Camping safaris in Tanzania are suitable for adventure lovers who want to explore nature up close. You'll be accompanied by experienced guides who know the wildlife and nature of Tanzania inside out.

How Basic Camping Safaris Work

At Kilimanjaro Select Adventures, we offer a range of accommodation options for safari tours in Tanzania’s Northern Parks, including budget-friendly camping options. These basic camping safaris provide an authentic, close-to-nature experience, ideal for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the wilderness while keeping costs lower.

What’s Included in a Basic Camping Safari?

In a basic camping safari, you’ll be accompanied by a driver-guide and a cook, who will prepare meals and ensure your comfort throughout the trip. We also provide all necessary camping gear. After your daily game drives, you’ll be taken to a campsite (either inside or outside the park) where your tent will be set up. The camping gear includes:
- 2-person dome tents (shared with another guest)
- Foam mattresses, sleeping bags, and pillows
- Chairs, a small table, and cooking equipment
- Common/shared toilet and washroom facilities
Your cook will prepare meals for you, typically breakfast and dinner at the campsite, with lunch served as a packed meal during the day’s game drive.

Campsite Locations

Based on the itinerary, here are the typical campsites we use:

- Serengeti: Public campsite in Seronera (central Serengeti)
- Ngorongoro: Simba campsite (public) on the crater rim
- Lake Manyara: Private campsite about 5 minutes outside the park; inside the park available for an extra cost
- Tarangire: Private campsite outside the park; inside the park available for an extra cost
- Ndutu: Simba campsite (public), located on the Ngorongoro Crater rim (about 1.5 hours from Ndutu)
- North Serengeti: Lobo public campsite, about 1.5 hours from Kogatende/Mara River

Meals and Drinks

Your dedicated cook will prepare three meals a day. We provide 2 liters of drinking water per client daily, with the option to request more in advance. If you want additional snacks or alcoholic beverages, you can pick them up before reaching the campsite.
Breakfast and Dinner: Typically served at the campsite—either outdoors with a setup or in a dining area (if available).
Lunch: Packed picnic lunch served at scenic spots during the game drive.
After meals, the guide and cook ensure that any food scraps are safely disposed of to avoid attracting wildlife to your tent.
While the food on a basic camping safari may be simpler than in tented lodges, we take pride in our highly rated cooks and make sure the meals are tasty and fulfilling. Our clients often rate us 5/5 for the food experience.

Campsite Facilities

The campsites provide basic washroom facilities, and many include a separate kitchen area for meal preparation. However, these are shared facilities, and cleanliness may not be up to the standards of a private lodge. Hot water is not always available in the shared washrooms, and we recommend being cautious when using them at night, as animals might be nearby.

Charging Devices:

You’ll have access to charging ports in your safari vehicle to keep your phones and cameras powered up throughout the trip.

Wilderness Experience

Camping safaris offer a unique chance to immerse yourself in the wild. In parks like Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire, you’ll experience the true essence of nature. However, the wilderness experience also depends on the location of your campsite.
Serengeti: Whether you’re staying in basic camping or tented accommodations, the wilderness experience remains equally immersive.
Tarangire & Lake Manyara: You can opt to camp inside the park for an adventurous, closer-to-nature experience.
Ngorongoro: Simba campsite (inside the park) offers a more authentic experience compared to budget accommodations in Karatu.

Luggage and Comfort

In a camping safari, the extra staff—cook and guide—means there’s more equipment to pack, so space in the vehicle is more limited compared to safaris with lodge accommodations. With larger groups, it can feel a bit more cramped, but we ensure everything is well-organized to maximize comfort.

When It Rains

While camping in Tanzania is amazing, it can be challenging during the rainy season (March-May). Wet tents and muddy conditions can make the experience less comfortable, so we generally advise against booking budget camping safaris during these months.

Pricing

Basic camping safaris are usually 10-20% cheaper than similar itineraries with budget lodges or tented camps, especially for Serengeti-bound trips. For short itineraries that don’t visit Serengeti, camping safaris might even cost the same or be slightly more expensive than budget lodges. If you’re keen on staying inside the parks, basic camping can save you 20-25% compared to the lowest-priced en-suite accommodations.

Conclusion

Basic camping safaris offer a more rustic and adventurous option for those who want to be closer to nature without breaking the bank. It’s perfect for the more adventurous traveler, and with Kilimanjaro Select Adventures, you can enjoy great meals, immersive wildlife experiences, and unforgettable moments under the stars.

Discover Tanzania’s Wild Side with Kilimanjaro Select Adventures

Let us take you on an unforgettable journey through Tanzania’s diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. Our carefully curated safari packages are custom-designed to offer you the best wildlife encounters and awe-inspiring scenery. Whether you’re following the Great Migration in Serengeti or enjoying a peaceful moment in Zanzibar, every trip with Kilimanjaro Select Adventures promises extraordinary experiences tailored just for you.