2 Day Tanzania Camping Safari
Overview
Embark on an extraordinary 9 Day Tanzania Camping Safari that combines Tanzania’s breathtaking wildlife, fascinating indigenous cultures, spectacular landscapes, and authentic camping experiences. Carefully designed for adventurous travelers, photographers, families, couples, and nature enthusiasts, this safari explores the remarkable Northern Safari Circuit while introducing you to two of Tanzania’s most unique cultural communities—the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes. From the giant baobab trees of Tarangire to the lush forests of Lake Manyara, the endless plains of Serengeti, and the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater, every day offers unforgettable encounters with nature and culture.
Your adventure begins in Arusha, Tanzania’s safari capital, located beneath the majestic slopes of Mount Meru. After arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will receive a warm welcome from your professional safari guide before transferring to your accommodation in Arusha. During the evening, you will receive a safari briefing covering your itinerary, camping arrangements, wildlife expectations, and important travel information to ensure you are fully prepared for the exciting journey ahead.
The safari officially begins with a drive to Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s finest wildlife destinations. Famous for its enormous baobab trees and impressive elephant population, Tarangire offers exceptional wildlife viewing throughout the year. The permanent Tarangire River attracts thousands of animals, especially during the dry season, creating one of East Africa’s most rewarding safari experiences. While exploring the park, you may encounter elephant families, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, waterbucks, warthogs, ostriches, and over 500 bird species. Spending the night at a public campsite allows you to experience the peaceful atmosphere of the African wilderness beneath brilliant starlit skies.
The journey then continues to Mto wa Mbu, a vibrant multicultural village located beneath the Great Rift Valley Escarpment. Home to more than 120 ethnic groups, Mto wa Mbu serves as an ideal base for exploring nearby attractions while offering visitors an authentic glimpse into rural Tanzanian life. The surrounding fertile farmlands produce bananas, rice, vegetables, and tropical fruits that support the local economy and provide colorful scenery throughout the area.
One of the most memorable experiences of this itinerary is the visit to Lake Eyasi, where you will meet the fascinating Hadzabe and Datoga tribes. The Hadzabe are among the last remaining hunter-gatherer communities in East Africa and have maintained their traditional lifestyle for thousands of years. During your visit, you may accompany Hadzabe hunters on an early morning hunting excursion, observe traditional survival techniques, and learn about their deep connection with nature.
You will also visit the neighboring Datoga community, renowned for their exceptional blacksmithing skills and livestock-keeping traditions. The Datoga produce handmade tools, jewelry, arrowheads, and farming equipment using traditional methods passed down through generations. These cultural encounters provide valuable insight into Tanzania’s remarkable cultural diversity while supporting sustainable community tourism.
The safari continues with a full day exploring Lake Manyara National Park, a compact but incredibly diverse wildlife sanctuary famous for its lush groundwater forests, alkaline lake, and unique tree-climbing lions. Large troops of baboons, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, blue monkeys, zebras, and countless bird species thrive within the park. During certain seasons, thousands of flamingos gather along the lake, creating one of Tanzania’s most beautiful natural spectacles.
Your adventure then reaches the legendary Serengeti National Park, one of Africa’s greatest wildlife destinations. Covering nearly 15,000 square kilometers, Serengeti is celebrated for its endless plains, abundant predators, and the world-famous Great Wildebeest Migration. Two days in Serengeti provide excellent opportunities to explore different regions while searching for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, jackals, hippos, crocodiles, and more than 500 bird species. Overnight camping inside the park creates an unforgettable wilderness experience where the sounds of nocturnal wildlife surround your comfortable campsite.
Leaving Serengeti, you will spend the night in the beautiful Ngorongoro Highlands, allowing a relaxed start for your final wildlife adventure. The following morning, descend into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. The crater supports one of Africa’s highest concentrations of wildlife and offers outstanding opportunities to observe the Big Five, including the endangered black rhino.
On the safari you will be travelling in a customised 4×4 safari land cruiser with pop-up roof. You will be accompanied by an experienced professional guide and dedicated safari cook. Delicious meals prepared for you, quality camping gear, stunning scenery, amazing wildlife and real cultural experiences all add up to an unforgettable adventure in Africa. This 9 Day Tanzania Camping Safari is an example of the incredible natural beauty, diverse traditions and world class safari experiences that Tanzania has to offer.
Safari Itinerary
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be met by our professional safari guide who will transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. Depending on your arrival time, relax after your international flight or enjoy a gentle introduction to Tanzania’s safari capital beneath the beautiful slopes of Mount Meru. In the evening your guide will give you a full safari briefing and this will include your itinerary, what wildlife to expect, camping arrangements, safety procedures and useful travel information. Enjoy a delicious welcome dinner tonight and prepare for the exciting adventure that awaits in the coming days. Overnight in Arusha - A comfortable start to your journey before the unforgettable Northern Tanzania camping safari.
