Tanzania Camping Safari – Explore Tanzania’s Best Terrains

A safari through Tanzania is always special, but a camping safari arguably provides the most immersive experience into the great East African wilderness. While the experience of being separated from the untamed elements by only a thin sheet of canvas may be daunting for some, others find the thought of being one with nature around them thrilling. 

Camping in the Seronera region of the Serengeti and watching the wildebeest migration up close was a remarkable experience for me - one I wouldn't have otherwise had if I opted to stay in a nearby lodge or hotel. 

In this article, you'll get my best hacks for the ultimate Tanzanian Camping Safari and all the important travelling and cost factors that come with it. 

Let's begin. 

Tanzania Camping Safari

Just like the first explorers to venture into Africa, a camping safari takes guests on an untamed journey through the rugged wilderness. With the thrill of wild animals brushing past your tent with no fences or armed guards in most campsites, pitching up camp is an exhilarating option that is definitely not for the faint-hearted.

If you’re an adventure-seeker on a budget or a glamping savant looking for a luxury option, the biggest advantage of a camping safari is without a doubt the cost. Travellers can save hundreds of dollars without compromising in the slightest on realizing their wildest safari dreams. 

Best Time for a Tanzania Camping Safari

Like most trips to Tanzania, the best time for a camping safari is during the dry season - when travelling is easier and there's more wildlife and flora to see. 

While average temperatures don’t change drastically throughout the year in Tanzania, the East African climate is notably marked by a dry and wet season. 

Dry Season

The best and most popular time to visit East Africa is generally from mid-June to October. As East Africa’s dry season, this time of year has the most predictable weather and provides ideal safari conditions in Tanzania. 

While early mornings and evenings might be cold, the temperature during this season is fairly predictable. Thermometer readings are often around 23°C/73°F, reaching a high of 28°C/82°F in the coastal areas.

Wet Season 

In the wet season, the dry landscapes of Tanzania is transformed into a lush, green wonderland. Temperatures increase during this period and usually range between 24°C/75°F and 27°C/81°F, reaching highs of 30°C/86°F along the coast. There are two types of rainy periods in this season: 

• Short rains (November-December): You can expect thunderstorms to take place often in the afternoons.
• Long rains (March-April): The long rains usher in the peak of the wet season, which is usually characterised by hot and humid conditions. 

Although camping in the rain can be magical for a day or two, as most seasoned campers will tell you, setting up and down your campsite in the rain is not for the faint-hearted. The rainy season also sees the wildlife scattering across the plains and can make big-game spotting difficult.

See more on the best seasons to visit Tanzania.  

Where to Go on a Tanzania Camping Safari

The best and most popular places to go on camping safaris can be found in Northern Tanzania as opposed to the Southern parts.

The Northern Tanzania safari circuit is comprised of:

• Serengeti
• Ngorongoro Crater
• Lake Manyara
• Tarangire
• Arusha 
• Kilimanjaro National Park

The Southern Circuit is made up of: 

• Selous Game Reserve
• Ruaha
• Mikumi and Udzungwa Mountain National Park (two lesser-known parks on the circuit)

As the more popular safari destination, the Northern Circuit parks are generally more tourist-friendly and information is easier to come by when researching ideal locations and safari tours online. 

Northern Circuit Campsites

The highly-rated Migombani Campsite is found nestled high up in the Rift Valley, right on the doorstep of Lake Manyara. The site offers world-class facilities and is a haven for safari-goers.

Ngorongoro Simba Campsite is a large site located right on the rim of the crater. The views are impossible to beat and wildlife roams freely amongst the tents.

Tucked in amongst the colossal baobabs of Tarangire National Park is Tarangire Campsite. This hidden gem is home to an abundance of wildlife and is situated in one of the lesser-known Northern Circuit parks.

The best camping options inside the Tanzanian part of the Serengeti include the Angaata Seronera, Ikoma Gate, Ngiri and Pimbi Campsite.

Southern Circuit Campsites

Jongomero Camp offers a secluded, luxurious camping experience in the heart of the Ruaha National Park. If you’re looking to experience camping at its finest, the eight beautifully thatched suites are permanently set up on wooden platforms overlooking the river won’t disappoint you. 

River Valley Campsite in Iringa lies along the banks of the Little Ruaha River. As an oasis in the Tanzanian landscape, this camp can still be enjoyed on a budget. 

With the Selous Riverside Camp being temporarily closed, Kumbu Kumbu Riverside Camp is one of the best choices when camping in the Selous Nature Reserve. Spread along the beautiful Rufiji River, this campsite is intimate and very well maintained.

Simbamwenni Lodge and Camping is an ideal stopover campsite for travellers passing through the Southern Circuit. Located just outside the town of Morogoro, visitors feel as though they are deep in the bush even though they are close to the main road.

Beach Campsites

Peponi Beach Resort in Tanga is a mecca for holidaymakers and provides a plethora of adventures and activities for guests to get involved in. Nestled in amongst the palm trees lining the beach, visitors to this well-appointed campsite can revel in diving and snorkelling, kayaking, fishing, hiking, biking and so much more. 

The Horizon is another adventure-filled campsite located in Bagamoyo. The idyllic setting offers everything one could ever want on a Tanzanian beach holiday – from boat trips to dining experiences.

