Budget safari packages
1 trip
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What a budget safari is
A budget safari proves that you do not need a big budget to see Tanzania's wildlife. You watch the same lions, elephants and wildebeest as everybody else, in the same parks. To keep the cost down you sleep more simply, in tents at public campsites or in basic lodges outside the parks, and you can share the vehicle with other travellers.
It is an honest kind of adventure: simple food, the sound of hyenas at night and very early starts. If you care more about the animals than about the room, this is a great way to travel.
- Same wildlife: the same parks and the same big game as any other safari.
- Real guide: a safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, and a guide who knows the parks.
- Lower cost: simple accommodation, with the option to share the vehicle.
- Closer to nature: camping puts you right in the landscape.
How the levels compare
Whichever level you choose, the parks are the same. Here is what usually changes.
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where you sleep | Public campsites or simple lodges | Comfortable lodges and permanent tented camps | Small, well-placed camps and top lodges |
| Bathroom | Often shared at campsites | Private, en-suite | Private, en-suite, often with a view |
| Vehicle | Shared or private 4x4 | Private 4x4, or a small shared group | Private 4x4 with your own guide |
| Between parks | By road | By road, with flights as an option | Often by light aircraft |
| Best for | Adventure, and lowest cost | Comfort and value | Privacy, time and special occasions |
A guide to what is typical. Each trip page shows exactly what is included.
Who a budget safari suits
- Backpackers and students who want the full experience at a sensible price.
- Solo travellers, who can join a group and meet other people.
- Friends travelling together, who can split the cost of a vehicle.
- Adventurous travellers who enjoy camping and do not mind basic facilities.
It may not suit everyone. If you need a private bathroom, a good night's sleep in a real bed or a slower morning, a mid-range safari may make you happier.
Where a budget safari can take you
Tarangire and Lake Manyara
Close to Arusha, so less fuel and fewer days are needed. Tarangire has large elephant herds, especially in the dry season, and Lake Manyara is an easy addition. They make a very good short safari.
Ngorongoro Crater
Camping on the crater rim is a memorable, and chilly, experience. Bring warm clothes. A day on the crater floor is a highlight of most northern safaris.
The Serengeti
Public campsites in the central Serengeti put you in the heart of big cat country. The drive is long but scenic, so allow at least four days in total.
Mikumi
The easiest park to reach from Dar es Salaam by road, which makes it a useful short safari for travellers based on the coast.
Where you stay
Camping
Public campsites offer shared toilets and showers, and facilities can be basic. Most camping safaris include a crew who put up the tents and a cook who prepares meals. The sites are usually unfenced, so animals may wander through at night. That is part of the thrill, and your guide will explain how to stay safe.
Budget lodges and guesthouses
If you prefer a bed, simple lodges in towns such as Karatu and Mto wa Mbu cost less than staying inside the parks. You drive a little further in the morning, but you get a roof, a shower and a good sleep.
How to keep the cost down
Park fees are a large part of any safari price, and they are the same at every level. These choices can still make a real difference:
- Join a shared group: splitting the vehicle is usually the biggest single saving.
- Travel with friends: the price per person falls as your group grows.
- Go in the low season: the months around the rains are quieter and can cost less.
- Choose a shorter route: Tarangire, Manyara and Ngorongoro can be covered without the long drive to the Serengeti.
- Camp for part of the trip and add a lodge night when you want a treat.
- Ask what is included: check that park fees, meals and the guide are in the price, so you can compare quotes fairly.
What to bring
- Warm layers: nights can be cold, especially on the Ngorongoro rim.
- A head torch for moving around camp in the dark.
- A soft bag rather than a hard suitcase, since space in the vehicle is limited.
- Cash in small notes for tips and small purchases.
- Sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent and any medicine you need.
See our full safari packing list and the guide to money and tipping.
When to go
June to October is dry, with excellent game viewing, but it is also the busiest time. January to March is warm and green, with newborn animals in the southern Serengeti. April and May bring the long rains, so tracks can be muddy and camping can be wet, though prices can be lower and the parks are almost empty. See the month-by-month guide.
Before you travel
Most visitors need a visa for Tanzania, and rules and fees can change, so check our visas and entry guide and the official immigration site before you book flights. Talk to your doctor about malaria and vaccinations, and take out travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
Questions about budget safaris
Is a budget safari safe?
Yes, when you follow your guide's advice. Keep your tent zipped at night, do not leave food in it, and never wander away from camp in the dark.
Will I see the Big Five?
Your chances are the same as on any other safari, because you visit the same parks. Ngorongoro Crater is often the best single place to try, though sightings can never be promised.
Can I travel alone?
Yes. A shared group is the most affordable way for a solo traveller to go on safari, and it is a good way to meet people.
How many days should I book?
Three days covers Tarangire, Manyara and Ngorongoro. Allow at least four or five to include the Serengeti comfortably.
How do I get a price?
Choose a trip below or tell us your dates and group, and we will send a free quote. No prior payment is required.