2 Day Tanzania Camping Safari
Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 11 Day Tanzania Camping Safari, a remarkable journey through Tanzania’s world-famous Northern Safari Circuit that perfectly combines spectacular wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, authentic cultural encounters, and adventurous camping experiences. This carefully designed itinerary takes you to the elephant paradise of Tarangire National Park, the lush forests of Lake Manyara National Park, the fascinating Hadzabe and Datoga tribes near Lake Eyasi, the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, the endless plains of Central Serengeti, the migration-rich Northern Serengeti (Kogatende), and the dramatic landscapes of Lake Natron. It is an ideal safari for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, bird lovers, and travelers seeking an authentic African adventure.
Your safari begins in Arusha, Tanzania’s safari capital and the gateway to the country’s most iconic national parks. Nestled beneath Mount Meru, Arusha offers the perfect introduction to Tanzania’s warm hospitality. Upon arrival, you will meet your professional safari guide, receive a comprehensive safari briefing, and prepare for an extraordinary journey across northern Tanzania.
The adventure starts in Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s hidden safari gems. Famous for its giant baobab trees and one of East Africa’s largest elephant populations, Tarangire is a paradise for wildlife lovers. The permanent Tarangire River attracts thousands of animals throughout the year, particularly during the dry season when wildlife gathers around the only reliable water source. During your game drives, you may encounter elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, waterbucks, warthogs, ostriches, and over 500 bird species. Spending two days in Tarangire allows ample time to explore different habitats while enjoying exceptional wildlife viewing.
The safari continues to the vibrant village of Mto wa Mbu, one of Tanzania’s most culturally diverse communities, home to more than 120 ethnic groups. The village offers an authentic cultural experience where visitors can interact with local residents, visit banana plantations, rice farms, local markets, and artisan workshops while learning about traditional farming and daily village life.
A morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park introduces you to one of Tanzania’s most scenic protected areas. Despite its relatively small size, Lake Manyara boasts an incredible variety of habitats, including lush groundwater forests, open grasslands, acacia woodlands, hot springs, and the alkaline lake itself. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, large elephant herds, playful baboons, hippos, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, blue monkeys, and thousands of flamingos during the appropriate season.
One of the cultural highlights of this safari is the visit to Lake Eyasi, home to the fascinating Hadzabe and Datoga communities. The Hadzabe are among the last hunter-gatherer tribes in Africa, maintaining a traditional lifestyle that has remained largely unchanged for thousands of years. Accompanying them during their morning activities offers a unique opportunity to understand their survival skills, hunting techniques, and deep respect for nature.
Nearby, the Datoga people preserve their rich pastoral traditions and are widely respected for their exceptional blacksmithing craftsmanship. Visitors can observe the creation of traditional tools, jewelry, and weapons using techniques passed down through generations. These authentic cultural experiences provide valuable insight into Tanzania’s remarkable cultural diversity.
Your safari then reaches the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Descending approximately 600 meters onto the crater floor offers outstanding opportunities to observe the Big Five, including the endangered black rhino, alongside lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, hyenas, flamingos, and countless bird species.
The adventure continues into Central Serengeti National Park, where endless plains, granite kopjes, and permanent rivers create one of Africa’s richest wildlife ecosystems. The Seronera region is particularly famous for its abundant predator population, providing exceptional opportunities to observe lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas throughout the year.
From Central Serengeti, travel north to Kogatende, one of the most spectacular safari destinations in Africa. Located near the Mara River, Kogatende is internationally renowned for the dramatic Great Wildebeest Migration river crossings, where thousands of wildebeests and zebras brave crocodile-infested waters while predators wait nearby. Even outside migration season, Northern Serengeti remains home to elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and a remarkable diversity of birdlife.
Your return journey passes through the breathtaking landscapes of Lake Natron, one of Tanzania’s most dramatic natural attractions. Surrounded by volcanic mountains, including the active Ol Doinyo Lengai, Lake Natron is famous for its striking alkaline waters, seasonal flamingo breeding colonies, and spectacular Rift Valley scenery. The scenic drive provides a memorable conclusion to your safari before returning to Arusha.
During your trip you will be travelling in a customised Toyota Land Cruiser 4×4 with pop-up roof, with a professional safari guide and experienced safari cook. This 11 day Tanzania camping safari combines comfortable camping equipment, freshly prepared meals, outstanding wildlife encounters, fascinating cultural experiences and spectacular landscapes to create one of the most rewarding camping adventures in East Africa.
