tanzania safari serengeti and ngorongoro crater - 5 days

5-Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Budget Safari

Recommended by 99% of travelers

Experience the ultimate wildlife adventure with our 5-Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Budget Safari. Discover the Big Five, endless plains, and the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater all at an affordable price. Perfect for budget-conscious travellers seeking unforgettable game drives in Tanzania.

Country

Tanzania

Duration

5 Days

Difficulty

Leisurely

Activity

Game Drive

Max. altitude

2,300 m (7,546 ft)

Best season

Jun-Oct, Dec-March

Accomodation

Lodge/Camping

Meals

Included

Start/End Point

Kilimanjaro Airport

Country

Tanzania

Duration

5 Days

Difficulty

Leisurely

Activity

Game Drive

Max. altitude

2,300 m(7,546 ft)

Best season

Jun-Oct, Dec-March

Accomodation

Hotel/Camping

Meals

Included

Tour Highlights

Big Five Game Viewing – Spot lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo in their natural habitat.
Serengeti National Park – Witness the endless plains and world-renowned wildlife, including the Great Migration (seasonal).
Ngorongoro Crater – Explore the world’s largest unbroken volcanic caldera, home to Africa’s densest concentration of wildlife.
Scenic Game Drives – Enjoy expertly guided safaris in custom 4x4 vehicles with pop-up roofs for the best photo opportunities.
Sunrise & Sunset Moments – Experience breathtaking sunrises over the savannah and golden sunsets behind acacia trees.
Photographer’s Paradise – Perfect for capturing Africa’s most iconic landscapes and wildlife moments.

5-Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Budget Safari Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through two of Tanzania’s most iconic safari destinations with our 5-Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Budget Safari. Designed for adventurous travelers seeking an authentic wildlife experience without breaking the bank, this safari combines world-class game viewing with scenic landscapes and expert local guides.

Start your adventure from Arusha and venture deep into the legendary Serengeti National Park, home to the Great Migration and the Big Five. Spend your days tracking lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and rhinos across endless golden plains. Then descend into the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with wildlife in a self-contained ecosystem unlike anywhere else on Earth.

With comfortable budget accommodations, daily game drives, and all essential logistics handled by our experienced team at Hike Kilimanjaro, this safari offers unbeatable value and incredible wildlife encounters. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this 5-day adventure delivers the best of Tanzania at an affordable price.

5-Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Budget Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Njiro Legacy Hotel

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be welcomed by a representative from Hike Kilimanjaro Ltd and transferred to Njiro Legacy Hotel or a similar accommodation in Arusha. (1-hour transfer to your lodge in Arusha), You will have a full briefing with your guide to ensure you’re fully prepared for the safari.

Accommodation

Njiro Legacy Hotel

Breakfast, included

Note:
Your pre-safari briefing will be conducted at your hotel. If you arrive before 5:00 PM on the day prior to your safari, the briefing will take place that evening. If you arrive later, your guide will meet you for the briefing on the morning of your safari before departure. This ensures you’re fully prepared and have the opportunity to ask any last-minute questions

Please also note that hotel check-in is from midday (12:00 PM). If your flight arrives early in the morning, kindly let us know in advance. We can arrange a day-use room for you, or, if you prefer, we can organize some short activities to keep you engaged until your check-in time.

Day 2: Arusha to Serengeti National Park – Afternoon Game Drive

Drive time: Approx. 7–8 hours (including game viewing)

After breakfast, depart early for Serengeti National Park via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Enjoy scenic views en route and stop for a picnic lunch. Arrive in the central Serengeti (Seronera) by early afternoon for your first thrilling game drive, tracking lions, elephants, giraffes, and more in the park’s most wildlife-rich area.

Accommodation

Serengeti Public Campsite

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Day 3: Full-Day Game Drive in Serengeti National Park

Spend the entire day exploring the vast plains of the Serengeti, home to Africa’s most spectacular wildlife. Depending on the season, you may witness the Great Wildebeest Migration or dramatic predator-prey interactions. Enjoy a packed lunch in the bush and continue your safari until late afternoon.

Accommodation

Serengeti Public Campsite

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro – Scenic Drive and Overnight Stay

Drive time: Approx. 4–5 hours (with game viewing en route)

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in the Serengeti. Around midday, begin your journey toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, passing through diverse landscapes. Arrive at your lodge on the crater rim by evening, with spectacular views into the caldera.

Accommodation

Ngorongoro Public Campsite

tanzania budget camping safari accommodation

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Safari – Return to Arusha & Airport Transfer

Crater to Arusha approx. 4–5 hours

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater early in the morning for a half-day game drive. The crater is home to one of the densest concentrations of wildlife in Africa, including rhinos, lions, and large elephant herds. After lunch, drive back to Arusha. Depending on your flight time, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport for your departure.

