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3 Days Tanzania Big 5 Budget Safari

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About this tour

This group safari (with a maximum of 6–7 travelers per vehicle, each guaranteed a window seat and access to a pop-up roof) offers an excellent chance to experience Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations.

The highlight of the tour is the Ngorongoro Crater, renowned as one of the best wildlife areas in Tanzania. Its unique landscape makes spotting animals much easier, while offering breathtaking scenery. The safari also takes you to Tarangire National Park, famously known as the “home of elephants,” where large herds roam freely. Other wildlife you may encounter here includes lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, warthogs, pythons, ostriches, vultures, monkeys, and baboons.

Your journey concludes at Lake Manyara National Park, a place well known for its tree-climbing lions (though sightings are rare) and the beautiful flocks of flamingos that gather along the lakeshore.

Note: On this tour, you will stay camping during the safari 

Accommodation can be upgraded to lodge for extra cost 

Day by day Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Destination:

Tarangire National Park

Accommodation

Mto Wa Mbu to the campsite

Activity

Game Drive in Tarangire

You will be picked up from your hotel, and after meeting your guide and chef, set off on a 2-hour drive to Tarangire National Park, a destination famous for its varied landscapes. The park is especially known for its ancient baobab trees and for hosting the largest elephant population in Tanzania, offering remarkable opportunities to observe elephant family interactions.

Your game drive will follow areas with reported wildlife activity, with a focus on spotting predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards, while herbivores like giraffes, wildebeest, and zebras are commonly seen throughout the park.

Around midday, stop at the Tarangire River picnic site to enjoy lunch with a scenic view of the river and its wildlife. You may encounter playful monkeys and baboons trying to get close to your meal, but there’s no need to worry.

After lunch, continue with another game drive before exiting the park around 4:30 pm. You’ll then head to Mto wa Mbu, where you will spend the night at the campsite.

Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Destination:

Ngorongoro Crater

Accommodation

Campsite

Activity

Game Drive

The Ngorongoro Crater is considered the best wildlife park in Tanzania, thanks to its breathtaking scenery and unique crater landscape that makes spotting wildlife much easier.

After an early breakfast, you will visit the Ngorongoro viewpoint to admire the surreal panoramic views—an experience that will truly take your breath away. From there, descend into the crater for a game drive in search of the elusive black rhino, one of the hardest animals to spot here.

The crater is the highlight of Tanzania’s parks, not only for its stunning beauty but also for its incredible concentration of wildlife. Being a self-contained ecosystem, animals rarely migrate out, making it one of the most reliable places to see a wide variety of species all year round.

Day 3: Lake Manyara to Arusha

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch

Destination:

Lake Manyara National Park

Activity

Half Game Drive and Deaparture

After breakfast, you will head to Lake Manyara National Park, best known for its vast flocks of flamingos and the rare tree-climbing lions.

Enjoy a game drive through the park with opportunities to spot a wide variety of bird species. If lucky, you may even catch sight of the famous tree-climbing lions. The drive also includes a visit to the hippo pool for an up-close view of hippos and the park’s hot springs. Along the way, you’ll encounter diverse wildlife such as buffaloes, wildebeest, warthogs, monkeys, vultures, and eagles.

After the tour, you will drive back to Arusha for drop-off at your hotel.

Included

  • All Park entrances & taxes
  • Accommodation during safari(camping)
  • All Meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner),
  • soft drinks & water (bottled water 3litres or more a day)
  • Camping equipment (sleeping bag, sleeping mattress & Tent)
  • Transportation in a custom safari 4×4 with a viewing roof and guaranteed window seating
  • Safari vehicles have an inverter for charging batteries, communications radio, electric cooler, and filtered water

Excluded

  • Tips for guides, cook
  • International and domestic flights
  • Tanzania Visa fee

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General tour information

Most travelers require a visa to enter Tanzania.

Visas can be obtained:

  • Online via the eVisa system.
  • On arrival at major airports (JRO, DAR, ZNZ).
  • In advance from a Tanzanian embassy or consulate.

Cost:

  • $50 for most nationalities.
  • $100 for U.S. citizens.

Passport requirements:

  • Valid for at least six months beyond travel dates.
  • At least one blank page for entry stamps.
  • Advance booking is highly recommended, especially for peak seasons (June–October & December–February).
  • A deposit is typically required to confirm a reservation.
  • Full payment is usually due weeks before departure.
  • Upon confirmation, you will receive:
    1. Detailed itinerary.
    2. Accommodation information.
    3. Essential travel details (permits, packing lists, etc.).
  • We understand that travel plans may change. Our cancellation policy is as follows:
  • More than 60 days before departure: Full refund minus the deposit.
  • 30–59 days before departure: 50% refund.
  • Less than 30 days before departure: No refund.
  • No-show or early departure: No refund.
  • We highly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and trekking activities.