Accommodation: Arusha
Meals: Dinner
After breakfast, leave Arusha and head to Tarangire National Park, where you will find magnificent baobab trees and large herds of elephants. Upon arrival at the park, enjoy a game drive in open grasslands, acacia woodlands, seasonal swamps and the wildlife-rich Tarangire River. Watch for elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, impalas, waterbucks, warthogs, ostriches and many species of bird against spectacular scenery. Then have a picnic lunch and continue your wildlife adventure in the afternoon. As it gets dark, arrive at the public campsite where your safari cook will cook dinner for you on your first memorable night of camping under the stars of the African wilderness.
Accommodation: Tarangire Public Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, you will have your final morning game drive in Tarangire National Park with a focus on more wildlife viewing while looking out for predators, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes and various antelope species. The cooler mornings are excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. Following your game drive you will leave Tarangire and travel to the busy village of Mto wa Mbu, situated below the Great Rift Valley Escarpment. In the afternoon you arrive at your camp site passing through beautiful farm lands and traditional villages. The rest of the day is free to relax, explore the surrounding area and enjoy a freshly prepared dinner as you prepare for the next day’s unique cultural adventure.
Accommodation: Mto wa Mbu Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Early morning wake-up call and drive to Lake Eyasi for a unique cultural experience with the indigenous Hadzabe and Datoga communities. Experience Hadzabe's typical morning hunting activities and learn about their amazing hunter-gatherer lifestyle, survival skills, medicinal plants and close relationship with nature. Then visit the local Datoga community, famous for their traditional blacksmith, animal husbandry and handmade jewellery. Observe expert craftsmen crafting farming tools and ornaments using time-honoured techniques passed down from one generation to the next. After this rewarding cultural experience, return to Mto wa Mbu in the afternoon for some time to relax, dinner and another night at your comfortable camp site.
Accommodation: Mto wa Mbu Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast drive to the nearby Lake Manyara National Park for a rewarding full day game drive. Search for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, baboons, blue monkeys, zebras and the parks famous tree-climbing lions amongst lush groundwater forests, open floodplains, acacia woodlands, hot springs and the alkaline lake. Fans of birds will be delighted to see flamingos, pelicans, hornbills, fish eagles and many more colourful species. Have a picnic lunch in the park and keep exploring the wildlife in the afternoon. Later return to Mto wa Mbu Campsite for a delicious dinner before another peaceful overnight in the beautiful landscapes of northern Tanzania.
Accommodation: Mto wa Mbu Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After an early breakfast, leave Mto wa Mbu and drive through the beautiful Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the legendary Serengeti National Park. Soak up stunning panoramic views before descending on to the sweeping plains of the Serengeti. After entering the park, you will begin your first exciting game drive looking for lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, cheetah, leopard, hyenas and many bird species. As you drive, your guide will explain the remarkable ecosystem of the Serengeti and its conservation history. Arrive at the public campsite before sunset, where you will enjoy a traditional dinner before your first unforgettable night camping inside Tanzania’s most famous national park.
Accommodation: Serengeti Public Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Rise early for breakfast and then depart for a day of game viewing in Serengeti National Park. Look for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, jackals, hippos, crocodiles and numerous antelopes in open grasslands, granite kopjes, seasonal rivers and acacia woodlands. Depending on the season you may see part of the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration. Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch before continuing on to your afternoon wildlife adventure. Before another unforgettable night listening to the sounds of the African wilderness, get back to your campsite before sunset for dinner prepared by your safari cook.
Accommodation: Serengeti Public Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast you will embark on a final half day game drive in Serengeti National Park, for further photo opportunities of the wildlife and enjoy the magnificent scenery. Before you leave the park, be on the lookout for predators, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras and countless other animals. After lunch continue towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with spectacular views over the highlands and volcanic landscapes. Arrive in the beautiful Ngorongoro Highlands in the late afternoon where you will relax and enjoy dinner before the unforgettable crater safari the next morning.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro(Simba Campsite)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Get up early for breakfast then drive down about 600 metres into the stunning Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable half day game drive. Look for lions, elephants, buffaloes, endangered black rhinoceroses, hippos, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas, jackals, flamingos and many species of birds in one of the richest wildlife habitats in Africa. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the famous hippo pool, with breathtaking scenery. Then climb the crater walls and begin your scenic drive to Kilimanjaro International Airport, passing through beautiful highlands, traditional villages and coffee plantations before arriving in time for your departure flight.
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.