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Wild & Affordable: 7 Day Budget Northern Circuit Camping Safari in Tanzania

Wild & Affordable: 7 Day Budget Northern Circuit Camping Safari in Tanzania

Arusha NP, Tarangire NP, Lake Manyara NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater

Price pp (Based on Low Season & 6 pax)

$2,300.00

Duration

7 days

Max People

50

Min Age

3

Tour Type

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  • Child & youth discounted pricing available on request as per our Terms & Conditions.

  • Final price depends on exact travel dates and lodge availability.

Overview

Explore Tanzania's Iconic Parks on a Budget

Embark on an unforgettable 7 day budget northern circuit safari, crafted for adventurous travelers who want to experience Tanzania’s top national parks without breaking the bank. From Arusha’s hidden rainforests to the wide savannahs of Serengeti and the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, this affordable camping safari offers nonstop wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, and authentic East African charm.


Arusha National Park – Tanzania’s Best-Kept Secret

Begin your adventure in Arusha National Park, a lesser-known gem offering dramatic scenery and incredible biodiversity. Canoe past flocks of flamingos on Momella Lakes, marvel at Mount Meru towering in the distance, and spot colobus monkeys swinging through the trees. It’s a perfect soft introduction to the wild.


Tarangire National Park – The Land of Giants

Next stop: Tarangire National Park, known for its giant baobabs and mighty elephant herds. Set off on thrilling game drives to spot lions napping in the grass, zebras grazing under the sun, and vibrant birds flitting by the Tarangire River. With fewer tourists, this park offers raw, intimate encounters with nature.


Lake Manyara – A Scenic Wildlife Paradise

Lake Manyara National Park offers a dramatic change in scenery with its lush forests and shimmering soda lake. Famous for tree-climbing lions and thousands of pink flamingos, this park is full of surprises. Keep your camera ready for baboons, hippos, and colorful birdlife galore.


Serengeti National Park – The Icon of African Safaris

No Tanzanian safari is complete without Serengeti National Park. Camp beneath star-filled skies and explore vast golden plains alive with wildlife. Follow the Great Migration or witness lions hunting in the grasslands. This budget Serengeti safari is a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest shows.


Ngorongoro Crater – Earth’s Natural Zoo

End your journey with a descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with life. Spot the Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and black rhino — in this spectacular caldera, where wildlife thrives against a backdrop of volcanic walls and glittering lakes.

This northern Tanzania camping safari is perfect for backpackers, students, and nature lovers who want a truly immersive experience at an unbeatable value.


Why Choose This 7 Day Budget Northern Circuit Safari?

  • Covers all five of northern Tanzania’s legendary parks.
  • Budget-friendly camping experience with big game encounters.
  • Led by expert local guides with deep knowledge of each park.
  • Includes airport transfers, all meals, and park fees.
  • Great for solo travelers, backpackers, students, and families on a budget.

Optional Add-On Activities (At Extra Cost)

  • 🎈 Hot Air Balloon Safari – From $580 pp
    Available in Serengeti. A once-in-a-lifetime sunrise flight over the plains.
  • 🛖 Maasai Village Visit – From $50 per vehicle
    Experience Maasai culture and community life near Ngorongoro or Tarangire.
  • 🌃 Night Game Drive – From $120 pp
    Offered in Tarangire or Lake Manyara – spot nocturnal predators.
  • 🥾 Crater Rim Walk – From $30 pp
    Scenic guided walk along the edge of Ngorongoro.
  • 🦴 Olduvai Gorge Visit – From $40 pp
    Learn about early human history at one of the world’s most important archaeological sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this 7 day budget northern circuit safari suitable for budget travelers and students? +

Yes — this itinerary is designed for travelers looking to experience iconic parks at an affordable rate without compromising quality.

Do I need to bring my own camping gear? +

No. We provide all essential camping equipment, including tents, sleeping bags, and mattresses.

Are there charging stations and Wi-Fi at camps? +

Most campsites have charging points and basic amenities. Internet is available in some lodges but may be limited.

Can I book this as part of a group or private trip? +

Absolutely. We offer both private departures and group safari options.



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*All itineraries can be customized to match your preference upon request*

Included/Excluded

  • Accommodation (budget tents on designated campsites).
  • Park entry fees & crater service fee.
  • Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof.
  • Professional English-speaking guide/driver.
  • All meals as per itinerary.
  • Drinking water during the safari.
  • Airport transfers.
  • International flights.
  • Visa fee and Travel insurance.
  • Alcoholic & soft drinks.
  • Personal expenses & tips (tipping guidelines are on the terms and conditions page).
  • Optional safari activities.

