A Tanzania tour offers the chance to see lions up close.

5 Days Budget Tanzania Lodge Safari

5-Day Budget Tanzania Lodge Safari

Join us for an unforgettable 5-day budget safari in Northern Tanzania’s top parks: Tarangire National Park, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara. Enjoy amazing wildlife sightings, including the Big Five, and visit a traditional Maasai village in the Ngorongoro Highlands. For a customized Tanzania safari package that matches your interests and budget, contact our expert team. We offer options for all types of travelers, ensuring a personalized safari experience.

Highlight of your 5 Days Tanzania Lodge Safari

Destination: Northern Tanzania
Location: Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara.
Best time to visit: Yearly around
Physicality: Enjoyable

5 Days Budget Tanzania Lodge Safari Itinerary

Days o: Arrival in Arusha

On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and transferred to Mvuli Hotel in Arusha, a charming lodge nestled at the base of Mount Meru. After check-in, our safari manager will provide a detailed safari briefing to prepare you for your adventure. You’ll then have time to relax, enjoy the pleasant Arusha weather, and explore the comfortable lodge facilities before the start of your safari. This is the perfect way to begin your Tanzania safari experience in a tranquil and scenic setting.

Meals Plan: Dinner & Breakfast Included
Accommodation: Mvuli hotel in Arusha

Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, meet your safari driver and head to Tarangire National Park via Arusha, making a stop for last-minute purchases along the way. Enjoy scenic views of the Masai Steppe during the 2 to 3-hour drive.

Tarangire, famous for its large elephant herds and stunning landscapes, is home to wildebeest, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and rare species like the Greater Kudu. The park boasts over 400 bird species, including ostriches and secretary birds, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. Keep an eye out for predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards as you explore.

In the late afternoon, return to the lodge for a relaxing dinner and overnight stay, reflecting on a day full of unforgettable safari experiences.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Eileen’s Trees Inn

Day 2: Tarangire – Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, depart for Serengeti National Park, driving through the scenic Karatu highlands and Ngorongoro. Stop at the crater viewpoint for photos before descending into the Serengeti’s vast plains.

Visit a Maasai village to learn about their traditions and enjoy a lively dance. Continue with an en-route game drive to Naabi Hills Gate, then head to Seronera, the Serengeti’s richest wildlife area.

Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Kopjes, followed by an afternoon game drive in search of the Wildebeest Migration and other wildlife. Return to your lodge at sunset, reflecting on a day of unforgettable safari experiences.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Serengeti Thorn Trees Camp, Central Serengeti

Day 3: Full Day Serengeti National Park

Today, enjoy a full day of game driving in Serengeti National Park, one of the world’s most iconic safari destinations. Start early with a packed breakfast and lunch. The morning drive provides a chance to spot big cats on the move, nocturnal animals returning from hunting, and lionesses preparing for an ambush.

After breakfast in the bush, head to the Wildebeest Migration for incredible wildlife viewing. Witness thrilling animal interactions, including hunting, predator-prey encounters, and dramatic fights.

Return to your lodge before sunset, reflecting on a day full of unforgettable safari adventures and the raw beauty of nature in the Serengeti.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight: Serengeti Thorn Trees Camp, Central Serengeti

Day 4: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater

Start your day at 6:30 AM with a descent into Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as the 8th natural wonder of the world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is teeming with diverse wildlife due to its abundant water supply, including wildebeests, buffaloes, zebras, and the rare black rhino.

Spot a variety of predators, such as lions, cheetahs, and the elusive leopard. Visit Lake Magadi, a stunning alkaline lake home to hippos and flamingos, where you may have the chance to see the Big Five in a single day. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch on the crater floor, surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

In the afternoon, drive back to Arusha. If you’re flying the same day, we can drop you at Kilimanjaro International Airport (ideal for late flights like KLM at 21:30). Alternatively, we can arrange accommodation in Arusha upon request, offering a relaxing end to your Tanzania safari experience.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

Service: End of Service

Day 5: Ngorongoro – Lake Manyara – Arusha

After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park for a thrilling game drive. Known for its lush vegetation and tropical forests, the park is famous for tree-climbing lions, thousands of flamingos, and herds of wildebeest, buffalo, elephants, zebras, and hippos. It’s also home to primates and the elusive leopard.

Enjoy wildlife viewing throughout the morning, then head back to Arusha. If time allows, visit a Maasai market along the way to experience local culture. Arrive in Arusha by late afternoon for your overnight stay (accommodation available upon request at an extra cost). A perfect end to a day of unforgettable safari adventures and cultural immersion.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

What Costs Are Included?

