Camping Safaris Tanzania has well organized itineraries that brings together the most remarkable landscapes, peoples’ norms & culture as well as the most thrilling wildlife, some of our affordable camping safari in Tanzania are combining Zanzibar beach holidays or Kilimanjaro climbing at reasonable prices.
Back to Africa Safaris offers Tanzania budget camping safari packages as well as luxury and budget Tanzania lodge safari packages that takes you to the most highlighted wildlife areas in Tanzania. Apart from visiting National Parks, game reserves, open areas in wild Tanzania, few of our Tanzania camping safari tours can take you to the very remote areas where infrastructures are undeveloped.
Just imagine being around the campfire at the middle of nowhere in the vast Serengeti plains, stars shining from the African sky as you zip one of your favorable Tanzanian beer after a delightful hot African dishes freshly prepared by your private safari chef. Lion roaring from the distance, laughing hyenas in the darkness, insects whistling their tunes of the night, birds singing their sweet songs during your wake up call ready for another day in the wild rich Serengeti National Park, such scenarios & others are what Tanzania camping safaris are all about, if you are fond of such adventurous tours this is your chance. 
Budget Tanzania Camping Safaris
Safari is a journey, that is what the word means in Swahili the language of East Africa. We mostly offer private Tanzania camping safaris therefore, organizing a safari in Tanzania with Back to Africa safaris means safe, affordable & enjoyable. You will have your own well maintained, clean 4 x 4 safari Land Cruiser with photographic roof thatch driven by a professional, well experienced local safari driver guide who will take you to some areas which will leave you breathless with wonder & excitement.
All meals will be prepared by a private chef who will also be responsible for pitching your tents so this is a stress free safari where you don’t need to think about what to eat, where to sleep and so on, everything will be taken care of. All camping gears will be provided except sleeping bags which we mostly advice to bring it otherwise, you can rent in Arusha upon arrive at reasonable cost paid once for the whole trip.
Camping safaris Tanzania are more popular in Northern Tanzania than in the Southern. Northern Tanzania safari circuit include Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks as well as Arusha and Kilimanjaro National Parks. Southern safari circuit has Nyerere National Park, Mikumi National Park, Ruaha and Udzungwa Mountain National Park.
Back to Africa safaris is the best Tanzania Tour operator when it comes to Camping Safaris in Tanzania with assurance of safety, quality services at affordable prices. Our bellow sample safari itineraries can be customized or twisted to meet your budget, wishes and preferences.
Overview & Insight for Tanzania Camping Safaris
Camping safaris Tanzania offers an immersive, budget-friendly way to connect with the wild heart of Africa. You’ll sleep under canvas tents in unfenced campsites—either public sites inside national parks or private ones nearby—waking to the sounds of hyenas and birds, with campfires crackling under starlit skies. This style emphasizes adventure over luxury, with full-service setups including comfortable tents, foam mattresses, mess tents for meals, and expert guides who handle everything from cooking fresh bush cuisine to spotting wildlife. You may expect hot bucket showers in some areas, simple en-suite facilities, and vehicles extended 4×4 safari Land Cruisers for game drives.
Camping safaris Tanzania are ideal for solo travelers, couples, families or small groups seeking authenticity, but they’re not for everyone—be prepared for basic comforts, early mornings, and occasional rain. Prices start at $150–$250 per person per day for budget options, including meals, park fees, and transport, making them far more affordable than lodge stays.
Based on our long experience in organizing best camping safaris Tanzania, the Northern Circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro) dominates for first-timers, while the Southern Circuit (Ruaha, Nyerere) suits those craving remoteness and fewer crowds. Please read this review from our esteemed client: Adam: 5 Day Camping Safari in Sep 2019 • Family
Best Parks and Regions for Camping Safaris
Tanzania’s parks vary in wildlife, terrain, and vibe. Here’s a comparison of top spots for camping:
| Park/Region | Key Wildlife Highlights | Best For | Camping Style | Crowds | Dry Season Viewing (Jun–Oct) |
| Serengeti National Park (Northern Circuit) | Great Migration (wildebeest, zebras), Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino), cheetahs, 500+ bird species | Epic migrations, vast plains | Public campsites inside park; full-service tents with river views | High (but vast size spreads it out) | Excellent—animals cluster at waterholes |
| Ngorongoro Crater (Northern Circuit) | Dense Big Five concentrations, black rhinos, flamingos on soda lakes | Caldera floor game drives, dramatic scenery | Designated crater rim camps or crater-edge sites | Moderate | Superb—clear visibility in the bowl |
| Tarangire National Park (Northern Circuit) | Elephant herds, baobab groves, tree-climbing lions, oryx | Riverine landscapes, fewer predators | Riverside camps near park gate | Low | Good—herds gather at Tarangire River |
| Lake Manyara National Park (Northern Circuit) | Tree-climbing lions, hippos, baboons, soda lake birds | Compact, lush intro to safari | Lakeside public camps | Low | Fair—floodplains teem with life |
| Lake Eyasi (Northern Circuit) | Culture experience, Hunting with Hadzabe Bushmen, Tuition on survival skills | Remote area | Lakeside public camps | Low | Fair—floodplains teem with life |
These parks form the core of most itineraries, with the Northern Circuit offering the “classic” Big Five checklist including the Great Migration.
