Ultimate Tanzania Camping Safari Experience – Explore the Wild in Tents

Booking Tanzania Camping Safari Holidays

Camping safaris in Tanzania are highly affordable and suitable for all types of travelers.

It gets even better when you are with your significant other.

Camping safaris are perfect for students, honeymoon couples, family vacations, solo travelers, group travelers, and both budget and luxury travelers, among others.

We highly recommend traveling during the dry season because this is when you can enjoy your game drives in the hottest weather possible.

Learn different things and uncover secrets as you engage all your senses.

Let your nose be tantalized by the sweet scent of the flowers in the bush, listen to the mighty roars of lions and the melodious songs of birds, savor the delicious meals prepared by expert chefs or by yourself, feast your eyes on the nocturnal creatures that roam the jungle, such as hyenas, and revel in the comfort of resting in the wilderness, basking by the campfire, and experiencing the serene air that envelops the surroundings.

All the national parks in Tanzania have campsites and camps that cater to a range of budgets, from budget to luxury, offering all the necessary facilities to ensure your stay is safe and comfortable as you embark on your adventure.

These facilities include clean water, bars stocked with a variety of beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, restrooms, bedding, catering facilities, among others.

However, there is also an option for you to bring your own tent and personal essentials, such as soap, source pants, a cooking stove, food, a sleeping bag, among others.

Visit Serengeti National Park for a remarkable wildlife experience as you traverse the wilderness in search of various mammals such as wildebeests, zebras, lions, buffaloes, elephants, various antelope species, plants, reptiles, and bird species.

From June to October, the park witnesses the annual dramatic migration of wildebeests, accompanied by zebras and other mammals, to Maasai Mara Game Reserve in search of new pastures, making it the most rewarding season.

Don’t miss out on Mahale National Park, which rewards you with thrilling experiences of sleeping in the wilderness amidst an abundance of flora and fauna, including primates, birds, and mammals such as forest elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, among others.

Camping here is very affordable and accessible to all travelers and nature enthusiasts.

Also, don’t miss the exciting experience of camping on Mount Kilimanjaro as you hike to the summit, surpassing every hiker’s expectations with its unique and unforgettable nights spent above ground.

Choose to visit Ngorongoro Crater Lake, one of the natural wonders that the world takes pride in, with its unique attractions and scenic views that cannot be found anywhere else on Earth.

Camping safaris in Tanzania are the best way to immerse yourself in Africa’s vast wilderness at a low cost while receiving a remarkable experience.

BEST TIME FOR CAMPING IN TANZANIA

Camping in Tanzania can be done all through the year depending on which Tanzania safari experience you are looking for and the activities you plan to take part in during your time in Tanzania.

The best time for camping in Tanzania

This is during Tanzania’s dry season which runs from June through to October. Camping safaris in Tanzania are best done during the dry season because the weather is cool and dry and visitors would not have to worry about the rain ruining their campfire.

During the dry season in Tanzania:

• Expect a cool and dry weather
• Considered the peak tourist season in Tanzania
• Wildlife viewing in the national parks is at its best because of the thin vegetation cover
• Clear skies for excellent photography
• Best time for chimpanzee trekking in Mahale Mountains and Gombe Streams national park
• Best time for taking on mountain climbing and or hiking adventures in Tanzania as the trails are dry and easy to navigate
• Best time for beach holidays
• The wildebeest migration is at its peak during the dry season giving visitors a high chance of witnessing the migration
• Expect crowded national parks especially the most visited parks like Serengeti national park, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro
• The national parks get so dry and dusty
• High accommodation rates apply during the dry season as there is increases tourist traffic in Tanzania
• Carry your sunscreen

The dry season in Tanzania is considered the peak season thus high rates apply especially on accommodation facilities, therefore, camping in Tanzania during the dry season is a more cost friendly option especially for those traveling on a tight budget and still want to experience the wilderness with great views.

CAMPING IN NGORONGORO CRATER

Ngorongoro Crater is a world-famous nature wonder located at the floor of the great rift valley in Ngorongoro conservation area in North Tanzania. It is the world’s biggest intact caldera home to about 30,000 animals including lions, black rhinos, elephants, buffalos and the elusive leopards.

Camping inside Ngorongoro crater at the crater’s floor is not allowed, but visitors looking for a camping safari in the conservation area can camp in other areas around the Ngorongoro conservation area and the crater rim. There is a public campsite and several “special campsites” mainly for self-sufficient campers visiting Ngorongoro.

Camping in Ngorongoro Conservation Area

• Acquire the services of a tour operator or join a camping group for an organized camping safari experience in Ngorongoro conservation area.
• Adhere to the campsite set rules and regulations for your own safety and the safety of other campers.
• In public campsites like Simba A campsite, expect to share washrooms and bathrooms with other campers.
• Self-sufficient campers to Ngorongoro special camps should come fully equipped with everything they need for their camping safari.
• Camping equipment is available for hire at the campsite and it is advisable to make advance booking especially if you are travelling during the peak season of June to October.
• During the night, keep inside your tents at all times.
• Camp at designated camping grounds in Ngorongoro for your safety and to help minimize on the human environmental impact.
• Expect scenic views of the conservation area during your camping safari in Ngorongoro.
• For self-sufficient campers, book the campsites through Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA).

What to pack for your camping safari in Ngorongoro Conservation Area

• Personal toiletries
• Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
• Appropriate clothing for all weather conditions
• Insect repellents
• Flashlights or head lamps
• Camera, binoculars and all you might need while on safari in Ngorongoro

CAMPING IN SERENGETI

Serengeti national park is the most visited tourist destination in Tanzania famously known for the great wildebeest migration and having a rich eco-system that supports a diverse wildlife. Camping in Serengeti national park can be an exciting, thrilling and unforgettable wilderness adventure.

