Tanzania · Safari

3-Day Budget Camping Safari in Tanzania with Tarangire and Ngorongoro

3 Days Round trip from Kilimanjaro Airport Rd Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 See Tarangire's huge elephant population among its iconic baobab trees
02 Descend more than 600 metres into the Ngorongoro Crater for exceptional wildlife viewing
03 Look for the Big Five and a dense concentration of predators in the crater
04 Visit Lake Magadi, where flamingos, hippos, and other water birds are often seen

This budget camping safari takes you to two of northern Tanzania's most rewarding wildlife destinations: Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. In Tarangire, look out for its huge elephant population and iconic baobab trees in a landscape shaped by seasonal wildlife migration. In the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, descend into the crater to see a remarkable concentration of animals, including wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, hippo, giant African elephants, and predators such as lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs, and the elusive leopard. It is a short safari focused on game viewing, dramatic landscapes, and an authentic camping experience.

After an early breakfast, you'll descend over 600 meters into the crater to look for wildlife.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Moshi or Arusha

You will be picked up at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your arranged hotel in Moshi or Arusha. There, you will meet your driver-guide, who will brief you on your upcoming safari before you rest for the night and prepare for the next morning.

Day 02

Tarangire National Park Game Drive

Distance: 130 km

Non-game-viewing time: 3-4 hrs

After breakfast, the tour departs. Your first stop is Arusha Town for any last-minute purchases before continuing on safari. Later, you will head to Tarangire National Park for a game drive with a picnic lunch inside the park.

Tarangire is known for its huge elephant population and majestic baobab trees. It forms the centre of an annual migratory cycle that includes up to 3,000 elephants, 25,000 wildebeest, and 30,000 zebras.

MEALS: Lunch, dinner, bed and breakfast

Day 03

Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Return to Arusha, Moshi, or Airport

Distance: 210 km

Non-game-viewing time: 3-4 hrs

After an early breakfast, you'll descend over 600 meters into the crater to look for wildlife. Sustained by a year-round water supply and fodder, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area supports a vast variety of animals, including herds of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, eland, warthog, hippo, and giant African elephants.

Another major draw of this picturesque park is its dense population of predators, including lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs, and the ever-elusive leopard, which sometimes requires a trained eye to spot.

You will also visit Lake Magadi, a large but shallow alkaline lake in the southwestern corner, which is one of the crater's main features. Large numbers of flamingos, hippos, and other water birds can usually be seen here.

In the evening, you will be transferred to Arusha for dinner and overnight stay, or dropped off at the airport.

Accommodation can be included upon request at an extra cost.

Where this trip takes you

Tarangire National Park, baobab trees, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Magadi

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Kilimanjaro Airport Rd 5 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Transport in a modified 4WD Land Cruiser or Land Rover with a photographic roof.
All wildlife reserve entry fees.
All camping gear (please bring your own sleeping bag).
3 meals a day during the trip.
All game drives as mentioned.
Airport transfer and drop-off.
All taxes and VAT.
Drinking water while on safari (2 litres per person per day).
Concession and camping fees.

What's Not Included

International airfare and flights.
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.).
Gratuities for the safari guide and camp staff.
Travel insurance.
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and beverages at the camp.
Any government-imposed increase in taxes or park fees.

What to bring

Comfortable, quick-drying clothing
Sturdy shoes
Warm jacket
Sleeping bag and pillow
Headlamp
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Reusable water bottle
Camera
Binoculars
Any necessary medications
Power bank for charging devices

Know before you go

For a 2-day budget camping safari, pack light but strategically.
Essentials include comfortable, quick-drying clothing.
Bring sturdy shoes.
Bring a warm jacket.
Bring a sleeping bag and pillow.
Bring a headlamp.
Bring sunscreen.
Bring insect repellent.
Bring a reusable water bottle.
Don't forget a camera.
Bring binoculars.
Bring any necessary medications.
A power bank for charging devices is also recommended.
Other language-speaking guides in French, Spanish, German, and more are available for a supplement of $25 per day, subject to availability. Please request this in advance.
Accommodation can be included upon request at an extra cost.