12 Days Budget Camping Safari (North Tanzania)

Overview

This 12-day Budget Camping Safari in Northern Tanzania offers an authentic experience for adventurers seeking incredible wildlife encounters at a pocket-friendly cost. Designed for nature lovers and explorers, this journey takes you across world-renowned national parks—Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara. You’ll camp close to the wild, enjoy hot meals under the stars, and wake up to the sounds of the African bush. Perfect for travelers who want to connect deeply with Tanzania’s wilderness without breaking the bank.

Safari Highlights

• Witness the endless plains of Serengeti National Park and its abundant wildlife.

• Explore the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, often called the “Garden of Eden.”

• Spot tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara National Park.

• Discover the large herds of elephants in Tarangire National Park.

• Budget camping with tents, mattresses, and all meals included.

• Travel with an experienced English-speaking driver-guide.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your campsite in Arusha. Dinner and overnight stay at Arusha Campsite.
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Arusha – Tarangire National Park

Depart after breakfast for Tarangire, famous for giant baobabs and elephant herds. Afternoon game drive. Camp inside or near the park.
Accommodation: Tarangire Public Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Tarangire – Lake Manyara National Park

Morning drive to Lake Manyara. Enjoy bird watching, tree-climbing lions, and hippos. Evening at the campsite.
Accommodation: Lake Manyara Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Lake Manyara – Serengeti National Park

Drive through the Ngorongoro Highlands to Serengeti. Afternoon game drive en-route to camp.
Accommodation: Serengeti Seronera Public Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Full Day in Serengeti

Morning and afternoon game drives in the endless plains. Look out for the Big Five and cheetahs.
Accommodation: Serengeti Seronera Public Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Game drive as you exit Serengeti. Continue to Ngorongoro and camp on the crater rim.
Accommodation: Simba Campsite (Ngorongoro)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater Tour

Descend 600 meters into the crater for a full-day game drive. Evening relaxation at camp.
Accommodation: Simba Campsite (Ngorongoro)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Ngorongoro – Lake Eyasi

Visit Lake Eyasi, home of the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes. Enjoy cultural interactions and evening campfire.
Accommodation: Lake Eyasi Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Lake Eyasi – Mto wa Mbu

Morning visit with the Hadzabe hunters, then drive to Mto wa Mbu village for a cultural tour.
Accommodation: Mto wa Mbu Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Mto wa Mbu – Arusha

Drive back to Arusha, with a relaxed evening at camp.
Accommodation: Arusha Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Arusha – Kilimanjaro Day Trip

Day excursion to the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. Explore waterfalls, local farms, and villages before returning to camp.
Accommodation: Arusha Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Departure

Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

• Camping accommodation with tents and mattresses

• Meals as per itinerary (B, L, D)

• All park entry fees

• English-speaking driver-guide

• Safari vehicle with pop-up roof

• Drinking water during safari

What’s Excluded

• International flights

• Visa fees

• Sleeping bags

• Personal expenses and tips

• Travel insurance