Tanzania Camping Safari | Costs & Best Tanzania Camps in 2026
Welcome to the real Tanzania camping safari, the one where we zip open the tent at 5 a.m. and the first thing we hear is a lion clearing his throat twenty metres away. That’s not a recording. That’s breakfast calling. We’re the Goar Africa Safari Tours team that still gets goosebumps every single time the Serengeti sky turns pink and two million wildebeest kick up dust on the horizon. Thats is the Tanzania camping safari we live for and the one we can’t wait to share with you. Just picture this: you’re tucked into a cosy dome tented camp in Tanzania or a classic canvas safari tent.
Also, the fire crackling low, stars so thick you feel you could scoop them up. No walls, no Wi-Fi, no light pollution during your camping in Tanzania, just you, the people you love, and the greatest wildlife show on earth playing out in real time. One minute you’re sipping coffee while elephants wander past, the next you’re on a game drive chasing cheetahs across the Tanzania National Parks plains. That’s what a proper Tanzania camping safari does. So, it strips everything back until all that’s left is pure, wild Africa.
Why Choose Tanzania for a Camping Safari?
- Tanzania is one of the African countries that offers exceptional wildlife encounters. So, Tanzania safari experiences such as the wildebeest migration in Serengeti from July to October can be witnessed the Olakira camp. Hence, making Tanzania camping safari options viable for one to witness this magical experience to the fullest.
- Also, Tanzania has globally renowned national parks that are of an international level because of their density and richness. So, these Tanzania parks not only offer exclusive wildlife encounters, but also cultural experiences are offered at camps in Tanzania like Entamanu Ngorongoro.
- Additionally, the picturesque mind blowing vistas that are known for their dramatic visionary displays most especially during the sunset and the sunrise are a joy to watch during camping safaris in Tanzania. For example, the shorelines of Lake Nakuru are dazzling during the sunset because the color of the pink flamingos easily blends in with the green carpet that surround the waters. So, this can be viewed at the Flamingo Hill camp in Tanzania.
- The different Tanzania camping Safari options including budget, mid-range and luxury high-end camps makes this destination to accommodate all kinds of people no matter their class. So, one usually has an option of choosing what Tanzania tented camp they prefer according to their budget and according to what they would want to experience.
- Tanzania is offers a literally more affordable camping safari experience in Africa at camps like the Serengeti Wild Camp compared to other countries in Africa.
Cost of a Tanzania Camping Safari
Below are the estimated hire prices for the recommended gear for camping in Tanzania.
- Camping bed – 15$
- Camping light – 5$
- First aid kit – 20$
- Humper – 10$
- Mountain tents – 15$
- Pillow – 10$
- Camping table – 20$
- Foam matress – 10$
- Cooler box – 15$
- Bagpack – 25$
NOTE; These are the prices are not the final, however, they vary depending on the season the season. you’re doing your Tanzania camping tours.
How to Choose the Best Tanzania Camping Safari
1. Type of camping experience in Tanzania
There are different types of camps in Tanzania which one could choose from. So, they offer unique experiences during your trip to Tanzania. They include:
- Low budget camps in Tanzania;
These camps come at an affordable price for one interested in a safari in these accommodations in Tanzania. However, they are also referred to as public camps because some of the amenities and essentials provided in this camp are usually shared and an example of this is the Selous River Camp.
- Tanzania luxury camps.
These luxury camps usually come with luxury amenities, such as an ensuite bathroom. Also, these high-end tented camps in Tanzania are more private compared to the low budget camps such as the Tanzania Bush camp in Serengeti.
- Mobile camps in Tanzania.
Mobile camps are usually temporarily moved from one place to another. However, in Tanzania parks, these mobile camps usually follow the great migration in Africa. So, one is able to witness every step of this migration experience at their comfort zone in Tanzania tented camps. Lastly, examples of mobile camps in Tanzania include Olakira migration camp and Nyikani migration camp.
2. The season of Travel.
When one is choosing a Tanzania camping tour, they should know what experience that aligns with their preferences. Also, know the season of travel whether it is an overcrowded or less crowded season. For example most Tanzania parks from June to October, are overcrowded because of the great migration. Alternatively, in the months from January to February, there are a few visitors yet the weather is still suitable for camping in Tanzania.
3. Location and the park for the camping safari.
One should also consider the accessibility of the park for camping. Some national parks in Tanzania such as the Ruaha are situated in remote areas that are hardly accessible compared to the Serengeti. The latter is easily accessible since it is of a big size it has many entry gates where by one can easily reach.
4. Private vs. Group Safaris for camping in Tanzania
The camping safari is divided into two; that is a private safari where it is not guided by a tour operator and individuals follow their own interests and pace. On the other hand the group/guided safaris in Tanzania where one or a group of people usually follow a tailored program that is less personalized.
5. The cost of the camping trip in Tanzania and what is included.
Different parks and tour operators usually offer different costs. So, costs of camping packages in Tanzania therefore vary. So, choose which camping package fits your preferences, budget and what is included and excluded.
6. The duration of the camping Safari in Tanzania.
One should consider whether they want a longer period for the camping experience or a shorter period for the camping experience in Tanzania. The length of your camping holiday in Tanzania influences your total package cost.
