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NGORONGORO CRATER & LAKE MANYARA BUDGET SAFARI

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  • 3 days/2 nights
  • Max Guests : 34
  • Wifi Available
  • Jan - Dec
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Safari Overview

This 3-day adventure packs two of Tanzania’s most diverse and spectacular ecosystems into one unforgettable journey. Experience the unparalleled wildlife density of the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and natural wonder, followed by the lush, groundwater forests and famous tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara National Park. This is the perfect budget-friendly introduction to the Northern Safari Circuit.

Travel Style: Budget Camping & Lodge Options

Best For: Adventurous travelers, backpackers, and those seeking maximum wildlife diversity on a budget.

Best Time: Year-round, but dry season (June-October) offers best visibility and animal spotting.

Price Includes

  • Transport: 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
  • Park Fees: All park entry fees for Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro
  • Ngorongoro Fees: Crater service fee & vehicle permit
  • Services: Professional English-speaking guide
  • Accommodation: 2 nights in budget lodge/campsite
  • Meals: As per itinerary (2 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners)
  • Drinking Water: 1.5L per person per day

Price Excludes

  • International/Domestic Flights
  • Visa fees ($50-100 for Tanzania)
  • Travel Insurance (mandatory)
  • Tips for guide and camp staff (recommended)
  • Soft drinks, alcoholic beverages
  • Optional Activities: Maasai Village visit ($20-30 per person)
  • Items of a personal nature

What to Expect

A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine. I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite sense of mere tranquil existence, that I neglect my talents.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park

  • Morning (8:00 AM – 10:30 AM): Pick up from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. Scenic drive to Lake Manyara National Park, with views of the Great Rift Valley escarpment.
  • Late Morning (10:30 AM – 1:00 PM): Enter the park and begin your game drive. Explore the lush groundwater forest, home to troops of baboons and blue monkeys. Keep an eye on the acacia trees for the park’s famous tree-climbing lions.
  • Lunch (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM): Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated site within the park.
  • Afternoon (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM): Continue your game drive along the lake shore, where you can see large herds of buffalo, elephants, and thousands of flamingos and other water birds (seasonal).
  • Evening (4:30 PM onwards): Exit the park and drive to your budget campsite/lodge in Karatu or near the Ngorongoro gate. Dinner and overnight.

       Accommodation: Budget Lodge or Campsite in Karatu

       Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Full Day Ngorongoro Crater Adventure

  • Morning (6:00 AM – 7:30 AM): Early breakfast and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater – one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. The 600-meter descent offers breathtaking views.
  • Full Day (7:30 AM – 4:00 PM): Spend the entire day exploring the crater floor. This is your best chance in Tanzania to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and black rhino) in one place. The crater is also home to thousands of wildebeest, zebra, gazelles, and hyenas. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Ngoitoktok picnic site near the hippo pool.
  • Late Afternoon (4:00 PM – 5:30 PM): Begin the ascent from the crater and return to your accommodation in Karatu.
  • Evening: Relax and enjoy dinner, sharing stories of the incredible wildlife sightings from the day.

       Accommodation: Budget Lodge or Campsite in Karatu

       Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Cultural Experience & Return to Arusha

  • Morning (8:00 AM – 11:00 AM): After breakfast, visit a local Maasai village or take a guided walk in the coffee plantations around Karatu (cultural visits are usually an optional extra cost). This provides insight into local life and traditions.
  • Late Morning (11:00 AM): Begin the journey back to Arusha.
  • Lunch (1:00 PM): Stop for lunch in Arusha (at own cost) or enjoy a packed lunch.
  • Afternoon (2:00 PM – 3:00 PM): Drop-off at your hotel in Arusha or at Kilimanjaro Airport for your onward journey.

       Meals: Breakfast

Price
From$2,520
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