Tanzania Budget Safari

7-Day Northern Safari with Lake Natron

7 Days / 6 NightsTarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Natronmoderate
$1,430pp
7 days / 6 nights1–12 pax4.6
Solo Traveller $1,8592 People $1,4304-6 People $1,216
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Overview

Off-the-beaten-path 7-day Tanzania budget safari combining the classic northern circuit parks with remote Lake Natron and Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano views from $1,430 per person.

This adventurous 7-day safari adds a unique twist to the classic northern circuit by including Lake Natron — one of Tanzania's most remote and spectacular landscapes. After exploring Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater, venture east to Lake Natron at the foot of the active Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano. The lake's soda-rich waters attract millions of flamingos during breeding season, and the stark, lunar landscape is unlike anything else in Tanzania. This tour is ideal for travellers who want classic Big Five wildlife plus genuine off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Destinations:TarangireSerengetiNgorongoroLake Natron

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Safari Highlights

Classic northern circuit — Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro
Remote Lake Natron flamingo breeding colony
Views of Ol Doinyo Lengai — Africa's only active carbonatite volcano
Waterfall hike at Ngare Sero near Lake Natron
Off-the-beaten-path adventure
Budget camping throughout

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Depart Arusha and drive to Tarangire for a full day of game drives among elephant herds, baobab forests, and diverse birdlife. Camp near the park.

Budget camping — Tarangire area campsiteLunch (packed), Dinner
Transfer to TarangireFull-day game driveElephant watching
2

Tarangire to Serengeti National Park

Morning game drive in Tarangire, then transfer to the Serengeti via the Ngorongoro Highlands. Afternoon game drive on the Serengeti plains searching for the Big Five and migration herds.

Budget camping — Serengeti public campsiteBreakfast, Lunch (packed), Dinner
Morning Tarangire driveScenic highland transferAfternoon Serengeti drive
3

Full Day Serengeti Game Drives

Spend the entire day exploring the Serengeti. Morning drive to the Seronera Valley for leopard and hippo, then afternoon drive to the open plains for cheetah, giraffe, and lion. Depending on the season, follow the Great Migration herds.

Budget camping — Serengeti public campsiteBreakfast, Lunch (packed), Dinner
Dawn game driveSeronera ValleyBig cat trackingPlains exploration
4

Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater Rim

Morning game drive in the Serengeti with final wildlife sightings. Transfer to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and camp on the crater rim at Simba Campsite.

Budget camping — Simba Campsite, NgorongoroBreakfast, Lunch (packed), Dinner
Morning Serengeti driveTransfer to NgorongoroCrater rim sunset views
5

Ngorongoro Crater Floor Game Drive

Dawn descent into the Ngorongoro Crater. Spend the morning on the crater floor searching for black rhino, lion, elephant, buffalo, and leopard. Visit Lake Magadi for flamingos. Packed lunch at the hippo pool. Ascend and camp in the Ngorongoro area.

Budget camping — Ngorongoro area campsiteBreakfast, Lunch (packed), Dinner
Crater descentBig Five game driveLake MagadiHippo pool picnic
6

Ngorongoro to Lake Natron

Drive through Maasai territory to remote Lake Natron, passing the towering Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano. The soda lake stretches before you in shimmering red and white — home to millions of flamingos during breeding season. Afternoon hike to the Ngare Sero waterfall through a scenic gorge. Camp at the lake with volcano views.

Budget camping — Lake Natron campsiteBreakfast, Lunch (packed), Dinner
Scenic drive through Maasai landsOl Doinyo Lengai viewsNgare Sero waterfall hikeFlamingo viewing
7

Lake Natron & Return to Arusha

Morning walk along the lakeshore to see flamingos up close and visit a Maasai boma. Then drive back to Arusha via the scenic route through the Rift Valley, arriving in the late afternoon.

End of tour — Arusha drop-offBreakfast, Lunch (packed)
Lakeshore flamingo walkMaasai village visitScenic Rift Valley driveReturn to Arusha

Tour Route

  1. 1

    Day 1

    Arusha to Tarangire National Park

  2. 2

    Day 2

    Tarangire to Serengeti National Park

  3. 5

    Day 5

    Ngorongoro Crater Floor Game Drive

Included

  • Arusha round-trip transfers
  • All park fees and crater service fee
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • 4x4 safari vehicle
  • Full-board meals
  • Camping accommodation
  • Lake Natron waterfall hike guide
  • Drinking water

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Tanzania visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Beverages
  • Sleeping bag rental
  • Ol Doinyo Lengai climb (optional extra)
  • Personal expenses

Where to Stay

Handpicked lodges & camps for this safari

from $35/night

Kudu Lodge & Camp

Arusha

A welcoming budget lodge on the outskirts of Arusha offering comfortable rooms, a lush garden setting, and easy access to all northern safari circuit departures.

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from $90/night

Marera Valley Lodge

Karatu

A mid-range lodge in the green hills of Karatu offering excellent value with spacious rooms, a swimming pool, and stunning views over the Great Rift Valley escarpment.

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from $30/night

Simba Campsite

Ngorongoro Crater Rim

Tanzania's most iconic public campsite perched on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, offering an unbeatable combination of world-class views and rock-bottom prices.

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