Overview
Our economical Private Tanzania Safari is ideal for budget-conscious travelers or those with limited time who prefer not to camp.
This budget safari in Tanzania first explores Tarangire National Park, famous for its substantial elephant populations, tree-studded savannahs, distinctive baobab trees, and seasonal wetlands. We proceed from Tarangire into the Tanzanian highlands, where we relish breathtaking vistas. Subsequently, we investigate the renowned Serengeti National Park, residing in the Seronera area, distinguished for its remarkable big cat observations. Subsequently, we engage in game viewing in the renowned Ngorongoro Crater, which is inhabited by Africa’s Big Five and a plethora of other wildlife. Conclude with a picturesque expedition via the Great Rift Valley from Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha.
This cheap African vacation provides remarkable animal experiences in premier Tanzanian safari parks, complemented by comfortable tented lodge accommodations.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
This four-day private safari in Tanzania examines three of the country’s premier wildlife reserves. Your journey will commence at Tarangire National Park, followed by Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, all situated within the Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit.
Following a concise orientation in the morning, our African safari expedition commences with a picturesque drive to Tarangire National Park.
Situated in northern Tanzania, approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) southwest of Arusha, Tarangire is a leading wildlife attraction in the country. The park covers over 2,850 square kilometers (1,100 square miles) and is called for the Tarangire River, which traverses it and serves as a crucial water source for wildlife, especially in the dry season.
Tarangire National Park is distinguished for its expansive, tree-studded savannah, characterized by notable baobab trees and ephemeral marshlands. Tarangire’s varied topography encompasses wide plains, acacia trees, marshy areas, and undulating hills, fostering various habitats for several wildlife species. The colossal baobab trees are a distinctive characteristic of the park, frequently observed with elephants foraging beneath their broad branches. These ancient trees impart an aura of mysticism and beauty to the landscape. In the rainy season, the region transforms into verdant foliage, yet in the dry season, the desiccated environment facilitates wildlife observations, as animals gather around the park’s water sources.
Upon arrival at Tarangire, our safari guide will elevate the vehicle’s top, providing you with an unimpeded, panoramic view of the surrounding vivid wildlife. Subsequently, we will partake in a picturesque picnic lunch before resuming our exploration of the park’s stunning surroundings during the afternoon. In the late afternoon, we will proceed to our tented safari resort located just outside the park, where you may relax and appreciate a serene evening surrounded by the splendor of nature.
Repasts: Luncheon & Supper
Distance: 140 kilometers (about 2-3 hours)
Day 2: Tarangire National Park to Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
The second day commences with a substantial breakfast at the tented retreat. Our economical Private Tanzania Safari proceeds to Serengeti National Park through the Ngorongoro Highlands of Tanzania. En route, one can observe the agricultural grounds of the Iraqw people, where wheat, coffee, and corn are cultivated. Subsequently, we traverse the Ngorongoro Crater before descending to the Serengeti plains.
Upon entering Tanzania’s premier wildlife park, we experience the renowned Serengeti Plains for the first time. The Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s largest and most renowned national park, is frequently regarded as the premier safari destination in Africa. This varied wildlife park supports abundant animal life year-round because to its range of plant zones, habitats, and landforms in northern Tanzania, adjacent to Masai Mara in Kenya. While traveling to our tented camp, we traverse several habitats of the Serengeti, including grassland plains, savannahs, dense scrub, marshes, and lakes. Observe the peculiar rocky formations, referred to as kopjes, scattered throughout the expansive plains teeming with wildlife.
The Great Migration may be observed in Serengeti National Park, contingent upon the season. This renowned natural phenomenon witnesses the annual migration of thousands of animals between the Serengeti and Masai Mara. During the brief wet season in November and December, one may observe herds migrate from the northern hills to the southern plains while on safari. The migration of the herds is contingent upon annual rainfall, resulting in variability in both the specific sites and time of the journey. Your knowledgeable guide escorts you to the premier locations in Serengeti for wildlife observation during your safari, maximizing your experience regardless of the migration’s occurrence.
This evening, we will reside in a cozy tented safari camp in central Serengeti, an area famous for its exceptional big cat observations and many wildlife.
