush for a sunrise game drive, the best time to catch predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards on the hunt. Return to camp for a late breakfast/brunch, then head out again with a picnic lunch for a full day of tracking the resident wildlife or the seasonal Great Wildebeest Migration herds. Spend another thrilling evening sharing stories around the campfire back at your central campsite.

• Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Serengeti Plains to Ngorongoro Crater Rim

Enjoy a final morning game drive in the Serengeti as you head toward the exit gate. After a picnic lunch on a scenic rocky kopje, drive back toward the Ngorongoro highlands. Arrive at a campsite situated right on the crater rim or just outside in Karatu. Enjoy breathtaking evening views, a freshly prepared hot meal by your safari chef, and a cool night’s rest in the highlands.

• Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Exploration to Lake Manyara – Return to Arusha

Descend 600 meters into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater at first light to beat the morning crowds. This natural caldera offers your absolute best chance to see the endangered black rhino, alongside large lion prides, hyenas, and massive bull elephants. Savor a picnic lunch near the hippo pool before ascending. On the drive back, enjoy a brief afternoon afternoon game drive or a scenic stop at Lake Manyara to view the pink flamingos and hippos before arriving back in Arusha by evening for your drop-off.

• Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch

Included:

• Private or shared group transport in a 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof.
• Professional, English-speaking driver-guide and a dedicated safari camp chef.
• All national park entry fees, camping fees, and Ngorongoro Crater service fees.
• High-quality budget camping equipment (tents, mattresses, sleeping bags upon request, table, and chairs).
• Three freshly prepared meals a day (Full Board) and unlimited bottled mineral water in the vehicle.
• Airport transfers or hotel pick-up/drop-off in Arusha.

Excluded:

• International and domestic flights.
• Tanzanian Entry Visa ($50 for most nationalities / $100 for US citizens).
• Travel and medical insurance.
• Tips/Gratuities for your driver-guide and safari chef.
• Alcoholic beverages, sodas, and personal items.

Optional Cultural Add-Ons

• Maasai Boma Visit: Immerse yourself in the traditional songs, dancing, and daily lifestyle of the Maasai people in the Ngorongoro Highlands.
• Mto wa Mbu Cultural Village Tour: Take a quick guided walking or bicycle tour through local banana plantations and rice fields.

Note: This budget itinerary is 100% customizable. If sleeping in tents isn’t your clients’ style, we can easily swap the campsites for basic, clean local guesthouses and budget lodges in Karatu and Mto wa Mbu to match their comfort level.