4 Days Camping Safari in Tanzania

Embark on an unforgettable 4-day, 2-night camping safari through Tanzania, venturing into the breathtaking landscapes of Tarangire, Manyara, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater. This budget-friendly safari promises an immersive experience, combining game viewing with cultural tours at Lake Eyasi.

Highlights of Your Short Tanzania Camping Safari:

Lake Manyara Adventure: Departing from Arusha, the safari kicks off with a visit to Lake Manyara National Park, where diverse wildlife awaits. Enjoy the scenic drive through Arusha city, with opportunities for last-minute purchases.
Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti: Depending on the time of your travel, witness the awe-inspiring Wildebeest Migration in the vast Serengeti plains.
Abundant Wildlife: Spot the “Big Five” – lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino – amid the diverse ecosystems of the parks.
Landscape Beauty: Revel in the stunning landscapes and encounter a variety of bird species, including ostrich, secretary bird, herons, and migratory birds.
Cultural Interactions: Immerse yourself in the rich local culture by visiting the remote Lake Eyasi, home to a small group of bushmen, and explore a Masai village in the Ngorongoro highlands.
Ngorongoro Crater Exploration: Discover the historical Ngorongoro Crater, often regarded as the 8th wonder of the world, with its impressive 600-meter high walls.

Trip Style: Comfort & Private

Your journey unfolds in a private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser, equipped with a photographic roof thatch window seat for everyone. A seasoned local safari driver guide ensures you don’t miss any wildlife sightings, big or small. A private chef accompanies you, preparing all meals and setting up your tents, ensuring a stress-free safari experience.

Feel free to customize your meals by visiting the kitchen and share your preferences. The package includes tents, mattresses, pillows, chairs, and a table. While it’s recommended to bring your sleeping bag, you can also rent one in Arusha at a reasonable price for the entire trip.

Overnight stays occur at public campsites, where bathroom facilities are shared with fellow travelers.

Contact our Safari Experts:

For advice or customization of your 4-day Tanzania camping safari, contact our safari experts. This package can be tailored to include Kilimanjaro trekking or a beach holiday in Zanzibar. Let us know your preferences, and Karibu Sana!

Destination: Northern Tanzania

Locations: Lake Manyara, Lake Eyasi, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater

Timing: Yearly

Physicality: Easy

Day Arrival

Kilimanjaro Airport – Moshi – Arusha

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, our dedicated transfer driver will be readily available to welcome you. Relax as you are chauffeured to the Tulia Hotel in Arusha, where the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Take the opportunity to explore the town (a taxi can be arranged) or simply unwind at the comfortable lodge.

In the evening, our on-site team will provide you with a comprehensive briefing, preparing you for the exciting trekking tour ahead. Depending on your arrival time, accommodation for the night will be arranged at the Arusha Hotel. Rest assured, this briefing will be tailored to suit your schedule.

Prepare to embark on a memorable journey, filled with adventure and the breathtaking landscapes of Tanzania. Your comfort and readiness are our priorities, ensuring you have a smooth start to your trekking experience.

Day 1

Arusha – Lake Manyara – Lake Eyasi

Distance: 120 km

Non-game viewing time: 2 to 3 hours.

After a delightful breakfast at your lodge, your Back to Africa Safaris driver guide and chef will be ready to meet you in the lobby, marking the beginning of your journey. Set out from Arusha city towards the captivating Lake Manyara National Park for an exhilarating game drive. This park is renowned for its dramatic wildlife encounters, featuring a vast shallow salt lake that covers almost two-thirds of the park’s expanse, nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley’s Western escarpment.

Diverse habitats within the park attract a myriad of animal species, including herds of buffalo, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, warthog, African elephants, and the iconic tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara. Witness the mesmerizing spectacle of countless flamingos drawn to the lake by the vibrant green algae. A delectable packed lunch will be served within the park, ensuring you have the energy to fully appreciate the wildlife.

In the afternoon, embark on a scenic drive across the Great East African Rift Valley, providing an opportunity for picturesque moments overlooking Lake Manyara and its lush surroundings before heading towards your next destination, Lake Eyasi.

Upon reaching Lake Eyasi, engage in a cultural encounter with the Datoga tribe, known for their skill as blacksmiths. Accompanied by a local guide, explore their homes, gaining insight into their way of life as you meet members of their families and children. Visit the blacksmith’s workshop for a firsthand look at their craftsmanship. Conclude the day with a sunset walk along the lakeshore, immersing yourself in the tranquil surroundings.

Your overnight stay will be at the Bushman Campsite, located in close proximity to the lake. Enjoy a delicious dinner and rest, ready for the adventures that lie ahead.

