Camping in Tanzania, Camping Safari Tours

Tanzania camping safaris

Safari packages, and travel planning tips for your camping safari in Tanzania and Africa.

A safari to Tanzania is a great idea for anyone who wants to travel to the African continent but the best way to spend this safari is by trying out a camping safari to the different destinations in the country. Imagine spending a night out in the wild with the stars shining down on you as your tent is surrounded by the wild animals is an experience you should not miss out on.

Although camping in Tanzania can be a lot of fun, you need to make sure that the things that can turn your safari into a nightmare are on the low. and on that note we have come up with a list of things that you should put into consideration before you start planning your safari to Tanzania.

camping in Tanzania

Best time for a camping safari in Tanzania

Tanzania experiences the dry (June to October)and rainy season (November to April). Both seasons are great for a safari that is for those that love birding, the rainy season is the right one for you whereas those that love game drives the dry season is the one for you. You can also enjoy the calving season which is experienced in January and February.

Research about the tour company you want to use

Choosing a tour operator is one of the things that you should think about most before planning your trip to Tanzania. You will need a local tour guide to take around the various destinations and this is where the operator comes in. once you zero down on who you want to use for your safari, check out their website, read reviews about them on TripAdvisor, ask for recommendations and if possible, try to contact them on social media. Make sure that the research is intensive to avoid any disappointments. When you get in touch with the tour operators, make sure that you ask all the questions that you believe are necessary and do not leave anything out.

Visas and vaccination

Tanzania is found in the Malaria belt which means you have to be careful when it comes to your health. Carry some mosquito repellents just to be on the safe side and you also need to know that there are mandatory vaccines that you will need to take before you are allowed to enter into the country and these have been listed below. You should also do more extensive research about the vaccines so that all your travel documents are in order.

  1. Typhoid
  2. Hepatitis B
  3. Measles
  4. Mumps
  5. Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
  6. Rubella

Tanzania safari visa

The Tanzania safari visa can either be got online or upon your arrival at the Kilimanjaro Airport. It normally goes for $100 and all you need to do is to make sure that all your papers are in order to avoid inconveniences.

Find out about the safari costs

This is one of the main factors that will determine a great safari in Tanzania. A Tanzania safari can either be luxurious, mid-range or budget friendly and all this depends on how much money you are willing to invest in the trip. We provide you with different camping safari trips and it will be up to you to choose which one would work for you and in all this, we shall provide all the necessary help that you need.

After zeroing in on whom  you are going to use for your safari, make sure that your itinerary is customized and get the right cost of that specific itinerary from them. This will make it easier for you to be flexible.

What to expect

there is so much to see while on a safari in Tanzania and you should expect to have a lot of fun as you drive through the National Parks like Serengeti, Tarangire, Ngorongoro crater, Lake Manyara National Park and the Parks that are found in the southern circuit Tanzania especially Selous. Try to follow all the rules and guidelines that are set by the tour guides because the rules are all set to keep you safe. Getting to see all the wildlife will be quite fascinating and therefore as you pack your backpack for the safari, make sure that you do not forget a camera to capture these wonderful moments and carry some extra batteries as well.

There are a lot of camping safaris that you can enjoy while in Tanzania and today we have decided to list a few of these tours so that you can choose the best package for you.

camping safaris

7 days classic safari Tanzania

The 7 days classic safari will take you through the Northern circuit Tanzania which has the most visited National Parks. The trip will start in Arusha taking you through the calving season in Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Tarangire and the Ndutu area.

Day 1: arrival

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Day 3: Tarangire Park to Ngorongoro crater

Day 4 and 5: Ngorongoro crater to Lake Ndutu

Day 6: Ndutu area

Day 7 : Arusha to Kilimanjaro airport

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: arrival

Our guide will pick you up from the Kilimanjaro International Airport and will transfer you to Arusha.  We shall drop you at a hotel in Arusha and then the rest of day and the activities that you want to engage in will be up to you. You can do a little shopping around Arusha, explore the streets before retiring to the hotel for dinner and sleep.

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Day will start with a breakfast we shall start our journey to Tarangire National park.  Tarangire is the 3rd largest Park in Tanzania and famously known for having the largest crowd of elephants in the country. We shall drive through the ancient baobab trees while getting a clear view of the animals while they are in their natural habitat. The dry season is the best time to visit the Tarangire because most of the animals will be gathered around the Tarangire National park which flows all year round as they try to cool off the heat. The night will be spent at the Tarangire baobab tented camp after a lovely dinner around a campfire.

