5-Day Group Joining Budget Camping Safari: Serengeti & Ngorongoro

5 Days Round trip from Babati Rural Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Tarangire, Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater on one 5-day safari
02 See massive elephant herds among Tarangire's striking baobab trees
03 Witness the Serengeti's vast savannahs and the Great Migration
04 Camp under the stars at Seronera Campsite in the heart of the Serengeti
05 Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater to spot black rhinos, lions, and flamingos

Embark on a remarkable 5-day budget safari through Tanzania's most iconic wildlife destinations, combining authentic camping with comfortable lodge stays. This thrilling itinerary takes you to Tarangire National Park, the vast plains of the Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater for unmatched wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable moments in the heart of Africa. From massive elephant herds and baobab trees to the Great Migration and the crater's extraordinary concentration of wildlife, this journey showcases Tanzania's natural beauty at its finest.

Book this 5-day Group Joining Budget Camping Safari: Serengeti & Ngorongoro with Serengeti Wildlife Safaris, a licensed Tanzania tour operator based in Arusha since 2017. Every itinerary can be tailor-made to your travel dates, budget and interests, and combined with Serengeti and Ngorongoro safaris, Kilimanjaro climbs or Zanzibar beach stays.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Babati, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park

Languages English, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arusha to Tarangire's Elephants and Baobabs

Begin your safari with a scenic drive from Arusha to Tarangire National Park, famous for its massive elephant herds and striking baobab trees.
Upon arrival, head out on an afternoon game drive, spotting elephants, lions, giraffes, and diverse birdlife.
End the day at Ngedere Budget Lodge, where you'll enjoy a relaxing atmosphere, spacious accommodations, and a delicious dinner as you prepare for the days ahead.

Day 02

Journey to the Vast Plains of Serengeti

After breakfast, journey to the world-renowned Serengeti National Park. Spend the day exploring the park's vast savannahs and witnessing the Great Migration in action.
From wildebeests and zebras to big cats like lions and cheetahs, the Serengeti offers a wildlife spectacle unlike any other.
In the evening, unwind at Seronera Campsite, nestled in the heart of the Serengeti, where you'll enjoy an authentic safari camping experience.

Day 03

Full-Day Wildlife Exploration in Serengeti

Immerse yourself in a full day of wildlife exploration in the Serengeti.
Start with an early morning game drive, the best time to catch predators on the move.
Marvel at the park's diverse ecosystem, home to the "Big Five" and countless other species.
Your expert guide will ensure you have the best wildlife-viewing opportunities.
After an exhilarating day, return to Seronera Campsite for dinner under the starry African sky.

Day 04

Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Ngorongoro

Begin the day with one last morning game drive in the Serengeti, soaking in the beauty of the savannah as the wildlife awakens.
Later, travel to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Arrive at Simba Camp, perched on the crater rim, where you'll enjoy dinner with breathtaking views of the lush crater below as you prepare for the next day's exploration.

Day 05

Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Return to Arusha

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable game drive in the "Garden of Eden." Witness endangered black rhinos, majestic lions, flamingos on the soda lakes, and more in this wildlife haven.
Enjoy a picnic lunch amid the stunning landscape before heading back to Arusha.
Conclude your safari adventure at Karibu Heritage Hotel or transfer to the airport, filled with memories of Tanzania's unmatched natural beauty.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Babati Rural 5 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Airport transfers
Accommodation (lodges, tented camps, or campsites)
Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Professional English-speaking driver-guide
Park and conservation fees
Ngorongoro Crater service fees
Unlimited game drives
Bottled water during game drives
Binoculars and cooler box in the vehicle
Camping gear and private chef (for budget camping)
Government taxes and VAT

What's Not Included

International flights
Tanzania visa fees
Travel insurance
Tips for guides, cooks, and lodge staff
Drinks and snacks not listed in the itinerary
Optional activities (e.g., cultural visits, night game drives)
Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, laundry)
Any costs not specified in the package

