Yes, a Tanzania camping safari is the most affordable way to sleep inside the Serengeti. With Lekobe, private camping safaris start from US$1,272 per adult for 3 days (Serengeti and Ngorongoro from Arusha) and US$1,482 for 4 days with Tarangire. Park fees, a guide, a private chef, tents and meals are included.
Last updated: November 4, 2026. Prices checked against the live trip pages on lekobeadventures.com.
Many travellers from the USA, UK and Europe assume a safari means an expensive lodge. It doesn’t have to. A camping safari puts you in a tent at a campsite in or near the park, with your own guide and cook. You get the same game drives, the same Serengeti plains and the same Ngorongoro Crater descent, for less money. This guide explains how a camping safari in Tanzania works, what it costs, how it compares with a lodge safari, and who it suits.
What is a camping safari in Tanzania?
On a camping safari you spend your days on game drives in a 4×4 safari vehicle, exactly as you would on a lodge safari. The difference is where you sleep and eat. Instead of checking into a hotel, you stay at a campsite where your crew sets up the tent and your chef cooks dinner.
What our camping safaris include
- A private guide and private chef for the whole trip. Meals are prepared to your preferences.
- Tents, mattresses and sleeping bags. Camping equipment is part of the price, so you do not need to bring your own.
- Park fees for non-residents, transport in the safari vehicle and round-trip airport transfers.
- Meals and drinks as listed in the day-by-day itinerary, usually picnic lunches during game drives and a cooked dinner at camp.
Where you camp
Our northern circuit itineraries use public campsites inside or right next to the parks. These include Seronera Public Campsite in central Serengeti National Park, Migombani Campsite just outside Tarangire National Park, and campsites in the Ngorongoro Highlands such as Simba Campsite. Sleeping inside the Serengeti means you are already in the park at sunrise, the best time to see predators on the move.
Tanzania camping safari prices (2026)
These are “from” prices per adult taken from our live trip pages. Your final quote depends on group size, travel dates and the accommodation you choose, so treat them as starting points.
| Trip | Starts from | Parks | From (per adult) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Day Private Camping to Selous GR from Zanzibar | Zanzibar (flights included) | Nyerere (Selous) | US$858 |
| 3-Day Private Camping Safari to Serengeti & Ngorongoro | Arusha | Serengeti, Ngorongoro | US$1,272 |
| 4-Day Private Camping Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro | Arusha | Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro | US$1,482 |
| 3-Day Flyin Private Camping to Serengeti & Ngorongoro | Zanzibar (flights included) | Serengeti, Ngorongoro | US$1,771 |
On the road trips from Arusha, the 4-day itinerary works out cheaper per day than the 3-day one, because the long drive in and out is spread over more days of game viewing. If you are coming from the beach, the fly-in options cost more because return flights between Zanzibar and the parks are included. For a wider breakdown of budgets, see our guide to how much a safari from Zanzibar costs.
What is not included
- International flights and any hotel nights before or after the safari
- Bath towels (bring a quick-dry travel towel)
- Tips: the guideline on our trip pages is US$10 per person per day. Our safari tipping guide explains how it works.
- Travel insurance, visa fees, souvenirs and other personal items
- Any government increase in taxes or park fees
- Spirits and liquor. Some trips include non-alcoholic drinks and others exclude drinks, so check the day-by-day section.
Camping vs lodge safari: what is the difference?
The wildlife and the parks are the same whichever way you sleep. What changes is comfort, price and atmosphere. Here is how our camping trips compare with two lodge-based alternatives.
| Camping safari | Lodge or tented-camp safari | |
|---|---|---|
| Example trip | 4-Day Private Camping Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro (from Arusha) | 4-Day Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro from Zanzibar |
| From price | US$1,482 per adult | US$2,025 per adult (includes flights from Zanzibar) |
| Bed | Tent with mattress and sleeping bag | Room at a lodge or permanent tented camp |
| Bathroom | Shared campsite facilities | Usually en-suite (confirm per property) |
| Meals | Cooked at camp by your private chef | Served at the lodge or camp |
| Minimum age | 18 years | 1 year |
| Best for | Adults on a budget who want to feel close to nature | Families, couples and anyone who values comfort |
If you want comfort without giving up the canvas, there is a middle way. Our 4-Day Luxury Safari to Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire (from US$2,090 per adult, with flights from Zanzibar) uses luxury tented camps in central Serengeti and on the Ngorongoro Crater rim. You still sleep under canvas, but in permanent camps rather than a pitched tent.
A typical day on a camping safari
Here is how the 4-day private camping safari flows, based on its day-by-day itinerary.
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire
Early pick-up from your Arusha hotel and a drive of about 90 minutes to Tarangire, the park of baobab trees and big elephant herds. You game drive, stop for a picnic lunch prepared by your chef, and continue until evening. Your guide sets up camp at Migombani Campsite while dinner is cooked.
