3-day Budget Safari

TRIP OVERVIEW

Our 3-day Budget Safari Northern Circuit Encounter is a memorable experience of Northern Tanzania’s abundant wildlife and spectacular scenery. Dubbed ‘Africa’s Garden of Eden’, The Ngorongoro Crater hosts an abundance of wildlife including the scarce black rhino and it is renowned for maximum game spotting. Explore the vast savannah plains in Tarangire National Park and finish with tranquil game drives at Arusha National Park, the infamous Mount Meru home.

Spend 3-day Budget Safari in Tanzania Safari Tour as you explore the parks and wild if you lucky spot all Kind of Big Fives. Safari to the iconic Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater UNESCO World Heritage Site Delight rooms, fine cuisine and a dedicated concierge service. Game Drives Take , guided game drives in open 4×4 vehicles to view unique ecosystems and receive interpretive information on conservation efforts.

ITINERARy

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire

Your journey begins with an early morning pick-up from your lodge in Arusha. With lunch boxes packed, you’ll head toward Tarangire National Park, known for its peaceful landscapes and rich wildlife.

Once inside the park, your game drive begins. Tarangire is famous for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and the Tarangire River, which attracts animals during the dry season. You may spot giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, and if lucky lions or leopards resting in the trees.

After the game drive, return to your lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Main Destination: Tarangire National Park
Distance Covered: Approx. 120 km
Travel Time: Around 2 to 2.5 hours (depending on road conditions)
Accommodation: Sangaiwe Tented Lodge (Mid-range lodge near Karatu)
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, head into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive. Formed nearly three million years ago by a massive volcanic eruption, the Crater is the largest unbroken, unflooded caldera on Earth—and one of Africa’s greatest natural wonders.

Inside the Crater, you’ll encounter a rich variety of wildlife including zebras, wildebeests, hippos, hyenas, and—if lucky—rhinos. The Soda Lake attracts graceful flamingos, while vultures, storks, and geese circle overhead. Your guide will stay in close contact with other drivers to help track down hidden animals and ensure an exciting day.

After the game drive, return to your lodge for dinner and a peaceful overnight stay.

Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater
Distance Covered: Approx. 25 km from Karatu to the Crater
Travel Time: Around 45 minutes to 1 hour (each way)
Accommodation: Amani Safari Lodge and Restaurant (Mid-range lodge near Karatu)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast, depart for a full-day adventure in Arusha National Park, one of Tanzania’s hidden gems. Though often overlooked, this park offers stunning landscapes and a rich mix of wildlife.

You’ll explore the peaceful shores of Lake Momella, where the still waters mirror the sky, and wander through the vibrant bushland near Ngurdoto Crater. Keep your eyes open for buffalo, waterbuck, giraffes, warthogs, zebras, and gazelles. With a bit of luck, you might also spot elephants, leopards, and the playful black-and-white colobus monkeys, known for their acrobatic leaps through the trees.

Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch in the park before heading back to Arusha in the late afternoon. From here, you’ll either be transferred to the airport for your onward flight or continue to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Main Destination: Arusha National Park
Distance Covered: Approx. 140 km from Karatu to Arusha
Travel Time: Around 2 hours 20 minutes
Accommodation: Optional hotel stay in Arusha (if not flying out)
Meals: Breakfast & Picnic Lunch

COST INCLUDES

Park fees and government taxes
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Soft Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Roundtrip airport transfer

COST NOT INCLUDED

International flights (From/to your home country)
Tips for your guide, cook and crew.
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government-imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Extra accommodation before and after tour
Extra activities not mentioned on the itinerary

Optional Safari Add-Ons (Extra Charges Apply)

All add-ons are optional and available at extra cost. Just tell us what you’d like, and we’ll make it happen.

Hot Air Balloon Ride in the Serengeti or Tarangire National Park
Lodge or Tented Camp Upgrade - Stay in a higher-end lodge or luxury tented camp
Special Occasion Setup - Surprise setup for birthdays, anniversaries, or honeymoons
Maasai Village Visit - Visit a traditional Maasai village and learn about their culture
Child-Friendly Safari Activities - Fun extras for kids—games, guides, and family-friendly options
Bush Breakfast or Bush Lunch - Enjoy a meal in the wild, surrounded by nature
Airport Pick-Up or Drop-Off - Private transfer to or from Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport
Extra Park Visit - Add another national park to your trip (e.g., Ruaha NP or Nyerere NP)
Extra Night Before or After Safari - Stay in Arusha/Moshi before or after your safari
Safari Video Package - Edited video of your safari experience to keep or share
Travel Essentials Kit - Includes sunscreen, insect repellent, snacks, and a refillable water bottle
Professional Photographer - A local photographer joins your trip to capture beautiful safari moments