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7 Day Best of Northern Circuit Budget Safari in Tanzania
Arusha Tourist Inn, Sokoine Road, Arusha, Arusha District, Arusha Region, Tanzania
Exhilarating Tanzania Safari
The seven-day best of northern circuit budget safari is designed for travelers seeking an affordable yet unforgettable experience in Tanzania’s most iconic national parks: Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara.
Key information
- Group safari
- Maximum group size: 6 persons
- Children from the age of 14 years old are allowed to participate under the supervision of a parent or guardian
- Starting and ending point: Arusha
- French, Spanish, and English speaking guide
- All park fees are included
Meet the guides
Geofrey
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Highlights
- 8 game drives
- Chances to spot the Big Five and other animals
- Ride in a pop up roof 4X4 vehicle
- Visit Tarangire, Serengeti, and Lake Manyara National Parks and Ngorongoro Crater
- 6 nights accommodation
- Daily meals
- Transfers to and from the airport
Styles
5 activity days in English
The organizer also speaks: French, Spanish
Group size: Maximum of 6 participants
Airport transfer included:
Arusha Airport
Airport transfer included:
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Accommodation
Arusha Tourist Inn Hotel (2 nights)
This hotel is located in the heart of Arusha city. It is easily accessible and is only 45 minutes from the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), one and a half hours from the Namanga Border, and five minutes from the city center. All the rooms are well-furnished with elegant decor and wooden furniture and equipped with an electronic card door lock system to maximize security, making it one of the safest and best places to stay in Arusha.
Facilities
- Reception
- Electronic card door lock system
- En-suite bathroom
- Basin and toilet
- Air-conditioned rooms
- Electronic safe
- Television with satellite channels
- Electricity points
- Three-pin square plug points for easy charging
- Mosquito nets around the bed.
Jambo Campsite (2 nights)
This campsite is conveniently located in the Mto Wa Mbu village, not far from the gate to Lake Manyara National Park. It features well-maintained gardens and spotless en-suite rooms in two-story houses. Each room has a television, fridge, and terrace or balcony. There's also a swimming pool, restaurant, and baobab tree bar. The campsite has a spacious camping ground with good ablution facilities. Hot and cold showers are both available.
Facilities
- En-suite rooms with television
- Fridge
- Garden
- Hot and cold showers
- Spacious camping ground with good ablution facilities
- Terrace or balcony
Seronera Campsite (1 night)
The public campsites which are collectively called Seronera Campsite are located in the Central Serengeti area known as the Seronera. Seronera Campsite is one of the most famed campsites in Tanzania for animal encounters. Animals will pass through the campsite at night on their nocturnal wanderings. This campsite is guarded. Tents have mats, and bathrooms are outside the tent. Located in the central Serengeti, Serengeti Seronera Campsite offers an authentic camping experience in one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife havens.
Known for its incredible proximity to wildlife and the central plains' scenic beauty, this campsite allows guests to experience the Serengeti’s raw wilderness while maintaining essential comforts. Serengeti Seronera Campsite is ideally situated in the Seronera region, a wildlife-rich area of the Serengeti National Park. It offers easy access to the heart of the action, including year-round sightings of big cats and a front-row seat to the Great Migration during certain seasons. Guests stay in spacious, well-maintained tents with comfortable sleeping arrangements.
The campsite allows travelers to immerse themselves in the sounds and sights of the Serengeti, from the distant roar of lions to the rustle of zebras grazing nearby. A communal dining area is available where guests can enjoy freshly prepared meals. Whether it is a hearty breakfast before a morning game drive or a warm dinner under the stars, meals are crafted to keep adventurers energized.
The open setting of the campsite brings you closer to nature, where wildlife often roams nearby. Guests may encounter zebras, giraffes, or even the occasional elephant right outside their tents, creating unforgettable memories.
- Accommodation level: Budget
Facilities
- Hot showers
- Solar-powered 220V electricity
- Shared clean bathroom and toilet facilities
- Outdoor seating areas for relaxation and socializing
- Basic solar-powered lighting and charging points for devices
- Firepit for cozy evening gatherings and storytelling
- Trained staff for assistance and security
Simba Campsite (1 night)
Simba Campsite lies on the very rim of Ngorongoro Crater and has an excellent view across the caldera. A fantastic sunrise over the crater rim makes a fine breakfast scene. Often, there are elephants wandering around the camp. This campsite is guarded. Tents have mats, and bathrooms are outside the tent. Facilities at Simba Campsite are basic, but this is more than made up for by the atmosphere of this camp in the clouds. Ngorongoro Simba Campsite A is a scenic and budget-friendly accommodation perched on the rim of the famous Ngorongoro Crater.
