tanzania-budget-camping-safari

5 Day Tanzania Budget Safari

Experience the Big Five in Tanzania's most spectacular national parks

Safari Overview

This 5-day Tanzania budget safari is designed for travelers seeking an affordable yet unforgettable African adventure. You will explore Tarangire National Park, then witness the endless plains of the Serengeti, and finally marvel at the Ngorongoro Crater’s breathtaking wildlife diversity. Consequently, this tour is perfect for adventurers who want to experience world-class game drives, stunning landscapes, and authentic cultural encounters without overspending.

Destinations: 3 National Parks

Accommodation: Budget Camping

Meals: All Included

Transport: 4x4 Safari Vehicle

Children: Under 5 Free

Wildlife: Big Five Guaranteed

Why Choose This Safari?

Expert local guides with extensive wildlife knowledge, so you get the most out of every game drive.
Small group sizes for personalized attention, which means you enjoy a more intimate experience.
All camping equipment provided (including sleeping bags), so you can travel light and worry-free.
Perfect balance of adventure and comfort, ensuring you never compromise on either.
Children under 5 FREE stay and eat for free, making this safari ideal for families.
Group discounts available for 4+ adults, so bringing friends or family saves you money.

Best Time to Take a 5-Day Tanzania Budget Safari

The ideal time for this 5-day Tanzania budget safari is during the dry season (June–October), when wildlife gathers at rivers and waterholes for easy viewing. However, you can visit year-round for unique experiences.

Tarangire: Best for elephants (July–October).
Serengeti: Great Migration (June–July & Oct–Nov).
Ngorongoro Crater: Big Five viewable all year.

💡 Budget travelers can save during the green season (March–May) with lower rates and fewer crowds. Therefore, consider traveling in these months if you want to avoid peak prices.

How Much Does a 5-Day Tanzania Safari Cost?

This 5-day Tanzania camping safari costs $990 per adult, including park fees, accommodation, meals, and transport. In addition, there are discounts for children and groups.

Children under 5: Admission FREE .
Children 5–11: Discounted rates available.
Group discounts: For 4+ adults.
Upgrade option: Mid-range lodges or tented camps available at extra cost.

Accommodation on Your Safari

Stay in quality budget-friendly campsites close to the national parks. All camping equipment is provided (tents, mattresses, and sleeping bags), so you can simply arrive and enjoy.

Lilac Campsite: Tarangire & Ngorongoro – shaded, showers & dining tents.
Seronera Public Campsite: Inside Serengeti, ideal for sunrise/sunset drives.
Upgrade available: Lodges and tented camps for extra comfort.

What Wildlife Can You See in 5 Days?

This safari offers the best chance to spot Tanzania’s Big Five plus many more iconic species. Moreover, each park offers its own unique highlights:

Tarangire: Massive elephant herds, giraffes, baobabs.
Serengeti: Lions, cheetahs, wildebeest migration.
Ngorongoro: Rhinos, buffalo, flamingos at Lake Magadi.
Lake Manyara: Famous tree-climbing lions & thousands of flamingos.

Travel Tips for First-Time Safari Visitors

Pack light, neutral-colored clothes (avoid bright colors). This helps you blend in and stay comfortable.
Bring a good camera, binoculars, and spare batteries, so you never miss a moment.
Don’t forget sunscreen, hat, and insect repellent. These are essential for your comfort and safety.
Malaria prophylaxis is recommended – check with your doctor before traveling.
Tipping guides/drivers is customary (about $10–15 per person/day), so plan your budget accordingly.

Budget Safari Itinerary

5-Day Tanzania Budget Safari Tarangire elephants

Tarangire National Park

Arusha - Tarangire National Park

Your 5-day Tanzania safari begins with an early morning pickup in Arusha. We'll drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its massive elephant herds. This first day of your 5-day Tanzania budget safari includes a picnic lunch amidst baobab trees and an afternoon game drive before settling at our comfortable campsite.

5-Day Tanzania Safari Highlight: Tarangire's elephant families

Accommodation: Lilac Campsite

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Serengeti National Park

Tarangire - Serengeti National Park

Drive through the beautiful highlands of Karatu and Ngorongoro Conservation Area to reach the heart of wild Africa - the Serengeti! Head to the Seronera area, known for its rich wildlife habitats and the life-giving Seronera River.

