Bushbuck 4 days safari $1,999
Safari in National Parks: Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater
This tour is perfect for travelers who are limited on time but eager to explore Northern Tanzania’s most iconic national parks. The Bushbuck Safari takes you to the shimmering waters of Lake Manyara—home to vibrant flocks of pink flamingos—across the vast Serengeti plains, where wildebeest and zebra roam in massive numbers, and into the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater.
Along the way, you’ll have excellent chances to spot Africa’s legendary Big Five: Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, and the rare Black Rhino—along with countless other species of wildlife.
This itinerary strikes a perfect balance between value and comfort. Guests stay in welcoming lodges located right in the heart of Serengeti National Park. A highly skilled and knowledgeable driver-guide will accompany you, offering rich insights into the wildlife and landscapes throughout your journey.
| 1 Pax | 2 Pax | 3 Pax | 4 Pax | 5 Pax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
$4,079 |
$2,638 |
$2,319 |
$2,079 |
$1,999 |
Contact us. Our team is always here to help.
"Bushbuck" Safari Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, a representative from Velam Tours will be waiting to welcome the group. After meeting your guide, you'll be transferred to your hotel in Arusha for an overnight stay. Note: Hotel check-in is available from 2:00 PM. Accommodation includes breakfast only.
Accommodation
Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast included
DAY 2
Lake Manyara
This is your first day on safari, so we kindly ask you to pay special attention to the park rules and the recommendations provided by Velam Tours: Exiting the Vehicle: It is strictly prohibited to leave the vehicle, except in specially designated areas. Violating this rule may result in significant fines for the company and could even lead to the revocation of our license. Off-road Driving: Off-roading is prohibited to preserve the fragile ecosystem. This helps protect the land from irreparable damage. Smoking: Smoking is allowed during the safari, but please ensure that cigarette butts are properly extinguished and disposed of to avoid fires in the savanna. Respecting the Safari Vehicle: Please refrain from putting your feet on the car seats or sitting on the back of them. Such behavior can damage the vehicle, making it unusable for future safaris. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding.
Accommodation
Karatu Simba Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
DAY 3
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Early Departure to Ngorongoro Crater On this day, it's best to leave the hotel as early as possible to maximize your chance of seeing the animals that are most active during the morning hours. Breakfast will be provided in lunchboxes to ensure you're fueled for the adventure ahead. At 6:30 AM, you'll set off for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and within about an hour, you will be descending into the famous crater. Ngorongoro Crater – A Wildlife Wonderland Ngorongoro is one of Tanzania’s most renowned national parks, offering one of the highest densities of wildlife per square kilometer in the world. As you drive through the crater, you’ll have the chance to spot a variety of animals, including buffalo, elephants, lions, wildebeests, zebras, hippopotamuses, and smaller feline species such as caracals and servals. If you're fortunate, you may even see a rhino, a critically endangered species with a rapidly declining population. Lunchtime at the Crater By lunchtime, you'll arrive at the lake side, where you'll be served lunchboxes. This is a perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of the area before continuing your safari. After lunch, your safari will proceed and later conclude with a transfer to Serengeti National Park. Grzimek Memorial Visit Along the way, you’ll also stop by a memorial dedicated to two West German researchers, Bernhard and Michael Grzimek. These pioneers played a crucial role in preserving Northern Tanzania's national parks in their current natural state. Their story is chronicled in the book "Serengeti Shall Not Die", available on Amazon.com for USD 10–25. Evening Transfer to Serengeti In the evening, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the heart of the Serengeti valley for a well-deserved rest after an exciting day of wildlife viewing.
Accommodation
Sound of Silence
Meal Plan: Full Board
DAY 4
Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, your safari adventure will continue with a transfer to the central part of Serengeti National Park, known as Seronera. This region is famous for its rich wildlife and varied landscapes. Your guide will tailor the drive to focus on animals you’re most eager to see. As midday approaches, you’ll stop at the Serengeti Visitor Centre, where you’ll enjoy a packed lunch and have the chance to learn more about the park’s fascinating history and the wildlife that call it home. Keep an eye out for hyraxes, small and curious creatures that, surprisingly, are closely related to elephants. The Serengeti Valley is teeming with wildlife, making it difficult to name them all. Be on the lookout for elephants, buffaloes, ostriches, giraffes, jackals, hyenas, lions, antelopes, leopards, and cheetahs — sightings vary, but the experience is always extraordinary. In the evening, you’ll be transferred to your lodge for dinner and an opportunity to unwind after a day full of unforgettable encounters.
Accommodation
Sound of Silence
Meal Plan: Full Boad
DAY 5
Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, you’ll set off for a morning game drive through the eastern and southern regions of Serengeti National Park. These areas are characterized by vast open plains, which are ideal hunting grounds for predators — especially cheetahs, who often chase antelope across the savanna. With a bit of luck and sharp eyes, you may witness this thrilling scene in action. Your safari will wrap up by early afternoon. Afterward, you’ll begin your journey back to Arusha, where you’ll return to your hotel for some well-deserved rest.
Accommodation
Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast included
DAY 6
Departure
Enjoy some time to relax at the hotel before your departure. Note: Standard check-out time is at 11:00 AM. If your flight is scheduled for later in the day, you can request a late check-out until 6:00 PM for an additional charge. Your transfer to the airport will be arranged according to your flight schedule.
- Included in cost
Transfers
All transfers as outlined in the itinerary.
Accommodation & Meals
Stays at the hotels and lodges mentioned in the program.
All meals as specified in the itinerary.
Bottled water, soft drinks, tea, and hot coffee available in the safari vehicle throughout the tour.
Guiding & Game Drives
Services of a certified, professional English-speaking safari guide.
Comfortable 4×4 Land Cruisers equipped with a pop-up roof, refrigerator, power outlets, and onboard Wi-Fi.
All required national park fees, including entrance and concession charges.
Free Wi-Fi in the safari vehicle (please note: signal availability may vary, and coverage is generally limited to 60–75% of the route due to remote locations).
24/7 support via phone during the entire trip.
Emergency medical evacuation coverage provided by AMREF Flying Doctors.
Binoculars provided (one per vehicle).
Onboard first aid kit.
- The price does not include
-
-
International and domestic flight tickets.
-
Entry visa costs.
-
Personal travel insurance.
-
Gratuities for your safari guide (recommended: $30–50 per vehicle per day).
Please Note
-
Accommodation is shared in double or twin rooms unless a single room has been specifically requested and confirmed. A single supplement is available on request. Please check your itinerary for specific lodging arrangements.
-
Hotels in Moshi and Arusha generally provide breakfast only, unless other meal plans have been confirmed in advance.
-
Most safari lodges do not automatically include drinks such as coffee, tea, soft drinks, or alcohol, to avoid unnecessary charges. You’re welcome to order beverages from the lodge restaurants and pay on-site.
-
Tented lodges are the standard accommodation type in the savannah. Many rely on solar power, which may mean bucket showers, limited internet access, and no hair dryers. This eco-friendly setup helps preserve the natural environment. We recommend researching the listed accommodations in advance to ensure they match your expectations and comfort preferences.
-
