3-Day Tanzania Camping Safari

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Explore the thrill of venturing into Africa’s legendary wild. Imagine camping deep in nature while spotting lions, elephants, and cheetahs just steps away. A 3-day Tanzania camping safari offers a perfect mix of adventure and discovery. It’s ideal for those who want an authentic experience without spending weeks on the road. Over a few days, you’ll visit iconic parks, see spectacular landscapes, and immerse yourself in local culture. Ready for a journey that promises unforgettable wildlife moments and scenic beauty? Let’s dive into what makes a short safari in Tanzania so special.

Overview of a 3-Day Tanzania Camping Safari

What is a Camping Safari?

A camping safari means sleeping under the stars in tents set up inside national parks. It’s different from staying in fancy lodges or hotels. Instead, you live close to nature, with animals roaming nearby. This style of safari gives you a more real connection to Africa’s wilderness. It’s also usually more affordable and can fit into even tight travel schedules. Expect an adventure full of sights and sounds you can’t get from a hotel room.

Tanzania Camping Safari
Game Drive Experience
Budget Camping Safari

Key Destinations Covered

During a 3-day trip, you can either explore 2 or 3 of  the Tanzania’s best spots. These include:

  • Serengeti National Park: Famous for the great migration and big cats.
  • Ngorongoro Conservation Area: Known for its huge volcanic crater filled with wildlife.
  • Tarangire National Park: Recognized for large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees
  • Lake Manyara National Park: Famous for Tree Climbing Lions and soda Lake of Manyara

Here’s a quick map overview: Imagine starting in Serengeti, moving to Ngorongoro’s crater, and ending your adventure in Tarangire or Lake Manyara. These locations show off Tanzania’s diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Best Time to Visit

  • June to October: The dry season, when animals gather around water sources, making sightings easier.
  • December to February: The migration moving through the Ndutu region, great for seeing the wildebeest and predators.
  • The weather is usually clear, but dry seasons show Tanzania’s open plains best. Rainy seasons bring lush scenery but can make tracks muddy and less ideal for wildlife spotting.

 3-Days Tanzania Camping Safari Itineraries 

3-Day Tanzania camping safari to Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara

Here’s a suggested 3-day Tanzania camping safari itinerary covering Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park—ideal for a budget-friendly adventure with excellent wildlife viewing.

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Depart Arusha around 8:00 AM after breakfast for 2 hours (120 km) to Tarangire national park.

As you arrive continue with a full-day game drive.  Tarangire is famous for:

    • Large elephant herds
    • Giant baobab trees
    • Diverse birdlife (over 500 species)
    • Lions, leopards, buffalo, and more

After hours of game drives stops for picnic lunch inside the park and continue with game drive.

In the evening drive to campsite near Lake Manyara or Mto wa Mbu where you will overnight.

Meals: Lunch & Dinner included.

Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater

At 06:30 Am depart the campsite for Ngorongoro Conservation Area where you will drive for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

As you arrive descend into Ngorongoro Crater which is one of the world’s largest intact volcanic calderas. The crater is rich in wildlife including:

    • Black rhinos

    • Lions, hyenas, elephants, zebras, wildebeest

    • Hippos and flamingos at Lake Magadi

In the mid-day stop for Picnic Lunch at a crater-side picnic spot. After lunch ascend and drive back to campsite for packing and leave to Mto wa Mbu area where you will overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.

Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park to Arusha

Morning  after breakfast drive into Lake Manyara national park for game drive. The Lake Manyara park is famous for:

    • Tree-climbing lions (if lucky!)
    • Flamingos, pelicans
    • Dense groundwater forest and hot springs
    • Giraffes, zebras, elephants, monkeys

After hours of game drive you will stop for picnic lunch in the park.

In the afternoon leave the park for the journey back to Arusha which takes approximately (~2 hours).

  • Drop-off: Around 4:00–5:00 PM at your hotel or airport.

3-Day Tanzania Camping Safari: Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti

Here’s a detailed 3-day Tanzania camping safari itinerary to Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park — perfect for wildlife lovers who want to experience the best of northern Tanzania on a budget-friendly camping trip.

Day 1: Arusha – Serengeti National Park

 

Depart Around at 7:00–8:00 AM from Arusha (or Moshi) for the 6 – 7 hours drive to central Serengeti (with game viewing en route through Ngorongoro).

Route: Scenic drive through the Ngorongoro Highlands, entering Serengeti via Naabi Hill Gate.

Afternoon: Game drive in Serengeti — home to:

      • The Big Five

      • Big cat sightings (cheetah, leopard, lions)

      • Giraffes, zebras, hyenas, and the Great Migration (depending on the time of year)

Overnight: Serengeti Public Campsite (e.g., Seronera Camp)

Meals: Lunch & Dinner included

Day 2: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Conservation Area

 

Early Morning depart for sunrise game drive in Serengeti (best time for predators in action). After hours of game drive stop for picnic breakfast and proceed with game drive and back to the camp for hot lunch.

Afternoon: Drive toward Ngorongoro Conservation Area, spotting wildlife along the way.

Evening: Arrive at campsite on the crater rim (very scenic, cooler temperatures).

Overnight: Simba Public Campsite (on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha

 

Early Morning descend into the Ngorongoro Crater which is (~600m deep). The crater is packed with wildlife such as Black rhinos, lions, buffalo, hippos, elephants, flamingos, hyenas. All these creature form a unique ecosystem within the caldera.

Experience Game Drive for 4–5 hours inside the crater floor with picnic served near a hippo pool.

In the afternoon drive back to Arusha the journey of about (~4–5 hours).

Drop-off: Hotel or airport around 5–6 PM.

Tour Includes

  • Transport in a 4×4 Safari vehicle with pop up roof.
  • Service of the professional driver guide
  • Camping accommodation with three meals a day
  • Camping equipment, if necessary
  • Park fees
  • All Park expenses
  • Bottled mineral water 1.5Ltr per person per day

 

Tour Excludes

  • Visa Upon Arrival, please click here for more details
  • Tips for the Staff
  • We recommend $25 a day for the guide and $15 a day for the cook
  • All personal items for your trip 

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