Safari Itinerary
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be met and greeted by your professional safari guide and transferred to your accommodation in Arusha. Depending on your arrival time, relax after your international flight or enjoy a leisurely introduction to Tanzania’s safari capital. This evening your guide will give you a comprehensive safari briefing, covering your itinerary, camping arrangements, expectations of wildlife, safety procedures and essential travel information. Enjoy a tasty welcome dinner and gear yourself up for the exciting adventure that lies ahead. Overnight in Arusha gives you the perfect chance to relax before you start your unforgettable Northern Tanzania camping safari the next morning.
Accommodation: Arusha
Meals: Dinner
After breakfast drive from Arusha to Tarangire National Park, one of the best wildlife destinations in Tanzania. Start an exciting game drive through giant baobab landscapes, open savannahs and along the wildlife rich Tarangire River. Look for big herds of elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, impalas, waterbucks, warthogs, ostriches and hundreds of bird species. Enjoy a picnic lunch in spectacular surrounding before continuing your afternoon discovery. Arrive at Tarangire Public Campsite at sunset, where your safari cook will prepare a delicious dinner to enjoy before settling down for your first memorable overnight camping experience under the beautiful African sky.
Accommodation: Tarangire Public Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast you will have another rewarding morning in Tarangire National Park exploring other sections of the park. Follow seasonal migration routes and the Tarangire River to see even more wildlife-rich areas. Search for predators, families of elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest and myriad species of birds, with great photo opportunities. Have a picnic lunch, then leave the park and head down to the bustling village of Mto wa Mbu at the foot of the Great Rift Valley Escarpment. Arrive late in the afternoon, and relax into your campsite, before enjoying dinner prepared by your safari cook. Now relax and get ready for tomorrow’s exciting Lake Manyara adventure.
Accommodation: Mto wa Mbu Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast drive to the nearby Lake Manyara National Park for a rewarding morning game drive. Explore lush groundwater forests, open floodplains, acacia woodlands and the alkaline lake as you search for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, baboons, blue monkeys, zebras and the famous tree-climbing lions. After lunch, head back to Mto wa Mbu for a taste of real village life with visits to banana plantations, rice fields, local markets, traditional homes and artisan workshops. Before returning to your campsite where dinner awaits under the beautiful northern Tanzania evening sky, learn about the incredible cultural diversity of the community.
Accommodation: Mto wa Mbu Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Rise early and take a drive to Lake Eyasi for an unforgettable cultural experience. Meet the Hadzabe hunter-gatherers and learn about their ancient survival skills, hunting traditions, medicinal plants and their special relationship with nature. Later visit the neighbouring Datoga community, famous for traditional blacksmithing and hand-made tools, jewellery and ornaments. Watch skilled craftsmen at work and discover their culture based on livestock and age-old customs. Take a stroll around the picturesque area of Lake Eyasi before returning to Mto wa Mbu in the afternoon. After a rewarding day exploring the fascinating indigenous cultures of Tanzania, enjoy dinner and another restful overnight stay.
Accommodation: Mto wa Mbu Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast leave early and proceed to the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater. Descend to the crater floor some 600 metres down for an exciting game drive looking for lions, elephants, buffaloes, black rhinos, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, hyenas and flamingos. Enjoy a picnic lunch before climbing up to the crater and continuing on to Serengeti National Park. In the afternoon, head out into the endless plains on an en-route game drive to seek out predators and grazing wildlife. Arrive at your public campsite before sunset, where dinner will be served before your first unforgettable overnight stay inside Serengeti.
Accommodation: Central Serengeti Public Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Have an early breakfast and then spend the day exploring Central Serengeti. While visiting the famous Seronera Valley, rocky kopjes, river systems and expansive grasslands, look for lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, hyena, jackal, hippo and crocodile. Your expert guide will take you to different areas according to game movements to maximise game viewing opportunities. Enjoy a picnic lunch in spectacular scenery before continuing with your afternoon safari. Return to camp before sunset for dinner and another evening to remember under the African stars.
Accommodation: Central Serengeti Public Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, proceed on your scenic drive to Northern Serengeti. Drive through a variety of landscapes with wildlife. Continue game viewing during the drive looking out for elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, zebras and many antelopes. As you approach Kogatende, you will be treated to spectacular scenery around the Mara river ecosystem, renowned for the Great Wildebeest Migration river crossings. Arrive in the afternoon and have time to continue exploring the area before arriving at your public campground. Enjoy dinner cooked by your safari cook before another unforgettable overnight camping experience in the remote northern wilderness.
Accommodation: Kogatende Public Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Full day of exploration in Northern Serengeti, one of the most spectacular wildlife destinations in Africa. See thousands of wildebeest and zebra trying to cross crocodile-infested waters at the Mara River (depending on the time of year). Travel for the day in search of lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalos, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas and many species of bird life. Your guide will monitor recent wildlife movements to maximise sightings as you travel different sections of the Mara River. Enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing on your afternoon game drive. Return to camp in time for dinner and your last unforgettable overnight in Serengeti National Park before sundown.