Repasts: Breakfast; Lunch and Dinner
Distance: 200 kilometers (about 5 to 7 hours)
Day 3: Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
On the third day of our brief Tanzania Safari, we re-enter Serengeti National Park for an exhilarating early morning wildlife drive. Experience a tranquil sunrise over the expansive Serengeti Plains as we observe species traversing the bush in the early morning illumination.
In the Seronera region of central Serengeti, herds of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores are frequently observed in proximity to predatory animals. With fortune, we may observe lions, cheetahs, and potentially leopards in Serengeti National Park.
Following our gratifying wildlife drive, we return to our tented camp for a substantial breakfast. We exit the Serengeti, surveying the grasslands for wildlife along the way. Departing the spectacular Serengeti Plains, we ascend into the highlands towards our ultimate Tanzanian safari destination, the renowned Ngorongoro Crater. This afternoon, we arrive at the crater rim and observe the breathtaking landscape. Subsequently, we proceed to our tented camp located east of the Ngorongoro Crater’s rim, within the park. Relax and appreciate the stunning landscape as the sun sets over the Ngorongoro Crater highlands.
Repasts: Breakfast; Picnic Lunch; Dinner
Distance: 140 kilometers (about 3 to 5 hours)
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha, Tanzania
On the final day of our Private Tanzania Safari, we partake in an early breakfast at our tented camp situated on the crater rim. Subsequently, we descend into the renowned Ngorongoro Crater for the concluding 4×4 wildlife expedition of our budget Tanzania Safari. The trees on the steep crater slopes rapidly transition into acacia-dotted savannahs abundant in wildlife. The Ngorongoro Crater is renowned as Africa’s Garden of Eden for compelling reasons.
Ngorongoro constitutes a segment of the Serengeti habitat, abundant with African fauna. It is a substantial caldera measuring 18 km in circumference, with walls reaching heights of 600 m. This UNESCO World Heritage Site hosts the highest density of mammals in Africa, with over 25,000 big animals. The varied ecosystems present on the rich crater floor sustain a multitude of wildlife, including elephants, monkeys, hyenas, jackals, hippos, and herds of zebras, wildebeests, buffalo, and other antelope species.
The Ngorongoro Crater is home to Africa’s Big Five and features one of the greatest lion populations globally. Nearly all wild animal species inhabiting the savannahs of East Africa are present in this small crater. Ngorongoro Crater provides exceptional wildlife observation and is regarded as one of the premier locations for photographing the endangered black rhino.
Following a vigorous morning of wildlife observation, we pause for a picnic lunch in the Ngorongoro Crater. Subsequently, we scale the precipitous crater walls, departing from the temperate highlands. We return to Arusha, the origin of this economical Tanzania Safari. We traverse the Great Rift Valley, renowned for its stunning landscapes and diverse fauna, extending over 6000 kilometers from Syria in the north to Mozambique in Southern Africa.
In the early evening, we return to Arusha, marking the conclusion of this remarkable journey on the Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit.
Repasts: Breakfast; Picnic Lunch
Distance: 190 kilometers (about 3 to 4 hours)
Notice Regarding Tanzania Safari
This concise and economical Private Tanzania Safari is the perfect complement to Zanzibar Holiday Trips or Tanzania Hiking Tours. For further information, please contact African Budget Safaris.
Explanation of the Wildebeest Great Migration
The Wildebeest Great Migration occurs seasonally. As a natural wildlife occurrence, it is dynamic and erratic. Consequently, witnessing the Great Migration cannot be assured.
The wildebeest and other wild herbivores migrate between the Masai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania. These herds traverse an extensive circular path of approximately 1200 miles (1931 kilometers). It is a perpetual migration of wildlife observable in various regions at distinct periods throughout the year. During some parts of this annual migration, the animals either disperse or decelerate, whilst at other times, the migration accelerates, resulting in larger and denser herds. The Wildebeest Great Migration not only differs by location and season but also fluctuates annually in the travel of these substantial animal herds.
Consult a travel advisor from African Budget Safaris on the Wildebeest Great Migration during your safari for further information. Additionally, examine our comprehensive essay regarding the Great Migration in the Serengeti and Masai Mara.