Recommended Detailed Itineraries for Camping Safaris Tanzania
TWO sample camping safari itineraries. These are customizable; costs assume 2–4 people sharing, full-board, and exclude international flights (~$600–$800 round-trip to Kilimanjaro Airport). Book via reputable local operator-like back to Africa Safaris for best prices.
- Budget Northern Circuit Classic (5 Days) – Focus: Serengeti & Ngorongoro
- Why it’s best: Covers migration hotspots affordably; ideal for first-timers. Rated 5/5 on our TripAdvisor for value and sightings.
- Total Cost: $800–$1,600 pp (A group 4 to 5 camping)
- Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire (Drive: 2.5 hours) Morning pickup from Arusha hotel/lodge. Drive to Tarangire for late morning & afternoon game drive amid baobabs—spot elephant herds and lions in acacias. Camp at public Migombani public campsite close to Lake Manyara gate (basic tents, dinner, campfire and overnight). Evening: Stargazing and wildlife sounds.
- Day 2: Tarangire to Serengeti Drive: 4 hours), En-route option: masai village visit or pass by Olduvai Gorge (fossil talks). Afternoon central Serengeti game drive for wildebeest Migration ad big cats (depending on traveling dates). Camping at Seronera public campsite in central Serengeti—mess tent with fresh bush breakfasts/lunches.
- Day 3: Full Day Serengeti. Early morning & afternoon game drives, tracking the Great Migration (Jun–Oct: river crossings). Optional hot-air balloon add-on ($589 pp). Bush picnic amid plains. Evening camp: Relax with Tusker beer around the fire, hyena calls nearby.
- Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater (Drive: 3 hours) Early morning game drive before depating for Ngorongoro & descent over 600 meters to spot rhinos and black-maned lions, hippos & many more. Picnic lunch inside the crater floor. Late afternoon drive to Simba public campsite at the crater rim, hot showers, Swahili curries for dinner, then overnight.
- Day 5: Full Day Lake Manyara (Drive: 45 min), game drive with picnic lunch. Explore Manyara’s soda lake with large flocks of flamingos, tree-climbing lions etc. Optional biking & cultural walk in Mto wa Mbu village (Maasai interactions & school visit). After return back to Arusha for overnight (own account) or drop off at Kilimanjaro airport. Pro Tip: June–October for dry-season visibility; extend to Zanzibar beach option.
- Mid-Range Cultural Camping Adventure (7 Days) – Focus: Tribes & Parks
- Why it’s best: Blends wildlife with Hadzabe/Datoga/Maasai visits; great for immersive stories. 5/5 reviews for unique experiences.
- Total Cost: $1,500–$1,800 pp Private group tour (4-5 person) (Good Canvas tents with).
- Day 1–2: Arusha – Lake Manyara – Lake Eyasi (To Lake Manyara Drive: 3 hours), Explore Larger mammals, tree climbing lions, flamingos & beautiful sceneries at the base of the Rift Valley. To Lake Eyasi Drive: 3 hours) Hunt with Hadzabe bushmen (archery demo) and visit Datoga blacksmiths. Camp at basic Eyasi site—learn fire-starting, traditional dances.
- Day 3-4: Eyasi to Serengeti (Drive: 4 hours) Migration tracking, spot the big cats optional masai village visit. Camp in central Serengeti—track animal prints, birdwatching (524 species in similar parks).
- Day 5: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater, (Drive: 3 hours) Crater game drive for Big Five, rare black rhinos. Camp on crater rim—panoramic views, Simba public campsite. Dinner, campfire & overnight.
- Day 6: Ngorongoro to Tarangire (Drive: 3 hours) Baobab drives, elephant herds. Evening cultural talk on Tanzanian tribes. dinner, campfire & overnight at Tarangire Public campsite inside the park.
- Day 7: Tarangire to Arusha Morning drive, souvenir shopping. Drive back to Arusha for overnight (own account) or drop off at Arusha or Kilimanjaro airport.
Pro Tip: Best Dec–Mar for calving season and June -Oct for Great Migration
What to Pack and Practical Tips
- Essentials: Lightweight sleeping bag (nights cool to 50°F/10°C), headlamp, binoculars, malaria prophylaxis, sunscreen/hat, neutral clothing (greens/khakis), reusable water bottle. Guides provide tents/mess kits.
- Health/Safety: Vaccinations (yellow fever, typhoid); drink bottled water. Camps are unfenced—guides brief on etiquette (no solo walks). Women: Pack modest clothes for villages.
- Sustainability: Choose operators supporting communities (e.g., anti-poaching funds). Leave no trace; opt for solar-powered camps.
- Booking Advice: Use local tour operator www.backtoafricasafaris.com. For best & affordable Tanzania Camping Safaris. Read our reviews on TripAdvisor with top rates of 4.9/5 for reliable setups.
- https://www.backtoafricasafaris.com/client-reviews-testimonials/
Book 3–6 months ahead for peak season; groups save 20–30%.
Budget Camping safaris Tanzania deliver raw magic—plan yours for an adventure that lingers. For custom quotes, check us via the links above.
