TANZANIA BUDGET CAMPING SAFARIS
Experience Tanzania’s wildlife like never before with our budget camping safaris. Join a group and explore Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and more – all at a low cost!
🏕️ What Are Budget Camping Safaris?
Budget camping safaris are affordable wildlife tours where travelers join others in a group and share costs. Instead of expensive lodges, you’ll stay in safe, public or private campsites close to the national parks. It’s a fun, social, and budget-friendly way to enjoy Tanzania’s top safari destinations.
🌿 Where Will You Go?
Our budget camping safaris take you to the most iconic national parks in Northern Tanzania. Each park offers unique wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. Here’s what you can expect:
🦁 Serengeti National Park – Home of the Great Migration
The Serengeti is one of the most famous safari parks in the world. Known for its vast open plains and rich wildlife, it’s the best place to see the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. The highlight of the Serengeti is the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras move in search of fresh grass.
Expect to see:
Big cats hunting in action
Massive herds of wildebeest and zebras
Beautiful sunsets over the endless savannah
A visit to Serengeti is a must during any Tanzania camping safari.
🐘 Ngorongoro Crater – A Natural Wonder
The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a breathtaking place with one of the highest densities of animals in Africa. This is the best spot to see wildlife up close in a compact area.
Inside the crater, you may see:
Large groups of lions and hyenas
Black rhinos (rare to see in other parks)
Hippos, flamingos, and zebras around the lake
Maasai herders grazing cattle near the rim
The crater offers a magical, once-in-a-lifetime safari experience.
🌳 Tarangire National Park – Land of Elephants and Baobabs
Tarangire National Park is famous for its large elephant population and the ancient baobab trees that dominate the landscape. It’s a peaceful park that is often less crowded, offering a more intimate safari experience.
What to look for in Tarangire:
Huge herds of elephants walking along the river
Tree-climbing pythons and rare bird species
Beautiful golden savannahs and open woodlands
Seasonal swamps that attract lions and leopards
Tarangire is perfect for a short but rich wildlife adventure.
🦩 Lake Manyara National Park – Scenic Beauty & Unique Wildlife
Nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Manyara National Park is a small but stunning park known for its natural beauty and diverse habitats. It’s home to tree-climbing lions, large troops of baboons, and thousands of flamingos on the lake.
Expect to see:
Bright pink flamingos and water birds at the lake
Forests full of monkeys and elephants
Unique tree-climbing lions lounging on branches
A mix of forest, lake, and savannah all in one park
Lake Manyara is ideal for travelers looking for a relaxing, scenic introduction to safari life.
🚐 Why Choose a Budget Joining Safari?
Budget joining safaris are the perfect option for travelers who want to explore Tanzania’s top national parks without spending a fortune. Here’s why joining a group camping safari is a great choice:
✅ Affordable Prices – Travel More for Less
When you join a group safari, you share the costs of transport, guide, cook, and camping gear with other travelers. This makes it possible to enjoy a full safari experience at a very low price, without compromising on the quality of the trip. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or on a tight budget, this option is designed to help you save money and still see amazing wildlife.
✅ Meet New People – Share the Journey
Joining a group safari gives you a chance to connect with travelers from all over the world. It’s more than just a tour – it’s a social adventure. You’ll share stories by the campfire, spot animals together, and maybe even make lifelong friends. It’s a great way to enjoy the safari experience if you love meeting new people and sharing unforgettable moments.
✅ Daily Departures – Flexible Travel Plans
We offer daily departures for our budget joining safaris, meaning you can pick a date that works best for your travel schedule. There’s no need to wait for a big group to book – we have ongoing safaris almost every day. This makes it easy for you to join, even if you’re planning last minute or only have a few days in Tanzania.
✅ Experienced Guides – Your Safari Experts
All our safaris are led by professional, licensed safari guides who speak English fluently and know the national parks inside out. They are skilled in spotting wildlife, sharing interesting facts about animals, nature, and local culture. With a great guide, your safari becomes more than just a drive – it becomes a learning experience full of discovery and excitement.
