9 Day Tanzania Budget Safari

Here’s a complete and professional 9-Day Tanzania Budget Safari Itinerary for Bisibana Tours & Travel, designed for adventurous travelers seeking in-depth exploration of all the major northern circuit parks with extra time in Serengeti and cultural experiences included — all on a budget.

Safari Itinerary

Destinations: Arusha – Tarangire – Lake Manyara – Serengeti (3 nights) – Ngorongoro Crater – Mto wa Mbu – Maasai Village
Start/End: Arusha
Type: Budget Camping / Budget Lodge Safari
Transport: 4×4 safari jeep with pop-up roof

✅ Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

• Activities:

  • Pickup from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport.

  • Safari briefing with Bisibana Tours & Travel.

  • Optional short city tour depending on arrival time.

• Accommodation: Budget hotel in Arusha (e.g., Ambassador Hotel, Arusha Backpackers)

• Meals: Dinner

✅ Day 2: Arusha – Tarangire National Park

• Drive Time: Approx. 2 hours

• Activities:

  • Full-day game drive in Tarangire National Park, famous for elephants, baobab trees, and seasonal river beds.

• Lunch: Picnic in the park.

• Evening: Transfer to Mto wa Mbu for overnight.

• Accommodation: Fig Tree Lodge / Lilac Campsite

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

✅ Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park

• Morning:

  • Short drive to Lake Manyara National Park.

• Activities:

  • Game drive featuring tree-climbing lions, hippos, flamingos, baboons, forest, and lake views.

  • Optional hot springs visit.

• Lunch: Picnic inside the park.

• Evening: Return to Mto wa Mbu.

• Accommodation: Same as previous night

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

✅ Day 4: Mto wa Mbu – Serengeti National Park

• Morning:

  • Drive through Ngorongoro highlands to Serengeti.

  • Optional Maasai Boma or Olduvai Gorge visit ($ extra).

• Afternoon:

  • Game drive in Central Serengeti (Seronera).

• Evening:

  • Overnight in Seronera campsite/lodge.

• Accommodation: Nyani Campsite / Seronera Public Campsite

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

✅ Day 5: Full Day in Serengeti

• Early Morning: Sunrise game drive (great for predators).

• Full Day Game Viewing:

  • Explore Serengeti’s big game territory: lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and migration herds (depending on season).

• Lunch: Bush picnic.

• Evening: Return to campsite.

• Accommodation: Same as Day 4

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

✅ Day 6: Serengeti – Northern Serengeti OR Extended Game Drives in Central (Seasonal)

• Seasonal Option:

  • (July–October): Drive to Northern Serengeti to witness wildebeest crossing the Mara River.

  • (Nov–June): Continue deeper exploration of Central/Western Serengeti for predator action.

• Evening:

  • Overnight in same or different Serengeti campsite depending on location.

• Accommodation: Nyani / Pimbi / Lobo Campsite (based on route)

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

✅ Day 7: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater Rim

• Morning:

  • En route game drive while exiting Serengeti.

• Midday:

  • Picnic lunch on the way.

• Afternoon:

  • Arrive at crater rim; enjoy panoramic views.

• Accommodation: Simba Campsite (on rim) or budget lodge in Karatu

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

✅ Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater – Mto wa Mbu Cultural Tour

• Morning:

  • Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a 5–6 hour game drive.

  • Chance to see the Big Five and a wide range of wildlife.

• Lunch: Picnic inside the crater.

• Afternoon:

  • Drive to Mto wa Mbu and participate in a guided cultural tour:

    • Banana farms, local markets, traditional painting, wood carving, local beer tasting.

• Evening:

  • Overnight in Mto wa Mbu.

• Accommodation: Fig Tree Lodge / Lilac Campsite

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

✅ Day 9: Mto wa Mbu – Maasai Village – Arusha Departure

• Morning:

  • After breakfast, visit an authentic Maasai village for a cultural experience.

• Midday:

  • Return drive to Arusha.

  • Optional: Hot lunch in Arusha or visit the Maasai Market for souvenirs.

• Afternoon:

  • Drop-off at your hotel or airport depending on your flight time.

• Meals: Breakfast

✅ Package Includes

• All park entry & crater service fees

• 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof

• Budget camping/lodge accommodations

• All meals as per itinerary

• Bottled water (1.5L per day)

• English-speaking driver/guide

• Cultural tour & Maasai village entry

• Pick-up and drop-off (airport/hotel)

❌ Not Included

• International airfare & visa

• Tips for guide and cook

• Alcoholic and soft drinks

• Travel insurance

• Optional activities: Olduvai Gorge, balloon safari