
5 Day Tanzania Camping Safari Tours
5 Day Affordable Tanzania Camping Safari Itinerary & Cost
Discover the magic of Tanzania on a 5-day budget camping safari that takes you to Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara. This exciting journey allows you to connect with nature and witness Africa’s incredible wildlife in their natural habitat.
Begin in Tarangire National Park, famous for its towering baobab trees and massive elephant populations. Continue to the Serengeti’s vast savannahs, where the legendary Great Migration unfolds and the Big Five roam freely. Venture into the Ngorongoro Crater, a natural wonder and UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to an extraordinary density of animals. Finally, enjoy the scenic beauty and birdlife of Lake Manyara National Park, known for its tree-climbing lions and lush landscapes.
This adventure offers the ultimate safari experience at an affordable price while immersing you in the breathtaking wilderness of Tanzania.
Safari Route
Day 1: Arusha → Tarangire National Park
Day 2: Tarangire → Serengeti National Park
Day 3: Full Day Game Drives in Serengeti
Day 4: Serengeti → Ngorongoro Crater (overnight at crater rim)
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater → Lake Manyara National Park → Arusha
Tour Features
Tour Type: Budget Camping Safari (shared or private option available)
Destinations Covered: Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara
Accommodation Style: Public campsites with tents & basic facilities
Transport: 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing
Wildlife Highlights: Big Five & Great Migration (Seasonal)
Safari Experience: Daily game drives, breathtaking landscapes, close-to-nature camping
Guides: Professional English-speaking safari driver/guide + cook
5 Day Tanzania Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha → Tarangire National Park
Your adventure begins with an early morning departure from Arusha to Tarangire National Park. Upon arrival, enjoy your first game drive, spotting elephants, zebras, and giraffes across the savannah. A picnic lunch will be served beneath the iconic baobab trees. Spend the afternoon exploring the park’s rich wildlife before heading to your campsite for dinner and an overnight stay under the African night sky.
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Accommodation: Jua Manyara Campsite | Migombani Campsite
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Destination: Tarangire National Park
Day 2: Tarangire → Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, journey to the world-famous Serengeti National Park, a land that inspired The Lion King. Known for its high concentration of lions, this park offers an incredible chance to witness pride in action. Depending on the season, you may also see the wildebeest calving before their annual migration north. Enjoy lunch in the park, followed by an afternoon game drive before heading to your campsite for dinner and overnight.
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Accommodation: Nyani Campsite
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Destination: Serengeti National Park
Day 3: Serengeti → Ngorongoro Crater
Wake up to a morning game drive across the endless Serengeti plains, keeping an eye out for leopards, cheetahs, and herds of buffalo. After breakfast, depart for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views and a chance to spot more wildlife. Arrive at the crater rim campsite, where you will have dinner and spend the night overlooking this world-renowned natural wonder.
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Accommodation: Simba Campsite
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Destination: Ngorongoro Crater
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater Exploration
After an early breakfast, descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as the “Garden of Eden.” This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to lions, rhinos, hippos, hyenas, elephants, and countless bird species. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the crater’s lake before continuing your game drive. In the evening, ascend to the crater rim and return to your campsite for dinner and overnight.
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Accommodation: Jua Manyara Campsite | Migombani Campsite
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Destination: Ngorongoro Crater
Day 5: Lake Manyara National Park → Arusha
On your final day, drive to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions, pink flamingos, and diverse birdlife. After a morning game drive and picnic lunch in the park, you will return to Arusha, marking the end of your safari adventure.
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Accommodation: N/A (End of tour)
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Destination: Lake Manyara National Park / Arusha
FAQs – 5-Day Tanzania Camping Safari from Zanzibar
1. Can I start my safari directly from Zanzibar?
Yes, you can begin your safari from Zanzibar. Most travellers take a short domestic flight from Zanzibar to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport, where the safari vehicle will pick you up. Flights are usually about 1 hour 20 minutes, making it a convenient connection. We handle the flight bookings and transfers, so the process is seamless. After your safari, you can also return directly to Zanzibar to continue your beach holiday
2. What parks will I visit on this 5-day safari?
This itinerary covers four of Tanzania’s most famous wildlife destinations. You will explore Tarangire National Park, known for its elephants and baobabs; the Serengeti, world-famous for the Great Migration; the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in wildlife; and Lake Manyara National Park, home to tree-climbing lions and flamingos. Together, they offer one of the most diverse safari experiences in East Africa.
3. What type of accommodation is included?
The safari is designed as a budget camping experience, offering an authentic adventure in the wilderness. You will sleep in canvas tents at public campsites inside or close to the national parks. All essential camping gear is provided, including tents, mattresses, pillows, chairs, and tables. Guests only need to bring their own sleeping bags. Facilities are basic but safe, giving you a true "close-to-nature" African safari feeling.
4. Is this a private safari or group safari?
This 5-day camping safari can be arranged as either private or shared depending on your preference and budget. A private safari means your own vehicle, driver-guide, and chef for maximum flexibility. A shared option helps reduce costs by joining other travelers with the same itinerary. Either way, you will enjoy game drives in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, ensuring everyone has a window seat for the best wildlife viewing and photography.
5. What animals can I expect to see?
Tanzania’s northern circuit offers incredible opportunities to spot a wide variety of wildlife. You can expect to encounter the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), as well as cheetahs, wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, and hippos. The Serengeti is especially famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration, while Ngorongoro Crater is home to one of the highest densities of predators in Africa. Bird lovers will also enjoy sightings of flamingos, pelicans, and over 400 species.
6. Are meals and drinks included?
Yes, all meals are included during the safari, freshly prepared by your dedicated safari chef. You will have daily breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner, often served at scenic spots inside the parks. The meals are nutritious and cater to most dietary needs if notified in advance. Drinking water is provided (1.5 liters per person per day), but additional soft drinks, alcohol, or special beverages can be purchased separately. Dining under the stars adds to the camping experience.
7. How do I get from Zanzibar to the safari and back?
The safari package includes domestic flights between Zanzibar and Arusha (or Kilimanjaro). On arrival, you will be transferred to your safari vehicle to start the adventure. The return flight to Zanzibar is also included, so you can continue your beach holiday or international departure easily. Flight times are flexible, allowing you to maximize both your safari and your time in Zanzibar. We take care of all logistics to make your journey stress-free.
8. What should I pack for a camping safari from Zanzibar?
We recommend packing light, as domestic flights have luggage limits (usually 15–20 kg). Essentials include comfortable safari clothes in neutral colors, a light jacket for cool mornings, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat. Don’t forget binoculars, a camera with extra batteries, and your own sleeping bag. Good walking shoes are useful, though most activities are game drives. A power bank or solar charger can be handy as campsite electricity is limited.
