6-Day Tanzania Private Camping Safari

Safari Overview

This private camping safari offers a close-to-nature experience while exploring Tanzania’s most iconic parks—Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater. Ideal for adventurous travelers seeking affordability without compromising wildlife exposure. Sleep under the stars, wake to the sounds of the bush, and experience Africa’s wilderness in its most authentic form.

Camping safaris are the original way to experience Africa. With a private cook and crew, you’ll enjoy freshly prepared meals, comfortable tents, and the freedom to explore at your own pace. Perfect for budget-conscious travelers who still want a private, personalized safari experience.

Safari Highlights

• Tarangire National Park – Massive elephant herds and ancient baobab trees

• Serengeti National Park – Endless plains, Big Five, and the Great Migration (seasonal)

• Ngorongoro Crater – A UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 25,000 animals

• Private Camping Experience – Your own tent, cook, and safari crew

• Intimate Wildlife Encounters – Close-to-nature experience in public campsites

• Sunrise Game Drives – Witness predators at their most active

Brief Travel Plan

Day 1: Arrival Arusha
Day 2: Tarangire
Day 3–4: Serengeti
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater
Day 6: Return to Arusha

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival – Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Serengeti Wildlife Safaris representative. You will be transferred to your hotel in Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania.

In the evening, you will gather for an equipment check and safari briefing with your guide. This is an opportunity to review the itinerary, check your gear, and ensure you are fully prepared for your camping adventure. Ask any questions and learn what to expect on your journey.

Meals: At your own expense | Drinking water included

Day 2: Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, depart Arusha and drive to Tarangire National Park (approximately 2 hours). Named after the Tarangire River, which flows through the park, Tarangire is Tanzania’s sixth-largest national park and one of the most underrated safari destinations.

Tarangire is home to over 3,000 elephants, making it one of the best places in Africa to see elephant herds of up to 300 individuals . These magnificent creatures can often be seen congregating by the Tarangire River, which serves as a vital water source during the dry season.

Enjoy a full-day game drive focusing on elephants and predators. Tarangire is also home to lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffalo, and over 550 bird species . The park’s iconic baobab trees create a breathtaking backdrop for wildlife photography.

Evening: Public Campsite

At sunset, transfer to a public campsite inside or near the park. Your crew will set up your tents, and a freshly prepared dinner will be served under the stars. Falling asleep to the sounds of the African bush—perhaps the distant roar of lions or the whoop of hyenas—is an experience you won’t forget.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Drinking water included

Day 3: Tarangire – Serengeti National Park

Journey to the Endless Plains

After breakfast, begin your scenic drive toward the Serengeti National Park, crossing the Ngorongoro Highlands. The journey itself offers wildlife sightings, with baboons, zebras, and giraffes often seen along the roadside. Pass through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you’ll have the chance to stop at the crater viewpoint for breathtaking photos . Continue toward the Serengeti, where the landscape transitions from highland forests to acacia woodlands and finally to the endless plains.

Afternoon Game Drive

Arrive at the Serengeti gates in time for an afternoon game drive en route to your campsite in the Central Serengeti (Seronera Valley) . This area is renowned for its high concentration of resident wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and vast herds of herbivores. The Serengeti is home to the largest lion population in Africa, with over 3,000 individuals . It is also one of the best places to see leopards and cheetahs.

Evening: Central Serengeti Public Campsite

Your crew will set up camp in a secure public campsite in the heart of the Serengeti. Enjoy dinner under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the wilderness.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Drinking water included

Day 4: Full-Day Serengeti Safari

Wake before sunrise for an early game drive. This is the best time for wildlife viewing, as predators are most active and the golden light creates perfect photography conditions .

Morning Highlights:

• Lions hunting or lounging on kopjes

• Cheetahs scanning the plains for prey

• Leopards resting in acacia or sausage trees

• Giraffes and zebras crossing the plains

Return to camp for a late breakfast, then head out for a full day of exploration. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the savannah. Continue game viewing through the afternoon, with your guide positioning you for the best wildlife encounters.

Depending on the season, you may witness:

• The Great Migration – Over 1.5 million wildebeest and 250,000 zebras moving across the plains

• River Crossings – Dramatic crocodile-infested river crossings (July–October in the Northern Serengeti)

• Calving Season – Over 500,000 calves born in the Southern Serengeti (January–March)

Return to your campsite for dinner and overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Drinking water included

Day 5: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater

The Eighth Wonder of the World

After a morning game drive, depart the Serengeti and head toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Arrive at the crater rim in the late morning.

Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day wildlife experience. The crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, spanning over 100 square miles . It is home to over 25,000 large animals, including the Big Five .

Wildlife Highlights:

• Black Rhinos – One of the best places in East Africa to see them

• Lions – One of the densest lion populations in the world

• Hippos – Hundreds wallowing in the crater’s lakes and pools

• Flamingos – On Lake Magadi, creating spectacular pink-hued scenes

• Elephants, Buffalo, Zebras, and Wildebeest – Large herds across the crater floor

Enjoy a picnic lunch near a hippo pool before ascending the crater rim. In the evening, your crew will set up camp at a public campsite on the crater rim, offering stunning sunset views.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Drinking water included

Day 6: Return to Arusha

After breakfast, begin your journey back to Arusha. Enjoy the scenic drive through the Ngorongoro Highlands, passing through lush farmland and traditional villages. Arrive in Arusha in the late afternoon. You will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight, or to your hotel for onward arrangements.

Meals: Breakfast | Drinking water included

End of Safari

Inclusions

• Airport transfers (Kilimanjaro International Airport – Arusha – Kilimanjaro International Airport)

• All park entry fees and conservation fees

• Ngorongoro Crater service fees

• All game drives as described in the itinerary

• Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for optimal game viewing

• Professional English-speaking driver-guide

• Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, dining tent, table, chairs)

• Cook and safari crew to prepare meals and set up camp

• All meals as indicated (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

• Bottled drinking water during game drives

• Public campsite fees

Exclusions

• International flights

• Tanzania visa fees (approx. $50)

• Travel and medical insurance

• Personal hiking gear (sleeping bag, trekking poles, boots, clothing, etc.)

• Tips and gratuities for driver-guide and camping crew (suggested $10–$15 per person per day)

• Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone calls, etc.)

• Alcoholic and soft drinks

• Optional activities (hot air balloon safari)

 

Book Your Safari