Imagine yourself under the starry skies of the Serengeti, in your tent pitched out in an open public campsite where animals especially the nocturnal animals, think of a lion, leopard or hyena, walk through freely at any given time in the night.

Camping in Serengeti national park;

• Plan and organize your camping safari to Serengeti with a reputable tour operator who will guide you all through during your safari and choose the best safe spots for you. You will be assigned to experienced tour guides that will be with you during your safari. Camping materials could be provided like tents, sleeping bags / mattresses.
• Planning on a self-catering camping safari to Serengeti, then make sure to carry with you all the necessary camping equipment you will need for a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.
• Your safety should be number one priority, that is adhere to the rules and guidelines given to you by your tour guide and the campsite attendants.
• Once you are inside your tent at night, if you can avoid it, please do not leave your tent in the night. If you are to leave, take extra precaution.
• If you are camping at a public campsite in the Serengeti, expect to share bathrooms and places of convenience with other campers.
• Store your food securely especially fruits to avoid attracting wild animals to your tent.
• Only set up camp fires at designated spots around the campsite and carefully put out the fires completely.

What to pack for your camping safari in Serengeti national park

• Toiletries for those camping at public camping grounds
• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
• Headlamps / flash lights
• Insect repellents
• During the dry season, carry sunscreen, sun-hats or sunglasses and light clothing
• During the wet season, carry gum-boots, waterproof ponchos / raincoats and warm clothing
• Sleeping bags, just incase
• Water bottles to carry your drinking water along with you
• Comfortable clothing for all weather conditions and comfortable footwear

Whether you are a private camper or public camper, remember to have lots of fun amidst the late-night sounds of the wild on your camping safari in Serengeti national park for an unforgettable wilderness experience.

CAMPING ON KILIMANJARO MOUNTAIN

Kilimanjaro Mountain located in North Tanzania is the tallest mountain on the African continent. This mighty mountain is a major tourist attraction in Tanzania and is a popular destination for mountain climbers and the adventurous travelers wishing to conquer the mighty mountain.

Different routes are established on the mountain that climbers / hikers take to reach Kilimanjaro’s summit at Uhuru peak. The routes have designated camping grounds where the travelers camp for each night on their way to the top. Aside from Marangu route which has permanent hut accommodation, most of the other routes use camping tents for accommodation.

Camping in Kilimanjaro Mountain

• The popular routes om Mt. Kilimanjaro include the Marangu route, Machame route, Lemosho route, Rongai route, and Northern Circuit route. Search about each route to determine which one fits in your travel time and suits your preferences and fitness level.
• To camp on Mt. Kilimanjaro, you much acquire a permit allowing you access the mountain from the park’s authorities.
• Employ the services of reputable tour operators to help you plan and organize your experience on Mt. Kilimanjaro.
• Pack the necessary equipment for your camping on Kilimanjaro including your hiking equipment.
• Be prepared for varying temperatures, with increase in altitude as you will be camping at different elevations each night. Bring layered clothing that can be easily adjusted to the temperatures.
• While on Kilimanjaro, you will be with a climb support crew and among these, the porters will carry your camping tents and help you set up camp and bring it down every day as you climb the mountain.
• At the campsites, all meals are prepared for you by the cooks and warm water is readily available for you.
• At the campsites on Kilimanjaro, there are wooden toilets.
• You can carry your own camping equipment for your camping on Kilimanjaro or hire camping equipment on arrival in Tanzania. Some tour operators do provide camping tents.

Campsites on Kilimanjaro Mountain

These are found on the different Mount Kilimanjaro routes.

• Lava tower camp
• Buffalo camp
• Shira 1 camp
• Shira 2 camp
• Second cave camp
• Third cave camp
• Umbwe cave camp
• School huts camp
• Mweka camp
• Moir hut camp
• Mti Mkubwa camp
• Mawenzi tarn camp
• Machame hut camp
• Mandara huts camp
• Barranco camp
• Barafu hut camp
• Karanga hut camp
• Kibo crater camp
• Kibo huts camp
• Kikelelwa camp
• Horombo huts camp
• Arrow glacier camp
• Millenium camp
• Simba camp
• Shira cave camp

What to pack for camping in Kilimanjaro Mountain;

• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping mat
• Head torch / flash light
• Beanie / warm hat
• Layered clothing
• Hydration bottles
• Energy bar snacks
• Comfortable hiking boots / trekking shoes
• Campsite sandals
• Personal portable first aid kit
• Gloves (light and heavy)
• Sunglasses, sunhats and scarfs
• Fleece jackets
• Day back pack

Camping on Kilimanjaro Mountain is an exciting adventurous experience and reaching the top at Uhuru peak is a once in a life time unforgettable accomplishment. Follow your climbing support team guidelines for a smooth, safe and enjoyable time of Kilimanjaro Mountain.

Tanzania Safari Types

There are various Tanzania safari types that you can book to make your holiday unique.

Check out some of them below.

• Tanzania Family Safaris,
• Tanzania Group Safaris,
• Luxury Tanzania Safaris,
• Hot Air Balloon Safari Tanzania,
• Tanzania Birding Safaris,
• Tanzania Budget Safaris,
• Tanzania Chimpanzee Tours,
• Tanzania Flying Safaris,
• Tanzania Hiking Tours,
• Tanzania Honeymoon Safaris,
• Tanzania Student Safaris,
• Tanzania Primate Safaris,
• Tanzania Wildlife Safaris,
• Tanzania Cultural Safaris,
• Tanzania Solo Safaris

There are more Tanzania holiday types that can make it easy for you to plan a specific tour type.

See all Tanzania holiday types here