Note:
This marks the final day of your unforgettable Tanzania Safari Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater – 5 days with Hike Kilimanjaro. After your game drive in Ngorongoro Crater, you will be transferred directly to Kilimanjaro International Airport. Due to the long driving distance, we highly recommend booking a night flight departing from 9:00 PM onward. Alternatively, you may choose to add an extra night in Arusha and depart the following day to allow for a more relaxed and comfortable end to your journey.

Flight information

The best airport to fly into is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Located about 45 km from Moshi and 50 km from Arusha, it is the most convenient airport for climbers.

Hike Kilimanjaro Ltd can arrange airport transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your hotel and back. Please note that transfers are available at an additional cost—just let us know your flight details in advance, and we’ll handle the rest.

Alternative Airports

If you cannot find a flight directly to Kilimanjaro International Airport, you may also consider flying to:

Nairobi International Airport (NBO) – Kenya
Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) – Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

From these airports, you can connect to Kilimanjaro by either:

A connecting flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
A shuttle bus or private transfer to Moshi or Arusha, where your trek begins

For convenience, Nairobi is closer to Kilimanjaro than Dar es Salaam, and often offers more international flight options at competitive prices.

International Flights to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)

Several major airlines offer direct flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport:

Airline	Route
KLM	Amsterdam → Kilimanjaro
Condor	Frankfurt → Kilimanjaro
Turkish Airlines	Istanbul → Kilimanjaro
Kenya Airways	Nairobi → Kilimanjaro
Precision Air	Nairobi → Kilimanjaro
Qatar Airways	Doha → Kilimanjaro
Ethiopian Airlines	Addis Ababa → Kilimanjaro
RwandAir	Kigali → Kilimanjaro

If direct flights are not available from your location, you can also book flights via Dar es Salaam or Nairobi, then connect to Kilimanjaro.

Domestic Flights within Tanzania

For flights within Tanzania, the following airlines operate regular domestic services:

Precision Air
Air Tanzania
Fly540
Regional Air
ZanAir
Coastal Aviation
Air Excel

Bus Transfers

We can also arrange shuttle bus services between Nairobi, Arusha, and Moshi. These are available daily for an additional fee.

Sample Shuttle Schedule (subject to change):

Route	Departure	Arrival
Nairobi → Arusha	08:00	14:00
Nairobi → Arusha	14:00	18:30
Nairobi → Moshi	08:00	15:30
Moshi → Nairobi	06:00	14:00
Arusha → Nairobi	08:00	14:00
Moshi → Nairobi	10:30	18:30
Arusha → Nairobi	14:00	18:30

Private Transfers

For added comfort and flexibility, private transfers can also be arranged between:

Nairobi ↔ Arusha / Moshi
Dar es Salaam ↔ Arusha / Moshi
Mombasa ↔ Arusha / Moshi

Private transfers are available at an extra cost. Contact us for current rates and arrangements.

Price For 5-Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Budget Safari

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Price Includes

Airport transfers (to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport)
One nights hotel accommodation in Arusha before safari, with breakfast only included.
Full-board accommodation throughout the safari
Daily packed lunch and unlimited drinking water
Professional English-speaking safari guide
Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
All park and conservation fees
All airport transfers

Price Excludes

Optional activities (e.g. Hot air balloon safari – $550 per person)
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks at lodges and camps
Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, phone calls, etc.)
Tips and gratuities for the guide and lodge staff
International and domestic flights
Personal travel insurance

Packing List for 5-Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Budget Safari

To ensure a safe and comfortable safari experience with Hike Kilimanjaro Ltd, we recommend bringing the following essential gear and equipment. Being well-prepared is the key to enjoying your adventure in Tanzania to the fullest.

Clothing Recommendations

Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, ideal for game walks and exploring campsites
Long-sleeved shirts and trousers for sun protection and to guard against insects
Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime (e.g., t-shirts, shorts, or dresses)
A light jacket or sweater for chilly mornings and evenings
Hat or cap for sun protection

Safari Gear Essentials

Binoculars for wildlife viewing (1 provided in each safari vehicle; extras available on request)
Insect repellent (preferably with DEET) to keep mosquitoes and bugs at bay
Camera with extra batteries and memory cards to capture every moment
Flashlight or headlamp for use in camps and lodges after dark
High-SPF sunscreen to protect against strong sun exposure
Sunglasses with UV protection for eye comfort and safety

Other Travel Essentials

Valid passport and visa (Visa can be obtained online prior to arrival)
Essential medications and prescriptions for personal use
Travel insurance documents for peace of mind
Reusable water bottle (we'll provide one for you at the start of your safari)
First aid kit with basic medical supplies (available in the safari vehicle)
Light snacks for the journey (e.g., granola bars, nuts, dried fruit)

Miscellaneous Items

First aid kit with basic medical supplies (available in the safari vehicle)
Waterproof bag or cover to protect electronics from dust or rain
Cash in small denominations for tips, souvenirs, and incidentals
Swimsuit, as some lodges and camps offer swimming pools

Important Information About Your 5-Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Budget Safari

Planning a Tanzania budget safari with Hike Kilimanjaro Ltd? We provide everything you need for a safe, adventurous, and unforgettable wildlife experience without compromising comfort or authenticity. Our group and private safaris run year-round, but the best wildlife viewing happens in the dry season from June to October and during the calving season from January to March, when thousands of wildebeest give birth in the southern Serengeti.

