9-Day Tanzania Budget Safari With Beach Holiday - Serengeti African Tours

The itinerary

1. 1

   Overview

   • 9-Day Tanzania Budget Safari with Beach Holiday
   • Arusha · Tarangire · Serengeti · Lake Manyara · Ngorongoro Crater · Zanzibar
   • Duration
   • 9-day
   • Tour Type
   • Budget Safari, Joining Groups, Fly In Safaris
   • Places Visited
   • Arusha, Tarangire, Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Zanzibar
   • Transport
   • Private 4×4 Safari Vehicle
   • Free Cancellation
   • Cancel up to 30 days before
2. 2

   Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

   • After breakfast, the tour starts. The first stop is Arusha town for any last-minute purchases before you head off on safari. Afterward, you will head towards the Tarangire National Park for a game drive with a picnic lunch at the park. Tarangire is well known for its huge elephant population and baobab trees. It forms the center of an annual migratory cycle that includes up to 3,000 elephants, 25,000 wildebeest, and 30,000 zebras. Later in the afternoon, you will drive to Mto wa Mbu for dinner and overnight camping.
   • Main Destination: Tarangire National Park
   • Accomodation: Budget camping (Just outside Tarangire NP)
   • Meals included: Lunch, Dinner (Breakfast not included)
3. 3

   Day 2: Mto wa Mbu to Serengeti National Park

   • After breakfast, you will drive from Mto wa Mbu to Serengeti, which takes 5-6 hours (including all stops) as it transits through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You will have a stopover at Ngorongoro Crater. You will briefly stop at the gate and the viewpoint to take in the breathtaking view of the crater.
   • You will visit a Maasai village. It is optional to visit and explore the culture of the great Maasai community. They are known for chasing lions after their kills and hunting lions to be considered a warrior, and for drinking raw animal blood, though these traditions are a thing of the past. Besides drinking blood, you can surely learn something. This is an optional visit not included in the price. The entrance fee is 10-20 USD.
   • You will arrive in the late afternoon and do a game drive in Seronera (center of Serengeti) until evening.
   • Main Destination: Serengeti National Park
   • Accomodation: Budget camping ( Inside Serengeti NP)
   • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4. 4

   Day 3: Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Highlands

   • After breakfast, you will go on an early game drive, seeing a lot of animals until the afternoon. You will head to camp for lunch and packing, then do a game drive as you exit the Serengeti, heading to Simba Campsite (a 2-hour drive) near the rim of Ngorongoro Crater.
   • Note: Some animals can be spotted on campsites.
   • Accomodation: Simba Campsite in Ngorongoro (Inside Serengeti NP)
5. 5

   Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater

   • After breakfast, you will descend the crater on a journey to find the black rhino. Rhinos are the hardest to spot in the beautiful crater, as most animals are easier to spot in this park because it’s a flat crater. After lunch, you will do a game drive and ascend the crater to the camp. You will pack for the trip to Mto wa Mbu near Lake Manyara.
   • You will stay overnight at Mto wa Mbu.
   • Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater
   • Accomodation: Budget camping (Outside Ngorongoro Crater)
6. 6

   Day 5: Lake Manyara National Park to Arusha

   • After breakfast, you will go to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for the large number of birds. You will do a game drive viewing plenty of birds. You will visit the Hippo Pool for a close look at hippos and the hot spring, all this while doing a game drive and viewing plenty of animals (buffaloes, wildebeest, warthogs, vultures, eagles, monkeys, etc.).
   • You will be driven back to your accommodation in Arusha by your guide, where you will spend the night resting. The following morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Zanzibar for a relaxing beach holiday.
   • Main Destination: Lake Manyara National Park
   • Accomodation: Urbanview Hotel (Mid-range hotel located in Arusha (City)
   • Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch (Dinner not included)
7. 7

   Day 6: Arusha to Zanzibar

   • Zanzibar beach time offers a peaceful escape with white sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters, and a relaxed island atmosphere. Guests can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, ocean views, and leisure time at the beach or resort, making it an ideal way to unwind after the safari adventure.
   • Main Destination: Zanzibar Island (Tanzania Beaches)
   • Accomodation: Amaan Beach Bungalows
8. 8

   Day 7: Zanzibar Beach Holiday

   • During these days, you will spend time on the beautiful island of Zanzibar, enjoying its relaxed atmosphere and scenic surroundings. This is your opportunity to unwind after the safari, take in the stunning beaches, admire the turquoise waters, and immerse yourself in the island’s culture and history at your own pace. These days offer a leisurely experience, giving you time to relax, reflect on your safari, and fully appreciate the unique charm and beauty of Zanzibar.
   • Meals included: Breakfast (Lunch & Dinner not included)
9. 9

   Day 8: Zanzibar Beach Holiday

   • This day, you will spend your time in Zanzibar, enjoying the island’s stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and tropical surroundings. Relax and soak in the serene atmosphere while experiencing the unique charm and vibrant culture of this beautiful island paradise.
   • Meals included: Breakfast (Lunch & Dinner)
10. 10

