3-Day Tanzania Budget Safari Tour
3 Days • Start and end in Arusha
$ 650 pp (USD)
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Embark on an unforgettable 3-day Tanzania budget safari tour through Tanzania’s iconic Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Witness the Big Five, vast wildebeest herds, and stunning landscapes in the heart of wild Africa. This compact itinerary, starting and ending in Arusha, offers thrilling game drives and luxurious lodges, perfect for travelers seeking an immersive wildlife experience in a short timeframe. Ideal for honeymoons, photography, or bucket-list trips, this safari showcases Tanzania’s biodiversity and dramatic scenery.
📌 Why Choose This Safari
Big Five Sightings
Encounter lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rare black rhinos in Ngorongoro Crater’s unique ecosystem.
Great Migration
Witness massive wildebeest and zebra herds in Serengeti, especially during river crossings (June-September).
Ngorongoro Crater
Explore the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, teeming with 30,000 animals and vibrant landscapes.
Seronera River
Enjoy game drives along this biodiversity hotspot in central Serengeti, home to big cats and herbivores.
🧭 The Itinerery Map
🗓️ Day-by-Day Itinerary
Depart Arusha after breakfast for the iconic Serengeti via Ngorongoro highlands. Enjoy en-route game viewing with picnic lunch. Arrive at Seronera in the afternoon for an extensive game drive spotting lions, elephants, and the Great Migration (seasonal). Dinner and overnight at public campsite with roaring lions nearby.
Transfer to Serengeti Via Ngorongoro
Your Adventure Starts Today Today
Accommodation: Nyani Campsite
Public Campsite Located in Serengeti
Wake before dawn for tea/coffee, then early morning game drive at sunrise when predators are most active. Track big cats and vast herds, return to camp for full breakfast. Check out and depart mid-morning with picnic lunch, final game drive en-route to Ngorongoro. Arrive Simba public campsite on the crater rim before sunset, dinner and overnight.
Early in the Mornging Game drive
Transfer to Ngorongoro Highlands
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Simba Campsite
• Campsite Located in Ngorongoro
The Magical Ngorongoro Crater
Half day Geme Drive
Early breakfast, descend 600m into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater floor for a half-day game drive. Spot the Big Five including rare black rhinos, huge elephant tuskers and dense lion prides. Picnic lunch at Ngoitoktok springs hippo pool. Ascend the crater rim by early afternoon and drive back to Arusha, arriving late afternoon/early evening. End of safari.
Accommodation: No Accommodation
• End of tour
✅ Inclusions in The Package
Included
-
Park fees
(For non-residents)
-
All activities
(Unless labeled as optional)
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All accommodation
(Unless listed as an upgrade)
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A professional driver/guide
-
All transportation
(Unless labeled as optional)
-
All Taxes/VAT
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Round-trip flight from & to Zanzibar
Excluded
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International flights
(From/to home)
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Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
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Tips
(Tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
-
The government imposed an increase in taxes and/or park fees
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Personal items
(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Innocent Alfey
"Inno’s vision for sustainability ensures that every adventure not only uplifts the spirit but also honors and preserves the soul of Tanzania."
Answered by
ℹ️ 5 Questions About the 3-Day Tanzania Budget Safari Tour
Answered by
Innocent Alfey
1
What wildlife can I expect to see on this safari?
You’ll likely spot the Big Five (lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, rhinos) in Ngorongoro Crater, along with cheetahs, hyenas, and flamingos. In Serengeti, witness the Great Migration’s wildebeest and zebra herds, plus big cats along the Seronera River.
2
When is the best time for this itinerary?
The dry season (June-October) offers optimal wildlife viewing due to sparse vegetation. June-September is ideal for Serengeti’s migration river crossings, while December-March features calving. Wet season (November-May) has fewer crowds but possible rain.
3
What type of accommodations are included?
The itinerary includes a Budget Campsite in Serengeti’s Seronera area on Day 1 and another budget camping in the Ngorongoro Highlands on Day 2, offering comfort, scenic views, and authentic safari ambiance.
4
How long are the game drives on this safari?
Day 1 features a 3-to 4-hour afternoon game drive in the Serengeti. Day 2 includes a 2-3 hour morning game drive and a 4-5 hour transit game drive to Ngorongoro Highlands. Day 3 offers a 5-hour game drive in Ngorongoro Crater.
5
Is this itinerary suitable for first-time safari-goers?
Absolutely! This 3-day safari is beginner-friendly, offering a compact yet immersive experience with expert guides, comfortable lodges, and prime wildlife viewing in Serengeti and Ngorongoro, perfect for first-timers.
💡 Tips for 3-Day Tanzania Budget Safaris
Clients in a shared group safari on a pop up safari jeep
1: Choose Shared Group Safaris
2: Stay in Budget-Friendly Lodges or Camps
Choosing budget-friendly accommodation—public campsites, basic lodges, or midrange tented camps—helps reduce costs while keeping you close to nature. Many affordable options still offer comfortable beds, good meals, and beautiful settings. Staying in these accommodations ensures a memorable safari experience without stretching your budget, allowing you to focus more on wildlife and adventure.
Two couples relaxing beside the tents in a campsite
Ultralight budget camping gears
3: Pack Smart and Light
For a 3-day budget safari, packing smart and light makes the journey easier and more comfortable. Bring essentials like a power bank, hat, sunscreen, light clothing layers, and personal toiletries. Small bags fit better in safari vehicles and reduce clutter. Minimal packing ensures a smoother experience while allowing you to focus more on your wildlife adventure.
4: Prioritize Must-See Parks
To make the most of a short 3-day safari, choose high-value parks such as Tarangire, Serengeti, or Ngorongoro Crater. These destinations offer exceptional wildlife density and varied landscapes. Prioritizing the right parks ensures you maximize game-viewing opportunities without overspending. It’s the best way to enjoy Tanzania’s top attractions within a limited timeframe and budget.
Two Wilddogs
A Safari jeep and and Elephant from far
5: Travel During Shoulder Seasons
Traveling during the shoulder seasons—April to May or November—helps you enjoy lower safari prices, fewer crowds, and excellent wildlife viewing. These periods offer great value without compromising the overall experience. The parks remain active with animals, and accommodations often provide discounted rates, making it an ideal time for travelers on a budget.
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Our Reviews
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A different safari: on the water.
FoodieMunich / Aug 2025
This National Park counts relatively few visitors, a big plus to us. Our driver and guide brought us very close to different groups of monkeys, pointed out the big wildlife, mainly giraffes and drove us to one of the lakes.
Wonderful excursion to Mandara Huts!
Virginie L / Jul 2025
Wonderful day with our guide Emmanuel! The excursion was well organised and communication was excellent. The hike was a great challenge for my son and I, and we were pleased to reach Mandara Huts! The forest is incredible! Highly recommend.
Amazing team, wonderfull guide
Mareen K / Jul 2025
These guys did a great job organizing everything and were extremely knowledgeable. You will be amazed how keen their eye sight is whilst we are touring the Kilimanjaro expedition.
Incredible safari experience
Morgan / Jul 2025
We thank our Guide Josh for this great adventure in Mount Kilimanjaro Matangu route.
But what patience and kindness from our guide was outstanding🤗
Thank you so much
Incredible experience
Christopher B / Jul 2025
Absolutely incredible experience! I did a day hike on the Marangu Route and was blown away by the beauty of the rainforest and the professionalism of our guide.
Just incredible
Camila / Jul 2025
The team was extremely supportive and caring. We initially booked a Kilimanjaro day hike via marangu route. Emmanuel was amazing
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