Destination: Serengeti National Park (Seronera)

Accommodation: Seronera Camp (Nguchiro campsite)

Meals: All meals included + drinking water

Serengeti to Ngorongoro

Serengeti - Ngorongoro Crater

Day 3 of your 5-day Tanzania safari starts with a spectacular sunrise game drive in Serengeti. After brunch, we'll journey to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This middle day of your 5-day Tanzania budget safari offers the perfect balance between wildlife viewing and cultural experiences.

5-Day Tanzania Budget Safari Feature: Sunrise game drive

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Simba Campsite

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater Tour

Descend into the crater for an incredible wildlife experience! Your expert guide will take you in search of the "Big Five" - lion, buffalo, elephant, rhino, and leopard. Perfect for close-up photography and spotting zebra, wildebeest, and hyenas.

Highlight: Big Five wildlife viewing

Accommodation: Lilac campsite

Meals: All meals included + drinking water

5 day tanzania-budget-safari Manyara flamingos

Lake Manyara & Return

Lake Manyara - Arusha

The final day of your unforgettable 5-day Tanzania budget safari takes you to Lake Manyara National Park. Famous for tree-climbing lions, this park provides a perfect finale to your 5-day Tanzania safari adventure. After lunch and a Maasai village visit, we'll return you to Arusha with lifelong memories.

5-Day Tanzania Safari Finale: Tree-climbing lions

Departure: Evening drop-off in Arusha

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Budget Safari Price

$990

Per adult (Children under 5 FREE )

Get Your Quote

Number of Adults (12+)

Number of Children (Under 12)

Children under 5 FREE stay and eat for FREE!

Travel Date

Full Name

Special Requests

Your Safari Quote

What's Included in Your 5-Day Tanzania Budget Safari

Park fees for non-residents (value: $300+)

All activities (6 game drives + Maasai village visit)

4 nights accommodation in quality campsites

Professional guide/driver (English-speaking)

Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof

All meals (5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners)

Camping equipment (tents, mattresses, sleeping bags)

Airport transfers (both arrival and departure)

Not Included in Your 5-Day Tanzania Budget Safari

International flights (to/from Kilimanjaro)

Additional accommodation (before/after safari)

Tips (recommended $10-15 per person per day)

Personal items (souvenirs, snacks, etc.)

Travel insurance (medical & evacuation)

Bath towels & personal toiletries

Big Five Wildlife

5 day tanzania-budget-safari landscape sunset

Stunning Landscapes

Cultural Experience

Flight Information

This tour starts and ends in Arusha. Fly to/from:

Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) - Near Arusha (recommended)
Arusha Airport (ARK) - Via Dar es Salaam or Nairobi

Airport transfers are included. Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.

Safari Pricing Options

Choose the accommodation level that suits your preferences

Budget Camping Experience

$990

Per adult (Children under 5 FREE )

Included Features:

Shared campsites in national parks
Basic camping equipment provided
Communal bathroom facilities
All meals prepared by camp chef
Same wildlife viewing as higher tiers

Book Your Preferred Option

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers about our 5-day Tanzania budget safari experience

Our 5-day Tanzania budget safari balances affordability with rich wildlife encounters, visiting Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater. Guests can spot the Big Five while staying at comfortable campsites, with all meals and guided game drives included.

Absolutely! Our 5-day Tanzania budget safari is family-friendly. Children under 5 stay and eat for free when sharing with parents. The game drives are exciting for all ages, and we can adjust schedules slightly for families with young children.

Expect sightings of the Big Five, plus zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, hippos, and diverse bird species. Tarangire is known for elephants, Serengeti for predators, and Ngorongoro for its dense wildlife population.

Includes park fees, accommodation, meals, water, professional guide, safari vehicle, camping equipment, and airport transfers. Excludes international flights, tips, personal expenses, and travel insurance.

The safari runs year-round. June–October offers peak wildlife viewing, while November–May brings lush scenery and fewer tourists, with April–May often offering discounts.

5 Day Tanzania Budget Safari