#1, Best Weekend Budget Safaris from Arusha, Tanzania

What Are the Best Weekend Budget Safaris from Arusha?

Arusha, the safari capital of Northern Tanzania, is perfectly located for travelers looking to experience wildlife-packed adventures without needing a full week or big budget. Whether you’re a backpacker, volunteer, expat, or traveler with limited time, the best weekend budget safaris from Arusha offer thrilling wildlife sightings, stunning landscapes, and great value for your money.

These short but action-packed itineraries take you to top national parks like Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and the Ngorongoro Crater, all within 2 to 3 days — and often priced under $800.

🌿 Why Choose Weekend Budget Safaris from Arusha?

✅ Ideal for travelers with limited time
✅ Cost-effective with group joining options
✅ Departures every Friday & Saturday
✅ Comfortable camping or budget lodges
✅ Explore top parks close to Arusha

Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, these weekend budget safaris from Arusha offer the perfect escape into the wild, without breaking the bank.

🗺️ Best Weekend Budget Safari Itineraries from Arusha

All safaris depart from Arusha and include roundtrip transportation, meals, park fees, and guides.

📅 2 Days Tarangire & Ngorongoro Safari – from $510

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

• Morning pickup in Arusha

• Full-day game drive in Tarangire, famous for massive elephant herds and ancient baobab trees

• Spot giraffes, lions, zebras, and antelopes along the Tarangire River

• Picnic lunch inside the park

• Dinner and overnight at a campsite or budget lodge near Lake Manyara

Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater Safari – Back to Arusha

• Early breakfast and descent into the Ngorongoro Crater

• Explore the world’s largest unbroken caldera filled with big game

• See black rhinos, lions, buffaloes, hippos, and flamingos

• Picnic lunch at the hippo pool

• Return to Arusha in the evening

🔸Perfect for weekend travelers seeking the Big Five in just 2 days.

📅 2 Days Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Crater – from $560

Day 1: Arusha to Lake Manyara

• Depart early and drive through scenic villages

• Game drive in Lake Manyara, known for tree-climbing lions and lush forest trails

• Picnic lunch with views of the flamingo-lined lake

• Overnight in Mto wa Mbu at a campsite or simple lodge

Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater Safari – Return to Arusha

• Descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater

• Full game drive with views of wildebeests, zebras, jackals, and leopards

• Lunch by the water and photo ops at scenic viewpoints

• Return to Arusha by early evening

🔸Best for birdwatchers and those looking for a short Big Five experience.

📅 3 Days Serengeti & Ngorongoro Express – from $780

Day 1: Arusha to Serengeti National Park

• Early start and drive through Ngorongoro highlands

• Afternoon game drive in the Seronera Valley (central Serengeti)

• Look for lions, cheetahs, elephants, and wildebeests

• Dinner and overnight in a tented camp inside the park

Day 2: Morning Game Drive & Ngorongoro Highlands

• Sunrise safari drive with high chances of predator activity

• After lunch, head toward Ngorongoro highlands for overnight stay at Simba campsite on crater rim

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater Tour – Return to Arusha

• Full descent into the crater for a 6-hour tour

• Picnic lunch by the hippo pool

• Drive back to Arusha, arriving in the evening

🔸Best weekend budget safari from Arusha for those wanting a taste of Serengeti magic.

💰 Pricing & Inclusions

🏕️ Accommodation on Weekend Budget Safaris

• Public Campsites – Shared facilities, tents with foam mattresses

• Budget Lodges – Ensuite rooms with basic amenities

• Tented Camps (Upgrade) – Comfortable tents with private showers available at extra cost

All options are clean, secure, and situated near or inside the national parks.

📅 When to Book Weekend Budget Safaris from Arusha?

These weekend getaways are available year-round, but here’s what to expect:

• June–October – Best wildlife sightings, peak season

• November–March – Fewer tourists, excellent birding

• April–May – Rainy season but lowest prices

To secure the best spots, book your weekend budget safari from Arusha at least 5 days in advance (especially for Serengeti).

🤝 Who Are These Safaris Perfect For?

• Volunteers or interns in Arusha

• Travelers on layovers from Kilimanjaro Airport

• Backpackers and students on a budget

• Weekend adventurers from Nairobi or Dar es Salaam

You don’t need a long holiday to experience Africa’s greatest wildlife parks!

📧 Book Your Weekend Budget Safari from Arusha

Whether it’s a quick 2-day escape or a 3-day express to Serengeti, we’ve got the best weekend budget safaris from Arusha ready for you. Choose a group tour or customize a private trip — all within your budget.

📨 Contact us for availability and bookings:
info@topguideadventures.com
topguideadventures@gmail.com