7 Day Budget Lodge Safari in Tanzania 2025

7 Day Budget Lodge Safari in Tanzania

Tour Highlights:

• Game drives in four premier parks: Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater
• Stay in clean, comfortable, and scenic budget lodges
• Explore the Big Five and witness the Great Migration (seasonal)
• Visit Maasai villages and local markets for cultural insights
• All meals included (full board)
• Small group experience with expert driver-guide

Destinations:

• Tarangire National Park
• Lake Manyara National Park
• Serengeti National Park
• Ngorongoro Crater

Day by Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be greeted by our driver-guide and transferred to your budget lodge in Arusha. Enjoy a welcome briefing and settle in. Dinner at the lodge.
Accommodation: Venice Hotel or similar (Budget Lodge)
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and towering baobab trees. Enjoy a full day game drive with packed lunch inside the park. Spot lions, zebras, giraffes, and over 550 bird species.
In the evening, drive to your lodge near the park for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Sangaiwe Tented Lodge (Budget Level)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Tarangire to Serengeti National Park
After an early breakfast, drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area en route to Serengeti National Park. Stop for a picnic lunch and game viewing along the way. Arrive in central Serengeti in the afternoon for your first Serengeti game drive.
Witness plains teeming with wildebeest, gazelles, lions, and hyenas.
Accommodation: Into Wild Africa or Serengeti Heritage Camp (Budget Lodge/Tented Camp)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Full Day in Serengeti National Park
Spend the entire day exploring the Serengeti. Your guide will follow wildlife activity depending on the season—witness a lion pride on a hunt or elephants near waterholes. Optional: Balloon Safari at dawn (extra cost).
Return to your camp/lodge for a hot shower and dinner under the stars.
Accommodation: Same as Day 3
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Early morning game drive to catch predators in action, followed by brunch at the camp. Begin the journey to Ngorongoro, with optional stop at a Maasai boma to learn about indigenous culture.
Arrive at your lodge on the crater rim or nearby for overnight.
Accommodation: Rhino Lodge or Simba Campsite (Budget Lodge)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater to Lake Manyara
Descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to black rhinos, buffaloes, and flamingoes. Enjoy picnic lunch by the hippo pool. Later, proceed to Mto wa Mbu near Lake Manyara for overnight.
Accommodation: Nsya Lodge or Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp (Budget)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Lake Manyara National Park to Arusha
Morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. This compact park is home to tree-climbing lions, flamingoes, hippos, and monkeys in the groundwater forest.
After lunch, return to Arusha for drop-off at your lodge or airport for onward travel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Why Choose This Budget Lodge Safari?

• Affordable without compromising comfort
• Hand-picked budget lodges close to nature
• Professional, certified English-speaking guides
• Small group sizes for a personal experience
• Guaranteed window seats in 4x4 safari vehicles
• Flexible departure dates and private tour options available

Inclusions:

• All park fees and government taxes
• 6 nights budget lodge accommodation
• Meals as per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
• Professional English-speaking driver/guide
• Transportation in 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
• Mineral water during safari
• Airport transfers

Exclusions:

• International flights
• Visa fees
• Personal travel insurance
• Tips to driver/guide and lodge staff
• Optional activities (e.g., balloon safari, Maasai village visit)
• Alcoholic and soft drinks

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this safari suitable for families?
Yes, it’s suitable for families with children over 5 years. Family rooms are available upon request.

What’s the best time to do this safari?
Year-round is good, but the dry season (June to October) offers the best wildlife visibility. January to March is calving season in the Serengeti.

Are the lodges really "budget"?
Yes, but they are clean, secure, and provide excellent meals. All lodges are inspected for quality assurance.

Can I join as a solo traveler?
Absolutely. We match solo travelers into small groups, or offer a private safari option.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free, and other special diets can be arranged with prior notice.