Located in the Saadani National Park, a unique nature reserve offering big game viewing with a border on the sea, is Tanganyika Coastal Campsite. The enthralling experience offers the ultimate Tanzanian safari right alongside the beach.

Requirements for a Tanzanian Safari

There are a number of vaccinations you should get before you travel to Tanzania. We recommend that you check with your local GP or travel clinic which vaccinations you require.

Certain vaccinations are required to enter Tanzania including Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), Hepatitis A and polio. It is also highly advised to go on a course of anti-malaria medication and to pack some insect repellant. 

Read more information in our guide to visas, vaccinations, and medication.

Tanzania Camping Safari Costs

Tanzania Camping Safaris typically cost anywhere from $5 to $60. These costs are determined according to three types of tiered camping accommodation available to tourists:

• Special campsites reserved by safari companies
• Public campsites run by the Tanzanian government
• Budget campsites outside major national parks

Special Campsites

Special campsites cost from US$59 per person per night. The best special campsites are often reserved by private safari companies. These sights are very remote and basic but provide a true wilderness experience. If this is something you’d like to experience, head to the TANAPA and NCA head office in Arusha to try to pre-book a special campsite.

Choosing a Safari Company: It is vital to choose your safari company wisely – taking the time to do research based on reliable reviews is super important. Once you’ve contacted your safari company, your itinerary will be tailor-made. It is widely recommended, however, to choose the typical safari packages as these are the most tried and tested and are popular for good reason.

Public Campsites

Public campsites managed by TANAPA cost roughly US$35 per person per night. When on a self-drive safari, these often don’t need to be booked and campers will be allocated to a campsite when entering a park. 

Budget Campsites

Campsites outside of the national parks are much cheaper and only cost around US$5 to US$15 per tent.

Best Types of Tanzania Camping Safaris

There are two types of Tanzanian camping safaris best suited for travellers: 

• Guided Camping Safaris
• Self-Drive Safaris

These types guarantee safari goers with high levels of comfort and adventure in equal measures.  

Guided Camping Safaris 

Less Stress, Remote Locations and More

The most intimidating part of a self-navigated camping safari for most travellers is the planning and logistics required, as well as lacking the right equipment. If that’s the case, a pre-planned and guided camping tour ticks all the right boxes. 

Nothing quite compares to the experience of pitching camp in places you would have never otherwise been able to find on your own. Special campsites are bought on a bidding system by safari companies before the safari season, allowing access to some of the most unique and breathtaking locations on earth.

Most camping safaris range from 3-11 days. A minimum of five days is suggested to ensure that you maximize your time within each park.

Below is a handy spreadsheet outlining what's included in a guided camping safari:

Self-Drive Safaris

A budget camping safari often appeals to the most adventurous at heart. Your chosen safari company will provide a rental car and vital information to undertake an epic self-drive road trip through Tanzania. This is a great option for those who want to choose their own route through East Africa and perhaps do some spontaneous camping and sightseeing.

The company also provides rental camping gear, giving travellers great flexibility in choosing destinations. Quotes and bookings can be managed through their online reservations.

Budget Camping Essentials

If you're camping on a budget, you'll need a few essentials and creature comforts for the journey.

For sleeping and general resting periods in-between tours and activities:

• Tent
• Mattress
• Bottled water and food
• Warm sleeping bag
• Additional blanket for cold nights
• Pillow

When you're up and about, or just enjoying some good old-fashioned 'down time' in-between safari tours and activities, you'll definitely need these items:

• Dishwashing liquid and washing powder
• Charcoal or wood
• Firelighters or matches
• Cutlery and crockery
• Camping fridge

Bags and Day Packs

When you're on the go during your safari tour, you'll need to carry a few things around with you like:

• 80-90L duffle bag 
• 20-30L day pack - I recommend the Osprey Talon
• Travel bag organisers (optional)

General Checklist

You'll need your combination of duffel bags, day packs and travel bag organisers to carry these items to and from camping sites and during your tours:  

• Head torch and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Quick-dry towel
• Toilet paper (many campsites don’t provide this)
• Baby wipes
• Sunscreen
• Deet insect repellent 
• General medication (Imodium, Paracetamol)
• Reusable water bottle 

Technology

It just wouldn't be a holiday, even on a camping safari, if you didn't bring these modern amenities with you: 

• Camera
• GoPro (optional)
• Power bank
• Spare batteries and camera memory card
• Travel adaptor 

Safari Clothes for Comfort and Protection

As a place of extremes, East Africa can be as uncomfortably cold in the morning as it can be hot in the afternoons. So make sure that you pack the following kinds of clothing for your camping safari: 

• Comfortable short sleeved and long-sleeved safari shirts
• Long pants that can be rolled up
• Shorts
• A dress / smart shirt if you feel like dressing up at night
• Underwear (including sport bras for women)
• Windbreaker / rain jacket
• Warm / fleece jacket
• Scarf
• Swimsuit
• Simple, lightweight safari shoes 
• Hat 

Other Bits and Bobs

These items, while not essential, will still make your camping safari convenient and more enjoyable: 

• Zip-lock bags for important possessions (passport, money, phone, etc.)
• Passport, visa, insurance, yellow fever card (if applicable)
• Small lock for your duffle bag
• Binoculars 
• Sunglasses 

And you're good to go! For more information, read our safari packing and safari clothing guide.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You are ready for your next epic adventure - a camping safari through the remote and picturesque Tanzanian wilderness.