Arusha - Tanzania
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Camping Safaris in Tanzania
Camping safaris in Tanzania offer a unique and fun way to explore the wide open savannahs. These trips are budget-friendly and give you a true African experience by sleeping in canvas tents in the middle of the bush. At night, you can gather around a campfire, under the open sky, counting stars.
Our Tanzania Camping Safari brings you close to nature, where you can even go on a night game drive with a trained game ranger for your safety. We take you to areas with lots of animals, depending on the season, so you don’t miss any of the action in the wild.
With our experience, we provide tents, sleeping bags for rent, and a mobile chef along with staff who set up the camp in the evening. Guests can even help with setting up tents if they want. During the wildebeest migration, some travelers also join in cooking, learning how to prepare local African dishes.
The highlight of a Tanzania Camping Safari
-Budget-Friendly
Camping safaris are often more affordable than staying in lodges, making them a good choice for travelers who want a memorable safari without spending too much.
-Nature Experience
Camping lets you sleep in tents, under the stars, surrounded by the sounds and sights of nature. It’s a much closer, more authentic experience compared to staying in hotels.
-Guided Safaris
Experienced guides lead the safari, taking you on exciting game drives, walking safaris, and sometimes night drives to see animals up close.
-Adventure and Flexibility
Camping safaris allow you to move between different parks and set up camp in beautiful spots.
Different Types of Camping Safaris
-Basic Camping: Simple tents, sleeping bags, and campfire cooking, perfect for people who enjoy a rough, outdoor adventure.
-Semi-Luxury Camping: Comfortable tents with proper beds, and meals cooked by a camp chef. It’s a mix of comfort and adventure.
-Luxury Tented Camps: Large, furnished tents with en-suite bathrooms and dining tents. You get the feeling of camping with the luxury of a hotel.
See All Our Budget Tanzania Camping Safaris packages
Guided private tours
Visit: Tarangire national Park, & Ngorongoro crater
From $510
Guided private tours
Visit: Tarangire National park, Ngorongoro crater & Lake Manyara Park
From $625
Guided private tours
Visit: Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro crater
From $1,002
Guided private tours
Visit: Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro crater & Lake Manyara National park
From $1,353
Guided group tours
Visit: Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro crater & Lake Manyara National Park
From $1785
Frequently asked question about Tanzania Camping Safari
1. What is a camping safari in Tanzania?
A camping safari in Tanzania involves staying in tents rather than luxury lodges or hotels while you explore national parks and reserves. This type of safari focuses on experiencing the natural beauty and wildlife of Tanzania more closely. Camps are set up in or near parks like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, or Ruaha. Camping safaris offer varying levels of comfort, from basic setups to semi-luxury and luxury tented camps, but the main appeal is the direct connection to the African wilderness.
2. Is a camping safari safe?
Yes, camping safaris in Tanzania are generally safe. Campsites are strategically located, often within fenced or secure areas, and safaris are led by experienced guides and camp staff. These professionals know how to safely operate in wildlife areas and take measures to ensure the safety of campers. Additionally, guests are briefed on safety protocols regarding interactions with wildlife, such as avoiding leaving tents at night without a guide and keeping food secure to prevent attracting animals.
3. What are the accommodation options on a camping safari?
Tanzania camping safaris offer several types of accommodations, depending on your preference for comfort and budget:
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Basic Camping: This option is the most rustic, where guests stay in simple tents with sleeping bags or mattresses. Campsites often have shared bathroom and shower facilities, and meals are cooked over a campfire. It’s ideal for those who enjoy an authentic, rugged outdoor experience.
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Semi-Luxury Camping: In semi-luxury camping, tents are larger and more comfortable, typically equipped with proper beds, and you’ll have access to better facilities. A camp chef prepares meals, and there may be private or shared bathroom facilities. This option provides a balance between comfort and adventure.
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Luxury Tented Camps: These camps offer a high level of comfort, with large, fully furnished tents that often include en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, and proper beds. Meals are served in dining tents, and you’ll enjoy top-notch service while still being surrounded by nature. Luxury tented camps provide a more glamorous safari experience while maintaining the adventure of camping in the wild.
4. What is the best time to go on a Tanzania camping safari?
The best time for a camping safari is during the dry season, which runs from June to October. During this period, the weather is cooler, and wildlife is easier to spot because animals congregate around waterholes and rivers. The Great Migration in the Serengeti also takes place during this time, making it a peak time for safaris. Another good time to visit is from December to March, when the calving season occurs, especially in the Serengeti. This is when many herbivores give birth, attracting predators and providing excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
5. What should I pack for a camping safari?
Packing wisely for a camping safari is essential to ensure your comfort in the wilderness. Key items to bring include:
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Clothing: Light, breathable clothing for daytime, as well as a warm jacket or sweater for early mornings and evenings, which can be cool. A hat and sunglasses are essential for sun protection.
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Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or boots for game walks, as well as sandals for around the camp.
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Personal Items: Sunscreen, insect repellent, toiletries, and any medications you may need. Bring a flashlight or headlamp, as lighting may be limited at night.
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Electronics: A camera with extra batteries and memory cards, binoculars for wildlife viewing, and a power bank for charging devices if electricity is limited.
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Other Essentials: A reusable water bottle, a daypack for excursions, and a good book or journal for relaxing between game drives.
6. How are meals provided on a camping safari?
Meals on a camping safari are typically prepared by a camp chef or guide, and the type of food depends on the level of camping. Basic camping often involves simple but hearty meals cooked over a campfire, such as stews, grilled meats, and vegetables. Semi-luxury and luxury camping provide more elaborate meals, often served in dining tents, with multiple courses that include fresh ingredients and a variety of dishes. If you have special dietary needs, these can often be accommodated if mentioned in advance.
7. Are there toilet and shower facilities?
Facilities depend on the level of camping. Basic campsites may offer shared bathrooms and shower blocks, with simple, sometimes eco-friendly setups like bucket showers. Semi-luxury and luxury camps often provide private or en-suite bathrooms with hot showers, flush toilets, and running water, offering a more comfortable and convenient experience.