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7 Days Tanzania Golden Savannahs Safari

7 Days Tanzania Golden Savannahs Safari

Four Iconic Parks, Authentic Wildlife & Comfortable Lodge Stays

7
DAYS
1
DESTINATIONS
GUESTS
Four of Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife landscapes come together in this private 7 Day Tanzania Budget Lodge Safari from Arusha, taking you from the lush surroundings of Lake Manyara and the endless plains of the Serengeti to the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater and the elephant-filled wilderness of Tarangire. Designed for travelers who want authentic safari experiences without basic camping, this journey combines diverse wildlife, dramatic scenery, comfortable budget lodges and tented camps, private game drives, and the personal service of Pita Safaris. The journey through Lake Manyara National Park introduces a contrasting side of Tanzania’s Northern Circuit, with groundwater forests, open woodland, acacia landscapes and scenic lakeshore habitats supporting elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, flamingos, monkeys and abundant birdlife. The park is also known for its distinctive tree-climbing lions, adding a memorable wildlife encounter to the safari. Further west, the legendary Serengeti National Park opens into vast golden savannahs where predators and prey share one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife ecosystems. Private game drives offer opportunities to see lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, wildebeests, zebras, giraffes and hyenas, while seasonal movements of the herds may bring you close to the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration. The Ngorongoro Crater provides a dramatic change of scenery, with its vast volcanic caldera creating an exceptional setting for wildlife viewing. A crater-floor game drive can reveal lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, hyenas and, with luck, the endangered black rhino, surrounded by the spectacular walls and landscapes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The final wildlife chapter unfolds in Tarangire National Park, a distinctive landscape famous for its enormous elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, seasonal wetlands and diverse birdlife. Its open savannahs provide a fitting finale to a Tanzania Northern Circuit safari, with opportunities to encounter elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeests and numerous antelope species. Throughout the 7 Days Tanzania Golden Savannahs Safari, you travel in a private 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, accompanied by a professional English-speaking Tanzanian safari guide. Carefully selected budget safari lodges and tented camps provide private rooms, real beds and essential en-suite comforts, making this an ideal choice for couples, families, photographers, first-time safari travelers and anyone seeking an affordable yet comfortable private Tanzania wildlife safari with Pita Safaris.

7-day private Tanzania budget lodge safari from Arusha

Lake Manyara National Park game drive through forest, woodland and lakeshore habitats

Search for Lake Manyara's famous tree-climbing lions

Serengeti National Park game drives across its vast golden savannahs

Excellent opportunities for lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants and buffaloes

Seasonal Great Wildebeest Migration viewing in the Serengeti

Two nights in the Serengeti for more time to explore its wildlife-rich ecosystem

Ngorongoro Crater game drive with opportunities for Big Five sightings

Chance to see the endangered black rhino in the Ngorongoro Crater

Tarangire National Park safari among large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees

Diverse landscapes spanning Rift Valley, forest, savannah and crater ecosystems

Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof and guaranteed window seat

Professional English-speaking Tanzanian safari driver-guide

Comfortable budget lodges and tented camps with private ensuite rooms

Scenic Northern Tanzania landscapes and exceptional wildlife photography opportunities

Optional Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari, Maasai cultural visit and Olduvai Gorge experience

Itinerary

Kilimanjaro International Airport
Arusha
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your comfortable budget safari hotel or Lodge in Arusha. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing after your flight or, if time permits, enjoy optional experiences such as an Arusha city tour, coffee plantation visit, or Cultural Heritage Centre before your Tanzania Northern Circuit safari begins.

Accommodation: Budget Safari hotel or Lodge in Arusha

Budget Safari hotel or Lodge in Arusha
Dinner
Lake Manyara National Park
Day 2: Arusha - Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast, depart Arusha in your private 4×4 safari vehicle and travel towards Lake Manyara National Park through the scenic landscapes of northern Tanzania and the Great Rift Valley. Upon arrival, begin your game drive through the park's diverse habitats, searching for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, hippos, flamingos, monkeys, and abundant birdlife. Keep an eye out for Lake Manyara's famous tree-climbing lions as you explore the forest, woodland, and lakeshore environments before continuing to your budget lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Accommodation: Budget Safari Lodge in the Lake Manyara Area

Budget Safari Lodge in the Lake Manyara Area
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Serengeti National Park
Day 3: Lake Manyara - Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, depart Lake Manyara and journey through the spectacular Ngorongoro Highlands towards the legendary Serengeti National Park. The drive provides beautiful views of Tanzania's highlands and vast open landscapes before entering the Serengeti ecosystem. Depending on your route and timing, optional visits to Olduvai Gorge or a traditional Maasai cultural village can be arranged at an additional cost. Continue into the Serengeti for an afternoon game drive, searching for lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, cheetahs, and other wildlife across the endless savannah plains.

Accommodation: Budget Tented Lodge in the Serengeti
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Budget Tented Lodge in the Serengeti
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Full Day Serengeti National Park

Spend a full day exploring the spectacular Serengeti National Park on private game drives accompanied by your professional English-speaking safari guide. Explore different areas of the Serengeti ecosystem in search of lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and other wildlife. The Serengeti is particularly renowned for its exceptional predator encounters and seasonal Great Wildebeest Migration, when enormous herds move across the ecosystem in search of fresh grazing and water. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wilderness before continuing your afternoon game drive and returning to your budget tented lodge for dinner.

