Tanzania · Group joining · Budget safari
Manyara, the Serengeti and the crater
Five days on a budget across northern Tanzania, with Lake Manyara, two nights in the central Serengeti and a final day in the Ngorongoro Crater.
Price on request
The journey in brief
The experience
A well-balanced budget safari that gives the Serengeti proper time. You start in Lake Manyara National Park, where the alkaline lake covers much of the park, then cross the Ngorongoro highlands to the Serengeti.
With two nights in the central Serengeti you have a full day to search for the herds and predators, before returning via Olduvai Gorge to the crater rim.
Lake Manyara's forest and lakeshore
Full day in the Serengeti
Optional Olduvai Gorge visit
Game drive on the Ngorongoro Crater floor
The route
Arusha
Lake Manyara
Serengeti
Ngorongoro
Arusha
Arusha → Lake Manyara → Serengeti → Ngorongoro → Arusha
Day by day
Timings are approximate. Your guide adjusts each day around road and wildlife conditions.
Day 1 / Arusha → Lake Manyara National Park
Meet your Tanzanian driver-guide in Arusha for a briefing and to meet other travellers, then drive to Lake Manyara for a game drive through forest, grassland and along the lakeshore.
Day 2 / Lake Manyara → Serengeti
Drive over the Ngorongoro highlands to the Serengeti, reaching the gate around midday for a picnic lunch, then game drive into the central Serengeti.
Day 3 / Serengeti National Park
A full day exploring the central Serengeti with packed lunches. The route depends on where the herds and predators are.
Day 4 / Serengeti → Ngorongoro
Game viewing through the central Serengeti on your way out, then the drive to the crater rim, with an optional stop at Olduvai Gorge.
Day 5 / Ngorongoro Crater → Arusha
Descend into the crater for a game drive on the crater floor, then drive back to Arusha.
Where you stay
This budget safari uses the camps and hotels listed below. Where a stop says 'camp/lodge', we confirm the property with your quote.
Lake Manyara area · 1 night
The budget base used for selected Tarangire and Lake Manyara stops.
About Fanaka Campsite
Central Serengeti · 2 nights
The budget tented base used for selected nights in the central Serengeti.
About Seronera Camp
Ngorongoro crater rim · 1 night
The public campsite used for selected budget itineraries around the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
About Simba CampsiteAccommodation pattern: Budget · Fanaka Campsite + Seronera Camp + Simba Campsite.
This safari is priced for your exact dates. Lodge rates, park fees and availability vary through the year, so we confirm a written price once we know your dates and party size.
Prices can depend on travel dates, party size, accommodation availability and changes to park fees. All terms are confirmed in writing before you book.
The details
Before you travel
Check passport validity and entry requirements for every country on your route with official government sources before you travel.
Ask a travel-health professional about vaccinations and malaria precautions, and take out travel insurance that covers your activities.
A soft bag is easiest in safari vehicles. If any part of your trip includes light-aircraft flights, baggage limits apply.
Weather and wildlife movement change through the year. Tell us your dates and we will explain what to expect.
Questions travellers ask
Group-joining safaris follow the published route so everyone travels together. If you want changes, ask us about running the route privately.
Prices for this safari depend on your dates, party size and accommodation availability, so we quote for your exact trip.
We reply with availability, any suggestions for your dates and a written quote. Nothing is booked until you have agreed the quote and booking terms.
No. Wildlife is free-ranging and sightings vary. Your guide will plan each day around conditions to give you the best chances.
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The next step
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We will check availability and send a written quote; nothing is booked until you agree.
Use Plan My Safari to send your dates, travellers and preferences for this safari. It takes about two minutes.
Still deciding?
If this safari is close but not quite right, describe your ideal trip and we will suggest a route.
5 days · Tanzania
Price on request
