7 Days Tarangire, Central Serengeti, Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) & Ngorongoro Crater Budget Safari
Safari Overview
This 7-day budget safari is designed to follow the natural rhythm of wildlife movement across the Serengeti ecosystem while maintaining affordable accommodation and efficient routing. The program begins in Tarangire National Park, continues through Central Serengeti, moves north to the Kogatende area of Northern Serengeti, returns to Central Serengeti for deeper exploration, and concludes with a game drive inside the Ngorongoro Crater.
The structure allows extended time in both Central and Northern Serengeti, increasing the chances of observing predator activity and, seasonally, the Great Migration near the Mara River. Budget lodges or tented camps are selected for practicality, location, and comfort, ensuring strong wildlife access without unnecessary luxury costs.
Full Itinerary
Day 1
Arusha – Tarangire National Park
Your safari begins with a morning departure from Arusha to Tarangire National Park, approximately a two to three-hour drive. Tarangire is known for its wide savannah landscapes, seasonal swamps, and large baobab trees.
Game drives focus along the Tarangire River, the park’s permanent water source that attracts elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests, particularly during dry months. Tarangire supports one of the largest elephant populations in Northern Tanzania, and sightings of large family groups are common. Lions are often seen resting in shaded areas, while leopards may occasionally appear in riverine woodland.
After a picnic lunch inside the park and continued afternoon game viewing, you proceed to a budget lodge or campsite for dinner and overnight.
OVERNIGHT:
Budget lodge or campsite
MEALS:
Lunch & Dinner
Day 2
Tarangire – Central Serengeti
After breakfast, you depart for Serengeti National Park, driving through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The journey offers changing scenery as highland terrain gradually opens into expansive Serengeti plains.
Upon entering Central Serengeti, game drives begin immediately. This region maintains consistent wildlife density due to permanent water sources and stable prey populations. Lions are frequently observed on kopjes, cheetahs patrol open grasslands, and leopards are sometimes located in riverine vegetation. Large herds of wildebeests and zebras move across the plains throughout much of the year.
By late afternoon, you arrive at your budget tented camp or lodge in Central Serengeti for dinner and overnight.
OVERNIGHT:
Budget tented camp
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3
Central Serengeti – Northern Serengeti (Kogatende)
After breakfast, you begin a game drive en route toward Northern Serengeti, specifically the Kogatende region near the Mara River. Wildlife sightings continue throughout the journey as you travel through different ecological zones.
The Northern Serengeti is particularly significant between July and October, when large segments of the Great Migration gather near the Mara River. During this period, wildebeests and zebras attempt river crossings while predators remain active nearby. Outside migration season, the area still supports resident wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, and antelope species.
Arrive at your budget camp in Kogatende for dinner and overnight.
OVERNIGHT:
Budget tented camp
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4
Full Day in Northern Serengeti – Kogatende
This day is dedicated to exploring the Northern Serengeti. Early morning and afternoon game drives increase opportunities to observe wildlife activity near the Mara River and surrounding plains.
During migration season, you may witness river crossing attempts, large herds gathering along riverbanks, and heightened predator presence. At other times of the year, the area remains less crowded and offers a quieter safari atmosphere with strong resident wildlife populations.
A picnic lunch is served inside the park, allowing extended time in the field before returning to camp in the late afternoon.
OVERNIGHT:
Budget tented camp
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5
Northern Serengeti – Central Serengeti
After breakfast, you begin the drive back toward Central Serengeti, continuing with game viewing along the way. The movement between regions allows exploration of varied landscapes and increases the diversity of wildlife sightings.
Upon arrival in Central Serengeti, you continue with an afternoon game drive before reaching your budget accommodation for dinner and overnight.
OVERNIGHT:
Budget tented camp
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6
Full Day in Central Serengeti
This day allows further exploration of Central Serengeti’s wildlife-rich areas. Predator sightings are frequent in this region, particularly lions and hyenas, while leopards may be located along river systems. Elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and several antelope species are commonly encountered.
The flexibility of a full-day game drive allows your guide to adjust routes based on real-time wildlife movement and recent sightings. After a picnic lunch and extended afternoon game viewing, you return to camp for dinner and overnight.
OVERNIGHT:
Budget tented camp
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7
Central Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater – Return to Arusha
After an early breakfast, you depart Serengeti and drive toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Upon arrival at the crater gate, you descend approximately 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive.
The crater floor hosts a dense concentration of wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffalo, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, and hyenas. It is one of Tanzania’s most reliable locations to observe the endangered black rhino. The enclosed ecosystem supports a stable wildlife population year-round.
After a picnic lunch inside the crater, you ascend to the rim and begin the drive back to Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon where your safari with WAZO SAFARIS concludes.
MEALS:
Lunch & Dinner
Price Includes
- All meals on the safari.
- All Park entrance fees & taxes.
- All prices are quoted in US Dollars.
- Game Safari to National Parks as specified
- Private 4×4 wheel drive vehicle with a roof hatch and sliding windows
- First aid kit. Our guides are all trained in providing basic first aid.
- Charging station. So you can charge your phone, camera battery, or laptop while on the road.
- Water, Soft Drinks, Wine and Beers.
- Professional English speaking safari and tour guide / driver
- Wildlife tours according to your itinerary preferences.
- All game viewing activities specified Safari.
Price Excludes
- Gears
- Tips
- Travel Insurance
- Flights
Enquire This Tour
Speak to a specialist to start planning your tailor-made Tanzania Safari
Call one of our experts or arrange a appointment for ideas and advice.
Call us today
+255 685 532 020
Related Safari Packages
2 Days Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater Budget Safari
Experience the magic of Tanzania’s northern safari circuit on this 2 Days Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater Budget Safari
- 2 Destinations
3 Days Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park Budget Safari
Unforgettable 3 Days Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National
- 3 Destinations
4 Days Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater Budget Safari
This 4 Days Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater Budget Safari is the perfect affordable Tanzania safari package
- 3 Destinations