Tanzania DIY Safari Guide: Budget Tips & D128-132 Route Experience Sharing

**Crossing into Tanzania: An Adventurous Start**
My journey into Tanzania began with an overland crossing from Rwanda, sparking excitement for the adventures ahead. Glancing at the map, heading straight to Arusha only to backtrack to Serengeti seemed inefficient. After joining a group safari in Kenya and successfully pulling off a DIY safari in Uganda, I thought—why not tackle Tanzania on my own too?

⚠️ **Key Takeaway Upfront**: For solo travelers or pairs, DIY safaris often cost more than budget shared tours—without delivering a superior experience. My recommendation? Join a tour (see **Part 2** for why). Curious about my DIY attempts and their pitfalls? **Part 3** has the full story.

### 🌍 **My 5-Day Safari Itinerary**
*(Excluding travel from Kigali to Mwanza to Mugumu—Arusha would’ve required similar time/cost.)*
– **1 day** in northern Serengeti
– **1 day** in Ngorongoro Crater
– **1 day** in Arusha National Park
– **1 day** of bus travel
**Total cost**: $1018

Compare this to a typical **5-day budget tour from Arusha** ($700–900), which usually includes:
– 1–2 days in Serengeti
– 1 day in Ngorongoro
– 1 day in Tarangire or Lake Manyara (admittedly “filler” parks, but still more exciting than Arusha NP!).

### 🦁 **Wildlife Encounters: Beyond Expectations**
– **Serengeti & Ngorongoro** delivered staggering herds of wildebeest, zebras, and buffalo—far denser than Kenya’s.
– **The Big (and Small) Stars**: Giraffes, elephants, hippos, warthogs, antelopes, crocs, ostriches, and vibrant birdlife were everywhere.

– **Ngorongoro’s Exclusive Sightings**: Distant rhinos and a sprinkle of flamingos (absent in Serengeti).
– **The Elusive Ones**: No luck with leopards or cheetahs—proof even the savannah keeps its secrets.

### 🌄 **Landscapes That Stole My Breath**
– **Serengeti**: Endless golden grasslands, the iconic African savanna of dreams.
– **Ngorongoro**: A volcanic crater paradise—lush greenery, mirror-like lakes, and dramatic highland backdrops.

⚠️ **Pro Tip for Animal Lovers**:
Skip peak season (July–Oct)! Off-season means **half-price** lodgings/meals, **zero crowds**, and **all the same wildlife**.
*Exception*: If you’re set on witnessing the Great Migration’s river crossings, time your visit meticulously—otherwise, DIY is far smoother in quieter months. *(This guide focuses on peak-season challenges.)*

⚠️⚠️ **Don’t miss the details!** Dive deeper in **Parts 2–5**—swipe for visuals that bring it all to life. 🖼️