    Day 9: Last Moments in Zanzibar & Departure

    • After breakfast, enjoy some final moments on Zanzibar’s beautiful beach. Take a leisurely walk along the shore, swim in the turquoise waters, or simply relax under the sun and savor the island atmosphere. Later, check out of your resort and transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your onward flight, carrying wonderful memories of your safari adventures and your relaxing Zanzibar escape.
    • Accomodation: No accomodation
    • Meals included: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
    • BEST VALUE
    • $1483/pp
    • Kids under 15 receive a special discount. Contact us when booking.
    • Hot-air balloon safari over the Serengeti can be added for $600/person.
    • All national park entrance fees and conservation levies
    • Accommodation as specified
    • All meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
    • Soft drinks and bottled water (minimum 3 litres per person per day)
    • All scheduled internal flights as listed in the itinerary
    • Transportation in a custom 4×4 safari jeep with pop-up viewing roof and guaranteed window seating
    • Expert English-speaking guide/driver (15+ years Tanzania experience)
    • Vehicle inverter for device charging, FM radio communications, electric cooler and filtered water
    • Government taxes and VAT
    • Airport transfer
    • domestic flight (Arusha to zanzibar)
    • Tips for guides and cook (guideline: $10–15/day guide, $5–8/day cook)
    • International flights
    • Additional accomodation before and at the end of the tour
    • Tanzania e-visa ($50 USD)
    • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
    • Hot-air balloon safari in Serengeti ($600/person add-on)
    • Personal purchases, laundry and phone calls
    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Note: We have a discount for kids under 15 years old
    • Sarah & James T.
    • United Kingdom · Feb 2025
    • ★★★★★
    • "Our guide Emmanuel was incredible — he spotted a leopard and two lion cubs that three other vehicles completely missed. The most magical experience of our lives."
    • Marco & Lucia B.
    • Italy · Jan 2025
    • "The private setup meant we could spend 45 minutes with a cheetah and cubs without feeling rushed. The lodges were far beyond what we expected."
    • David & Carol M.
    • United States · Mar 2025
    • "As first-time safari travelers, we were nervous. From the moment we arrived, Serengeti African Tours took care of everything. The Ngorongoro Crater literally took our breath away."
    • Lars & Ingrid H.
    • Sweden · Mar 2025
    • "Booked through SafariBookings and couldn't be happier. Every detail was handled perfectly. Guide Abouh is extraordinary — his knowledge of wildlife is encyclopaedic."
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Everything You Need to Know
    • What is the best time of year for the 9-Day Tanzania Budget Safari with Beach Holiday? This itinerary runs year-round, but June to October is best for dry-season visibility and easier wildlife tracking. If your tour includes migration-focused zones, we guide you on the best travel window before confirmation.
    • What is the best time of year for the 9-Day Tanzania Budget Safari with Beach Holiday?
    • This itinerary runs year-round, but June to October is best for dry-season visibility and easier wildlife tracking. If your tour includes migration-focused zones, we guide you on the best travel window before confirmation.
    • What animals am I most likely to see on this tour? On this route through Zanzibar, Arusha, Tarangire, guests usually see elephants, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, giraffes, and often lions. Leopard and cheetah sightings depend on timing and luck, but your guide uses radio updates to improve chances.
    • What animals am I most likely to see on this tour?
    • On this route through Zanzibar, Arusha, Tarangire, guests usually see elephants, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, giraffes, and often lions. Leopard and cheetah sightings depend on timing and luck, but your guide uses radio updates to improve chances.
    • What are the accommodation options on this tour? We use clean and trusted safari camps or lodges based on your selected comfort level and budget. Upgrades to higher-category lodges are available before departure, subject to room availability.
    • What are the accommodation options on this tour?
    • We use clean and trusted safari camps or lodges based on your selected comfort level and budget. Upgrades to higher-category lodges are available before departure, subject to room availability.
    • How many people will be in my group? Private departures are only for your booking party. Joining options are usually small groups, typically up to 6–7 travelers in a custom safari vehicle with guaranteed window seats.
    • How many people will be in my group?
    • Private departures are only for your booking party. Joining options are usually small groups, typically up to 6–7 travelers in a custom safari vehicle with guaranteed window seats.
    • What should I pack for this itinerary? Please pack neutral-color clothing, a warm layer for early mornings, sun protection, comfortable shoes, insect repellent, and personal medication. A small soft duffel and camera with spare batteries are strongly recommended.
    • What should I pack for this itinerary?
    • Please pack neutral-color clothing, a warm layer for early mornings, sun protection, comfortable shoes, insect repellent, and personal medication. A small soft duffel and camera with spare batteries are strongly recommended.
    • Can I upgrade from camping to a lodge, and are there hidden costs? Yes, we can upgrade your accommodation category before final booking confirmation. We provide a transparent quote that lists all park fees, accommodation and transport, so you can see exactly what is included.
    • Can I upgrade from camping to a lodge, and are there hidden costs?
    • Yes, we can upgrade your accommodation category before final booking confirmation. We provide a transparent quote that lists all park fees, accommodation and transport, so you can see exactly what is included.