5-Day Mid-Range Serengeti Tour with Hippo Trails Camp
Why this Package
If you’ve done the north, this 5-day safari tour shifts focus to the Central Serengeti, West Serengeti, and Ngorongoro without losing Central’s steadiness. Experience the thrill of being immersed in the heart of the Serengeti while enjoying the comforts of Hippo Trails Camp. Nestled near the Seronera River Valley, this mid-range tented camp offers prime access to observe big cats and hippos in their natural habitat.
At Hippo Trails Camp, guests are treated to hearty meals, including early teas, picnic breakfasts, packed lunches, and communal dinners that foster a sense of camaraderie among travelers. The Meru-style tents are equipped with comfortable beds, mosquito nets, and en-suite bathrooms featuring flush toilets and bucket showers, ensuring a rustic yet functional experience. The camp's location allows for dawn and dusk drives, maximizing your chances of witnessing the Serengeti's incredible wildlife activity.
Your journey will also take you to Ikumbi Lodge in Karatu, an affordable safari base that offers a more polished experience compared to other budget options. With full-board dining featuring both international and local dishes, you can enjoy early breakfasts and picnic lunches tailored for your safari adventures. The modern rooms at Ikumbi Lodge come with private bathrooms, tasteful decor, and many offer balconies overlooking lush gardens, creating a comfortable ambiance for relaxation after a day of exploration.
Accessing these stunning parks is convenient, with Hippo Trails Camp being just a short flight from Arusha, while Ikumbi Lodge is perfectly situated for easy drives to the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara. This itinerary is ideal for both first-time safari-goers and those returning for another adventure, providing a well-rounded experience of Tanzania's diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.
For more details on the magnificent wildlife you might encounter, check out our insights on lions in Tanzania or explore the wonders of the Ngorongoro Crater.
Mix of budget and mid-range Tanzania Safari
Book with the Right Tour Operator
Each safari company has its own strengths — some specialize in luxury safaris, some in mid-range, and some in budget trips. Their expertise depends on years of experience in specific price categories, the quality of their guides and vehicles, and the lodge partnerships they’ve built over time. None of this is visible on websites or forums, which is why NMT connects you directly with the operators best suited to your safari tier.
- Accurate matching based on your budget and travel needs
- Get and COMPARE direct quotes from 3–4 matched local operators
- Book DIRECTLY with trusted Tanzanian specialists — no markups or middlemen
+ more verified Mix of budget and mid-range operatorsInclusions
- 🛏️ Accommodation during safari
- 🍽️ All meals: Full board on all days. Only breakfast on days with just hotel.
- 🎟️ All park entrance fees and government taxes
- 💧 Drinking water, tea & coffee during the safari
- 🧑✈️ Driver Guide: Friendly, English-speaking (or another language) expert with deep wildlife knowledge
- ✈️ Internal flights as in itinerary
- 🚙 Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
👉 Exact inclusions may vary. Final details will be provided by the tour operator when you request a quote.
Exclusions
The following costs are not included in above prices:
- ❌ International flight costs
- ❌ VISA fees
- ❌ Tips to guides and hotel staff
- ❌ Laundry, unless specified otherwise by hotels being used (ask the tour operator providing the quote)
- ❌ Alcoholic drinks unless specified otherwise
Per-person pricing
💡 Prices indicate how much each traveler would pay for a private tour, depending on total group size. Group tours aren’t available for this exact set of lodges.
| Persons | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 | $3929 |
| 2 | $2561 |
| 3 | $2221 |
| 4 | $2157 |
| 5 | $2034 |
| 6 | $1952 |
| 7 | $2134 |
| 8 | $2060 |
| 9 | $2003 |
| 10 | $1999 |
| 11 | $1958 |
| 12 | $1923 |
Accommodations in this Tour
•
Central Serengeti
•
Karatu