Tanzania Wildlife Adventure: 10 Days Safari Itinerary and Money-Saving Tips

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Activities:

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport: Welcome to Tanzania! After clearing customs, take a taxi or pre-arranged shuttle to your accommodation in Arusha.
Rest and Acclimate: Use this day to recover from your flight, explore the local area, and perhaps enjoy a meal at a local restaurant.

Accommodation: Arusha Backpackers Hotel (£24/night) Meals: Local restaurants (£12-£16/day)

My Tip: Grab dinner at Khan’s BBQ, known for its delicious street-style grilled meats.

Day 2-3: Tarangire National Park

Activities:

Morning Drive to Tarangire: Start early to maximize your time in the park. The drive from Arusha to Tarangire takes about 2-3 hours.
Game Drives: Explore Tarangire, famous for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. Keep an eye out for lions, leopards, and a variety of bird species.

Accommodation: Tarangire Safari Lodge (£40-£80/night) Park Fees: £40 per person/day Safari Vehicle and Guide: £160-£200/day (shared) Meals: Lodge meals or packed lunch (£16-£24/day)

My Tip: The lodge offers stunning views of the park—ideal for sunset photography. A great tour can be found below!

https://www.getyourguide.com/manyara-region-l201697/2-day-adventure-safari-in-tanzania-t669570/?partner_id=WKO4P85&utm_medium=online_publisher

Day 4-5: Lake Manyara National Park

Activities:

Drive to Lake Manyara: This scenic drive takes about 2 hours from Tarangire.
Game Drives: Discover Lake Manyara’s diverse ecosystems, from dense forests to open savannas. Look for tree-climbing lions and flocks of flamingos by the lake.

Accommodation: Twiga Lodge (£32-£64/night) Park Fees: £36 per person/day Safari Vehicle and Guide: £160-£200/day (shared) Meals: Local restaurants or lodge meals (£16-£24/day)

My Tip: Visit the nearby Mto wa Mbu village for a cultural tour and taste the local banana beer. A great tour can be found below!

https://www.getyourguide.com/zanzibar-city-l872/selous-day-safari-from-zanzibar-t435983/?partner_id=WKO4P85&utm_medium=online_publisher

Day 6-7: Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Activities:

Drive to Ngorongoro: The journey takes around 2 hours. The views of the crater from the rim are breathtaking.
Ngorongoro Crater Safari: Descend into the crater for an unparalleled wildlife viewing experience. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the Big Five and a dense concentration of animals.
Maasai Village Visit: Learn about the Maasai culture, traditions, and way of life.

Accommodation: Rhino Lodge (£40-£80/night) Park Fees: £48 per person/day + £236 vehicle fee for the crater Safari Vehicle and Guide: £160-£200/day (shared) Maasai Village Visit: £16 per person Meals: Lodge meals or packed lunch (£16-£24/day)

My Tip: The early morning mist over the crater makes for some magical photos—wake up early!

Day 8-9: Serengeti National Park

Activities:

Drive to Serengeti: This longer drive (4-5 hours) takes you through the Ngorongoro highlands and into the vast plains of the Serengeti.
Game Drives: Spend your days exploring the Serengeti’s endless plains. Depending on the time of year, you might witness the Great Migration, one of the most spectacular wildlife events on the planet.

Accommodation: Seronera Campsites (£40-£80/night) Park Fees: £48 per person/day Safari Vehicle and Guide: £160-£200/day (shared) Meals: Campsite or packed lunch (£16-£24/day)

My Tip: An evening drive can provide incredible sightings of nocturnal animals like leopards and hyenas.

Day 10: Return to Arusha and Departure

Activities:

Morning Game Drive: Enjoy one last game drive before heading back to Arusha.
Return to Arusha: The drive back takes around 6-7 hours. Once in Arusha, explore the local markets or visit the Cultural Heritage Centre if time permits.

Accommodation: Day-use room if needed (£24-£40) Safari Vehicle and Guide: £160-£200 (shared) Meals: Local restaurants (£12-£16)

My Tip: Visit the Shanga Foundation in Arusha, a social enterprise employing people with disabilities to create beautiful crafts.

Total Estimated Costs

Accommodation: £360 – £720 (10 nights)
Park Fees: £552 – £600 per person
Safari Vehicle and Guide: £1,280 – £1,600 (shared)
Transfers and Transport: £160 – £240
Meals: £160 – £240
Additional Activities and Souvenirs: £80 – £160

Budget Tips

Flights:
- Book in advance. Approximate round-trip cost: £640 – £1,200 from major international airports.
Accommodation:
- Hostels and Budget Lodges: £24 – £40 per night.
- Campsites: £8 – £16 per night (bring your own tent or rent).
Safari Costs:
- Shared Safaris: Join group tours to split costs. Look for deals on platforms like TourRadar or with local operators.
- Self-Drive: Rent a 4×4 vehicle with camping equipment if you are comfortable driving (approx. £80 – £120 per day).
Transportation:
- Public Transport: Use buses or daladalas for local travel (£0.80 – £4 per trip).
- Shared Shuttles: For intercity travel (e.g., Arusha to Serengeti, approx. £24 – £40).
Meals:
- Local Eateries and Street Food: £4 – £8 per meal.
- Self-Catering: Buy groceries at local markets and cook your own meals.
Park Fees:
- Consolidate Park Visits: Plan to stay multiple days in major parks to make the most of entry fees.
- Off-Peak Travel: Visit during shoulder seasons for potential discounts.
Souvenirs:
- Local Markets: Bargain for better prices. Approx. £4 – £16 per item.
Cultural Experiences:
- Free or Low-Cost Activities: Visit local villages, attend community events, or explore markets.

Summary

This itinerary offers a blend of wildlife safaris, cultural experiences, and stunning landscapes, ensuring an unforgettable adventure in Tanzania. By following these detailed activities and budgeting tips, travelers can enjoy the best of Tanzania while keeping costs manageable.