· Golden Memories Safaris
A camping safari puts you in a tent inside the park, a short walk from where animals pass at night. It is the most affordable way to sleep in the Serengeti, and many guests remember it as the most vivid part of their trip. It is also simple, and it helps to know what to expect. This guide explains how it works on a Golden Memories Safaris camping trip, what it costs and who it suits.
What is a camping safari?
On a camping safari you travel in a safari vehicle with a driver-guide and a cook, and you sleep in tents at campsites instead of in lodges. There are two broad kinds:
- Public campsites. These are basic campsites run by the park authorities inside the national park. They have simple washing facilities and shared toilets. This is what we use on our budget camping safaris.
- Private or mobile camps. These are tented camps with proper beds, bathrooms and staff, often positioned near the herds. They cost much more and belong to the mid-range and luxury categories. See our luxury safari page for that style.
This page is about the first kind, which is the budget end of the market.
Camp evenings are simple and quiet.
Our camping safari: 5 days on the northern circuit
Our 5 day shared group camping safari starts from {{from}} per person. You travel in a shared 4x4 with a pop-up roof and an English-speaking professional guide. The route is:
- Day 1, Arusha to Tarangire. A full-day game drive in Tarangire. You sleep at a budget lodge near Karatu.
- Day 2, into the Serengeti. You drive through the northern circuit into the Serengeti, with an afternoon game drive, and camp at Nyani public campsite.
- Day 3, a full day in the Serengeti. A full-day game drive with a packed lunch, then back to Nyani.
- Day 4, Serengeti to the crater rim. A morning game drive, then a transfer to Simba public campsite on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater.
- Day 5, Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha. You descend into the crater for a game drive and return to Arusha in the afternoon.
The price includes park entry fees and Ngorongoro Crater fees, the shared 4x4, the guide, four nights of lodge and camping accommodation, meals as specified, drinking water on game drives and pick-up and drop-off in Arusha. It does not include flights, visas, insurance, drinks, tips, laundry or souvenirs. Check the package page for the latest details. Prices on the package page are always up to date.
Prefer to go as a pair or a small party? Our 6 day budget camping safari to Tarangire, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro is listed for a minimum of two people and uses Tarangire, Seronera and Simba B campsites. See the package page for the current price and what is included.
You travel in a shared 4x4 with a pop-up roof.
What a camping day looks like
The day begins early. The cook prepares breakfast on a gas stove and you break camp or leave your tent standing, depending on the plan. Game drives take up most of the day, with a packed lunch in the vehicle or at a picnic site. In the afternoon you return to camp, the tents are ready or are put up with the crew’s help, and the cook prepares dinner. After dark you sit around the camp and listen to the sounds of the bush. You are in a park with wildlife, so the guide will brief you on what to do at night.
What is provided and what you bring
On our camping safaris, tents, sleeping mats, a dining tent and cooking equipment are provided. You bring your personal items and, if you wish, a sleeping bag. The crew will also tell you if you need to bring one. The Serengeti highlands and the crater rim are cold at night, so you need warm clothes.
- A warm sleeping bag or a warm layer for the crater rim
- A warm jacket, a hat and socks
- A head torch
- Toiletries and a quick-drying towel
- Sun protection and insect repellent
- Cash for tips and drinks
Our full Tanzania safari packing list goes into more detail.
Comfort, food and toilets
Public campsites are simple. You should expect basic washrooms and shared toilets, not private bathrooms. Hot water is not guaranteed, and facilities vary from site to site. The food is simple and filling: meals are prepared by the cook, and the menu is usually built around soups, pasta, rice, vegetables, meat and fruit. Tell us about vegetarian or allergy needs when you book. It is not luxury, and the camping trip suits people who are happy with that in exchange for the experience and the savings.
Is camping on safari safe?
Public campsites in the Serengeti and on the crater rim are used by safari operators every day, and park rangers patrol the areas. Wildlife does pass through, so the rules matter: stay inside the camp area after dark, never leave food in your tent, do not walk away from the group at night and follow your guide’s instructions. Many people find the nights quiet. Our safety guide has more on personal safety in Tanzania.
Is Tanzania safe for tourists?
Is it right for you?
A camping safari suits you if…
- You want to see the Serengeti on a limited budget.
- You like simple travel and are happy to share.
- You are a solo traveller and want to avoid a single supplement.
- You want to hear the bush at night.
