Overview
This rugged 4-day safari loops through northern Tanzania’s famous parks on a
budget camping adventure. You’ll travel in a 4×4 pop-up roof vehicle with a professional guide, assistant,
and cook, staying at public campsites (tents with simple shared toilets/showers) each night. The focus is on the
Great Migration – watching millions of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle move through Tarangire, the
Serengeti and Ngorongoro. From Tarangire’s elephant-studded riverbed and baobab forests, across
Seronera’s central Serengeti plains to the quiet northern corridors of Lobo, you’ll see huge herds and the
predators that follow them. Days start at dawn and cool off in late afternoon when wildlife is most
active; in between, the cook prepares breakfast, picnic lunches, and hot dinners fireside. This itinerary
highlights wildlife viewing (Big Five, antelope herds, birdlife) with basic camping comfort – warm meals, hot
water showers (where available), and the fun of sleeping under the stars with hippos humming and lions
roaring nearby.
Serengeti’s vast plains host the planet’s greatest mammal migration, and we time our trip to intercept
the herds moving north. You’ll glimpse the spectacle of thousands of wildebeest dispersing across
Seronera’s floodplains and, later in the trip, possibly crossing rivers or the Lobo area. Tarangire is
famous for its enormous elephant herds around the Tarangire River, framed by giant baobab trees.
Ngorongoro’s highlands and Crater floor end the tour – the crater hosts all Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino,
elephant, buffalo) and thousands of herbivores in its fertile caldera. Throughout, your guide/crew
handles camping logistics (setting tents, cooking fire meals, laundry), leaving you free to focus on wildlife
and scenery.
Highlight
- Private Safari – Enjoy the flexibility and comfort of your own professional driver-guide and private 4x4 safari vehicle.
- Tarangire National Park – Famous for giant baobab trees and large elephant herds.
- Serengeti National Park – Home of the Great Migration and incredible big-cat sightings.
- Ngorongoro Crater – A UNESCO World Heritage Site with unmatched wildlife density.
Itinerary
We rise before dawn for a morning from Arusha, then head west into Serengeti National Park. The ~4-5 hour drive (including a picnic lunch) takes us through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and into Seronera, the central Serengeti. By afternoon, we reach Nyani Campsite in the Seronera Valley, a grassy plain laced with small waterways. This area is rich in wildlife year-round: expect big cats (lions often lounge on kopjes, and leopards hide in riverine trees), plus elephant, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and buffalo. (Our guide will interpret tracks and set out on foot briefly if a sighting looms.) After lunch, we take a late game-drive loop around Seronera – lions may be on the prowl as dusk approaches, and abundant birds (storks, vultures, starlings) crowd the skies. Return to Nyani by sunset: facilities here include showers and toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables under the acacia trees. Relax with sundowners and dinner under the stars, while listening to hippos or hyenas in the distance.
Today, we drive northward into the less-visited Serengeti. The 5–6 hour journey (with game stops) traverses the open savanna and the rocky Gol Mountains. Around midday, we cross into the vast northern plains (via Kisangura or Matiti routes), possibly following lowland pools that attract herds. The Serengeti migration often moves through this area, so we’ll be on the lookout for scattered wildebeest or zebra herds gradually moving west/north. Lobo Campsite is situated in acacia woodland near riverine forest – an ideal habitat for predators. Spend the afternoon game-driving in Lobo: it’s prime territory for lions and cheetahs, as well as elephants, giraffes, and buffalo. Birdlife includes snake-eagles, crowned cranes, and hornbills. Night at Lobo is very “bush”: this public camp has basic showers/toilets, and wildlife roam freely (bats or owls may wake you, and nearby lions have been known to howl nearby
After an early breakfast, we take a last morning game drive in the Serengeti. Then we depart south toward the Ngorongoro highlands, winding down the eastern escarpment and re-entering craggy montane grasslands. We may stop briefly for scenic views or wildlife (sometimes zebra and wildebeest are still streaming through these southern Serengeti plains ). By afternoon, we reach Simba Campsite on the Ngorongoro Crater rim. Simba “A” campsite is a public site about 2 km from the crater edge. Here we have hot showers (fire-heated) and flush toilets – a bit of comfort before the big day. A short walk from camp leads to stunning viewpoints over the crater floor. Evening at Simba camp is chilly (bring warm layers); gather around the fire with dinner as the last light paints the crater walls.