✅ Authentic Experience – Close to Nature
Camping under the African sky is a magical experience. You’ll sleep in comfortable tents within or near the national parks, surrounded by the sounds of nature – roaring lions, hooting owls, and distant hyenas. It’s a raw, exciting, and truly authentic way to experience the African wilderness, giving you a connection to nature that luxury lodges can’t offer.
🗓️ Popular Budget Camping Safari Packages
✅ 2 Days Tarangire & Ngorongoro Safari – Perfect for Short Trips
Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
Morning departure from Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Full-day game drive in Tarangire, famous for large elephant herds and baobab trees
Picnic lunch inside the park
Evening drive to Mto wa Mbu for dinner and overnight at a public campsite
Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha
Early morning drive to Ngorongoro Crater
Descend into the crater for a half-day game drive in one of the world’s most unique wildlife areas
Spot rhinos, lions, hippos, zebras, and more
Lunch by the hippo pool
Afternoon return to Arusha
✅ 3 Days Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari – Best for Wildlife Viewing
Day 1: Arusha – Serengeti National Park
Early departure from Arusha to Serengeti via Ngorongoro highlands
Game drive en route and within central Serengeti
Spot lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and wildebeest
Dinner and overnight at Seronera campsite
Day 2: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Morning game drive in Serengeti for more wildlife sightings
Visit hippo pools and enjoy scenic views
Afternoon drive to Ngorongoro highlands
Overnight at Simba campsite on the crater rim
Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha
Early descent into Ngorongoro Crater
Enjoy a game drive with a chance to see the Big Five
Lunch in the crater
Afternoon return to Arusha
✅ 4 Days Classic Northern Safari – Visit 3 Parks with Great Diversity
Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
Game drive in Tarangire, spotting elephants, giraffes, lions, and birdlife
Picnic lunch in the park
Dinner and overnight at Mto wa Mbu campsite
Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park
Explore Lake Manyara, known for tree-climbing lions and flamingos
Game drive along the lake and forest areas
Evening return to Mto wa Mbu campsite
Day 3: Serengeti National Park
Drive through Ngorongoro to Serengeti with game viewing along the way
Afternoon game drive in Serengeti plains
Overnight at Seronera campsite
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha
Morning descent into the crater for a game drive
Spot rhinos, buffalo, hyenas, and more
Lunch in the crater
Return to Arusha in the evening
✅ 5 Days Big Five Budget Safari – Maximize Sightings in Serengeti and Crater
Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
Game drive in Tarangire, ideal for elephants and bird watching
Picnic lunch and evening transfer to Mto wa Mbu campsite
Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park
Morning game drive in Lake Manyara
Lunch and drive to Serengeti
Evening game drive in Serengeti
Overnight at Seronera campsite
Day 3: Full Day in Serengeti
Morning and afternoon game drives in Seronera region
Look for predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs
Overnight at Seronera campsite
Day 4: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Morning game drive and then head to Ngorongoro highlands
Enjoy sunset views over the crater
Overnight at Simba campsite
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha
Descend into the crater for a half-day game drive
Picnic lunch and drive back to Arusha
✅ 7 Days Full Northern Circuit Safari – Ultimate Adventure for Nature Lovers
Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
Explore the beauty of Tarangire’s wildlife and ancient baobabs
Overnight at Mto wa Mbu campsite
Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park
Morning game drive in Lake Manyara
Lunch and cultural tour (optional) in Mto wa Mbu
Overnight at the same campsite
Day 3: Mto wa Mbu – Serengeti National Park
Long drive with game viewing en route
Afternoon game drive in Serengeti
Overnight at Seronera campsite
Day 4: Full Day Serengeti
Full-day exploration of the endless plains of Serengeti
Visit hippo pools, kopjes, and spot the Great Migration (seasonal)
Overnight at Seronera campsite
Day 5: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Highlands
Early morning game drive
After lunch, drive to Ngorongoro crater rim
Overnight at Simba campsite
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater
Full game drive inside the crater
High chance to spot black rhinos and lions
Overnight at a campsite near Lake Manyara
Day 7: Lake Manyara Area – Arusha
Relaxed breakfast and optional local tour (Maasai village or walking safari)
Return to Arusha in the afternoon
🧳 What’s Included in Our Joining Safaris?