Accommodation: Budget Tented Lodge in the Serengeti

Budget Tented Lodge in the Serengeti
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Day 5: Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Highlands

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in the spectacular Serengeti National Park before
departing towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Continue through the beautiful landscapes of northern Tanzania towards the Ngorongoro Highlands, with opportunities to enjoy scenic views of the changing terrain and surrounding highlands. Depending on the day's schedule, an optional visit to Olduvai
Gorge or a traditional Maasai cultural village can be arranged at an additional cost.

Arrive at your comfortable budget safari lodge in the Ngorongoro Highlands for dinner and relaxation,
ready for the following day's exciting crater safari and onward journey towards Tarangire.

Accommodation: Budget Safari Lodge in the Ngorongoro Highlands

Budget Safari Lodge in the Ngorongoro Highlands
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ngorongoro Crater
Tarangire National Park
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater - Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, descend into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable morning game drive inside one of Africa's most remarkable wildlife areas. Explore the crater floor in search of lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, hyenas, and other wildlife, with opportunities to spot the endangered black rhino in its natural habitat. Enjoy a picnic lunch or lunch within the Ngorongoro area before departing towards Tarangire National Park. The journey takes you from the lush highlands into the drier savannah landscapes surrounding Tarangire, providing a beautiful transition between two of Tanzania's iconic wildlife destinations. Arrive at your comfortable budget safari lodge in the Tarangire Area for dinner and relaxation, preparing for your final wildlife adventure the following day.

Accommodation: Budget Safari Lodge in the Tarangire National Park

Budget Safari Lodge in the Tarangire National Park
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Day 7: Tarangire National Park - Arusha Departure

After breakfast, enter Tarangire National Park for your final game drive of the safari. Known for its impressive elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, seasonal wetlands, and diverse wildlife, Tarangire provides an excellent final safari experience. Search for elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, antelopes, and numerous bird species as you explore the park's scenic landscapes.

After the game drive, depart Tarangire and continue to Arusha for your onward journey, airport transfer, or connection to your next destination.

Accommodation: Optional Budget Hotel or Lodge in Arusha

Optional Budget Hotel or Lodge in Arusha
Breakfast, Lunch
Wildlife

Wildlife Experience

Key reserves, habitats, and wildlife encounters on this safari route

Big Five: Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard & Rhino

Excellent predator viewing in the Serengeti

Great Wildebeest Migration (seasonal)

Large elephant herds in Tarangire

Tree-climbing lions at Lake Manyara

Flamingos, hippos and abundant birdlife

Wildebeests, zebras, giraffes and antelopes

Black rhino opportunities in the Ngorongoro Crater

Diverse Rift Valley, savannah and crater ecosystems

Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit

The ideal months for wildlife viewing and safari experiences in East Africa

Inclusions

Private 4×4 safari vehicle throughout the safari

Professional English-speaking safari driver-guide

6 nights budget lodge and tented lodge accommodation

Comfortable private rooms with ensuite bathrooms

Full board meals during the safari as specified in the itinerary

All scheduled private game drives as per the itinerary

Park entrance fees to Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire

Bottled drinking water during game drives

Airport transfers in Arusha

Government taxes and statutory levies

Exclude

International and domestic flights

Tanzania visa fees

Comprehensive travel insurance

Drinks, beverages, and personal expenses

Tips and gratuities for your safari guide and lodge staff

Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari

Optional Maasai cultural village visit

Optional Olduvai Gorge visit

Optional activities not specified in the itinerary

Plan Ahead

Travel Tips

Practical advice to help you prepare for a smooth and rewarding safari

  • Best time: June–October for excellent wildlife viewing and the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti
  • January–March is an excellent period for the calving season and newborn wildlife
  • Book early during peak season to secure your preferred budget safari lodges and tented camps
  • Pack lightweight clothing, a warm jacket for the Ngorongoro Highlands, hat, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes
  • Bring a camera, binoculars, spare batteries, and extra memory cards for wildlife photography
  • Carry some cash for gratuities, drinks, souvenirs, and optional experiences
  • Choose a private safari for greater flexibility and personalized game drives
  • Remember that this is a budget lodge safari, not a basic camping safari
Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this safari itinerary and travelling with Pita Safaris

What is included in the 7 Day Tanzania Budget Lodge Safari?
Private 4×4 safari vehicle, professional English-speaking safari guide, budget lodge accommodation, meals, park fees, scheduled game drives, bottled drinking water, airport transfers, and government taxes.
Is this a private or shared Tanzania safari?
This itinerary is designed as a private safari with your own 4×4 safari vehicle and dedicated professional safari driver-guide, giving you greater flexibility throughout the journey.
Is this a camping safari?
No. This is a budget lodge safari, not a basic camping safari. You stay in comfortable private rooms with ensuite bathrooms and real beds.
What wildlife can I expect to see during this Tanzania safari?
You can encounter lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, rhinos, cheetahs, wildebeests, zebras, giraffes, hippos, flamingos, hyenas, antelopes, and abundant birdlife.
Can I see the Big Five on this Tanzania safari?
Yes. Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater offer excellent opportunities to see the Big Five, although wildlife sightings are naturally never guaranteed.
When is the best time for the Great Wildebeest Migration?
The Great Wildebeest Migration is a year-round natural movement, with different areas of the Serengeti ecosystem offering different viewing opportunities throughout the year. June–October is particularly popular for migration and general wildlife viewing.
Can I add a Hot Air Balloon Safari?
Yes. An optional sunrise Hot Air Balloon Safari over the Serengeti can be arranged at an additional cost, subject to availability and the location of your accommodation.
Is this safari suitable for first-time visitors to Tanzania?
Yes. This is an excellent Tanzania Northern Circuit safari for first-time visitors, combining Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire while offering comfortable accommodation and excellent value for money.

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