Day 3: Tarangire Park to Ngorongoro crater

After breakfast, we will drive to the Ngorongoro crater which is known to be the largest caldera in the world. It was formed after the collapse of a volcano and at the moment it acts as a home to over 400 bird species and 3000 animals that live within. We shall descend into the caldera and watch the animals in their natural habitats for the whole day with a lunch break. In the evening, you will be taken to the Ngorongoro Rhino lodge for your rest and dinner.

Day 4 and 5: Ngorongoro crater to Lake Ndutu

We shall start with a heavy breakfast before getting an early morning drive through the Ngorongoro crater. We shall get to see the different bird species and animals and then have lunch before driving to the Ndutu Lake for the calving experience. Dinner and an overnight will be at the Ndutu wildlands camp.

Day 6: Ndutu area

Ndutu lake is located in the Ngorongoro Conservation area and is best for those who would love to see the calving season before the wildebeest migration starts. We shall start the game drive immediately after breakfast and drive towards the Ndutu Lake where most animals will be calving and thereafter connect to the southern part of the Serengeti National Park for dinner and an overnight at the selected campsite.

Day 7 : Arusha to Kilimanjaro airport

This will be the last day of the safari and after breakfast, we will drive through Arusha for those who would like to do last minute shopping before taking you to the airport for your flight back home.

7 days Tanzania camping safari

This trip will take around the Northern circuit which has some of the best National Parks in the country. The camping safari will take 7 days and all throughout your safari, you will be provided with accommodation, an experienced tour guide, water (alcoholic beverages are not provided), meals, airport transfers and transportation.

Cost                       $306 per person per day

Duration               7 days

Destination          Tarangire, Arusha, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti Park

Region                   Northern circuit Tanzania

Age range             6 to 97 years

Group size            maximum of 6 people per vehicle

Day 1: arrival in Arusha

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Day 3: Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park

Day 4: Lake Manyara National Park to Serengeti Park

Day 5: Serengeti National Park

Day 6: Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro crater

Day 7: Ngorongoro to Arusha

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: arrival in Arusha

Our driver guide will be waiting for you at the Kilimanjaro International Airport by the time you land. We shall then drive to Arusha where you get to explore the city but only if you are not tired then we shall take you to the hotel where you will spend the night as you prepare for the next day.

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Day 2 begins with a heavy breakfast, last minute shopping and then we shall drive to Tarangire National Park which will officially begin our safari in the Northern circuit Tanzania. The Park is best known for the large herds of elephants but you also get to see the wildebeest migration because some animals start converging in Tarangire before continuing to the Serengeti. An overnight with dinner will be spent at an overnight camp.

Day 3: Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park

We shall set off from Tarangire in the morning after breakfast and then drive to Lake Manyara National Park. The Park is not only a home to quite a large number of bird species especially the pink flamingo, it is also a home to many wildlife but most especially the climbing lions which are often seen in the trees. Lunch will be served before the game drives continue around the National Park and in the evening, you are taken to the campsite booked where you will have dinner prepared by a chef and then rest for the night.

Day 4: Lake Manyara National Park to Serengeti Park

We shall have breakfast at the campsite before starting on our drive to Serengeti National Park. on our way we shall make a quick stop at Ngorongoro which is en-route the Park and we get to go back in time as we explore the Olduvai Gorge where fossils of humans was discovered millions of years ago. You will also get a great view of the Great Rift Valley and then we shall continue to Serengeti. When we get to Serengeti, we shall have lunch at a designated and in the afternoon continue with a game drive around the National Park. we shall then have dinner and rest for the evening at the booked campsite in Seronera.

Day 5: Serengeti National Park 

Day 5 will be spent exploring the central part of Serengeti which is also known as Seronera. Seronera is the best place for you to view the animals especially during the dry season. Many animal congregate around the Seronera River to cool off from the heat making it easy for the animals to be spotted. It is also the best place for one to see the wildebeest migration as the animals cross over into the Masai Mara which is found in Kenya. Lunch will be served in the afternoon and when you retire at the chosen campsite most likely Seronera campsite, a delicious dinner will be served.

Day 6: Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro crater

After breakfast at the campsite in Serengeti, we shall pack up and start our drive to the Ngorongoro crater which is known to be the largest caldera in the whole world. When we get to the gates, we have to register first before descending into the crater which is a home to many wild animals and birds. Lunch will be had next to the hippo pool before continuing with the game drive viewing within the crater. Later in the evening, dinner will be served at the panorama camp where you will be spending the night.

Day 7: Ngorongoro to Arusha

After breakfast, we shall drive through Ngorongoro and also visit the Mto Wa Mbu village before driving back to Arusha. You will then connect to the Kilimanjaro international airport where you will catch your flight back home. This will be the end of the 7 days safari in Tanzania with us, thank you.

tanzania wildlife

5 days budget camping safari

Enjoy 5 days in Tanzania while exploring the best destinations for game drives that is Serengeti national Park, Ngorongoro crater and Lake Manyara National Park all on a favourable budget.

