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8-Day Camping Safari: Arusha, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire

8-Day Camping Safari: Arusha, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire

Safari Overview

Eight days; five parks; Africa's most complete budget camping safari. This 8-Day Camping Safari covers the entire northern wildlife circuit — Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara, the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire — with enough time in each park to experience it properly, not merely pass through it. Three nights in the Serengeti alone provides the sustained immersion that this vast and complex ecosystem genuinely rewards. This safari suits travelers who understand that the most valuable things in Africa are time and expertise — time to wait for the right moment, and expertise to know where that moment is most likely to occur. Both are provided without compromise on this nine-day program, regardless of the camping accommodation format. Complete camping kit, expert private guiding, all park fees, all meals, and transport throughout. Best time: June to October. Contact Shammah Wonders Safaris for the best group rates on this itinerary.
8-Day Camping Safari: Arusha, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire Route

Day to day description

Arrival Kilimanjaro International Park - Arusha Town

Today you arrive directly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (time and flight to be confirmed) and will be transferred to your pre-safari lodge in Arusha. 

Approximate driving time: 1-2 hours to lodge
Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge
Meals included: Dinner

Kilimanjaro International Park - Arusha Town photo 1
Kilimanjaro International Park - Arusha Town photo 2

Day 1 Arusha Town - Arusha National Park

Embark on an enchanting journey to Arusha National Park, a hidden gem offering unparalleled vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, and Mount Meru, Tanzania’s majestic second-highest mountain, both visible on clear days. Discover a haven for bird enthusiasts, with the park boasting nearly 400 avian species thriving in diverse habitats encompassing forests, savannahs, moorlands, and lakes. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of this picturesque landscape, capturing breathtaking wildlife photography amidst the stunning surroundings. As part of today's game drive, you'll also have the opportunity for a memorable canoeing safari lasting two hours, providing a unique perspective of the park's diverse ecosystem. Later, return to your accommodation in Arusha for a delectable dinner and a restful overnight stay, concluding your unforgettable day of exploration and adventure.

Approximate driving time: 1.5 hours to park
Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge
Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Arusha Town - Arusha National Park photo 1
Arusha Town - Arusha National Park photo 2

Day 2 Arusha Town- Lake Manyara National Park - Mto Wa Mbu

Today you will be picked from your pre-safari lodge in Arusha and begin a thrilling adventure in Lake Manyara National Park, a diverse environment nestled around a salty lake. This small park is like a miniature version of East African landscapes, with forests, plains, cliffs, and woodlands. Look out for the many animals, such as elephants, giraffes, hippos, and different birds. The park is famous for its rare sight of lions climbing trees. After a day of exploring, drive to Mto Wa Mbu where you a Dinner & Overnight stay.

Approximate driving time: 2-3 hours to Manyara/1 hour to Mto wa Mbu
Accommodation: Twiga Campsite
Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic lunch, Dinner.

Arusha Town- Lake Manyara National Park - Mto Wa Mbu photo 1
Arusha Town- Lake Manyara National Park - Mto Wa Mbu photo 2

Day 3 Lake Manyara National Park - Serengeti National Park

Journey to the world-renowned Serengeti National Park, a vast expanse of savannah teeming with wildlife. Upon entering the park, witness the mesmerizing spectacle of the Great Migration if your visit coincides with this natural phenomenon. Enjoy exhilarating game drives through the Seronera region, renowned for its dense populations of predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. As the golden hues of the African sunset paint the landscape, arrive at your campsite where you'll be welcomed with warm hospitality and a sumptuous dinner.

Approximate driving time: 4-5 hour to Serengeti National Park
Accommodation: Seronera Campsite
Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner.

