I recently wrote about my favorite wildlife safari in East Africa. Serengeti National Park was at the heart of this safari with G Adventures but perhaps the price was too much for your liking? This is why I have found the ultimate Serengeti Budget Safari that takes in most of the same attractions and experiences for just a fraction of the cost. Please note the standard of service and organization varies from one company to the next and it’s always good to manage expectations on a ‘budget’ safari.
That said, I have personally led safaris with similar itinerary/equipment and believe this Serengeti budget safari offers incredible value. Let’s take a closer look…
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Serengeti Budget Safari: The Route and Main Highlights
The map above shows the route of this budget Serengeti tour which starts and ends in Arusha, Tanzania. This means you can make your own way to Arusha (perhaps fly into Kilimanjaro airport) or maybe you are there already. Either way, the safari is easy to arrange in terms of logistics.
This Serengeti budget safari will take you right into the heart of the action. Camping in the wilds of this park is a once in a lifetime experience but please know that your guide will ensure that you are kept safe at all times. This is also a group experience so you can take peace in mind with the extra numbers. Ngorongoro Crater is probably the most spectacular place (inside a volcanic caldera) that you will every see wildlife and Tarangire National Park will show you another side of the landscapes in Tanzania. Aside from a brief stop to meet some of the Masai people, you will spend most of this Serengeti budget safari on game drives and camping in the bush.
Let me explain what makes each section so spectacular and different.
Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most remarkable wildlife sanctuaries in the world. Often referred to as Africa’s “Garden of Eden,” it’s the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera. The Crater spans more than 260 square kilometers and forms a natural enclosure for a dense concentration of wildlife. You’ll find everything inside from lions and elephants to endangered black rhinos.
What makes the Ngorongoro Crater special is that it is a microcosm of Tanzania’s diverse ecosystems. From dense forests on the slopes to grasslands on the floor, the Crater supports a variety of animals and birds, including more than 500 bird species. The year-round water supply ensures you’ll see wildlife at any time of the year. This package combines Ngorongoro with a Serengeti budget safari, offering a longer, more immersive experience across the vast plains that stretch beyond the rim.
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park is arguably the most famous safari destination in the world. Known for its annual migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeests and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles move in search of fresh grazing. This park is enormous, covering nearly 15,000 square kilometers, and features iconic African landscapes – endless golden savannahs, scattered acacia trees, and, of course, the rich wildlife.
Lions, leopards, cheetahs, and elephants roam freely across the plains, and the park is home to all of Africa’s “Big Five.” Witnessing the migration, especially the dramatic river crossings, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Yet, even outside of the migration season, the Serengeti teems with wildlife, making it a top destination for a Serengeti budget safari. Although there are luxury lodges in the park, many opt to camp under the stars, adding an extra layer of adventure to the experience.
Your safari operator will require you to have personal travel insurance. I always use World Nomads and suggest you at least know the cost by getting a quote on the link below. It takes just a few seconds.
Tarangire National Park
Located just a few hours’ drive from Arusha, Tarangire National Park is often overshadowed by the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, but it’s an essential stop for safari enthusiasts. The park is famous for its huge elephant herds – sometimes you’ll see groups of up to 300 elephants at once, making it a photographer’s paradise. The landscape of Tarangire is different from the vast plains of the Serengeti. Here, you’ll find towering baobab trees, ancient and majestic, scattered across the landscape. The Tarangire River, which runs through the park, serves as a lifeline for the wildlife, attracting animals like zebras, giraffes, and antelopes during the dry season. Bird lovers will also be thrilled by Tarangire’s diverse bird population, with over 500 species recorded here. This park offers a quieter, more intimate safari experience compared to the Serengeti, but it’s no less rewarding.
What You’ll Experience on this Wildlife Safari
On this Serengeti budget safari, you’ll spend two days in the Serengeti, and still have time to explore the Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park. You can choose to do the whole tour by land or fly back from the Serengeti to save some time—whatever suits you best. This safari operator uses pop-up roof 4×4 vehicles which seat a maximum of six people, ensuring everyone gets a great view. And yes, this adventure is family-friendly—kids as young as three can join in under the supervision of a parent or guardian. Starting and ending in Arusha, this safari is led by guides who speak English, French, and Spanish, so you’ll feel right at home. Plus, all park fees are included, so you can just focus on enjoying the amazing wildlife and stunning landscapes Tanzania has to offer.
It might not be the most luxurious safari on offer but camping is a great way to experience the parks in East Africa. The price is also very low and this particular Serengeti budget safari is one of the most popular on the BookAllSafari platform – a leader when it comes to booking safaris online.