We wake pre-dawn for the descent into Ngorongoro Crater – a spectacular start to the day. The crater’s grassy floor hosts dense populations of wildlife. With your guide/driver, we do a morning game drive along the crater tracks. Here you can see all members of the Big Five (often buffalo and lion are common sights. Black rhino (rare, a few dozen in the crater) may be spotted in the swamps, and healthy herds of wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, and waterbuck graze the plains. Lake Magadi often glitters with flocks of pink flamingos. Predators like hyenas and jackals scavenge actively, and birdlife is profuse (cranes, vultures, kori bustards). We’ll carry a packed lunch for a picnic by Lake Ndutu or at Ngoitokitok springs. By early afternoon, we ascend out of the crater and drive back to Arusha via Karatu, arriving by late afternoon.
| Group Discount | Cost Per Traveler in US($) |
|---|---|
| 2-4 People | 1250 |
| 5- People | 1075 |
The Trip Cost Includes
Cost include
- Destinations transfers (airport transfer)
- Private professional safari guide
- Private 4 x 4 safari with roof for game viewing
- Daily bottle of mineral water during Safari
- All meals during safari (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Entrance, park fees and 18% VAT to our entrance fees
Cost exluded
- International flights
- Tip to the driver guide and hoteliers
- Insurance fees
- Cost of Visas.
- Bank transfer charges & card payments processing fee.
- Expenses belong to person nature e.g Drinks not included on the meal plans, personal purchases, Laundry etc.
FAQs
Migration Venture Africa will pick you up and transfer you to designated Hotels. Pick up on arrival airport and drop off are included on our package. We arrange also other group transport if required.
A valid visa is required for travel to Tanzania. A passport with a minimum validity of 6 months prior to expiry is required.
A single-entry visa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue. Visas-on-arrival are available at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)for US$50. (For U.S. Citizens, the cost is US$100 for a multiple entry visa.) However, it is advised that visitors traveling from a country where visa services are available should obtain a visa prior to arrival in order to avoid potential delays at the airport
The Tanzanian Shilling is the currency of Tanzania. The exchange rate is roughly 1 USD = 2300 TZS. (December 2024). Credit cards are not widely accepted. However, USD is accepted in most places visited by tourists. Please note that US bills printed before 2003 are not accepted in Tanzania, as there was a large amount of illegal processing of dollar bills in the country.
Swahili is the national language of Tanzania, but many tribal languages are spoken amongst the 120+ ethnic communities in Tanzania. English is considered the de facto official language. It is widely spoken by those who work in tourism and hospitality.
Summer: September to April. Temperature: 20°C to 30°C.
Winter: May to August. Temperature: 19°C to 25°C.
Rainfall: April-May (long rains) and November to mid-December (short rains).
Safaris are casual vacations! Dress comfortably and pack lightly. As you will be spending most of your safari viewing in the vehicle, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing is recommended. Avoid dark colors (i.e. black, dark blue) as they tend to attract unwanted attention from insects such as the tsetse fly.
SAFARI CLOTHING
- One pair of comfortable walking shoes (i.e. sneakers, hiking shoes)
- One pair of sandals or flip-flops
- Casual, loose-fitting clothing
- Swimsuit
- One warm fleece or sweater
- Extra Cotton socks and underwear
- Hat
- Lightweight jacket or windbreaker
Other items
- Passport, plane tickets
- S. Dollars (both large and small denominations) and credit cards
- Sunglasses
- Contact Lens Solution, extra contact lenses, and spare glasses.
- If you wear contact lenses, be sure to bring a pair of glasses in case of eye irritation from the dust
- Sunscreen (SPF 50 or higher)
- Lip balm (SPF 45)
- Insect repellant (DEET 30%)
- Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer
- Camera and extra batteries
- UK plug adapter
- Journal for recording daily observations and encounters
- Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, if applicable
- Small Personal Medical Kit including aspirin, anti-malarial pills, cold and allergy medicine, cream of itches (i.e. Benadryl itch relief), stomachache medicine (i.e. Pepto-Bismal), antibiotic ointment (i.e. Neosporin), prescription antibiotic effective against a broad range of bacteria including travelers diarrhea (i.e. Ciprofloxacin or also known as Cipro)
All park fees and conservation fees have a 24-hour limit. We plan your itinerary according to the park permits paid. Your safari driver guide will brief you the night before and provide suggestions regarding your schedule. Please note that any penalty fee resulting from the client’s wish to extend their stay will be at the guest’s expense.
