+255 618 438 540
+255 618 438 540
info@echelonsafaris.com
Experience the best of Northern Tanzania's wildlife on this carefully crafted 8-day budget safari. Perfect for travelers seeking authentic wildlife encounters at an affordable price, this journey takes you through diverse landscapes and ecosystems.
From the tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara to the flamingos of Lake Natron, the vast plains of Serengeti, and the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater, this safari offers incredible value without compromising on the experience.
Experience each day of your budget safari with detailed descriptions of your journey through Northern Tanzania's most accessible wildlife destinations.
Plan your flight for arrival to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by your Echelon Safaris representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha for the night.
Take time to relax after your journey, enjoy the hotel amenities, and prepare for your safari adventure ahead. The Kibo Palace Hotel offers comfortable accommodation and is a great place to meet fellow travelers.
We recommend arriving by early evening to allow time to settle in. Dinner will be served at the hotel, where you can meet your guide for a briefing about the upcoming safari adventure.
After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park, known for its tree-climbing lions, large elephant herds, and diverse birdlife. Enjoy a full day game drive with a picnic lunch in the park.
Lake Manyara is a beautiful park located at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. The lake itself attracts thousands of flamingos and other water birds. The groundwater forest is home to troops of baboons and blue monkeys.
Lake Manyara is famous for its unique tree-climbing lions. While not all lions climb trees, the lions in Manyara have developed this behavior, possibly to escape biting flies or to enjoy the cool breeze.
Drive to Lake Natron, a saline lake located at the base of active Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano. This remote area is the primary breeding ground for lesser flamingos in East Africa.
Lake Natron's alkaline waters create a unique ecosystem that supports specialized life forms. The lake's color can range from deep red to orange due to the presence of microorganisms that thrive in the salty environment.
Today you have the option to hike to a beautiful waterfall in the nearby gorge or take a guided walk to view the flamingos from closer range. Alternatively, adventurous travelers can hike partway up Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano.
The waterfall hike takes you through a dramatic canyon to a series of cascading waterfalls and natural pools - a refreshing break from the heat. The volcano hike offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscape.
Choose between a moderate waterfall hike (2-3 hours round trip) or a more challenging volcano hike (4-6 hours). Both options provide unique perspectives of this remarkable landscape. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
After breakfast, drive to Serengeti National Park, entering through the less-traveled Ndutu area. Enjoy game viewing en route to your camp. The Serengeti is Tanzania's oldest and most famous national park.
The park is home to the Great Migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles move in an annual cycle. Even outside migration season, the Serengeti has excellent resident wildlife.
By entering through Ndutu area, we avoid higher park fees while still accessing excellent wildlife viewing areas, especially during calving season (January-March).
Full day exploring the Serengeti with morning and afternoon game drives. Search for the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino) and other wildlife in this vast ecosystem.
The Serengeti's name means "endless plains" in the Maasai language, and the park lives up to its name with grasslands stretching to the horizon. The park's diverse habitats support an incredible variety of wildlife year-round.
December-March: Calving season in Ndutu; April-May: Green season with fewer tourists; June-July: Migration moves north; August-October: River crossings in north; November: Short rains, migration returns south.
Early morning game drive in Serengeti, then drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day safari. The crater is often called "Africa's Garden of Eden" due to its high density of wildlife.
Ngorongoro is the world's largest intact volcanic caldera, forming a natural enclosure for about 25,000 large animals. The crater floor offers excellent chances to see the Big Five, including the rare black rhino.
After breakfast, drive back to Arusha. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for souvenir shopping or a day room to freshen up before your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight.
As you travel back to Arusha, reflect on the incredible wildlife encounters and beautiful landscapes you've experienced during your 8-day budget safari adventure in Northern Tanzania.
We recommend booking international flights departing after 3:00 PM. If you have an early flight, we can arrange a packed breakfast. For those with evening flights, we can arrange a day room (additional cost) to freshen up before your flight.
This budget safari includes essential services designed for an affordable yet memorable Tanzanian adventure.
7 nights in budget hotels and tented camps as specified in the itinerary.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the safari (except in Arusha on day 1 & 8).
All ground transfers and shared 4x4 game drives with pop-up roof.
Services of an English-speaking professional safari guide throughout.
All national park entry fees and conservation fees as per itinerary.
Unlimited drinking water during game drives and throughout the safari.
International flights to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Tanzania visa fees (currently $100 for US citizens, $50 for others).
Soft drinks, alcohol, and other beverages (except water).
Souvenirs, laundry, telephone calls, and other personal items.
Tips for guides and camp staff (recommended $15-20 per day).
Comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation.
Ready to experience the 8 Day Budget Safari? Complete the form below and our safari specialists will contact you to finalize your booking.
We offer the best value budget safaris without compromising on wildlife viewing experiences.
Special rates for groups of 4 or more travelers. Perfect for friends and families.
We offer departures throughout the year with the best prices during green season.
