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7-Day Budget Grand Northern Safari
Safari

7-Day Budget Grand Northern Safari

The ultimate week-long budget safari covering every major park in the northern circuit.

7 Days / 6 Nights
1-6 Guests
Easy
From $1,350 pp
3 Accommodation Tiers
Duration 7 Days / 6 Nights
Accommodation Budget · Mid-Range · Luxury
Group Size 1-6 Guests
Tour Type both

Safari Overview

This seven-day grand northern safari is the most comprehensive budget option available, covering Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Serengeti (three days), and the Ngorongoro Crater. With a full week of safari, you have time to appreciate each park properly, with ample game drives to seek out even the most elusive species. Three full days in the Serengeti allow you to explore multiple regions of the park. Your guide will adjust the route based on the season and current wildlife reports, whether that means following the migration herds in the Western Corridor, searching for river crossings in the north, or enjoying the resident game in the central Seronera area. The extra time in the Serengeti significantly increases your chances of witnessing rare events like a kill, a river crossing, or cheetah cubs at play. This tour also includes dedicated time in both Tarangire and Lake Manyara, parks that are often rushed through on shorter itineraries. You will experience the dramatic landscape contrasts of the northern circuit, from the open Serengeti plains to the forested Ngorongoro highlands, from the baobab-studded valleys of Tarangire to the Rift Valley escarpment above Lake Manyara. Budget camping keeps the cost manageable while delivering an authentic and thorough Tanzania safari experience.

Tour Highlights

  • Three full days in the Serengeti
  • All major northern circuit parks
  • Tarangire and Lake Manyara
  • Ngorongoro Crater descent
  • Seven days of game drives

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Depart Arusha after breakfast for the drive south to Tarangire National Park, your first safari destination. Enter the park and begin exploring the riverine landscapes where massive elephant herds congregate around the Tarangire River during the dry season. The iconic baobab trees create a dramatic backdrop as you search for lions, leopards, and the park's rich birdlife including the endemic ashy starling.
Accommodation: Tarangire Public Campsite
Meals: 1, 1, 1
After a morning game drive in Tarangire, depart for Lake Manyara National Park on the western edge of the Rift Valley. Descend the escarpment and enter the park, where a lush groundwater forest gives way to open grasslands and the shimmering alkaline lake. Search for the famous tree-climbing lions, large troops of baboons, and the pink-tinged flocks of flamingos that line the lakeshore.
Accommodation: Migombani Public Campsite
Meals: 1, 1, 1
Drive through the agricultural town of Karatu and ascend the Ngorongoro highlands before descending into the Serengeti ecosystem. The journey takes you past Maasai bomas and through highland forests before the landscape opens up into the endless golden plains. Arrive at your campsite in the Seronera area and set out for an afternoon game drive, getting your first taste of the world's most famous wildlife park.
Accommodation: Seronera Public Campsite
Meals: 1, 1, 1
A full day of game driving in the heart of the Serengeti, with morning and afternoon drives through the Seronera Valley and surrounding plains. Your guide will seek out the resident lion prides that stake claim to the granite kopjes, cheetahs hunting on the open grasslands, and leopards lounging in the riverine forest. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African savannah.
Accommodation: Seronera Public Campsite
Meals: 1, 1, 1
Another exhilarating day exploring the Serengeti's diverse habitats. Venture further afield from the central Seronera area to discover different landscapes and wildlife concentrations. Depending on the season, your guide may take you toward the Western Corridor or the northern woodlands, following the movement patterns of the great herds. Return to camp in the evening with a deeper appreciation for the immensity of this ecosystem.
Accommodation: Seronera Public Campsite
Meals: 1, 1, 1
Enjoy a final morning game drive in the Serengeti before departing for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Cross the Serengeti plains and ascend through the lush crater highlands to your campsite on the rim. Stop at Olduvai Gorge along the way to visit the archaeological museum and learn about the discoveries of Louis and Mary Leakey. Arrive at Simba Campsite with time to savour the dramatic crater views.
Accommodation: Simba Campsite
Meals: 1, 1, 1
Rise before dawn for the descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa's most remarkable natural wonders. Spend five to six hours exploring the crater floor, searching for black rhino, lion, elephant, buffalo, and the prolific birdlife around the soda lake. After a picnic lunch, ascend the crater wall and drive back to Arusha, arriving by late afternoon.

What's Included & Excluded

Included

  • Park entrance fees for all national parks
  • Professional English-speaking safari guide
  • 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
  • All accommodations as listed
  • All meals during safari (full board)
  • Drinking water in the vehicle
  • Airport transfers
  • Government taxes and fees

Excluded

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
  • Optional balloon safari

Choose Your Experience

Same incredible itinerary, your choice of comfort level. All rates include park fees, accommodations, meals, and transport as listed above.

Budget

Camping & basic lodges

$1,350
per person (low season)
  • Peak Season (Jun-Oct): $1,550
  • Shoulder (Nov-Feb): $1,450
  • Low Season (Mar-May): $1,350
  • Single supplement: from $150
  • Child (5-12): from $945
Book Budget

Luxury

Premium lodges & luxury camps

$4,050
per person (low season)
  • Peak Season (Jun-Oct): $4,850
  • Shoulder (Nov-Feb): $4,450
  • Low Season (Mar-May): $4,050
  • Single supplement: from $610
  • Child (5-12): from $2,835
Book Luxury

Prices are in USD per person sharing. Children aged 5-12 receive discounted rates shown above. Children under 5 are free. Request an exact quote for your group.

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