This 5-day Manyara & Ngorongoro Budget Safari is the perfect introduction to Tanzania’s northern circuit for travelers seeking a short, affordable, and action-packed adventure. From the lush forests and flamingo-filled shores of Lake Manyara to the breathtaking wildlife haven of Ngorongoro Crater, every day is filled with discovery and excitement. You’ll enjoy comfortable budget lodges and guesthouses, delicious local cuisine, and the expertise of experienced guides who bring the landscape and its inhabitants to life. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this itinerary offers a rich blend of game drives, cultural encounters, and scenic beauty, all at a price that makes Tanzania’s wonders accessible to everyone. With flexible options for solo travelers, couples, and families, you’ll experience the magic of Africa’s wildlife and landscapes in a way that’s both memorable and affordable. Each night, you’ll stay at carefully selected real lodges and camps that offer comfort, character, and a true sense of place, ensuring your safari is as memorable for its accommodations as it is for its wildlife encounters.
From $1,650 per person (based on 2 people, low season).
Contact us for a personalized quote depending on group size and season.
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Africa Safari Arusha, a welcoming lodge set in lush gardens on the outskirts of the city. Here, you’ll unwind after your journey, enjoy a delicious dinner, and receive a detailed safari briefing from your guide. Africa Safari Arusha offers comfortable rooms, friendly staff, and a tranquil setting that’s perfect for relaxing before your adventure begins.
Accommodation: Africa Safari Arusha
Meals: Bed & Breakfast
After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park, renowned for its diverse habitats and abundant wildlife. Spend the day exploring the park’s forests, grasslands, and lakeshore, searching for elephants, hippos, baboons, and the famous tree-climbing lions. The park’s birdlife is spectacular, with thousands of flamingos and over 400 species recorded. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park, then continue your game drive until late afternoon. In the evening, check in at Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp, which offers comfortable rooms, a pool, and stunning views of the Rift Valley escarpment.
Accommodation: Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Mto wa Mbu, a bustling town at the gateway to Lake Manyara. Take a guided village tour, visit local markets, banana plantations, and artisan workshops, and learn about the daily life of the many tribes who call this area home. Enjoy a traditional Tanzanian lunch with a local family, then relax or explore on your own in the afternoon. In the evening, transfer to Eileen's Trees Inn in Karatu, a charming lodge known for its beautiful gardens, excellent food, and warm hospitality.
Accommodation: Eileen's Trees Inn Karatu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart early for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the world-famous crater for a full day of wildlife viewing. The crater’s unique ecosystem supports an incredible diversity of animals, including lions, elephants, buffalo, and the rare black rhino. Your guide will help you spot the Big Five and explain the fascinating geology and history of this natural wonder. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor, then ascend to the rim in the afternoon and overnight at Rhino Lodge, a cozy and affordable lodge with stunning views and a welcoming atmosphere.
Accommodation: Rhino Lodge Ngorongoro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, drive back to Arusha, where you’ll have time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing before your transfer to the airport. Reflect on your incredible journey through Tanzania’s northern circuit, knowing you’ve experienced some of Africa’s most iconic landscapes and wildlife.
Meals: Breakfast