Top 5 Camping Safari Destinations in Tanzania
1. Camping in Serengeti national Park.
This park is strategically located in the southern region of Tanzania. So, it is not only known for being a host of the wildebeest migration but also known for having a great population of the big cats most especially the lions best seen in the Serengeti camps. One cannot talk about Serengeti without talking about its breathtaking boundless vistas. Also, Serengeti offers other great experiences such as the hot air balloon Safari and the sundowners. Below are some of the camps where one can experience camping in the Serengeti.
- Dunia Camp.
- Olkaria Migration camp.
- Serengeti Sametu Camp.
- Ngiri Campsites.
2. Tarangire national park Camping safaris.
This park is well placed near Tarangire River in the north circuit neighboring Lake Manyara in the south east direction. Also, Tarangire is one of the biggest elephant habitats in Africa and has the ancient baobab trees. Tourists usually get a more intimate camping Safari experience in Tarangire because it has less crowds of people compared to other Tanzania safari parks. The camping sites in Tarangire national Park include.
- Nyikani Tarangire Camp.
- Olivers Camp.
- Tarangire Kati Kati tented camp.
- Tarangire Public Campsite.
3. Ngorongoro crater camping toues in Tanzania.
Ngorongoro is part of the Serengeti as it is in the southern region of this park. Also, it is partly a host of the wildebeest migration as it acts as a habitat during the Calving seasons of these large herds. Ngorongoro holds the inactive caldera that is surrounded by the dramatic volcanic Hills forming an awe-inspiring view. The crater is also a home to the big five “lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos” which you can see when camping there. Also, it is a bird watcher’s paradise. Some of the camping sites at Ngorongoro are:
- Ngorongoro wild camp.
- Embalakai Ngorongoro camo.
- Simba Campsite A
- Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge private camps.
4. Lake Manyara national park.
This park is in the great Valley region of Tanzania and is known for having a high density of the different bird species especially the flamingos. So, it is because of its algae that is on the shorelines of Lake Manyara. It’s also famous for having a unique type of the lions that are tree climbing lions best witnessed up close in tented camps at Lake Manyara. Here are some of the best camping sites at Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania.
- Migunga tented camp.
- Endabash public campsite.
- Lake Manyara public campsite.
- Migombani camp.
5. Ruaha national park
Camping at Ruaha National Park is ideal for the sighting of predator- prey relations as it has a large number of the predators most especially the lions and the leopards. It also offers unspoiled picturesque rugged scenic terrain that is good for photographic capturing. Recommended camping sites at Ruaha include:
- Msembe public campsite.
- Ruaha public campsite.
- Mwagusi camp.
- Tandala camp.
Tips for a successful Tanzania camping safari
- Choose a campsite in Tanzania that fits in your budget and offers the experience you want. For example the Kati Kati tented camp is a luxury mobile camp in Serengeti that gives travelers the experience of the wildebeest migration by following the herds in their movements.
- Respect the rules and guidelines for your camp. For example, in most of the Tanzania camps, one should not leave their camping tent open.
- Pack the right gear and essentials for the camping safari in Tanzania they include:
- Warm clothing’s because in parks like the Tarangire national park it is cold in the mornings.
- A headlamp/ flashlight since to use to watch your surroundings and most camps usually don’t have power.
- A charger and a power bank to keep connected with close people and to be aware of what is happening.
- A safari back pack to hold essentials like a hydration pack and camera.
- First aid kit to carry one’s emergency medications and for health emergencies.
- A camera to capture scenic views like the sun- kissed boundless savannas of the Serengeti and the Mara River dramatic landscape from the comfort of your camp.
- Hiking boots to easily navigate the rocky and steep terrain of areas such as the Ngorongoro highlands.
- Keep a distance from wild animals and do not feed or point a flashlight direct to them as it might pose as a threat to wild animals like the lions.
- Make sure you have travel insurance for the camping holiday tours in Tanzania.
- Lastly, conserve the environment by avoiding use of non- biodegradable equipment’s while at camping site as this could have a negative impact on both the environment and the wild animals in Tanzania.
When is the best time to go for Tanzania camping safaris?
The dry season is the best time to visit Tanzania for camping safaris. So, roads are dry such as the A104 that lead from Arusha to Serengeti are easily accessible. Also, it is easier to track wild animals during these camping holidayslike elephants aroun water sources in Tanzania like Tarangire River quenching their thirst.
Also, scenic views during this time are also great and experiences such as the great migration also happen during this period of time. The shorter dry season from January to February is also good and ideal for the camping Safari in Tanzania. Also, it is more exclusive because they are less people that come during this time for Tanzania caming holiday ours.
When is the worst time for the camping tours in Tanzania?
From March to May, camping destinations in Tanzania, such as the Ngorongoro conservation area become more forested. So, it becomes hard to spot wild animals since most of the mornings are even misty/ foggy hence the worst time to go for these camping tours. Also, roads like the one from Karatu to Serengeti national park become muddy and slippery which could lead to risks such as the transportations being stuck. Hence, could slow down your camping safari expedition in Tanzania.
