A camping safari itinerary in Tanzania offers an authentic and immersive way to experience the country’s spectacular wilderness while staying close to nature. The journey typically begins in Arusha before venturing into renowned national parks such as Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, each showcasing unique landscapes and extraordinary wildlife. Days are filled with expertly guided game drives, where travelers have the opportunity to encounter the Big Five, large elephant herds, graceful giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and an incredible variety of bird species in their natural habitats. Evenings are spent at well-equipped public or private campsites, where comfortable tents are set up amidst the African bush, allowing guests to relax around a campfire, enjoy freshly prepared meals, and listen to the captivating sounds of nocturnal wildlife under a canopy of stars. The itinerary often includes visits to Maasai villages, providing meaningful cultural interactions and insights into one of Tanzania’s most iconic indigenous communities. Camping safaris strike an ideal balance between adventure, affordability, and comfort, offering travelers a genuine connection with Tanzania’s diverse ecosystems while maintaining access to experienced guides, quality camping facilities, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Whether witnessing the Great Migration across the Serengeti, exploring the wildlife-rich floor of the Ngorongoro Crater, or watching a breathtaking African sunset from the campsite, a Tanzania camping safari creates an unforgettable adventure that combines exploration, nature, and cultural discovery.
Day 1
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport. You will be met by your Safari Tracks guide and then drive to Arusha for overnight.
Overnight:
Day 2
After breakfast, begin your drive to Tarangire National Park. As you drive you will venture through small Tanzanian villages and get a true sense of what it is like to live in the bush.
Overnight: Tarangire Safari Lodge
Day 3
Today we will spend the day on an amazing drive around Tarangire National Park. Be on the lookout for elephants, zebras, and lions. You may even spot a leopard if you watch the trees carefully!
Overnight: Tarangire Safari Lodge
Day 4
After breakfast you will leave Tarangire Safari Lodge and drive to the town of Karatu.
Overnight: Bougainvillea Safari lodge
Day 5
After breakfast you will embark on a day with the Hadzabe Tribe. The Hadzabe are among the last hunter-gathers in the world. You will get a view into what daily life is like for these Tanzanians.
Overnight: Bougainvillea Safari Lodge
Day 6
Your day will start early as you depart Country Lodge for the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you drive into the crater you will pass through a section of rainforest where you will see baboons, blue monkeys, and buffalo. You will then enter the vast open lands of the crater. The crater, which is about 100 square miles, is home to buffalo, wildebeest, gazelle, and waterbuck. You may even spot a rhino if you are very lucky! After your exciting time at the crater you will make your way to the Ndutu Conservation Area.
Overnight: Ndutu Safari Lodge
Day 7
After breakfast you will embark on a full day of driving around the Ndutu Conservation Area. Ndutu is home to many prides of lions and numerous herds of elephants.
Overnight: Ndutu Safari Lodge
Day 8
You will start your morning early with a chance of a lifetime. You will watch the sunrise over the Serengeti on a hot air balloon ride. You will be able to see the animals as they are waking up from above and observe the morning from your balloon. After lunch at the lodge you will take off on an afternoon and evening game drive where you will end your day with the sunset.
Overnight: Ndutu Safari Lodge
Day 9
We will have another full day of driving around the Ndutu Conservation Area. How many of the hundreds of species of birds in Ndutu can you spot?
Overnight: Ndutu Safari Lodge
Day 10
After breakfast you will depart Ndutu Safari lodge. You will drive through the town of Arusha and make your way to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight.