Lake Manyara National Park - Serengeti National Park photo 1
Lake Manyara National Park - Serengeti National Park photo 2

Day 4 Serengeti National Park (Seronera ) Full Day

Today, after breakfast at your tented camp, you'll spend your day fully immersed in the vast plains of Serengeti National Park. As the sun rises, embark on a journey to witness the lively wildlife activities. The park's varied habitats host a wide range of animals, from majestic lions to graceful giraffes. With every turn, you'll encounter new wonders, guaranteeing a day packed with breathtaking experiences and picturesque landscapes. After a full day of exploration, you'll return to your camp for dinner and to spend the night, reflecting on the day's adventures.
 

Accommodation: Seronera Campsite
Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Serengeti National Park (Seronera ) Full Day photo 1
Serengeti National Park (Seronera ) Full Day photo 2

Day 5 Serengeti National Park (Seronera ) Full Day

Spend a day immersed in the endless plains of Serengeti National Park. As the sun rises, set out to witness the stirring wildlife activities. The park’s diverse habitats are home to a rich tapestry of animals, from majestic lions to elegant giraffes. Every turn reveals new surprises, ensuring a day filled with awe-inspiring encounters and photogenic landscapes.

Accommodation: Seronera Campsite
Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic lunch, Dinner.

Serengeti National Park (Seronera ) Full Day photo 1
Serengeti National Park (Seronera ) Full Day photo 2

Day 6 Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Crater

Begin the day with a half-day game drive in the Serengeti, soaking in the breathtaking vistas and encountering a myriad of wildlife species. After lunch, embark on a scenic drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the iconic Ngorongoro Crater. Arrive at the crater rim in the late afternoon, where you'll be treated to panoramic views of the expansive caldera below. Settle into your accommodation perched on the crater's rim, where you'll spend the night in anticipation of tomorrow's full-day exploration.

Approximate driving time: 3 hours to Ngorongoro
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Simba Campsite
Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner.

Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Crater photo 1
Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Crater photo 2

Day 7 Ngorongoro Crater - Mto wa mbu

Today Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as the "Eight Wonder of the World," for a full day of game drives within this natural amphitheater. Marvel at the abundant wildlife congregating around the crater floor, including the densest population of lions in Africa, elusive black rhinos, and large herds of wildebeest and zebras. Enjoy picnic lunches amidst the stunning scenery, soaking in the sights and sounds of this unique ecosystem. In the late afternoon, bid farewell to the crater and embark on a scenic drive to Mto wa mbu. Arrive at your campsite, where you'll enjoy a delicious dinner under the starlit sky.

Approximate driving time:2.5 hours to Mto wa mbu
Accommodation: Twiga Campsite
Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Ngorongoro Crater - Mto wa mbu photo 1
Ngorongoro Crater - Mto wa mbu photo 2

Day 8 Mto wa mbu to Tarangire National Park

Start the day with an early breakfast at Twiga campsite and depart for Tarangire National Park via Makuyuni junction. Upon arrival, enjoy a morning game drive where you can spot elephants, giraffes, and the iconic baobab trees. Stop for a picnic lunch inside the park near the Tarangire River while observing wildlife in their natural habitat. After lunch, continue with an afternoon game drive exploring more areas of the park before exiting. Later, drive toward Arusha, passing through scenic Maasai plains and local villages. Arrive in the evening at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA/JRO) for your departure flight.

Approximate driving time: 1.5 hours to Tarangire & 3 hours to Kilimanjaro International Airport
Accommodation: None
Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch

Enquire for this Tour
Budget Friendly Tours & Safaris in Tanzania

Includes

Meals & accommodation

- Snacks & soft drinks

- Transfer fee

4x4 Land cruiser with pop up roof

Government taxes & VAT

All National Park conservation, park entry, camping, activity or concession fees as applicable 

Experienced English-speaking safari guide.

1 first aid kit per vehicle - In vehicle sanitizer, charging ports (Type G socket)

Excludes

International flights

Alcohol

Laundry & shopping expenses

Optional activities expenses

Extra excursion not listed in itinerary

– Government-imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees