5 Day Camping Tanzania Safari

Exploring Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater

REQUEST THIS TOUR
A 5-day camping Tanzania safari is recommended if you want to visit three of Tanzania’s northern National Parks at a relaxed pace, with time to drive around and a chance to see all of Tanzania’s Big Five. First, you will visit Tarangire National Park, famous for its baobab trees and high concentration of herbivores. Wildlife is most concentrated near the Tarangire River during the dry season, giving you a good chance to see them. After that, you will visit Serengeti National Park, famous for its wildebeest migration. This is a huge park; that's why we have allocated two days to explore it. In addition to the migration, it is also famous for the abundance of predators. After leaving the Serengeti, we will go to the Ngorongoro Crater, where, hopefully, we will watch Crater Lions perform. Finally, you will visit Lake Manyara, a shallow lake in the Rift Valley known for its baboons, flamingos and beautiful scenery.
Our camping safaris can be customized to your preferences and can be either private or group tours.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha ➔ Tarangire National Park (Spend the night at Mto wa Mbu / Lake Manyara)

Day 2: Mto wa Mbu ➔ Serengeti National Park (Stay at Seronera Public Campsite)

Day 3: Full day Serengeti National Park (Stay at Seronera Public Campsite)

Day 4: Serengeti ➔ Ngorongoro Crater Rim (Stay at Simba Public Campsite)

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Game drive ➔ Back to Arusha

Camping Tanzania Safari

5 DAYS CAMPING TANZANIA SAFARI COST

Private tour 

SAFARI PACKAGE   PRICE PER PERSON

5 Day Camping   1 person   $2,599

5 Day Camping   2+ people  $1,999

 

Group joining safari 

5 Days Camping  US $ 1000 per person

Camping Tanzania Safari Includes

  • Transport in a 4x4 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

Camping Tanzania Safari 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

Enquire Now

Detailed Itinerary for the 5 Day Tanzania Camping Safari

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park.
In the morning, meet your safari guide and chef in Arusha, load the 4x4 Land Cruiser with camping equipment, then drive approximately 2 to 2.5 hours to reach Tarangire National Park. Game Drive: The full-day game drive will include a search for giant elephant herds, climbing lions, and plains game along the Tarangire River among huge baobab trees. Evening: Leave the park after sunset and spend the night at a campsite in Mto wa Mbu or Karatu (e.g., Sunbright, Haven, or Migombani Campsite).

 

Day 2: Lake Manyara/Karatu to Central Serengeti.
Early, drive along the Great Rift Valley escarpment toward the Serengeti, crossing the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and enjoying amazing views of the crater rim along the way.   Afternoon Game Drive: Arrive at Serengeti National Park, enter through Naabi Hill Gate, and enjoy an afternoon game drive on the Seronera plains to spot resting big cats on the granite kopjes.   Evening: Overnight camping at Seronera Public Campsite in central Serengeti.

 

Day 3: Full Day in Central Serengeti
Spend a full day on game drives in the central or south/western part of Serengeti, based on animal migration and seasons. You can spot animals like lions, hyenas, cheetahs, wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, and hippos.
Depending on you, there is an optional Hot-air balloon ride over the Serengeti plains at sunrise (booking required).
In the evening, drive back to Seronera Public Campsite for an overnight stay.

 

Day 4: Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater Rim
Early morning game drive in the Serengeti to watch wildlife during the sunrise. After a hot lunch at camp, pack up and leave the Serengeti on a game drive toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Simba Campsite, located at the top of the Ngorongoro Crater rim, where you will enjoy chilly, high-altitude evenings around the campfire.

 

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Floor to Arusha
•Breakfast and drive down 600 meters into Ngorongoro Crater early to avoid the crowd and see wildlife activities. Spend 5-6 hours exploring the crater floor, home to black rhinos, lions, flamingos, and buffalo herds.
• Afternoon: Picnic lunch at Hippo Pool and drive out of the crater, then proceed to Arusha (approx. 3.5 -4 hours).
REQUEST THIS TOUR

The Public Campsite Safari Experience

Tanzania Camping Safari
Staying in a public campsite provides an amazing experience of the wilderness, and one must know what the infrastructure entails:
  • Public campsites are unfenced. Zebras, hyenas, or elephants can pass through the campsites at night. You will be fine as long as you stay in your tent at night and do not keep any food in it.
  • Bathrooms and shower facilities are within brick buildings. Showers in the national parks are mostly cold-water showers.
  • While you track animals, the camp chef stays behind to cook elaborate hot meals (soups, rice, pasta, meat, and fresh fruit) using gas burners. They have extensive experience catering for vegetarians, vegans, and people requiring gluten-free meals.

Tips for Camping Safaris

  • Suitable Clothing for Ngorongoro: Simba Campsite is located in the Ngorongoro Highlands, about 2,300 meters above sea level. Night temperatures regularly drop to 5°C–10°C (40°F–50°F), so bring thermal base layers, a fleece, and a good beanie.
  • How to Protect from Dust & Sun: Unpaved roads inside the parks are dusty. Pack a buff/scarf, high-SPF sunscreen, and polarized sunglasses.
  • Power Charging: Bring a large power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh). Public campsites have limited electrical outlets in communal dining halls.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for a camping safari in Tanzania varies based on personal preferences and weather conditions.

June through October is the long dry season and is generally the best time to visit, with clear skies, minimal rainfall, and pleasant temperatures. Wildlife viewing is easier because animals concentrate around water sources, and the Great Migration river crossings in the northern Serengeti occur during this time.

January to February is the short dry season and is ideal for seeing the wildebeest calving season in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu area, which attracts predators.

Wet seasons from November and March to May offer budget-friendly options and excellent birdwatching, though heavy rains can make conditions challenging.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tanzania Camping Safari

How much does a 5-day safari cost in Tanzania?

A 5-day safari in Tanzania typically costs between $1,050 and $4,700+ per person, depending heavily on whether you choose a shared budget camping trip or a private luxury lodge experience.

What is a good 5-day itinerary for a safari in Tanzania?

A classic 5-day Northern Circuit itinerary covers Tarangire, Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater for the best mix of wildlife and landscapes.

What is included in the 5-day Tanzania camping safari?

A 5-day Tanzania camping safari typically includes park fees, 4x4 transport, meals, a professional guide and cook, and basic camping gear
468