What to bring

Luggage
Choose a duffel bag or soft-sided bag. Ideally, the fabric should be hardy and waterproof, and the bag should be lockable. Put anything that is of value in a separate day pack, such as a backpack. Anything of real sentimental or monetary value should ideally be left at home.
Clothes
Pack for hot days and cool nights. Tanzania can be hot and dusty by day, but it is often cool and crisp by night. Layers are ideal for safari days. Pack clothing that can keep you cool but protect you from the sun and biting insects. Choose mid-tone colors and avoid white or bright colors that may distract the animals, as well as dark colors like black and blue, as these can attract tsetse flies. The best colors are the safari classics: olive, green, and khaki. For evenings at lodges, you can stay in your casual gear, as even the luxury lodges do not expect smart wear out in the bush. Check the temperature before you travel to make sure you have clothing that is warm enough for the season. It is always a good idea to bring a waterproof coat, whatever the season.
Shoes
As you want to be careful not to over-pack, you need to think carefully about what shoes to take. As long as you are not going on a safari that requires a lot of walking, you will be fine with some light hiking boots and some sports sandals. Sandals are also great for walking around the camp at night. You may also like to take flip-flops for the showers.
Sun Protection
The African sun can be brutal, so be sure to bring a good pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes. You'll also need a hat that shades your face and covers your ears and neck so you have maximum sun protection. Of course, take plenty of high-protection sun cream and lip salve.
First Aid
This is a suggested list of first aid supplies:
Antiseptic ointment
Antihistamine cream & tablets
Nurofen or equivalent painkiller
Eye-drops
Anti-diarrhea treatment
A couple of bandages
Medication for personal allergies/asthma, etc.
Insect repellent containing Deet
Rehydration sachets/vitamin tablets
Assorted plasters
Photography & Electrical Equipment
We recommend you bring:
A strong bag or carry case to protect the camera - zip-lock or plastic bags are useful for dusty or sandy conditions.
Spare or extra batteries
Memory or storage media (2 memory cards in case one gets corrupted)
Binoculars. These will be essential when you are out spotting wildlife.
Photography Etiquette
It is forbidden in Tanzania to take photos of anything military. Bridges, border posts, and airports are also sensitive, so be careful or be prepared to have your film or camera confiscated. Please act with discretion and respect when taking photos of people - it is always better to ask first before you snap away.
Electrical Charging & Power Supply
All our safari vehicles have power and charging points. Please bring travel adaptors to ensure they are suitable for your appliances and devices.
Phones / Wi-Fi
Most lodges and tented camps have Wi-Fi.
Some campsites have Wi-Fi, but this should not be relied upon.
The signal strength is variable.
It is possible to buy a SIM card with data that can be used. If you want to use it on your phone, you will need to make sure it is unlocked. You can also buy a fairly cheap phone in Tanzania for this purpose.
There are Vodacom and Airtel shops in Arusha that will be able to help and advise with this.
Security
All towns and cities have their share of petty crime, and sensible precautions need to be taken. Wearing expensive-looking jewelry or watches and carrying cameras will draw unnecessary attention. You may find a simple money belt is more discreet than a bag.
Always be aware of your surroundings and, when approached by people you do not know, be very careful. At night in towns, it's best to use a taxi rather than walk.

Know before you go

Your safety on safari: Our 4x4 Land Cruisers are checked and serviced before every trip, every vehicle carries a first aid kit, and our guides are first-aid trained. Guides carry radios to stay in contact where there is no internet, including with park rangers, and you can reach our Arusha office at any time by WhatsApp or phone call.

On Arrival
Flying into Arusha / Kilimanjaro Airports is quite straightforward - English is widely spoken and used for signs and directions.
Arusha Airport is a 30-minute drive from Arusha.
Kilimanjaro Airport is roughly a one-hour drive from Arusha. If you are arriving in Kilimanjaro on an international flight, clearing immigration can be a lengthy process.
Money
The local currency is the Tanzanian Shillings. US Dollars and Euros are widely accepted. Most places will not accept older US dollar bills (anything printed before 2006).
Credit Cards
If you intend to use your credit or debit card to withdraw funds, we suggest taking more than one card with you, as you may find that your card is not accepted at the first ATM you try. Visa and Maestro cards are best.
We recommend that you inform your bank that you will be using your card abroad to avoid it being blocked.
ATMs
These are available in Arusha and allow you to withdraw local currency.
Flight Information
We advise that you arrive in Arusha at least 1 day before your trip begins. Return flights can be booked for the late afternoon or evening of the final day of your safari, but please ensure your guide is aware of this so that you can arrive at the airport in plenty of time for your flight.
Visa & Passports
Please check with the relevant embassy in your country for up-to-date visa and passport information. Make sure your passport is not going to expire within six months of your trip (i.e., if your trip is in September, make sure your passport is valid until at least March of the following year) and that it has at least 3 clear pages.
You will probably need a visa to enter Tanzania. Check with your own country's government travel website to find out how to get your visa. Most visas can be bought on arrival into the country.
Vaccinations & Health
You will require vaccinations for your trip. As we are not medically trained, we are unable to give detailed advice on vaccination requirements. However, the following vaccinations are normally recommended for Tanzania:
Tetanus
Polio
Hepatitis A
Typhoid
Rabies
Yellow Fever
Malaria
Local flights (e.g., Serengeti to Zanzibar) are optional.
Cultural visits (e.g., Maasai or Hadzabe experiences) are optional.
Walking safaris or night game drives are optional.
Bush meals or sundowners are optional.
* Yellow Fever is compulsory when you are entering Tanzania from a country that has Yellow Fever. Vaccination certificates are often checked at immigration. If you are entering Tanzania from a country that does not have Yellow Fever, vaccination is not needed. Please visit the World Health Organization website for an up-to-date list.
** Malaria: In some of the areas we visit, there is a risk of contracting malaria. You must be aware that whatever malaria tablets you are taking, they only offer partial protection. They must be coupled with your physical efforts against being bitten - which is the best prevention. Malaria-carrying mosquitoes come out at sunset, so from this time you should wear long sleeves and trousers. Exposed skin, especially ankles, should have insect repellent containing Deet applied to them.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that you have extensive travel insurance to cover you for your trip. It is also wise to leave a copy of your insurance policy with a friend or relative for safekeeping. Your policy should include adequate medical emergency and repatriation coverage.
Tipping
There is a well-established culture of tipping in Tanzania. Guides: If you feel you have received good service, a typical tip is USD 10-15 per person, per day. The guides work extremely long hours and tips supplement their income significantly. Anything you can afford is appreciated.
Tipping in accommodation is also discretionary. Most accommodation will have a tip box in reception. We recommend putting something in at the end of your stay, rather than giving individuals money. Depending on the level of service, we recommend $10 per day (for a group of 2).
Climate
In Tanzania, the year is loosely divided into the "short" rains (November) and the "long" rains (March to May). The "rains" usually last for one or two hours each day, followed by hot sunny weather. Nights can be surprisingly cold at higher altitudes, e.g., Ngorongoro Crater.