Offering travelers an authentic camping experience in the heart of Tanzania’s wilderness, this campsite provides breathtaking views, proximity to unparalleled wildlife, and a genuine sense of adventure. Situated right on the crater rim, Ngorongoro Simba Campsite A boasts an unbeatable location that allows guests to enjoy sweeping views of the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its strategic position makes it an excellent base for early morning game drives into the crater.
The campsite provides spacious and well-maintained areas for pitching tents, along with basic facilities to ensure a comfortable stay in the wild. The setting immerses guests in nature, with the occasional visits from wildlife enhancing the authentic safari experience. Guests can enjoy hearty, freshly prepared meals at the shared dining area.
Meals are typically served buffet-style, featuring a mix of local and international dishes. For self-catering travelers, a shared kitchen is available for cooking. Wake up to misty mornings and stunning sunrises over the crater. Evenings at the campsite offer a unique opportunity to relax by a campfire while marveling at the star-filled African sky.
- Accommodation level: Budget
Facilities
- Eating area
- Hot water showers
- 220V generator power in the evening
- Clean and well-maintained shower and toilet facilities
- A shared lounge area for relaxing and socializing
- 24/7 security to ensure guest safety
- Solar-powered lighting and charging stations for electronics
- Assistance with safari logistics and cultural tours
Program
Daily itinerary
Day 1: Arusha
On this day, you will arrive in Arusha and overnight at Arusha Tourist Inn Hotel.
Day 2: Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, you will be picked up from the hotel by the driver or guide and drive to Tarangire National Park. Tarangire is well known for its large elephant herds. From the open roof of the vehicle, you will experience the seasonal swamps, savanna, and Tarangire River in search of many animals including zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, elephant, and giraffe. You can catch a glimpse of a lion stalking its prey or leopards watching and relaxing in the trees above. After a full day in the park, you will drive to Jambo Lodge and Campsite, where you will be able to relax and enjoy dinner and have an overnight.
Day 3: Tarangire National Park - Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, you will head towards the Serengeti National Park by way of the beautiful, high-lying farmland of Karatu and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Leaving the highlands behind, you will descend into the heart of wild Africa, the Serengeti National Park, with its endless plains rolling in the distance as far as the eye can see. You will proceed to the central park area known as the Seronera area, one of the richest wildlife habitats in the park.
It features the Seronera River which provides a valuable water source to this area of the park and attracts wildlife well representative of most of Serengeti's species. Arrive in time to enjoy lunch and then head out for an afternoon game drive. Dinner and an overnight stay will be at the Seronera Campsite.
Day 4: Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Crater
Wake up early in the morning, have a cup of coffee, and get ready for a sunrise game drive that will last up to 11:30 a.m. Afterward, you will come back to the campsite for brunch. Later on, you will proceed with a game drive in Serengeti National Park then do an en-route game drive to the Ngorongoro Crater. Your dinner and overnight stay will be at the Ngorongoro Simba Campsite.
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater - Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast, you will descend the Ngorongoro Crater for a full day of game driving where you will get a chance to see Africa's Big Five. Afterwards, you will drive to Lake Manyara National Park. Your dinner and overnight stay will be at the Jambo Lodge and Campsite.
Day 6: Lake Manyara National Park - Arusha
After breakfast at the campsite, you will continue with a full day of game driving in Lake Manyara National Park, complete with a packed lunch. The lake occupies a large area of the park - the forest starts just when you cross the park gate along the base of the Great Rift Valley and hot spring, and continues to the west of the park. This national park is home to tree-climbing lions, buffaloes, giraffes, hippos, and troops of baboons.
The flamingo, ostrich, Egyptian goose, and many more animal and bird species also inhabit the area. After your picnic lunch, you will proceed with an afternoon game drive. Later on, you will drive to a Maasai village to experience various cultural activities. The Maasai people are known for strongly upholding their traditional values and lifestyle. In the evening, you will be taken back to Arusha to have an overnight stay at the Arusha Tourist Inn Hotel.
Day 7: Arusha (departure day)
This is where your tour will end.