Think twice if…
- You want private bathrooms, hot showers and beds.
- You have limited mobility or health concerns that make camping hard.
- You are travelling with very young children. See our family safaris.
- You expect it to be warm. Nights at altitude are cold.
You can also mix styles. For a modest extra cost, you can upgrade the last night to a lodge on the crater rim or add a lodge night during the trip. Ask us about it when you request a quote.
Best time for a camping safari
The dry season from June to October is the most comfortable for camping, with less rain and clearer skies, but it is also the busiest and the coldest at night in the highlands. The green season from November to May has afternoon showers, thicker vegetation and fewer people. If you camp in the rains, bring waterproofs and expect wet gear. See best time to visit Tanzania for the full picture.
Best time to visit Tanzania, month by month
Camping safari costs
Our shared 5 day camping safari starts from {{from}} per person, which is well below a private mid-range or luxury safari. Compare the levels on our Tanzania safari cost page. If you only have one or two days, our group joining safaris cost less still. Park fees for the national parks are published by TANAPA, and for the Ngorongoro area by NCAA; they are included in our package prices.
Day by day on the 5 day camping safari
This is the itinerary of our 5 day shared group camping safari, taken from the package page. Check the page for the current price and inclusions.
- Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire. Drive from Arusha to Tarangire for a full-day game drive. Stay: Kizumba / Fig Tree Lodge.
- Day 2: Into the Serengeti. Continue through the Northern Circuit into Serengeti National Park. Stay: Nyani Public Campsite, Serengeti.
- Day 3: Full day Serengeti. Full-day game drive with packed lunch. Stay: Nyani Public Campsite, Serengeti.
- Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro highlands. Morning game drive, then transfer to Simba public campsite on the crater rim. Stay: Simba Public Campsite, crater rim.
- Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha. Descend into the crater for a game drive, then return to Arusha in the afternoon. Stay: Own arrangements / onward transfer.
A camping safari packing list
- A warm jacket, a hat and socks: the Serengeti highlands and the crater rim are cold at night.
- A head torch and spare batteries.
- A sleeping bag if you prefer your own (tents, mats and a dining tent are provided).
- Long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt and neutral colours.
- Sun protection, insect repellent and a refillable water bottle.
- Toiletries, a quick-drying towel and wet wipes.
- A small day bag for game drives, and soft luggage for the vehicle.
- Cash for tips and drinks.
Read the full Tanzania safari packing list
Camping, a lodge or a tented camp?
Camping
The most affordable option and the closest to the bush. Basic facilities, shared toilets and simple food. Best for budget travellers, solo travellers and anyone who enjoys simple travel.
Lodge
A building with a room, a private bathroom and a restaurant, often with a view. More comfort and more cost. Our mid-range safaris use lodges and tented camps.
Tented camp
A proper bed and a private bathroom inside a canvas tent, usually in a quieter position. Our luxury safaris use the best of these camps.
You can also mix them. A common choice is to camp in the Serengeti and spend the last night in a lodge. Ask us when you request a quote.
Common questions about camping safaris
How much does a camping safari in Tanzania cost?
Our 5 day shared group camping safari starts from {{from}} per person on our website. Park fees, the shared vehicle, the guide, meals as specified and accommodation are included.
Do I need to bring a tent?
No. Tents, mats and cooking equipment are provided. You bring your personal items and, if you wish, a sleeping bag.
Where do you camp in the Serengeti?
On this itinerary, at Nyani public campsite in the Serengeti and at Simba public campsite on the Ngorongoro Crater rim.
Are there toilets and showers?
Public campsites have basic washing facilities and shared toilets. They are not luxury, and conditions vary.
Can I join if I travel alone?
Yes. Our shared vehicle is a good option for solo travellers, because you share the cost of the vehicle and guide.
What if I want more comfort?
You can add lodge nights, or choose a private mid-range safari. See private safaris and our Tanzania safari guide.
Book your camping safari with a local team
Tell us your dates and how many of you are travelling, and we will confirm availability.
- 5 Day Shared Group Camping Safari
- 6 Day Tanzania Budget Safari: Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro
- 3 Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Joining Safari
Keep planning your Tanzania trip
These guides cover the next questions most travellers ask.
Best time to visit Tanzania, month by month
Is Tanzania safe for tourists?
Best Tanzania safari itinerary for first timers
More guides and pages for this trip
Sources and further reading
Fees, schedules and rules change, so check the official sources below before you book or travel.