You’ll explore iconic destinations like the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater in a private or shared 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser, equipped with a pop-up roof for excellent photography and game viewing. Every safari vehicle includes six individual window seats, USB charging ports, charging cables, a cooler box with drinking water and snacks, and one pair of binoculars per vehicle (additional pairs available for rent or bring your own).

Your budget camping safari includes all national park entry fees, daily game drives, and accommodation at public campsites located within or near the national parks. These campsites allow you to sleep under the African stars in quality two-person dome tents, with thick foam mattresses, sleeping bags, and camp pillows provided. Meals are freshly prepared by your personal safari chef using local ingredients and served in a communal dining area or picnic style in the bush.

More Details About Your Tanzania Camping Safari

During your 5-day budget safari with Hike Kilimanjaro Ltd, you’ll stay at well-maintained public campsites in or near the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. These campsites offer shared bathroom facilities, cold or solar-heated showers, and ranger presence for safety. While basic, the camping experience is incredibly immersive, letting you hear the sounds of wildlife at night and wake up to sunrise over the savannah.

This budget-friendly option is ideal for adventurous travellers who don’t mind giving up a few hotel comforts in exchange for a raw connection to nature and proximity to wildlife. All meals during the safari are included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with bottled water provided daily. We also cater to vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets upon request.

Your itinerary includes long scenic drives between parks ranging from 4 to 6 hours, taking you through the Great Rift Valley, local villages, acacia woodlands, and the endless plains of the Serengeti.

5-Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Budget Safari Map

Traveler Reviews

These full and frank reviews are from travelers who have traveled with Hike Kilimanjaro previously. The reviews and experiences shown here are from reputable travel websites like TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trust Pilot, etc.

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What makes this trip
different?

Hike Kilimanjaro
Company

Sustainability and Responsible Tourism

Related Information

5-Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Budget Safari

Planning your dream African safari doesn’t have to be expensive. With the right information, you can enjoy a world-class wildlife experience on a reasonable budget. Below, we answer the most common questions travelers ask before booking this 5-day adventure with Hike Kilimanjaro.

Is a 5-day safari in Serengeti and Ngorongoro enough?

Yes, this itinerary is perfect for first-time safari-goers. It combines the Serengeti’s vast plains with the rich biodiversity of the Ngorongoro Crater, offering high chances of seeing the Big Five and enjoying scenic landscapes without rushing.

What is the best time to visit Serengeti and Ngorongoro on a budget safari?

The best time for budget travellers is during the shoulder seasons, March to May and November. These periods offer fewer crowds and better prices while still delivering excellent wildlife sightings, including parts of the Great Migration.

How much does a 5-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari cost?

On a budget package with Hike Kilimanjaro, prices typically range from $1,100 to $1,800 per person, depending on the season, group size, and accommodation preferences. This includes park fees, accommodation, meals, and game drives.

What kind of accommodation is included in the budget safari?

Our 5-day safari uses budget lodges or public campsites with shared bathroom facilities. All camps are safe, clean, and located close to prime game-viewing areas to keep you close to nature while minimizing costs.

Is it safe to go on a budget safari in Tanzania?

Absolutely. All safaris with Hike Kilimanjaro are led by professional guides and drivers, and we use well-maintained 4×4 vehicles. Budget does not mean compromise on safety—we prioritize your security at all times.

Will I see the Big Five on this safari?

The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are two of the best places in Africa to spot the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. With experienced guides, your chances are extremely high on this 5-day itinerary.

What should I pack for a 5-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari?

Pack light and smart. Essentials include:

Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
Binoculars and camera
Reusable water bottle
Insect repellent
Travel documents and insurance

Is Ngorongoro Crater worth visiting during this safari?

Absolutely. The Ngorongoro Crater is a natural wonder, home to the densest population of large mammals in Africa. A full-day game drive here is often a safari highlight thanks to close-range animal sightings.

Why book with Hike Kilimanjaro?

At Hike Kilimanjaro, we combine local expertise, sustainable travel ethics, and unbeatable value. Our safari guides are passionate professionals, and we design each itinerary to give you the best experience at the best price.