When you book a budget joining camping safari with us, everything is carefully arranged to give you a comfortable and unforgettable experience. Our packages are all-inclusive, and here’s exactly what’s covered:
🚙 Transport
Transport in a customized 4×4 safari jeep with a pop-up roof for perfect game viewing and photography
Window seat guaranteed for each guest
Pick-up and drop-off in Arusha or Moshi (depending on your location)
👨🏫 Safari Crew
Professional English-speaking safari guide with extensive knowledge of wildlife and the parks
Friendly and skilled safari cook who prepares fresh meals daily
Camp assistant (on request or for larger groups)
🍽️ Meals and Drinks
All meals included during the safari:
Breakfast
Packed or hot lunch
Dinner
Vegetarian, vegan, and special dietary meals available on request
Bottled drinking water provided daily
🏕️ Camping Accommodation
Stay at public or special campsites within or near the national parks
Clean and safe camping areas with toilets, showers, and kitchen space
Camping gear included:
Spacious dome tents (shared or private)
Sleeping mattresses
Sleeping bags (clean and comfortable)
Pillows, chairs, and dining table
🎟️ Park & Camping Fees
All national park entrance fees (e.g., Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara)
Ngorongoro Crater descent fee (if included in the itinerary)
Campsite fees and other relevant government charges
🧑🤝🧑 Group Size & Safari Style
Small group size: Usually 6–7 people per safari vehicle
Shared safari experience with travelers from around the world
Ideal for solo travelers, couples, and friends
Open-roof game drives for maximum wildlife viewing
🆓 Extras Included
Unlimited game drives during park hours
Basic first aid kit in the vehicle
Daily briefings and guidance from your safari guide
Assistance with travel logistics before or after safari (on request)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are the campsites safe?
A: Yes, all campsites are secure and supervised. They also offer basic facilities like toilets, showers, and cooking areas. You’ll always be with your guide and group for safety.
Q: Do I need to bring my own tent or sleeping bag?
A: No, we provide all camping equipment including tents, mattresses, and clean sleeping bags. You only need to bring personal items like clothes and toiletries.
Q: Can I join as a solo traveler?
A: Absolutely! Many of our guests are solo travelers. Joining a group is a great way to make new friends and share the safari experience with others.
Q: What if I have dietary needs?
A: No problem! Our cooks can prepare vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other special meals. Just let us know in advance.
Q: How many people are in a joining group?
A: We usually place 6 to 7 people per safari jeep, which guarantees everyone has a window seat and enough space during the game drives.
Q: Are park fees included in the price?
A: Yes, all national park entry fees and camping fees are included in the safari package price.
Q: What kind of vehicle will we use for the safari?
A: We use custom 4×4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs for better wildlife viewing and photography. All vehicles are well-maintained and driven by experienced guides.
Q: What should I pack for a camping safari?
A: Pack light but essential items like:
- Comfortable clothes (neutral colors)
- A warm jacket (for cool nights)
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
- Personal toiletries and medication
- Camera and power bank
We’ll send you a full packing list after booking.
Q: Are there charging stations at the campsites?
A: Some campsites have charging points for phones and cameras, but we recommend bringing a power bank just in case.
Q: Do the campsites have Wi-Fi?
A: Most public campsites do not have Wi-Fi. This is a great time to unplug, relax, and enjoy nature. However, mobile network coverage is available in some areas.
Q: What is the best time to go on a budget camping safari in Tanzania?
A: Tanzania is great all year round, but the best months for wildlife viewing are from June to October (dry season). The Great Migration in Serengeti can be seen in different areas depending on the month.
📅 How to Book Your Budget Safari
Choose your preferred itinerary and dates
Contact us via WhatsApp or email to confirm availability
Pay a small deposit to secure your spot
Get ready for an unforgettable African safari experience!
🎯 Why Book With Us?
- 🦁 Local and trusted tour operator based in Tanzania
- 🛡️ No hidden costs – everything is clear from the start
- ⭐ Excellent reviews from past travelers
- 📞 24/7 support before and during your safari
