This 5-day budget private safari is designed to give you the feeling of being inside Tanzania’s wild rhythm, from sunrise game drives to quiet evenings under African skies. Our focus on Lake Manyara gives you strong wildlife viewing, beautiful landscapes and enough time to enjoy each location without rushing.
You travel in a custom 4×4 safari jeep with pop-up roof and guaranteed window seat, guided by local professionals who have worked Tanzania routes for over 15 years. The safari is run in an all-inclusive style so your park fees, guiding, transport and daily logistics are handled smoothly from pickup to drop-off.
Each departure is carefully timed for wildlife movement and road conditions, and we keep flexibility inside the game drives so we can follow active sightings. If you want a special focus like photography, migration tracking or romantic add-ons, we adjust the pace and stops to fit your travel goals.
Note: On this tour, you will stay in carefully selected lodges and tented camps
Accommodation can be upgraded to lodge for extra cost
Life on Safari
We will pick you up from your hotel, and after familiarising yourself with the guide, on the tour, your adventure will commence as you travel to Tarangire National Park. This natural sanctuary features majestic baobab trees, bush savannahs, and seasonal marshes that add to its allure. It is renowned as an exceptional destination for up-close elephant encounters.
In addition to elephants, the park is inhabited by buffalos, zebras, and wildebeest, often shadowed by a variety of predators, including lions. Although leopard sightings are occasional, cheetahs are a rare sight.
During the journey, you will appreciate the landscape and observe wildlife from the open roof of the safari Jeep. As the day progresses into the late afternoon, you will leave the park and proceed to the camp, where you can look forward to a comfortable and relaxing overnight stay.
Main Destination: Tarangire National Park
Accomodation: Budget camping (Outside Tarangire NP)
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner (Breakfast not included)
After enjoying your breakfast, you will set off on a journey towards Serengeti National Park. This route will lead you through the charming highland farmlands of Karatu and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
As you bid farewell to the highlands, you will venture deeper into the heart of untamed Africa. The drive will guide you to the Seronera area, situated in the central part of the park and celebrated as one of Serengeti’s most abundant wildlife habitats.
The Seronera River crisscrosses this region, a crucial water source that draws diverse wildlife representing most of the Serengeti’s species. Arriving in due time, you will enjoy a picnic lunch and engage in an afternoon game drive within Serengeti National Park.
Main Destination: Serengeti National Park
Accomodation: Budget camping (Inside Serengeti NP)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you will commence a game-viewing drive along the Sogore River Circuit, a trail that meanders through the plains south of the Seronera River. This route offers opportunities for spotting lions, Thomson’s gazelles, topis, ostriches and cheetahs. Once your morning exploration concludes, make sure not to miss the Visitor Centre, conveniently situated near Serengeti Seronera Lodge.
In the afternoon, you will follow the kopjes circuit, which leads you around the Maasai kopjes in a counterclockwise direction. These kopjes, weathered granite outcrops, are scattered across the plains and function as self-contained ecosystems, providing shade and water pools after rainfall. They prove especially beneficial for observing wildlife during the dry season, as lions frequently await prey at the watering holes. Remarkably large cobras also inhabit these kopjes.
Main Destination: Serengeti National Park
Accomodation: Budget Camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Dedicate your morning to further game drives within the Serengeti. By midday, you will set out on a journey towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. En route to the park gate, there will be another opportunity for game viewing before departing the Serengeti National Park in the early afternoon.
Your path will then lead you onward to Ngorongoro. Upon arriving at the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, a breathtaking vista of the expansive caldera awaits. Your accommodations for the night will be comfortable and relaxing at the Camp.
Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater
Accomodation: Budget camping ( Inside Ngorongoro Crater)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we will head to Lake Manyara National Park. The park’s highlight is the lake, Lake Manyara, a gathering place for many waterbirds.
Bright pink flamingos stand out, and you will also spot other bird types like cormorants, pelicans, and storks. There are around 400 different bird species here. Tree-climbing lions are famous and primarily seen in the central and open parts of the park.
The safari also offers glimpses of elephants, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, and hippos. Later in the day, we will leave the park and return to Arusha or the airport for your onward flight.
Main Destination: Lake Manyara National Park
Accomodation: No accomodation (End of Tour)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch (Dinner not included)
Rates Per Person for Jan 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026
Rates Per Person for Jan 1, 2027 – Dec 31, 2027
| # People in Group: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| Budget Camping: | n/a* | $1513 | $1227 | $1105 | $1,024 | $951 |
Kids under 15 receive a special discount. Contact us when booking.
Hot-air balloon safari over the Serengeti can be added for $600/person.
- All national park entrance fees and conservation levies
- Accommodation as specified
- All meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Soft drinks and bottled water (minimum 3 litres per person per day)
- Transportation in a custom 4×4 safari jeep with pop-up viewing roof and guaranteed window seating
- Expert English-speaking guide/driver (15+ years Tanzania experience)
- Vehicle inverter for device charging, FM radio communications, electric cooler and filtered water
- Government taxes and VAT
- Tips for guides and cook (guideline: $10–15/day guide, $5–8/day cook)
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania e-visa ($50 USD)
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Hot-air balloon safari in Serengeti ($600/person add-on)
- Personal purchases, laundry and phone calls
- Alcoholic beverages
Note: We have a discount for kids under 15 years old
"Our guide Emmanuel was incredible — he spotted a leopard and two lion cubs that three other vehicles completely missed. The most magical experience of our lives."
"The private setup meant we could spend 45 minutes with a cheetah and cubs without feeling rushed. The lodges were far beyond what we expected."
"As first-time safari travelers, we were nervous. From the moment we arrived, Serengeti African Tours took care of everything. The Ngorongoro Crater literally took our breath away."
"Booked through SafariBookings and couldn't be happier. Every detail was handled perfectly. Guide Abouh is extraordinary — his knowledge of wildlife is encyclopaedic."
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Everything You Need to Know
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What is the best time of year for the 5-Day Budget Private Safari?
This itinerary runs year-round, but June to October is best for dry-season visibility and easier wildlife tracking. If your tour includes migration-focused zones, we guide you on the best travel window before confirmation.
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What animals am I most likely to see on this tour?
On this route through Arusha, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, guests usually see elephants, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, giraffes, and often lions. Leopard and cheetah sightings depend on timing and luck, but your guide uses radio updates to improve chances.
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What are the accommodation options on this tour?
We use clean and trusted safari camps or lodges based on your selected comfort level and budget. Upgrades to higher-category lodges are available before departure, subject to room availability.
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How many people will be in my group?
Private departures are only for your booking party. Joining options are usually small groups, typically up to 6–7 travelers in a custom safari vehicle with guaranteed window seats.
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What should I pack for this itinerary?
Please pack neutral-color clothing, a warm layer for early mornings, sun protection, comfortable shoes, insect repellent, and personal medication. A small soft duffel and camera with spare batteries are strongly recommended.
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Can I upgrade from camping to a lodge, and are there hidden costs?
Yes, we can upgrade your accommodation category before final booking confirmation. We provide a transparent quote that lists all park fees, accommodation and transport, so you can see exactly what is included.