Accommodation: Bushman Campsite

Meals: All meals included

Day 2

Lake Eyasi – Serengeti National park

Distance: 175 km

Non-game viewing time: 3 to 4 hours

Begin your second day with an immersive experience as your short Tanzania camping safari takes you on an early morning hunting expedition with the bushmen at Lake Eyasi. Participate in this unique adventure, gaining insights into survival skills and witnessing the traditional hunting techniques of the Hadzabe, Tindiga, and Datoga groups. These indigenous communities live a lifestyle reminiscent of the Stone Age, relying on bow and arrows for hunting and subsisting on roots and wild fruits.

Return to the campsite after the hunting expedition for a satisfying full breakfast. Following this, set out for the next leg of your journey toward the iconic Serengeti National Park. The drive takes you through picturesque high-lying farmland in Karatu, passing through the Ngorongoro main gate and traversing the Ngorongoro Conservation Area at an elevation of 2,300 meters.

Pause at the Crater viewpoint to capture stunning photographs of the Ngorongoro Crater floor from the rim before descending into the heart of the wild, the Serengeti National Park. The landscape unfolds with endless rolling plains, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure. Enjoy a packed lunch at Naabi Hill Gate or at the kopjes (rocky outcroppings) as you proceed with your en-route game drive towards the central Serengeti area known as Soronera.

Engage in a sunset game drive, keeping an eye out for the incredible Wildebeest Migration if it happens to be in the Serengeti during your visit. As the late afternoon descends, head to your campsite in Central Serengeti for a delightful dinner and a restful overnight stay.

Accommodation: Seronera Public Campsite, Central Serengeti

Meals: All meals included

Day 3

Serengeti – Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Distance: 145 km

Non-game viewing time: 2 to 4 hours.

Embark on the third day of your short Tanzania camping safari with an early morning game drive in the iconic Serengeti, commencing at 06:30. This prime time offers an excellent opportunity to witness the Serengeti awakening, with the possibility of spotting the cat family on the prowl or other predators returning from their night of hunting. Watch as lionesses organize morning ambushes, and various animals prepare for the new day.

If the Wildebeest Migration is present in the Serengeti, your safari will take you straight to their location, allowing you to spend ample time observing the herds in action. After this captivating experience, continue your en-route game drive towards the Ngorongoro highlands.

As an optional addition to your journey, consider a visit to a Masai village (extra cost $30 per car) on your way to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Arrive at the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in time for a mesmerizing sunset watch, followed by a hearty dinner and a restful overnight stay.

Accommodation: Simba Public Campsite, at the Crater rim

Meals: All meals included

Day 4

Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha

Distance: 215 km

Non-game viewing time: 2 to 4 hrs.

Commence your day as early as 06:30 with a thrilling ascent of 600 meters into the remarkable Ngorongoro Crater, renowned as one of the world’s natural wonders. The Crater boasts a year-round water supply and abundant fodder, supporting a diverse array of wildlife. Marvel at the sight of herds of buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, eland, warthogs, hippos, African elephants, and the elusive black rhino, making the Crater one of the few places where these majestic creatures can be found in their natural habitat.

The picturesque Crater is also home to a dense population of predators, including lions, cheetahs, jackals, hyenas, and the elusive leopard that may require keen eyes with binoculars to spot. Explore the wonders of Lake Magadi, a larger yet shallow salt lake at the southwest corner of the crater floor, frequented by hippos, flocks of flamingos, and other aquatic birds.

Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the stunning scenery before embarking on more game drives in the Crater. As your day unfolds, prepare for the journey back to Arusha, where you can opt for an overnight stay or be dropped off at Kilimanjaro International Airport for a late flight (Accommodation on this day can be included upon request at an extra cost).

This marks the end of your memorable safari adventure!

End of Service!

Inclusions:

Arrival & Departure Transfers
4-Day Private Tanzania Camping Safari for 2 to 4 Persons
1 Night Accommodation in Arusha at Planet Lodge or similar on a Bed and Breakfast basis
Transportation in a modified 4WD Land Cruiser with a photographic roof thatch and window seats for everyone
Service of a professional, well-experienced local English-speaking safari driver guide & a chef
All Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
5 Liters of Mineral Water per person during game drives
Camping Equipment: Tents, Mattress, Pillows, Chairs & Table (Sleeping bag to be brought by guests, can be rented in Arusha at reasonable prices upon arrival)
3 Nights Overnight Stay in good Canvas Tents
All Game Drives & Activities as per the itinerary
All Park Fees, including VAT

Exclusions:

Flight Tickets
Visa Fees
Sleeping Bags (Available for rent in Arusha at reasonable prices upon arrival)
Beverages & Soft Drinks
Gratitude for Safari Driver & Cook (Please tip them separately)
All Items of a Personal Nature
Flights
Travel Insurance

Join us for an unforgettable safari experience on this 4-day short Tanzania camping safari. Explore the wonders of nature and wildlife with comfort and expert guidance.