Tanzania Safaris
5 Days Tanzania Camping Safari
Overview
About this safari
A classic northern-circuit camping safari taking in Lake Manyara, the endless Serengeti plains and the legendary Ngorongoro Crater.
Five days of game drives in a 4x4 land cruiser, nights under canvas at well-located public campsites, and three of Africa's greatest wildlife arenas in a single trip.
An honest, value-packed Tanzania safari with no compromise on the wildlife experience.
Highlights
What you'll experience
- Tree-climbing lions and flamingos at Lake Manyara
- Endless Serengeti plains and Big Cats
- Ngorongoro Crater — densest wildlife on Earth
- Camping at public campsites with hot meals
- Professional driver-guide in a 4x4 land cruiser
Day by Day
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arusha → Lake Manyara National Park
Depart Arusha after breakfast, driving west to Lake Manyara — a small but spectacular park beneath the Rift Valley escarpment. Afternoon game drive in search of tree-climbing lions, large elephant herds, hippos, flamingos and forest baboons.
Lunch, DinnerOvernight: Public campsite near Mto wa MbuDay 2 - Lake Manyara → Serengeti National Park
Drive up the rim of the Ngorongoro Highlands and onto the endless Serengeti plains. Afternoon game drive en route to camp, with first views of lion, cheetah and (in season) the migration herds.
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, DinnerOvernight: Seronera public campsite, SerengetiDay 3 - Serengeti — full day game drives
A full day exploring the Seronera region of the Serengeti — kopjes, riverine forests and open plains. Excellent chances for big cats, large mammals and (in migration season) wildebeest, zebra and the predators that follow them.
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, DinnerOvernight: Seronera public campsite, SerengetiDay 4 - Serengeti → Ngorongoro Crater rim
Morning game drive in the Serengeti, then transfer east to the spectacular Ngorongoro Highlands. Camp on the crater rim with one of Africa's most dramatic views.
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, DinnerOvernight: Simba public campsite on the Ngorongoro rimDay 5 - Ngorongoro Crater → Arusha
Descend 600 m into the crater floor for a half-day game drive. The crater holds one of the densest concentrations of wildlife on Earth — black rhino, lion, elephant, buffalo, flamingo. Ascend for lunch and return to Arusha.
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch
What's Included
- All park entrance fees
- Transport in a custom 4x4 safari vehicle
- Professional driver-guide and camp chef
- Full camping equipment (tents, mattresses, kitchen)
- Full board on safari
- Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
What's Excluded
- International flights and visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Tips for guides, drivers and camp staff
- Personal items (laundry, phone, curios)
- Optional activities (balloon safari, cultural visits)
- Arusha hotel before/after safari
- Sleeping bag (available for hire)
Good to Know
Before you travel
Best time to travel
Jun–Oct dry season (best game-viewing). Jan–Mar for calving in the southern Serengeti.
What to pack
Sleeping bag, warm layers (crater rim is cold), neutral clothing, sun protection, binoculars.
Fitness level
Easy to moderate. Long driving days; standard road safari.
Frequently Asked
Questions about this safari
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