Overview
About This Safari
Affordable 7-Day Northern Circuit Wildlife & Cultural Safari
This 7-Day Budget Tanzania Safari takes you across Tarangire’s giant elephant herds, the endless predator-filled plains of the Serengeti, Ngorongoro’s wildlife-rich caldera, and the refreshing waterfalls and artisan coffee groves of Materuni on Mount Kilimanjaro for an unforgettable, wallet-friendly adventure.
In just 7 days, you’ll explore iconic national parks, the Big Five, and cultural foothills, while enjoying comfortable lodge stays and expertly guided safari activities.
7 days, perfectly paced – what to expect:
Arusha – Welcoming gateway beneath Mount Meru, ideal for pre-safari preparation, local briefings, and exploring bustling artisan craft markets.
Tarangire – Massive elephant herds roaming among iconic baobab trees along the wildlife-rich Tarangire River corridor.
Serengeti – Boundless golden savannas boasting world-famous lion prides, elusive leopards, cheetahs, and legendary plains wildlife.
Ngorongoro – A dramatic 600-meter volcanic caldera descent offering exceptionally dense Big Five encounters, including rare black rhinos.
Materuni – Scenic Kilimanjaro foothill hikes leading to a thunderous 80-meter waterfall, paired with a traditional, hands-on Chagga coffee-making tour.
Combining Tanzania's premier wilderness reserves with an authentic cultural trek, this budget-conscious itinerary maximizes wildlife encounters and scenic splendor without compromising comfort or quality.
Start / End
Arusha -> Arusha
Group size
1-100 people
Minimum age
2+
Safari Snapshot
A quick look at the route, day by day.
Day 1
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Transfer by road Tarangire Game drive Picnic lunch Rest & Relaxation
Country lodge karatu
Day 2
Day 2: Tarangire to Serengeti National Park
Transfer Game drive Picnic lunch Serengeti Game drive Rest & Relaxation
Thorn tree camp
Day 3
Day 3: Full-Day Serengeti National Park Safari
Central Serengeti Game drive Picnic lunch Rest & Relaxation
Thorn tree camp
Day 4
Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Transfer Game drive Picnic lunch Rest & Relaxation
Kankari Lodge
Day 5
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Tour to Arusha
Ngorongoro Crater Game drive Picnic lunch Transfer by road Rest & Relaxation
TUMBILI LODGE
Day 6
Day 6: Materuni Waterfalls & Cultural Coffee Experience
Transfer by road Materuni village tour Coffee tour Transfer by road
TUMBILI LODGE
Day 7
Day 7: Arusha City Discovery & Departure
Arusha City tour Farewell lunch Transfer by road
Ways to Customize This Trip
This private itinerary can be tailored to your travel dates, preferred pace, accommodation style, dietary needs and special interests. Ask our Tanzania specialist to adjust transfers, activities and room arrangements before booking.
- Upgrade accommodation and add private activities or extra safari nights
Where you go
Route
- Day 1 Karatu
- Days 2–3 Central Serengeti
- Day 4 Ngorongoro Crater
- Days 5–6 Arusha City
Day by Day
Here is how the days run. We can adjust the route around your dates and the pace you want.
1 Day 1 Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park Country lodge karatu / Lunch & Dinner
Depart Arusha for Tarangire National Park, renowned for massive elephant herds and ancient baobabs.
Enjoy an extensive afternoon game drive tracking lions, giraffes, zebras, and diverse birdlife along the Tarangire River.
In the evening, head to your budget campsite or lodge for a hot dinner and restful overnight stay.
- Main stop: Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
- Accommodation: Country lodge karatu
- Meals: Lunch & Dinner
- Activities: Transfer by road Tarangire Game drive Picnic lunch Rest & Relaxation
Accommodation - Country lodge karatu
+4 photos
Country lodge karatu
Safari lodge / Mid-range / Karatu
2 Day 2 Day 2: Tarangire to Serengeti National Park Thorn tree camp / Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Journey across the scenic Great Rift Valley and Ngorongoro highlands into the legendary Serengeti plains.
Arrive in the central Seronera region for an introductory afternoon game drive tracking cheetahs, leopards, and grazing herds.
Settle into your comfortable budget tented camp for dinner under the starlit savanna sky.