Accommodation: Kogatende Public Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, drive from the Northern Serengeti to Lake Natron via one of the most scenic routes in Tanzania. Enjoy the stunning views of the Great Rift Valley, volcanic mountains, traditional Maasai villages and the rugged landscape surrounding Ol Doinyo Lengai. Scenic lookouts over Lake Natron with alkaline waters and seasonal flamingo breeding sites. After lunch continue your journey to Arusha through the beautiful landscapes of Northern Tanzania. Arrive in the evening and end your amazing camping adventure with a comfortable overnight stay in Arusha.
Accommodation: Arusha
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Leisurely morning after breakfast depending upon time of your flight departure. If you have time, check out local craft stores or relax before your transfer. Your guide will then take you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in time for your onwards flight. Your amazing 11 Day Tanzania Camping Safari ends with wonderful wildlife experiences, rich cultural experiences, stunning scenery, real camping and the friendly hospitality that makes Tanzania one of Africa’s top safari destinations, leaving you with lasting memories. We wish you all a safe journey home and look forward to seeing you again for another adventure.
Meals: Breakfast
CAMPING INCLUDES
- All Meals as per Itinerary
- Airport Transfers
- National Park Fees
- Private 4x4 safari Jeep with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Government taxes and levies
- Soft Drinks & Wines/Beers
- Services of a professional safari cook
- All camping fees
- Spacious waterproof dome tents
- Sleeping mattresses, sleeping bags, pillows, tables, and chairs
- First aid kit
CAMPING EXCLUDES
- Travel Insurance
- International Flights
- Tipping
- Personal Equipments
- Visa fees
FAQs
A Tanzania camping safari is a real wildlife adventure, staying in fully equipped campsites within or close to Tanzania’s national parks. You can combine exciting game viewing with overnight stays in spacious safari tents, where you can experience the sights and sounds of the African wilderness, while enjoying freshly prepared meals and comfortable camping facilities.
Yes. Our camping safaris are designed to be comfortable yet still authentic bush experiences. Guests are accommodated in quality waterproof tents with comfortable sleeping mattresses, sleeping bags, pillows, tables and chairs. Throughout the trip a dedicated safari cook will prepare delicious meals.
Camping safaris can include some of Tanzania's most famous destinations, including Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Arusha National Park, Lake Natron, and Ndutu during the Great Migration calving season.
Wildlife sightings vary by season, but you can expect to see elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, cheetahs, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, and hundreds of bird species. Depending on the time of year, you may also witness the Great Wildebeest Migration.
Yes, sure. And when camping safaris are done with experienced guides, they are very safe. Campsites are set up in designated areas and your safari team will conduct safety briefings and provide guidance throughout your trip. Wildlife is always respected and trained staff are available to assist.
No. You do not need any camping experience to enjoy a Tanzania camping safari. Our experienced safari team handles tent setup, meal preparation, campsite organisation, and all logistics, allowing you to simply relax and enjoy your adventure.
We recommend packing lightweight clothing in neutral colours, a warm jacket for early mornings and evenings, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, a camera, personal toiletries, medications, and a reusable water bottle.
Our professional safari cook prepares freshly cooked meals every day, including breakfast, picnic or hot lunches, and delicious dinners. We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary requirements when informed before your safari begins.
Yes. Most of the public and special campsites have shared toilets and showers. Depending on your itinerary, private mobile camping safaris can also include portable toilets and safari showers for your convenience.
Tanzania offers great camping safaris all year round. The dry season (June to October) is great for wildlife viewing and seeing the Great Migration river crossings, and the green season (January to March) is best for the calving season in Ndutu and great birding.
Yes. Camping safaris are a perfect choice for families with children, couples, solo travellers and groups. Family-friendly itineraries can be customised with shorter driving distances, suitable campsites and activities aimed at creating unforgettable experiences for all ages.
At Tanzaniatrail we specialise in tailor-made camping safaris with professional guides who have a wealth of knowledge about the wildlife and national parks of Tanzania. We offer dependable 4×4 safari vehicles, quality camping equipment, delicious fresh cooked meals, flexible itineraries and a personal service from arrival to departure. We are dedicated to safety, comfort, authentic experiences and outstanding customer service, to ensure that every guest enjoys an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Tanzania.
Giving Back Through Every Journey
At Tanzaniatrail, we believe that travel should create lasting memories and make a positive difference. That’s why 1% of every safari package you book goes directly back to local communities in Tanzania. We regularly visit and support orphanages and community centers, and our dream is to establish a dedicated children’s home under Tanzaniatrail’s care. When you travel with us, you’re not only exploring Tanzania’s beauty — you’re also helping provide education, food, and brighter futures for vulnerable children. Your adventure changes lives. Travel with purpose.