If you have any allergies or special dietary requirements, please let us know beforehand at the time of booking, so we can advise the lodgings accordingly. Most places will be able to accommodate to your preferred meal options, though sometimes vegetarian/vegan options may be a bit limited and repetitive. If you require any special health supplement, please kindly bring it with you.
This is your safari trip, your adventure! You decide how you want to spend your time on this vacation. If you would like to spend a full day on safari, you are definitely welcome to do so. Safari Infinity does not restrict your mileage, fuel, or how much time you want to be on safari. While some days you may decide to set out by sunrise, other days you can have a slower-paced breakfast before starting your daily exploration. Simply sit down with your guide to plan your day and meals the night before. Your guide will have plenty of suggestions, but of course, the decision is yours.
Bottled water is included in the safari vehicle. You can also buy any drinks along your way to the safari. There will be mini-markets in town.
They are licensed by TALA, trained, friendly, and have years of experience!
We use 4 or 6-passenger 4-wheel-drive Land Cruisers, all with viewing roofs for the safaris. The vehicles have an inverter for charging batteries, a radio, and a cooler.
Yes, just let us know what’s in your mind and we will put all together for you!
We recommend booking your trip as soon as possible. Lodges and tented camps on safari are booked quickly, so we need to reserve those before they fill up.
You should always ask permission before taking anyone’s photograph. Many of the people in places that receive a steady stream of travelers are used to having their pictures taken and some may ask for money. You can usually tell the people who will ask for money, as they pose for pictures as their “job” and will be standing around looking for tourists, asking if you want to photograph them.
Tanzania is generally a very safe country to travel to. There is petty theft in the major cities (and in Zanzibar) but this is usually targeted either at tourists who are clearly displaying their wealth (with a bulging wallet, expensive camera/watch/jewelry) or who are walking home late at night. If you follow basic precautions and use your common sense, you are very unlikely to have a problem.
There are also some basic rules that you should follow when on safari. Some of these may sound extremely obvious but you would be surprised at some of the stories we hear of other guests so we prefer to err on the side of caution!
Never ever get out of your vehicle when on safari. Even if the vehicle breaks down and you are desperate for the toilet you must remain in the vehicle. Many animals are remarkably camouflaged and you may not see them nearby. Whilst in the jeep you are safe as they just see this as a big target; the moment you get out of the vehicle you may suddenly be seen as prey. All vehicles are counted in and out of the park so if you do break down, the park rangers will soon find you.
If you do need the toilet when on a safari drive, please try to give the driver as much notice as possible. They will find a big open area where they are happy that it is safe for you to stop. Unfortunately, you will usually not be given a bush to hide behind as you never know what else may be behind that bush! The drivers will be respectful and look the other way (or ‘check the tire pressure which is the local euphemism for a pee stop!).
Don’t wave anything outside the car or stick your arms out. This can be seen as a sign of aggression and in extreme cases, could cause an elephant to charge the vehicle.
Always follow the instructions of your guide, no matter how strange they may seem. This is particularly important when on a walking or canoeing safari but applies at any time.
If staying in a tented camp, never leave your tent once it is dark without asking for one of the rangers who will be patrolling the property to accompany you. If you are traveling with younger children, you should ensure that one adult is in the tent with them.
Always wear shoes and socks when walking around the bush (rather than flip-flops). This provides a level of protection against biting insects, snakes, and scorpions.
Tipping
Tipping is very much an integral part of tourism in Tanzania and wages are generally low and are then supplemented by tips. The following guidelines should help you to work out how much to tip, but you should remember that tipping is discretionary and it is up to you whether you tip or not. If you have not received a good service, you do not need to tip whereas if the service has been particularly good, you might want to give more than we suggest.
We have quoted amounts in GBP but it is generally best to tip in either local currency or US dollars.
Concierges – $2-$3 when checking in and checking out
Drivers / Guides – approximately $20+ per day
Housekeeping staff – $2-$5 per day (there will often be a tip box in the hotel reception where you can leave a tip that will be distributed amongst the hotel staff)
Waiters – Most meals are included so you will not be given a bill. However, if purchasing drinks from the bar it would be customary to leave a tip of around 10%
You should consult your doctor about what vaccinations are required for travel to the region and check whether they recommend the use of malarial prophylactics. Please note that a yellow fever certificate is required by the authorities in Tanzania if your international flight has routed through Kenya, Ethiopia, Dubai and a number of other countries. Please check this with us so that we can provide advice depending on your airline.