About the safari
This budget-friendly safari includes shared camping accommodations, exciting game drives, and the opportunity to witness incredible wildlife, including the Big Five and the famous great wildebeest migration. With a mix of scenic landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and abundant wildlife, this safari is perfect for those looking to experience the beauty of Tanzania’s Northern Circuit without breaking the bank.
Guides
Geofrey Nassari
Geofrey is an experienced tour guide and has been working as a guide for 10 years. He knows a lot about nature and customer care.
Location
This safari will take place in Tanzania.
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is the sixth-largest national park in Tanzania. The national park is in the Manyara Region. The name originates from the Tarangire River that crosses the park. The only source of water for wild animals during dry seasons. Dry season animals migrate to Tarangire National Park from Manyara National Park. The landscape and vegetation are incredibly diverse with a mix that is not found anywhere else in the northern parks. The hilly landscape has vast numbers of Baobab trees, dense bushes, and high grasses.
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti is the most ancient and immensely famous park. Serengeti is hugely known for its annual migration. You can witness around six million hooves keep on hitting the open plains. There are also sights, such as 300,000 Thomson’s gazelle and 200,000 zebras coming together along with the wildebeests' trek to feed on grassland. It is really hard to confine the attractions of Serengeti to migration alone. Enjoy a sparkling game-viewing experience in Africa, Serengeti National Park is the place to go. There are numerous grants gazelle, impala, kongoni, topi, elands, giraffes, small groups of elephants, large herds of buffalo, and many more.
Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater was once a gigantic volcano. It is the largest intact caldera in the world. The Ngorongoro crater is a deep, volcanic caldera a breathtaking natural wonder. Before it erupted, it would have been higher than Mt Kilimanjaro. Today, long since having collapsed and eroded, it is an extensive highland area with 600 meters deep Ngorongoro Crater. Nearly three million years old, the ancient caldera shelters one of the most beautiful wildlife havens on earth.
Lake Manyara National Park
In the north of Tanzania, Lake Manyara National Park centers around its eponymous alkaline lake, a key habitat for hundreds of bird species. Between November and April, thousands of greater and lesser pink flamingos gather on its shores, along with pink-backed pelicans, yellow-billed storks, grey herons, and pods of hippos.
Surrounding the lake are marshlands, grassy plains, and acacia woodlands, home to tree-climbing lions and long-tusked elephants. Giraffes strut across the grasslands, where herds of buffalo, zebra, and wildebeest graze. As well as enjoying game drives and walking safaris, you can visit the Maji Moto hot springs to soak in the warm, clear water under the shade of leafy trees.
Food
During this safari, breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as unlimited drinking water are served daily included in the price. Dinner will be accompanied by a glass of wine. Water will be provided during the safari. Upon booking with Meru Slopes Tours, please indicate any dietary preference or restriction or any specific request you might have such as vegan and vegetarian diets. They will then provide that information in advance to all the hotels.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Coffee
- Tea
- Soda
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
- Other dietary requirements on request
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation
Things to do (optional)
- Capture photos of the wildlife and scenery
- Enjoy animal watching
- Explore the surroundings
- Relax at your accommodation
- See the stunning views
Massage and spa treatments
- Hot stone massage: Another popular treatment at spas is the hot stone massage, which offers the same benefits as Swedish massage with the addition of carefully placed warmed stones on the body
- Pampering facial
- Scalp massage and deep conditioning treatment
- Pedicure and foot massage
What's included
- 8 game drives
- 6 nights accommodation
- 3 daily meals
- Unlimited drinking water
- Airport transfers
- Services of a safari driver-guide and cook
- All transportation and park fees
- Free Wi-Fi
- AMREF flying doctor service during your tour
What's not included
- Airfare
- Any additional activities, services, or trips
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Visa costs
How to get there
Recommended Airports
ARK
Arusha Airport
6 km
Transfer included
JRO
Kilimanjaro International Airport
43 km
Transfer included
Arrive by bus
You can travel by bus to Arusha from Nairobi or Dar es Salaam.
Airport: Arusha Airport
Airport transfer included: Arusha Airport
No additional charges. You can request this in the next step.
Airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport
Airport transfer included: Kilimanjaro International Airport
No additional charges. You can request this in the next step.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 30% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid on arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookAllSafaris.com. All major credit cards supported.
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