Tanzania offers various accommodation options:Budget:

  • Camping & basic lodges.
  • Mid-range: Standard lodges & tented camps.
  • Luxury: High-end lodges & private tented camps.

Popular safari destinations for accommodations:

  • Serengeti,
  • Ngorongoro Crater,
  • Tarangire, Selous, and Zanzibar.

Most lodges provide:

  • Full-board services (meals included).
  • Eco-friendly facilities & stunning natural settings.

Early booking is recommended, especially in high-demand areas.

Currency & Payments:

  • Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the local currency.
  • USD is widely accepted, but carrying small cash is advised.
  • Credit cards are accepted in most hotels & lodges.

Health & Vaccinations:

  • Yellow fever vaccination required if
  • traveling from an endemic country.
  • Recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, routine immunizations.
  • Malaria prevention is advised; carry appropriate medication.

Language & Communication:

  • Swahili is the national language, but English is widely spoken.
  • Mobile network coverage is available in most tourist areas.
  • Wi-Fi is accessible in most lodges and hotels.

Time Zone & Electricity:

  • East Africa Time (EAT) – UTC+3.
  • Standard voltage: 230V.
  • Power plugs: Type D & G – A universal adapter is recommended.
  • International Airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the closest airport to Moshi, about 45 minutes away.

Alternative Airports:

  • Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam
  • Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) in Zanzibar

From these airports, you can take a domestic flight to JRO with Air Tanzania, Precision Air, or Coastal Aviation.

Important Requirments

Weight Limit:

Domestic flights in Tanzania have strict baggage limits, typically 15 kg (33 lbs) per person, including carry-on.

Bag Type:

Soft-sided duffel bags are recommended for easy storage on small aircraft and safari vehicles.

Prohibited Items:

Avoid packing plastic bags as they are banned in Tanzania.
Additional Charges: Excess baggage fees may apply if you exceed the airline’s weight limit.

Vaccinations:

  • Yellow fever vaccination is required if traveling from or transiting through an endemic country.
  • Recommended vaccinations: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, and Rabies (for those spending extended time in remote areas).

Malaria Prevention:

  • Tanzania is a malaria-risk area; consult a doctor for antimalarial medication.
  • Use insect repellent with DEET and sleep under a mosquito net when available.

Water & Food Safety:

  • Drink only bottled or filtered water.
  • Avoid raw or unpeeled fruits and vegetables unless properly washed.

Travel Insurance:

  • Highly recommended to cover medical emergencies and evacuation.

Dry Season (June – October):

  • Best time for wildlife viewing with clear skies.
  • Cooler temperatures, especially in the early mornings and evenings.

Short Rainy Season (November – December):

  • Occasional short rains, but safaris are still possible.

Green Season (January – March):

  • Lush landscapes, great for photography and birdwatching.
  • Ideal time for calving season in the Serengeti.

Long Rainy Season (April – May):

  • Heavy rains, some lodges may close, and roads can be muddy.

Clothing:

  • Lightweight, breathable clothes in neutral colors (khaki, green, beige).
  • Long-sleeved shirts and pants for sun and insect protection.
  • Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings.
  • Waterproof jacket during the rainy season.

Footwear:

  • Comfortable hiking or safari boots.
  • Sandals for lodge stays.

Accessories:

  • Hat, sunglasses, and high SPF sunscreen.
  • Binoculars for wildlife viewing.
  • Camera with extra batteries and memory cards.

Personal Essentials:

  • Personal medications and a small first aid kit.
  • Reusable water bottle.
  • Small backpack for day trips.

“This was the most unforgettable experience of my life! I captured stunning and rare wildlife photos, with incredible sightings that left me in awe. The expert guidance from our guide helped me improve my photography skills, and my memory cards were completely full! Beyond the safari, I loved visiting a local Maasai village, where I had the chance to photograph the vibrant culture, daily life, and the hardworking women in the fields. Every moment felt authentic and deeply inspiring. I can’t wait to return to Tanzania and explore even more breathtaking locations!”

Jane P.

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From the moment you begin planning your adventure with Clotilda Safaris, we’re here to guide you through every detail, creating a personalized itinerary tailored to your preferences and level of exclusivity. While our remote team manages bookings, transfers, and activity arrangements, our dedicated ground team is available 24/7 to assist with any needs, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.

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