Safari Overview
On a basic camping safari you travel with a driver-guide plus a dedicated cook and full camping gear. After each day’s game drives you are taken to a campsite (inside or outside the park). Your tent is pitched for you, along with foam mattresses, sleeping bags (or you can bring/rent your own), pillows, chairs and a small table. The cook prepares dinner, and in the morning after breakfast everything is packed back into the Land Cruiser for the next destination.
Campsites inside the parks place you right in the wilderness. There is no fence, so animals may pass through the area at night – sometimes even near your tent. Campsites outside the parks are usually located in or near villages and feel more settled.
What to Expect on a Camping Safari
Accommodation
Dome or similar tents with mattresses and bedding. Shared washroom facilities are basic and may not always have hot water. For safety, it is not advisable to walk alone to the washrooms after dark – guides often keep a bottle in the tent for night-time needs.
Meals
A private cook prepares all meals. You do not need to shop, cook or worry about food logistics – everything is organised for you. Meals are simple, filling and adapted to safari conditions.
Gear
Tents, mattresses, pillows, chairs and table are provided. Sleeping bags are usually brought by clients; they can also be rented in Arusha at a reasonable cost for the whole trip.
Best suited for
Adventure-minded travellers, young adults and anyone comfortable with shared facilities and a more rustic style. Not ideal for groups with very young children.
What’s Typically Included
Staff & vehicle
Driver-guide, private cook and 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for game viewing.
Camping equipment
Tents, foam mattresses, pillows, chairs, table and cooking equipment. Sleeping bags on request or by rental.
Meals & park fees
All meals while on safari and the relevant park entry fees (depending on the itinerary).
Where we operate
Camping safaris are most popular on the northern circuit: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Arusha and Kilimanjaro National Parks. Southern parks (Nyerere, Mikumi, Ruaha, Udzungwa) are also possible on request.
Popular Camping-Style Itineraries
These classic northern-circuit lengths work well with camping. We customise every trip to your dates and preferred parks.
6 Days: Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro
Full classic circuit with good time in each park.
5 Days: Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro
Balanced itinerary covering the main highlights.
4 Days: Serengeti & Ngorongoro
Focused time in two of Tanzania’s most famous parks.
3 Days: Tarangire, Manyara & Ngorongoro
A shorter, affordable introduction to the northern circuit.
Camping Safari FAQ
What is included on a camping safari?
A driver-guide, private cook, tents, foam mattresses, pillows, chairs, table and all meals. Sleeping bags are usually brought by clients or can be rented in Arusha.
Are campsites inside the parks safe?
Campsites inside the parks are unfenced, so animals may pass nearby at night. Guides brief clients on safety and advise against walking alone after dark.
Is a camping safari suitable for children?
Basic camping safaris are generally not recommended for groups with very young children because of shared facilities and the open nature of park campsites.
Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?
Most clients bring their own. If you prefer not to travel with one, sleeping bags can be rented in Arusha at a reasonable daily rate for the whole trip.