6-Day Tanzania Camping Safari through Serengeti and Ngorongoro

6 Days Round trip from Arusha Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Enjoy game drives in Tarangire National Park, famous for ancient baobabs and large elephant herds
02 Travel through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with spectacular crater highland views
03 Discover wildlife on a full-day exploration in Serengeti National Park, known for exceptional predator sightings and the seasonal Great Migration
04 Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a high-density safari experience with chances to see black rhinos and other Big Five wildlife
05 Explore Lake Manyara National Park, known for diverse birdlife and tree-climbing lions

Set out on a 6-day shared camping safari through Tanzania's most celebrated wildlife parks. From the baobab-studded landscapes of Tarangire to the vast plains of the Serengeti, enjoy daily game drives with opportunities to spot lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and abundant birdlife. Travel through the dramatic Ngorongoro Highlands, descend into the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater, and continue to Lake Manyara's lush forests and open plains. Each night, settle into public campsites for an authentic safari atmosphere under the African sky before returning to Arusha at the end of the adventure.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park

Languages English, French, Italian, Mandarin, Spanish, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arusha to Tarangire National Park Safari

Morning: After breakfast, depart from Arusha and drive to Tarangire National Park, renowned for its ancient baobab trees, massive elephant herds, and abundant wildlife. Upon arrival, begin your first exciting game drive.
Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park before continuing your game drive in search of lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, and numerous bird species.
Evening: After the game drive, drive to Fanaka Campsite near Karatu for dinner and your first overnight camping experience.

Day 02

Through Ngorongoro to Central Serengeti

Morning: After breakfast, drive through the beautiful Ngorongoro Conservation Area toward Serengeti National Park, enjoying spectacular views of the crater highlands and endless plains.
Afternoon: Arrive in Central Serengeti, enjoy a picnic lunch, and begin your first game drive through one of Africa's greatest wildlife destinations.
Evening: Continue your sunset game drive before arriving at Seronera Public Campsite for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 03

Full-Day Serengeti Wildlife Adventure

Morning: After an early breakfast, set out for a full-day game drive exploring different regions of Serengeti National Park, famous for its exceptional predator population.
Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the designated picnic sites before continuing your wildlife adventure in search of the Big Five and the seasonal Great Migration.
Evening: Return to Seronera Public Campsite for dinner and another overnight stay.

Day 04

Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater Rim

Morning: Enjoy a morning game drive as you leave Serengeti and travel toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with more opportunities to spot wildlife along the way.
Afternoon: Continue through the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands, enjoying a picnic lunch before arriving at the crater rim.
Evening: Settle into Ngorongoro Public Campsite, where you will enjoy dinner and spend the night overlooking the spectacular crater.

Day 05

Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara Safari

Morning: After an early breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable game drive. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to black rhinos, lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and an extraordinary concentration of wildlife.
Afternoon: After a picnic lunch at the Hippo Pool, continue to Lake Manyara National Park for an afternoon game drive through its lush groundwater forests and open plains, famous for tree-climbing lions, flamingos (seasonal), elephants, and diverse birdlife.
Evening: Drive to Fanaka Campsite for dinner and your final overnight stay.

Day 06

Return to Arusha

Morning: After breakfast, depart for Arusha.
Afternoon: Arrive in Arusha and enjoy lunch (optional, own arrangement) before being transferred to your hotel or Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey.
Evening: End of your unforgettable Tanzania camping safari.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Arusha 5 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

All national park and conservation area entry fees.
Ngorongoro Crater service fee.
Private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof.
Professional English-speaking safari driver-guide.
Professional safari cook.
Accommodation at public campsites as per the itinerary.
Camping equipment (tent, sleeping mattress, table, and chairs).
All meals during the safari (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner).
Picnic lunches during game drives.
Drinking water throughout the safari.
Airport pick-up and drop-off.
Government taxes and VAT.

What's Not Included

International and domestic flights.
Tanzania visa fees.
Travel and medical insurance.
Sleeping bag (available for rent upon request).
Accommodation before and after the safari.
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks.
Tips and gratuities for the safari guide and cook.
Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, telephone calls, etc.).
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
Government-imposed increases in taxes or park fees.
Lunch (optional, own arrangement).

What to bring

Valid passport and Tanzania visa (if required).
Comfortable clothing in neutral safari colors.
Warm jacket or fleece for chilly mornings and evenings.
Comfortable walking shoes.
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Insect repellent.
Personal toiletries and medications.
Camera with extra batteries and memory cards.
Binoculars.
Flashlight or headlamp.
Reusable water bottle.
Power bank and charging cables.
Sleeping bag (or rent one before departure).
Small daypack for daily essentials.
Cash for tips, drinks, and souvenirs.

Know before you go

This is a budget camping safari with accommodation at public campsites.
Shared bathroom and shower facilities are available at the campsites.
Ngorongoro can be very cold at night due to its high altitude, so warm clothing is essential.
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the Northern Circuit offers some of Africa's best safari experiences.
Daily drives may cover long distances on rough roads.
Plastic bags are banned in Tanzania.
Carry cash (USD or Tanzanian Shillings) for tips, drinks, and personal purchases.
Mobile network coverage is limited in some areas of Serengeti National Park.