Africa Merit Safaris
4-Day Tarangire & Lake Manyara Budget

4-Day Tarangire & Lake Manyara Budget

Overview

Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts on a tight schedule, this 4-day budget camping safari explores Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park — two of Tanzania's most underrated gems. Witness Tarangire's legendary elephant herds and ancient baobab trees before discovering Lake Manyara's tree-climbing lions and flamingo-filled shores. Shared camping, group departures, and camp meals cooked by your safari chef make this an affordable and rewarding safari experience.

Highlights

Full-day game drive in Tarangire National Park
Two days of game drives in Lake Manyara National Park
Spot tree-climbing lions unique to the Manyara region
See Tarangire's iconic baobab-dotted landscape
Shared 4x4 vehicle with pop-up roof for optimal wildlife viewing
Camp at public campsites with all meals provided

Gallery

4-Day Tarangire & Lake Manyara Budget — image 1
4-Day Tarangire & Lake Manyara Budget — image 2
4-Day Tarangire & Lake Manyara Budget — image 3

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Depart Arusha in the morning and drive southwest to Tarangire National Park. Enter the park for a full-day game drive. Tarangire is named after the Tarangire River that winds through the park, attracting huge concentrations of wildlife, especially during the dry season from June to October. The park is famous for its massive elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and diverse birdlife. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park. In the late afternoon, set up camp at Tarangire Public Campsite for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation

Budget: Octagon Lodge

Octagon Lodge

Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Morning Game Drive & Transfer to Lake Manyara

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in Tarangire, exploring areas of the park not yet visited. Watch elephants gather along the river and look for lion, leopard, and cheetah in the acacia woodlands. After lunch, drive to Lake Manyara Public Campsite near the park entrance. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure — relax at camp or take a short walk in the surrounding area. Dinner is prepared by your safari chef.

Accommodation

Budget: Fig Tree Lodge

Fig Tree Lodge

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Full-Day Game Drive in Lake Manyara National Park

Spend the entire day exploring Lake Manyara National Park. Start with an early morning game drive through the groundwater forest, home to large troops of baboons and blue monkeys. Continue to the acacia woodlands where the park's famous tree-climbing lions are often spotted lounging in the branches. Visit the hippo pool and the lake shore to see hippos, flamingos, pelicans, and other water birds. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before continuing your exploration. Return to camp for dinner.

Accommodation

Budget: Fig Tree Lodge

Fig Tree Lodge

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Nature Walk & Return to Arusha

After breakfast, enjoy a guided nature walk along the Great Rift Valley escarpment, offering stunning views over Lake Manyara and the surrounding landscape. Alternatively, visit Mto wa Mbu village for a cultural experience. Begin the drive back to Arusha, with a stop for a hot lunch along the way. Arrive in Arusha by early afternoon. Transfer to your hotel or the airport for your onward journey.

Included

  • Shared 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Safari chef to prepare all meals
  • Camping equipment (tent, sleeping mat, chair)
  • Park entry and camping fees for Tarangire and Lake Manyara
  • All meals during safari as per itinerary
  • Bottled drinking water during game drives
  • Guided nature walk on departure day

Excluded

  • International flights and visas
  • Sleeping bag (available for hire)
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Tips and gratuities for guide and chef
  • Personal expenses and laundry
  • Optional cultural visits

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