Tour Plan

Day 1 | Arrival in Arusha City

Activity: Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, meet your driver-guide, and transfer to your lodge in Arusha. Depending on your arrival time, take a short city tour or relax before your adventure begins.

Evening Accommodation (Budget): Outpost Lodge

Day 2 | Arusha National Park

Activity: Depart early for a full-day game drive in Arusha National Park. Optional activities include canoeing on Momella Lake or a short guided forest walk. Enjoy lunch with stunning views of Mount Meru.

Expected Sightings: Giraffes, zebras, buffalos, flamingos, colobus monkeys, warthogs, and vibrant birdlife.


Picnic Lunch: Lake Momella (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM)


Evening Accommodation (Budget): Outpost Lodge

Day 3 | Arusha → Tarangire National Park

Activity: Head to Tarangire National Park for an afternoon game drive across its baobab-dotted plains. Look out for elephants bathing in the river and lions resting under trees.

Expected Sightings: Elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, vervet monkeys, and colorful birds.


Picnic Lunch: Tarangire Picnic Site (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM)


Evening Accommodation (Budget): Tarangire Safari Lodge

Day 4 | Tarangire → Lake Manyara National Park

Activity: Drive to Lake Manyara National Park and explore its forested trails, lake views, and cliffside vistas. A shorter park, but rich with biodiversity and photo moments.

Expected Sightings: Tree-climbing lions, hippos, baboons, flamingos, eagles, and storks.


Picnic Lunch: Msasa Picnic Site (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)


Evening Accommodation (Budget): Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp

Day 5 | Lake Manyara → Serengeti National Park

Activity: Drive to Serengeti National Park, passing through the Ngorongoro highlands. Enjoy an afternoon game drive across the open plains of the central Serengeti.

Expected Sightings: Wildebeest, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, elephants, and hyenas.


Picnic Lunch: Naabi Hill Gate (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM)


Evening Accommodation (Budget): Serengeti Heritage Camp

Day 6 | Full-Day Game Drive in Serengeti

Activity: Spend the entire day exploring the Serengeti’s varied landscapes. Visit the Seronera Valley, explore riverbanks, and follow predator tracks through the savannah.

Expected Sightings: Hippos, lions, jackals, ostriches, leopards, and birds of prey.


Picnic Lunch: Serengeti Picnic Site (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM)


Evening Accommodation: Same as Day 5

Day 7 | Serengeti → Ngorongoro Crater → Arusha

Activity: Early morning descent into the Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive, followed by a scenic return to Arusha. Airport drop-off or hotel transfer in the evening.

Expected Sightings: Black rhinos, lions, elephants, flamingos, hippos, buffalo, and zebras.


Picnic Lunch: Hippo Pool Picnic Site (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)


Calendar & Price pp (Based on Season & a Group of 6)
*Child & youth discounted pricing available on request as per our Terms & Conditions*

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🔹 Our prices explained +

Our safari prices are carefully calculated to offer the best value for money while maintaining high standards of safety, comfort, and service. Prices may vary based on the following factors:

Travel season
Safari prices are higher during peak wildlife seasons (June–October and festive holidays) due to increased demand and higher lodge and park fees. Traveling in shoulder or green seasons offers better value with fewer crowds.

Group size
All our safaris are conducted in a private 4×4 safari vehicle with a professional guide. Smaller groups have a higher per-person cost because vehicle and guide expenses are shared among fewer travelers, while larger groups benefit from better per-person value.

Park fees and conservation costs
National park entry fees, crater service fees, and government taxes are fixed costs set by authorities and can change by season or park.

Accommodation selection
Lodge and camp prices vary by season, location, and availability. Migration camps, crater-rim lodges, and beachfront resorts naturally cost more than standard options.

Private safari experience
Unlike shared group tours, our prices reflect a fully private safari experience, allowing flexibility in pace, routing, and wildlife viewing — without compromise.

We price our safaris to ensure fair compensation for our guides, well-maintained vehicles, and reliable operations, while offering travelers an authentic, memorable safari experience.

If you’re traveling with children, in a larger group, or have flexible travel dates, we’re happy to tailor the best possible value for your safari.

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Welcome to Twombili Tours!

Experience the magic of Tanzania with Twombili Tours – your gateway to unforgettable safaris and adventures. Whether you’re dreaming of exploring the Serengeti, witnessing the Great Migration, or discovering hidden gems, we’re here to create personalized journeys that connect you to the heart of Africa.

Have questions or ready to plan your adventure? We’d love to hear from you – contact us today and let your safari journey begin!

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Twombili Tours,                                  P. o. Box 2525,                                  Mbeya,                                            Tanzania.

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