- Main stop: Day 2: Tarangire to Serengeti National Park
- Accommodation: Thorn tree camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Activities: Transfer Game drive Picnic lunch Serengeti Game drive Rest & Relaxation
Accommodation - Thorn tree camp
+2 photos
Thorn tree camp
Tented camp / Mid-range / Central Serengeti
3 Day 3 Day 3: Full-Day Serengeti National Park Safari Thorn tree camp / Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Spend an action-packed full day exploring the vast Serengeti plains.
Follow predator prides, spot hippos at the retina pool, and witness boundless herds across golden grasslands.
Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the wilderness, returning to your budget camp by dusk for a hearty meal and campfire camaraderie.
- Main stop: Day 3: Full-Day Serengeti National Park Safari
- Accommodation: Thorn tree camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Activities: Central Serengeti Game drive Picnic lunch Rest & Relaxation
Accommodation - Thorn tree camp
+2 photos
Thorn tree camp
Tented camp / Mid-range / Central Serengeti
4 Day 4 Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area Kankari Lodge / Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Embark on an early morning game drive in the Serengeti to catch active wildlife at dawn.
After brunch, begin your scenic transit drive toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, enjoying en-route game viewing.
Reach the crater rim by late afternoon to relax at your budget lodge with panoramic caldera views.
- Main stop: Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Accommodation: Kankari Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Activities: Transfer Game drive Picnic lunch Rest & Relaxation
Accommodation - Kankari Lodge
+3 photos
Kankari Lodge
Safari lodge / Mid-range / Ngorongoro Crater
5 Day 5 Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Tour to Arusha TUMBILI LODGE / Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater floor for a premier Big Five morning safari.
Encounter black rhinos, lion prides, wildebeests, and vibrant flamingos on Lake Magadi.
After a peaceful picnic lunch by the hippo pool, ascend the crater walls and return to Arusha for your overnight lodge stay.
- Main stop: Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Tour to Arusha
- Accommodation: TUMBILI LODGE
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Activities: Ngorongoro Crater Game drive Picnic lunch Transfer by road Rest & Relaxation
Accommodation - TUMBILI LODGE
+15 photos
TUMBILI LODGE
Safari lodge / Budget / Arusha City
6 Day 6 Day 6: Materuni Waterfalls & Cultural Coffee Experience TUMBILI LODGE / Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Travel to Materuni Village at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Take a scenic hike through green valleys to the striking 80-meter Materuni Waterfall for a cool dip.
Afterwards, join local Chagga farmers for an authentic, hands-on coffee-making workshop from bean to cup before heading back to your Arusha accommodation.
- Main stop: Day 6: Materuni Waterfalls & Cultural Coffee Experience
- Accommodation: TUMBILI LODGE
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Activities: Transfer by road Materuni village tour Coffee tour Transfer by road
Accommodation - TUMBILI LODGE
+15 photos
TUMBILI LODGE
Safari lodge / Budget / Arusha City
7 Day 7 Day 7: Arusha City Discovery & Departure Breakfast & Lunch
Enjoy breakfast followed by a visit to Arusha’s lively local cultural markets for handcrafted souvenirs and artwork.
Savor a farewell lunch before your scheduled transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport for your flight home, wrapping up an extraordinary, budget-smart Tanzanian adventure.
- Main stop: Day 7: Arusha City Discovery & Departure
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
- Activities: Arusha City tour Farewell lunch Transfer by road
Accommodation
Where you stay on this trip. We can move the comfort level up or down when we plan your dates.
Tour Rates
This is the starting price for this trip. Your final quote is confirmed once we check your dates and availability.
Standard Season From$2,198
- Solo
- On request
- 2 people
- From $2,987
- 3 people
- From $2,547
- 4 people
- From $2,335
- 5 people
- From $2,235
- 6 people
- From $2,198
Prices are per person in USD and based on shared double/twin accommodation unless stated otherwise. Final pricing depends on travel dates, lodge availability, group size and route adjustments.
What's Included
Included
- Accommodation and meals as specified in the itinerary.
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof.
- Professional driver-guide.
- Park entrance fees and Ngorongoro Crater service fee, where applicable.
- Game drives and activities specified in the itinerary.
- Airport transfers as specified in the itinerary.
- Drinking water during the safari.
- Domestic flights, only where specified in the package.
- Applicable government taxes.
Not Included
- International flights.
- Visa fees and travel insurance.
- Tips and gratuities.
- Optional activities not included in the itinerary, such as hot-air balloon safaris and cultural visits.
- Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and meals unless specified.
- Personal expenses, including laundry, souvenirs, and telephone calls.
- Extra accommodation or transfers outside the agreed itinerary.
- Any services not expressly listed as included.