Cost                           $1780

Group size                maximum of 12 people

Destination              Serengeti, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro crater

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park

We will meet you at your hotel in Arusha after breakfast and head out to the Lake Manyara National Park. the Park is known to be small in nature but is a home to over 350 bird species and wild animals which include the tree climbing lions, hyenas, buffalos, hippos, warthogs, zebras, elephants, giraffes and elands among others. As we drive through Lake Manyara, we get to see all the wildlife that the Park hosts, a view of the Great Rift Valley and the woodlands that cover the park. An overnight will be spent at the campsite and this is where you will have dinner from.

Day 2: Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, we will drive through the Lake Manyara park so that we get a good look at the birds that come out very early in the morning and some wild animals. We will leave for Serengeti National Park at 7:30am and on our way, we shall get to take a short trip to Olduvai Gorge where archaeologists are believed to have found the remains of the first humans. We will have lunch and then drive through Serengeti National Park until we get to Seronera (central Serengeti) for a short game drive before having dinner and an overnight at the campsite.

Day 3: Serengeti National Park

Day 4 will begin at exactly 7:00am after breakfast and the whole day will be spent exploring some of the Park. with our help, you will be able to track the wildebeest migration which takes place in the dry season (June to October). Some of the animals that you should expect to see on this game drive include lions, cheetahs, hyenas, zebras, elephants, hippos, elephants, buffalos, giraffes and wildebeests. A packed lunch will be served in the afternoon and later on in the evening dinner will be served at the campsite where you will be spending the night.

Day 4: Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro crater

Early in the morning, we shall have breakfast and with a packed lunch, set off for Ngorongoro crater. Animals that you should expect to see while on a drive through the largest caldera in the world include elephants, zebras, elands, the black rhino, antelopes just to mention but a few. Ngorongoro is also the best place to catch the calving season which happens to take place in January. We will retire to the campsite in the evening for dinner and rest.

Day 5: Ngorongoro carter to Arusha

In the morning we will have breakfast and then have a drive around the National Park, explore the waterfalls, visit the River where you can catch most of the animals cooling off the heat and get to enjoy a packed lunch in a chosen bush. After lunch, we will drive back to Arusha and this will be the end of our 5 days camping safari in Tanzania.

5 days Tanzania Camps , Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and lake Natron

Cost                   1,178 per person

Destination      Northern circuit Tanzania

Duration          5 days

Group size       maximum of 5 people

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, the driver guide will meet you at your hotel in Arusha and your safari will officially begin when you start your drive to Tarangire National Park. one we arrive at Tarangire, we will drive through the Park in search of animals that live within and some of these include the bat eared fox, lions, cheetahs, zebras, elephants, buffalos, black jackals, hyenas, kudus and giraffes. We will have lunch at a picnic site before continuing on with the game drive and retire for the night at the campsite located in the Rift Valley with all the meals provided.

Day 2: Tarangire to Ngorongoro crater

When you are through with breakfast, we shall head out to Ngorongoro conservation Area which is the home of the Ngorongoro crater known to be the largest caldera in the world. On our way to the crater, we will get a great view of the Great Rift Valley before we descend into the crater where most of the animals can be found and these are lions, hyenas, black jackals, hippos, buffalos, cheetahs, flamingos and zebras. We also get to explore the Lake Magadi and later on spend a night at the campsite after dinner which is prepared by a chef.

Day 3: Ngorongoro crater to Serengeti National Park

We will have a morning drive through Ngorongoro after breakfast and drive about 115 kilometres to Serengeti. Serengeti is the home of the wildebeest migration and the best time to watch this annual event is during the dry season (June to October). We will drive through central Serengeti (Seronera) which is the best place to spot the animals like lions, cheetahs, zebras, elands, antelopes, elephants, hippos and buffalos. After lunch, we will track down the migration tracks and enjoy a late afternoon driving around the Park before retiring at the campsite for dinner and an overnight.

Day 4: Serengeti National Park to Lake Natron

Since most of the animals and birds are always up in the morning, we will wake up a little bit earlier and track the animals down. After the morning drive, breakfast will be served and the safari will continue to Lake Natron in the afternoon after Lunch. It’s a good place to relax especially when the sun is setting with your loved ones. A trip to Natron will also give you a chance to trek up the Ol Doinyo Lengai Mountain and an overnight will be spent at the Lake Natron campsite with a lovely dinner.

Day 5: Lake Natron

Wake up for an early birding exercise at Natron, have breakfast and then we shall drive back to Arusha which will bring the camping trip to an end.