7 Day Budget Tanzania Safaris and Zanzibar beach Tour
This 7-day budget Tanzania safaris covers Tanzania’s key safari parks with Zanzibar’s coastal highlights, offering a well-paced and budget-conscious experience. Travelers explore Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti before flying to Zanzibar for beach time and cultural visits. The route balances wildlife, landscapes, and heritage without excess travel or luxury.
The 7-day budget Tanzania safaris itinerary offers a practical and well-balanced way to explore Tanzania’s top safari destinations and Zanzibar beach tour coastal charm. Designed for travelers seeking value without compromising on experience, the tour begins with immersive game drives in Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti. Each park presents distinct landscapes and wildlife, from elephant herds under baobab trees to rhino tracking in the crater and predator sightings on the open plains. The route is structured to minimize long transfers while maximizing time in nature, with budget-friendly lodges and camps selected for comfort and proximity to key attractions.
After the safari circuit, the itinerary transitions to Zanzibar beach tour for a relaxed beach escape and cultural exploration. Kendwa Beach offers calm waters and optional activities, while excursions to Prison Island and Nakupenda Sand Bank provide scenic variety. The final day includes a guided tour of Stone Town, highlighting the island’s rich history and Swahili architecture. This combination of mainland and coastal experiences allows travelers to enjoy both wildlife and heritage in a single trip. With thoughtful pacing and essential inclusions, the itinerary suits couples, solo travelers, or small groups looking for an affordable yet rewarding East African adventure.
Tour highlights
Day 1: Arrival Arusha Airport, Transfer for Game Drive in Tarangire
Day 2: Best Experiences in Lake Manyara
Day 3: Continue to Ngorongoro Game Drive and Rhino Tracking
Day 4: Dive into the Magic of Serengeti on Game Drives
Day 5: Fly to Zanzibar for Beach Time and Adventures at Kendwa
Day 6: Experience Prison Island and Nakupenda Sand Bank
Day 7: Guided Stone Town Tour and Departure
Price Includes:
- All airport pick up and transfers in private car
- Transport and wildlife drives in modified 4 x 4 Land Cruiser
- Services of a professional English speaking safari guide
- Drinking water
- Value Added Tax by Tanzania Revenue Authority
Price Excludes:
- International Flights
- All items of a personal nature
- Gratuities for safari guide and lodge staff ( please tip separately)
- Travel insurance if needed
- Visa fee ( 50 US$ /100 US$ for American or Irish Passport holders – to be paid upon arrival)
- Drinks and beverages in lodges
Itinary in details
- Day1Arrival Arusha Airport, Transfer for Game Drive in Tarangire
Upon arrival at Arusha Airport, you’ll be met by your guide and begin your budget Tanzania safaris with a transfer to Tarangire National Park. Known for its iconic baobab trees and large elephant herds, Tarangire offers excellent wildlife viewing in a compact setting. You’ll enjoy a guided game drive through the park’s savannah and riverine landscapes, spotting giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and possibly lions lounging in the shade. This day sets the tone for your budget Tanzania safaris by combining accessibility with rich biodiversity. After the game drive, you’ll head to a nearby budget lodge for dinner and overnight, surrounded by the sounds of the bush
- Day2Best Experiences in Lake Manyara
After breakfast, continue your budget Tanzania safaris with a visit to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions and lush groundwater forest. The park’s varied habitats include acacia woodland, marshes, and the alkaline lake itself, which attracts flamingos and other waterbirds. A guided game drive reveals elephants, baboons, hippos, and antelope, while the escarpment views offer scenic contrast. This day adds diversity to your budget Tanzania safaris, showcasing a different ecosystem and wildlife behavior. After the park visit, transfer to a lodge near Karatu for overnight, enjoying local hospitality and preparing for the next day’s crater exploration
- Day3Continue to Ngorongoro Game Drive and Rhino Tracking
Today’s highlight is a descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most concentrated wildlife areas. Your budget Tanzania safaris continue with a full-day game drive inside the crater, where you’ll track endangered black rhinos alongside lions, hyenas, and large herds of herbivores. The crater’s enclosed ecosystem offers reliable sightings and dramatic landscapes, making it a key stop on budget Tanzania safaris. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the hippo pool and continue exploring the crater floor before ascending to the rim. Overnight at a budget lodge in the Ngorongoro highlands, where cool air and sweeping views provide a peaceful end to the day
- Day4Dive into the Magic of Serengeti on Game Drives
Depart early for the Serengeti, passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area en route. Your budget Tanzania safaris deepen as you enter the vast plains of the Serengeti, home to the Great Migration and abundant predators. A guided game drive introduces you to lion prides, cheetahs, elephants, and possibly leopards resting in acacia trees. Depending on the season, you may witness wildebeest herds or calving grounds. This day emphasizes the scale and richness of Tanzania safaris, even on a budget. Overnight at a budget-friendly tented camp in the central Serengeti, where campfires and starlit skies add to the experience
- Day5Fly to Zanzibar for Beach Time and Adventures at Kendwa
After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Zanzibar beach tour, shifting from bush to beach. Upon arrival, head north to Kendwa Beach, known for its wide sandy shores and calm waters. Spend the afternoon relaxing, swimming, or enjoying optional activities like snorkeling or paddleboarding. This coastal segment complements your Tanzania safaris with a change of pace and scenery. Kendwa’s laid-back atmosphere and budget-friendly beach resorts make it ideal for unwinding after days of wildlife exploration. Enjoy a sunset walk along the shore and dinner by the sea, settling into the rhythm of island life
- Day6Experience Prison Island and Nakupenda Sand Bank
Today’s excursion begins with a boat ride to Prison Island, home to giant Aldabra tortoises and colonial ruins. After exploring the island, continue to Nakupenda Sand Bank, a pristine stretch of sand surrounded by turquoise waters. Swim, sunbathe, and enjoy a light seafood lunch served on the beach. This day adds marine beauty to your Tanzania safaris and Zanzibar beach tour, offering gentle activity and scenic relaxation. Return to your beach lodge in the afternoon for leisure time or optional spa treatments. It’s a perfect blend of nature and comfort, ideal for budget-conscious travelers seeking variety
- Day7Guided Stone Town Tour and Departure
On your final day, head to Stone Town for a guided walking tour through its historic alleys and cultural landmarks. Visit the old slave market, Sultan’s Palace, and local bazaars, gaining insight into Zanzibar’s layered history. This cultural experience adds depth to your budget Tanzania safaris and Zanzibar beach tour, connecting the island’s past with its present. After the tour, enjoy lunch and transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your departure. The itinerary ends with a sense of completion, having combined wildlife, landscapes, and coastal charm in a well-paced, budget-friendly format