4-Day Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara Budget Camping Safari

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore Lake Manyara National Park, known for flamingos, forest monkeys, and possible tree-climbing lions
• 02 Cross the vast Serengeti plains, where kopjes and seasonal wildlife migration shape the landscape
• 03 Enjoy early game drives in the Seronera region for close-up sightings of predators and grazing herds
• 04 Descend into the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater for a chance to spot the Big Five in one day

This 4-day budget camping safari explores three of Tanzania's premier Northern Circuit reserves: Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater. Discover diverse landscapes ranging from alkaline lakes and Rift Valley escarpments to vast plains and crater highlands, with opportunities to see flamingos, elephants, predators, and the Big Five. Ideal for travellers with limited time, this safari combines rich wildlife viewing with memorable game drives and budget camping accommodation.

The lake is often home to thousands of flamingos, giving the shallow waters a pink hue.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara

Languages English, French, Italian, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Lake Manyara Wildlife Safari

• You'll be picked up from your hotel in Arusha and, after a morning briefing, head to Lake Manyara National Park. This compact park stretches along the 600-meter-high Rift Valley escarpment, with its centrepiece being the alkaline Lake Manyara.
• The lake is often home to thousands of flamingos, giving the shallow waters a pink hue. The park boasts over 400 bird species, and its varied vegetation supports a range of wildlife, including monkeys in the forest, giraffes and antelopes on the grasslands, and elephants near the acacia trees.
• With some luck, you may even spot the famous tree-climbing lions of Manyara.
• In the late afternoon, you'll leave Lake Manyara and head to Ngedere Lodge and Camp for dinner and accommodation.

2

Day 02

Journey to the Serengeti Plains

• After breakfast, you'll drive toward the lush crater highlands, where the Iraq people cultivate wheat, corn, and coffee. As you pass the Ngorongoro Crater, you'll arrive at the expansive plains of Serengeti National Park around midday. Tanzania's largest park boasts a variety of landscapes, including short grass plains, savannahs, dense bush, swamps, mountains, and lakes.
• Unique rock formations known as kopjes are scattered across the plains, providing prime spots for spotting predators. Depending on the time of year, you'll witness the park's famous migration of thousands of animals.
• During the short rainy season in November and December, herds migrate from the northern hills to the southern plains. In the longer rainy season from April to June, they head back north.
• This migration cycle is driven by annual rainfall, and while herd locations may vary each year, your guide will be well informed on where to find them.
• In the late afternoon, you will go to a budget campsite for dinner and accommodation.

3

Day 03

Seronera Game Drive and Ngorongoro Rim

• An early morning game drive in the Seronera region offers fantastic wildlife sightings, with the chance to see wildebeests and zebras, as well as predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
• The Ngorongoro Crater is breathtaking as well, with stunning views from the crater rim. It's a day packed with incredible experiences and excellent opportunities for wildlife photography.
• In the late afternoon, you will go to a budget campsite for dinner and accommodation.

4

Day 04

Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Return to Arusha

• Driving into the Ngorongoro Crater is an unforgettable experience, as you move from lush forested slopes to expansive savannah, providing incredible wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Spotting the Big Five in one day is a thrilling highlight for any safari lover. In addition to these iconic animals, you'll also encounter warthogs, wildebeests, zebras, hippos, and a variety of bird species.
• After such a rewarding day, we'll return to Arusha in the early evening, where we'll safely drop you off to conclude your adventure.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Park fees (for non-residents)
• All activities (unless labelled as optional)
• All accommodation (unless listed as an upgrade)
• Camping equipment
• A professional driver/guide
• All transportation (unless labelled as optional)
• All taxes/VAT
• Round-trip airport transfer
• Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
• Drinks (as specified in the day-by-day section)
• Sleeping bag

What's Not Included

• International flights (from/to home)
• Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
• Bath towels
• Tips (tipping guideline: US$15.00 pp per day)
• Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
• Government-imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

What to bring

• Documents: passport, visa (if required), travel insurance, and any required permits.
• Footwear: comfortable walking shoes and sandals.
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm.
• Essentials: binoculars, camera, extra batteries, and a power bank.
• Health: insect repellent and personal medications.

Know before you go

After clients confirm their booking, they receive an invoice with all details. To confirm the reservation, we require a 50% deposit payment of the itinerary cost and 100% upfront payment. The remaining balance is due on arrival, before the start of the tour.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Kilimanjaro International Airport, Kilimanjaro Airport Road, Tanzania

Tour start

Arusha, Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.