Why Choose a Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti Family Budget Safari?
A Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti family budget safari combines two of Tanzania’s most iconic destinations into an affordable, kid-friendly adventure. The Ngorongoro Crater, a 260 km² caldera, and the Serengeti, a 14,750 km² expanse famous for the Great Migration, offer diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and cultural experiences perfect for families. This guide covers how to plan a budget-friendly safari, including costs, itineraries, and tips to keep kids engaged.
Cost of a Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti Family Budget Safari
A family budget safari can cost $300–$600 per person per day, with discounts for children. Group tours, camping, and low-season travel help keep costs down. Here’s a breakdown:
| Expense | Cost (USD, per person) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Ngorongoro Entry Fee | $70.80 (adult), $23.60 (child 5–15) | Per day; free for kids under 5. |
| Serengeti Entry Fee | $70.80 (adult), $23.60 (child 5–15) | Per day; free for kids under 5. |
| Ngorongoro Crater Vehicle Fee | $295 per vehicle | Shared in group tours, reducing per-person cost. |
| Accommodation (Budget Camping) | $30–$60 per night | Public campsites like Simba (Ngorongoro) or Seronera (Serengeti). |
| Transport & Guide | $150–$300 per day | 4×4 vehicle and driver-guide, lower in group tours. |
| Meals | $10–$20 per day | Packed lunches and camp meals included. |
Note: A 4-day group safari for a family of four can start at $1,800 total. Always confirm fees with your operator.
Sample 4-Day Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti Family Budget Safari Itinerary
A 4-day itinerary balances affordability and adventure, covering both parks with kid-friendly activities.
- Day 1: Arusha to Ngorongoro Crater – Depart Arusha (3-hour drive, 180 km), afternoon game drive in the crater (lions, black rhinos), overnight at Simba Campsite.
- Day 2: Ngorongoro to Serengeti – Morning drive to Serengeti (2–3 hours, 145 km), afternoon game drive (zebras, wildebeest), overnight at Seronera Campsite.
- Day 3: Full Day in Serengeti – Full-day game drive to spot the Great Migration or predators, picnic lunch, evening campfire stories for kids, overnight at Seronera.
- Day 4: Serengeti to Arusha – Morning game drive, optional Maasai village visit ($20–$50 per family), return to Arusha by evening.
Best Budget Safari Options for Families
1. 5-Day Value Safari Package ($2,800 per adult)
✅ Includes:
2 nights Serengeti (public campsites)
1 night Ngorongoro (budget lodge)
All park fees, meals, and guided game drives
Child discounts (typically 30-50% off under 12)
📅 Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Arusha → Serengeti
Day 2-3: Serengeti game drives
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater
Day 5: Return via Tarangire
2. 7-Day Northern Circuit Combo ($3,500 per adult)
✅ Better Value Includes:
3 nights Serengeti
2 nights Ngorongoro
1 night Lake Manyara
Private vehicle for family flexibility
✔ Why Families Love This:
More time to adjust to safari pace
Includes child-friendly Manyara (tree-climbing lions)
Better wildlife variety
Family-Friendly Budget Accommodations
| Property | Location | Family Perks | Price/Night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nyani Campsite | Serengeti | Fenced area for kids | $50 tent |
| Rhino Lodge | Ngorongoro | Family rooms | $150 quad |
| Jambo Campsite | Lake Manyara | Play area | $40 tent |
All offer child meals and early dinner options
Kid-Specific Considerations
Age Recommendations
5+ years ideal for full game drives
Under 5 better suited for private/shorter tours
What to Pack
Binoculars (kid-sized)
Safari coloring books
Motion sickness bands
Warm pajamas (cold nights)
Health & Safety
✔ Malaria prophylaxis recommended
✔ All lodges have first aid kits
✔ Bottled water always provided
Kid-Friendly Activities in Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti
Both parks offer engaging experiences for children:
- Ngorongoro Crater: Short game drives (4–6 hours) to spot the Big Five, kid-friendly ranger talks at campsites, and visits to Maasai villages for cultural learning.
- Serengeti: Watch the Great Migration (seasonal), spot colorful birds, and join guided nature walks (for kids 12+ in some camps).
- Extras: Junior ranger programs, wildlife scavenger hunts, and storytelling sessions offered by family-friendly operators.
Tip: Choose lodges or camps with family tents (e.g., Kati Kati Camp in Serengeti) for comfort and safety.
Best Time for a Family Budget Safari
Timing affects costs and family enjoyment.
- Dry Season (June–October): Best for wildlife viewing (Great Migration river crossings in Serengeti) and clear roads, but higher costs and crowds (20–30 vehicles in Ngorongoro).
- Wet Season (November–May, especially April–May): Lower prices (20–30% savings), lush scenery, fewer crowds (5–15 vehicles), ideal for budget-conscious families. Calving season (January–February) excites kids with newborn animals.
- Shoulder Seasons (January–February, November): Moderate crowds, good wildlife, and cost savings.
Recommendation: April–May for budget and quieter trips; June–October for vibrant wildlife sightings.
Tips for a Budget-Friendly Family Safari
- Join Group Tours: Share vehicle and guide costs to save (e.g., $300 per adult vs. $500+ for private tours).
- Choose Camping: Opt for public campsites ($30–$60 per person) over lodges ($120–$1,000).
- Travel in Low Season: April–May offers discounts and fewer crowds, ideal for families.
- Book Early: Secure deals 6–12 months in advance, especially for the dry season (June–October).
- Pack Smart: Bring kid essentials (snacks, hats, binoculars) and layers for Ngorongoro’s cooler mornings (5–10°C).
- Choose Family-Friendly Operators: Look for providers offering child discounts and kid-focused activities.
- Combine Parks: Include Ngorongoro and Serengeti in a 4–5 day itinerary to maximize value.
Why Choose Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti for a Family Safari?
The Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti offer a perfect mix of adventure and education for families. Ngorongoro’s compact caldera ensures quick wildlife sightings, keeping kids engaged, while the Serengeti’s vast plains showcase the Great Migration. Budget-friendly options like camping and group tours make these iconic destinations accessible, with cultural experiences like Maasai village visits adding depth for all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti family budget safari cost?
A 4-day group safari costs $280–$400 per adult per day and $100–$200 per child, totaling $1,120–$2,400 for a family of four.
Is a Ngorongoro and Serengeti safari safe for kids?
Yes, with family-friendly operators, enclosed 4×4 vehicles, and kid-safe campsites or lodges, it’s suitable for children 5+.
What’s the best time for a family budget safari?
April–May for lower costs and fewer crowds; June–October for the best wildlife sightings, including the Great Migration.
Plan Your Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti Family Budget Safari Today
Ready for an affordable family adventure in Tanzania? Contact our expert team for tailored Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti family budget safari packages that suit your budget and keep kids thrilled.