All transfers
1 Night accommodation at Mvuli hotel in Arusha on H/B
05 Days 4 nights private Tanzania budget lodge safari for 1 to 7 person
Transport and game viewing in modified 4WD Land Cruiser with photographic roof hatch
Services of a professional English speaking safari driver guide
5 Days 4 night accommodation on F/B while on safari
All park fees & concession fees
All game drives as per Itinerary
1.5 l mineral water per person during game drive
All meals during the safari
Included value added tax by the government

What Costs Are Excluded?

International Flights
All items of a personal nature
Gratuities for safari guide and lodge staff (please tip separately)
Travel insurance
Drinks and beverages in lodges or Camps
Arrival & departure transfers (but can still be arranged at extra cost)
Accommodation in Arusha before & after safari (but still can arrange at extra cost)

2 Day Lodge Safari Price Details

Rates / Group Price

$ 1,548 when 1 person travels alone
$ 1058 per person when 2 persons travel together
$ 902 per person when 3 persons travel together
$ 823 per person when 4 persons travel together
$ 776 per person when 5 persons travel together
$ 753 per person when 6 persons travel together
$ 729 per person when 7 persons travel together
Please Note: 3-Day Tanzania Safari Lodge – Single Room Supplement is $20

8 frequently asked questions about 5-Day Budget Tanzania Lodge Safari

1. What is included in a 5-Day Budget Tanzania Lodge Safari package?

A typical 5-day budget lodge safari in Tanzania offers an unforgettable wildlife experience at an affordable price. These all-inclusive packages usually include park entry fees to iconic destinations like Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, or Lake Manyara, daily game drives in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, and the expertise of a professional English-speaking guide. Travelers enjoy full-board meals, bottled drinking water during game drives, and comfortable stays in budget lodges near or within the parks. Round-trip airport transfers are also included for added convenience. Many tours offer optional extras such as Maasai village visits, guided walking safaris, or Serengeti balloon rides. This type of budget Tanzania safari is perfect for adventure seekers looking to explore the best of East Africa without overspending.

2. Which national parks are visited during a 5-Day Tanzania Safari?

Most 5-day Tanzania safari itineraries focus on the Northern Circuit, home to some of the country’s most iconic national parks. Popular stops include Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, the world-famous Serengeti, and the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater. These destinations offer incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, including chances to spot the Big Five, along with diverse and dramatic landscapes ranging from savannahs to volcanic craters.

3. What is the best time to go on a 5-Day Tanzania Safari?

The best time for a Tanzania lodge safari is during the dry season from June to October, when wildlife is easier to spot as animals gather around water sources and vegetation is sparse. However, the green season from November to March also has its advantages, including fewer tourists, lush landscapes, and excellent birdwatching as migratory species arrive. Both seasons offer unique experiences, making Tanzania a year-round safari destination.

4. What types of animals can I expect to see?

5-day Tanzania safari itineraries typically explore the Northern Circuit, visiting top parks like Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater. Wildlife sightings often include the Big Five, along with giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife. Depending on the season, you may even witness the Great Migration in the Serengeti. Most safaris are all-inclusive, covering park fees, game drives in a 4x4 vehicle, an English-speaking guide, budget lodge stays, meals, bottled water, and airport transfers. Many also offer optional add-ons like Maasai village visits or balloon safaris. The dry season (June–October) is best for spotting wildlife, while the green season (November–March) offers lush scenery, fewer crowds, and great birdwatching—making Tanzania an excellent year-round safari destination.

5. Is a 5-day safari suitable for families or children?

Yes, many lodges and safari operators offer family-friendly Tanzania safaris. Some lodges provide family rooms, kid-friendly meals, and even child-focused activities. For the best experience, it’s recommended to choose a safari operator experienced in hosting families, ensuring comfort, safety, and engaging adventures for all ages.

6. What should I pack for a 5-Day Budget Lodge Safari in Tanzania?

5-day Tanzania safari itineraries call for smart, practical packing to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable adventure. Pack light, breathable clothing in neutral colors to blend in with the natural surroundings and stay cool during game drives. A warm jacket is essential for chilly early mornings, along with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen for sun protection. Don’t forget insect repellent, especially for evenings near water or in wooded areas. Must-have safari gear includes a camera with extra batteries, binoculars for spotting wildlife, and any personal medications. Use a soft-sided duffel bag for easier storage and handling in safari vehicles, especially on fly-in safaris or overland tours.

7. Are budget lodges comfortable and safe?

Yes, budget safari lodges in Tanzania are clean, safe, and provide essential comforts such as en-suite bathrooms, mosquito nets, and hearty meals. While they may lack luxury amenities, they offer a cozy, authentic African safari experience at an affordable price.

8. How much does a 5-Day Budget Lodge Safari in Tanzania cost?

Prices for safari tours typically range from $750 to $1,590 USD per person, with factors such as group size, travel season, and lodge selection affecting the overall cost. Group safaris are generally more affordable compared to private tours. To ensure you’re getting the best value, always check what’s included in the price before making a reservation.