Days 2 and 3: Serengeti
After a hot breakfast you drive through the Ngorongoro Highlands into the Serengeti, roughly four hours with game viewing on the way. You spend the following day exploring central Serengeti, looking for big cats and much of the Big Five, then drive about four hours to the Ngorongoro Highlands for your last night under canvas. There is an optional stop at a Maasai village.
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater
An early descent to the crater floor, where you have a chance of seeing the rare black rhino. After a picnic lunch at the base you game drive into the afternoon, climb out of the crater and return to Arusha. Read our Ngorongoro Crater safari guide for more on what to expect there.
Can you do a camping safari from Zanzibar?
Yes. If you are on a beach holiday on Zanzibar Island, there are two camping options that start and end at your hotel.
Fly to the Serengeti and camp (3 days)
On the 3-Day Flyin Private Camping to Serengeti & Ngorongoro (from US$1,771), you take an 8:00 am flight from Zanzibar and land in the Serengeti at around 11:00 am, ready for an afternoon game drive. You spend a night camping in the Serengeti, a night at Simba Campsite on the Ngorongoro rim, explore the crater on day three and fly back to Zanzibar from Arusha that evening.
Southern camping in Nyerere (2 days)
The 2-Day Private Camping to Selous GR from Zanzibar (from US$858) is the shortest and cheapest way to camp in the wild. Hotel pick-up is at 4:00 am for a 6:00 am flight to Mtemere Airstrip in Nyerere National Park. You game drive, swim at the Majimoto Hot Springs, then on day two take a sunrise boat safari on the Rufiji River and a guided bush walk before flying back to Zanzibar.
Park and campsite fees: what you are paying for
A large share of any safari price goes to conservation fees, and campers pay a campsite fee on top of park entry. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority tariffs list, for non-East African visitors aged 16 and over:
- Entry permit: US$70.80
- Public campsite: US$35.40 per person
- Special campsite: US$70.80 per person
- Crater service fee: US$295 per vehicle per trip
On our camping safaris, park fees for non-residents are already included in the price, so you do not pay these at the gate. Fees are set by the government and can change, which is why final quotes are confirmed at booking.
Is a camping safari right for you?
Choose camping if you…
- want to see the Serengeti and Ngorongoro on a tighter budget
- are travelling as a couple or a group of adult friends
- love the idea of hearing the bush at night from your tent
- are happy with simple, shared facilities for a few nights
Choose a lodge if you…
- are travelling with children (our camping trips have a minimum age of 18)
- are travelling solo (our camping trips are not set up for solo travellers)
- want a proper room and more comfort after a dusty game drive
- are celebrating a honeymoon or special occasion
Packing tips for campers
Bring a head torch, a quick-dry towel, warm layers for chilly evenings in the Ngorongoro Highlands, wet wipes, hand sanitiser and toilet paper. Keep luggage soft-sided, especially on fly-in trips. Our safari packing guide has a full checklist.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a camping safari in Tanzania cost?
With Lekobe, a private camping safari starts from US$1,272 per adult for 3 days in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro from Arusha, and US$1,482 for 4 days adding Tarangire. From Zanzibar, a 2-day Nyerere camping trip starts at US$858 and a 3-day Serengeti fly-in camping trip at US$1,771, flights included.
Is camping in the Serengeti safe?
Camping in the Serengeti is done at designated campsites with your guide and chef close by. Public campsites are generally unfenced, so wild animals can pass through, especially at night. Stay inside your tent after dark, never leave food in it, use a torch when moving around and always follow your guide’s instructions.
Are there toilets and showers at the campsites?
Public campsites have shared, basic facilities rather than private bathrooms, and standards vary from site to site. Do not expect hotel comfort. Pack toilet paper, wet wipes, hand sanitiser and a head torch. If a private bathroom matters to you, a lodge or luxury tented-camp safari is the better choice.
Can I do a camping safari from Zanzibar?
Yes. The 3-Day Flyin Private Camping trip flies you from Zanzibar to the Serengeti at 8:00 am, camps in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Highlands, and flies you back from Arusha. The 2-Day Private Camping to Selous trip flies you to Nyerere National Park for game drives, a boat safari and a bush walk.
Can children or solo travellers join a camping safari?
Our camping safaris are private trips with a minimum age of 18 and are not set up for solo travellers. Families with children should look at lodge-based safaris instead, such as our 4-day Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro trip from Zanzibar, which has a minimum age of one year.
Is a camping safari better than a lodge safari?
Neither is better for wildlife: you visit the same parks on the same game drives. Camping is cheaper and feels closer to nature, with a private chef cooking at camp. Lodges and tented camps cost more but usually give you a proper room, your own bathroom and more comfort after long days on the road.
Plan your Tanzania camping safari with Lekobe
Tell us your dates, group size and whether you are starting in Zanzibar or Arusha, and we will send a clear quote for a camping, lodge or mixed safari. Our camping safaris are private and can start any day.
- WhatsApp: +255 676 68 1293
- Email: info@lekobeadventures.com
- Online: use the enquiry form on any trip page, such as the 3-Day Private Camping Safari to Serengeti & Ngorongoro.
