10 Day Tanzania Budget Safari

Here is a fully detailed 10-Day Tanzania Budget Safari Itinerary created for Bisibana Tours & Travel, ideal for travelers looking to explore northern Tanzania’s top national parks and cultural heritage at a relaxed pace. This itinerary includes Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti (3 nights), Ngorongoro Crater, and rich cultural experiences in Mto wa Mbu and a Maasai village — all while staying within a budget.


Safari Itinerary

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


Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Meet & Greet

  • Activities:

    • Pickup from Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport.

    • Meet your Bisibana safari team and transfer to your hotel in Arusha.

    • Briefing and free time to explore the town or relax.

  • Accommodation: Ambassador Hotel / Arusha Backpackers (budget option)

  • Meals: Dinner


Day 2: Arusha – Tarangire National Park

  • Drive Time: 2 hours

  • Activities:

    • Full-day game drive in Tarangire National Park, known for its iconic baobab trees and the largest elephant herds in Tanzania.

  • Lunch: Picnic in the park.

  • Evening: Drive to Mto wa Mbu for overnight.

  • Accommodation: Lilac Campsite / Fig Tree Lodge

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park

  • Activities:

    • Game drive in Lake Manyara, famous for its tree-climbing lions, flamingos, hippos, and dense forests.

    • Optional: Hot springs visit or canopy walk ($ optional).

  • Lunch: Picnic in the park.

  • Evening: Return to Mto wa Mbu.

  • Accommodation: Lilac Campsite / Fig Tree Lodge

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 4: Cultural Tour in Mto wa Mbu

  • Activities:

    • Participate in a guided cultural tour:

      • Visit banana and rice farms, traditional blacksmiths, local markets, Makonde carving workshops, and local brew tasting.

    • Optional bike tour through the village and lakeshore.

  • Lunch: Local Swahili meal with a host family.

  • Evening: Free time and relaxation.

  • Accommodation: Same as previous night

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 5: Mto wa Mbu – Serengeti National Park

  • Morning:

    • Scenic drive through Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

    • Optional visit to Olduvai Gorge or Maasai boma.

  • Afternoon:

    • Enter Serengeti National Park via Naabi Hill Gate.

    • Begin game drive en route to Seronera area.

  • Accommodation: Seronera Public Campsite / Nyani Campsite

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 6: Full Day in Serengeti

  • Activities:

    • Sunrise game drive (recommended).

    • Explore Serengeti’s central region (Seronera), tracking predators and large herds.

    • Optional visit to the Serengeti Visitor Center.

  • Accommodation: Same as Day 5

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 7: Northern Serengeti or Extended Central Exploration

  • Options Based on Season:

    • (July–Oct): Drive to Northern Serengeti to see wildebeest Mara River crossings.

    • (Nov–June): Continue exploring Central/Western Serengeti’s big game.

  • Accommodation: Campsite based on area (e.g., Lobo or Nyani)

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 8: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater Rim

  • Morning:

    • Morning game drive while exiting Serengeti.

  • Midday:

    • Picnic lunch on the way.

  • Afternoon:

    • Arrive at the rim of Ngorongoro Crater.

  • Evening:

    • Sunset views at the rim.

  • Accommodation: Simba Campsite or budget lodge in Karatu

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 9: Ngorongoro Crater – Kikuletwa Hot Springs

  • Morning:

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

    • Spot black rhino, lions, buffalo, elephants, and flamingos.

  • Lunch: Inside the crater near the hippo pool.

  • Afternoon:

    • Drive to Chemka Hot Springs (Kikuletwa) near Moshi.

    • Enjoy swimming and relaxing in the natural warm waters.

  • Accommodation: Budget lodge/camp near hot springs or back to Arusha.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 10: Maasai Village – Departure

  • Morning:

    • Visit a traditional Maasai village near Arusha.

    • Learn about Maasai culture, dances, traditions, and lifestyle.

  • Midday:

    • Optional souvenir shopping in Arusha town.

  • Afternoon: Drop-off at airport or hotel.

  • Meals: Breakfast


Safari Package Includes

  • All park entry & conservation fees

  • Ngorongoro Crater service fee

  • Full board accommodation (budget lodges or camping)

  • Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof

  • English-speaking driver/guide

  • Bottled water during safari (1.5L per person/day)

  • Cultural tours: Mto wa Mbu + Maasai village

  • Airport transfers (arrival & departure)


Excludes

  • International flights & visa

  • Tips for guide and cook

  • Optional activities (Olduvai Gorge, balloon safari, canopy walk)

  • Travel insurance

  • Alcoholic & soft drinks

  • Extra accommodation in Arusha (can be added on request)