2 Day Tanzania Camping Safari
Overview
Enjoy the beauty of Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit in this unforgettable 2 Day Tanzania Camping Safari, a great adventure for travelers who want to experience world class wildlife, beautiful scenery and real camping in a short time period. This well designed safari itinerary combines two of Tanzania’s most famous safari destinations, Tarangire National Park and the stunning Ngorongoro Crater, providing an incredible opportunity to see a diverse range of wildlife, spectacular scenery and the special charm of an African camping safari experience.
You start your safari in Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania, where you meet your professional safari guide before setting off in a specially designed 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for great game viewing. As you leave the busy city behind, the scenery changes to rolling Maasai plains, traditional villages and scenic farmland, offering you a glimpse of northern Tanzania’s everyday life before you reach your first wildlife destination.
Your journey then takes you to Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s hidden treasures and one of the country’s most rewarding parks for wildlife lovers. Tarangire covers some 2,850 square kilometers and is famous for its great herds of elephants, ancient baobab trees and the life-giving Tarangire River that attracts thousands of animals all year round. During your game drive you will have excellent opportunities of seeing elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, impalas, waterbucks, warthogs, ostriches and many species of birds. The park is also home to predators such as leopards, cheetahs and African wild dogs but sightings depend on timing and luck.
But Tarangire is not only a haven for abundant wildlife. The landscape is breathtaking, from open grasslands to dense acacia woodland, from seasonal swamps to towering baobab trees that have stood for centuries. These magnificent trees are one of the most recognisable features of the park and provide some stunning photographic opportunities during your safari.
After an exciting day exploring Tarangire, you will head to the lively village of Mto wa Mbu for an overnight at Fanaka Campsite, one of the most popular camping destinations along Tanzania’s safari route. The campsite is a quiet and comfortable place with lush gardens and is a perfect place to unwind after a full day of adventure. As you relax and enjoy the peaceful ambiance your safari cook will be preparing freshly cooked meals. Camping allows you to fully immerse yourself in nature, listening to the sounds of the African night while sharing stories around the dining area beneath a sky filled with stars.
Day 2 – The adventure continues with an early drive towards the spectacular Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater. The crater was formed millions of years ago when a giant volcano collapsed, creating the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, and it is often called Africa’s Garden of Eden. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most densely populated areas of wildlife anywhere in Africa.
The 600-meter descent to the crater floor shows an extraordinary ecosystem with wildlife thriving all year round. The crater is one of the finest places for a one game drive to see the legendary Big Five – lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and the endangered black rhino. Other iconic animals that guests often see include hippos lazing in freshwater pools, spotted hyenas, jackals, zebras, wildebeests, gazelles, elands and, in certain seasons, thousands of flamingos adorning Lake Magadi.
The Ngorongoro Crater is known not only for its incredible wildlife but for its amazing scenery. Lush grasslands, forests, wetlands and shimmering lakes are surrounded by towering crater walls, creating one of the most spectacular safari landscapes in the world. Great photo opportunities abound on every game drive and your experienced guide will enjoy telling you interesting facts about the wildlife behavior, geology, conservation history and Maasai culture of the area.
You will then enjoy a memorable picnic lunch in the crater before your final game drive and scenic drive back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). This allows travelers to easily connect onto evening flights, leaving with unforgettable memories of incredible wildlife encounters and authentic camping experiences in Tanzania.
Whether you are visiting Tanzania for the first time or adding a short safari to your holiday, this 2 Day Tanzania Camping Safari offers a brilliant mix of adventure, comfort, affordability and unforgettable wildlife experiences. The perfect safari for couples, single travelers, families, photographers and nature lovers who want to experience authentic African wilderness in two remarkable days.
Safari Itinerary
Your adventure begins with an early morning departure from Arusha as you drive through the beautiful landscapes of northern Tanzania to Tarangire National Park. Upon arrival enjoy a full day game drive exploring one of Tanzania’s finest wildlife destinations famous for its giant baobab trees, large elephant herds and the life giving Tarangire River. Your camera is ready for sightings of lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, impalas, warthogs and an impressive variety of birdlife. Have a picnic lunch in the park and continue your afternoon game drive. Depart for Fanaka Campsite in Mto wa Mbu. Relax with a freshly cooked dinner and experience a real overnight camp, surrounded by nature.
Accommodation: Fanaka Campsite, Mto wa Mbu, Tanzania.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
After an early breakfast, depart Fanaka Campsite for the stunning Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and descend into the breath-taking Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable wildlife experience. One of the best places to see large concentrations of animals in Africa, the crater gives one of the best chances of spotting the Big Five in a single day. On your game drive enjoy the beautiful crater scenery and look out for lions, elephants, buffaloes, black rhinos, hippos, zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, flamingos and many other species. After your picnic lunch at the famous hippo pool, you will have your final game drive before climbing the crater and heading straight to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your onward flight. This will be the end of your amazing Tanzania camping safari.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
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.