5 Days Serengeti Camping Safari

Introduction

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the Big Five and wandering through some of Africa’s most iconic landscapes, this 5-day Serengeti Camping Safari might just be the adventure for you. The tour offers a deep dive into Tanzania’s wilderness, with overnight stays in tents that bring you closer to nature than ever before.

What we love about this experience is how it balances authentic camping, expert-guided game drives, and visits to renowned parks like Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara. Plus, the carefully curated itinerary promises plenty of opportunities to spot rare animals—like rhinos and lion prides—and enjoy the scenery along the way.

However, keep in mind that camping can mean fewer creature comforts; this tour is more about the raw wilderness than luxury. Still, if you’re up for an adventurous, immersive trip, this safari offers excellent value, especially considering all the included park fees and meals.

This adventure suits travelers who are outdoor enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and those with a flexible sense of comfort who want to truly feel the heartbeat of Africa.

Key Points

• Incredible Value: All park fees, meals, and transport are included, making it a hassle-free experience.
• Expert Guides: Guides like David and Emmanuel are praised for their knowledge and helpfulness, enhancing the safari.
• Authentic Camping: Staying at campsites like Simba near Ngorongoro offers an immersive experience with wildlife often visible from your tent.
• Diverse Itinerary: Visits to Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara cover Tanzania’s top wildlife spots.
• Delicious Food: Reviewers rave about the quality of meals, especially the chef Richard, who surprises guests with tasty dishes.
• Community & Culture: Optional Maasai village visit adds a cultural dimension, giving insights into local traditions.

Deep Dive into the 5-Day Serengeti Camping Safari

Overall Experience and Pricing

At $1,100 per person, this safari provides a significant amount of value, especially given the extensive itinerary, park entries, meals, and transport included. The tour is designed for small groups, with a maximum of 50 travelers, meaning you’ll get a good balance of guided attention and social bonding.

Reviews highlight the professionalism of the operator, Serengeti African Tours, and the friendly, knowledgeable guides like David, Emmanuel, and Kelvin. They’re often commended for their patience, spotting skills, and willingness to share insights into animal behavior and park history.

What You’ll Love

• Authentic safari experience: Staying at campsites like Simba near Ngorongoro allows you to wake up to the sounds of wildlife—an experience many say beats luxury lodges hands down.
• Expert guidance: Guides and staff are praised for their helpfulness, deep knowledge, and even their ability to surprise guests with birthday cakes and special touches.
• Delicious, homemade meals: The chef Richard impresses visitors with tasty, plentiful food, often with special dietary considerations, making the camping experience more comfortable.
• Diverse wildlife sightings: From elephants in Tarangire to lions and cheetahs in Serengeti, and rare rhinos in Ngorongoro, the tour maximizes chances for wildlife encounters.

Day-by-Day Breakdown

Day 1: Tarangire National Park

The adventure kicks off early, with a 7:30 am pickup from your hotel in Arusha. The drive to Tarangire takes about 2 hours, giving you some time to settle in and meet your guide, chef, and fellow travelers.

Tarangire is famed for its ancient Baobab trees and the largest concentration of elephants in Tanzania. As you traverse the park, expect a game drive exploring its diverse landscape. The park is particularly good for observing elephant families, which move in large groups, and for spotting predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards that are often harder to find elsewhere.

Guests often mention that the elephants here are especially engaging, with some reviews noting the distinct interaction between elephant herds. While herbivores like giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest are abundant, the top predators tend to be more elusive, making sightings a real coup.

Day 2: Serengeti & Maasai Village

Traveling from Tarangire, you’ll head toward Serengeti, passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive is about 6 hours, with key stops to enrich your experience.

First, a brief stop at Ngorongoro Crater, where the view from the viewpoint is breathtaking. The crater is a self-contained ecosystem, and many travelers note it as a highlight for wildlife viewing—especially the chance to see black rhinos, the hardest to spot in the crater floor.

Next, a visit to a Maasai village offers a peek into traditional Maasai culture. The visit is optional but highly recommended, with reviews sharing insights into Maasai practices such as lion chasing rituals and drinking raw blood—though most traditions are now more symbolic than functional.

The drive to Serengeti takes you through stunning landscapes, and guides are known for their storytelling, making the long journey fly by. The anticipation builds as you prepare for the famous Serengeti plains.

Day 3: Serengeti’s Seronera & Simba Campsite

Early breakfast gets you ready for a morning game drive in Serengeti’s Seronera region, known for its high animal density. Expect to see a variety of wildlife—antelopes, giraffes, lions, and possibly cheetahs—especially if you start early.

Around midday, you’ll head back to camp for lunch and a quick rest. Then, another game drive in the afternoon continues the wildlife search, heading toward Simba campsite, nestled near Ngorongoro Crater’s rim.

Guests frequently comment on the proximity to animals, with some noting that animals can be spotted right from the camp, adding an unforgettable dimension to the camping experience.

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater

Another early start—descend into Ngorongoro Crater at around 6:15 am—aiming to catch the animals at their most active. The crater’s fertile floor makes it a prime spot for spotting rhinos, lions, elephants, and hippos in their natural habitat.

Reviewers have shared that the crater is especially good for spotting rhinos, which are elusive elsewhere. The terrain allows for close views, and guides excel at finding wildlife in this unique environment.

Post-lunch, you’ll ascend and drive to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for flamingos and tree-climbing lions—although the latter are rarely seen, it’s a highlight to keep in mind. The park’s birdlife and hippos are also notable.

Day 5: Lake Manyara & Farewell

The final day involves a morning game drive around Lake Manyara, where you’ll see a multitude of birds, herds of buffalo, wildebeest, and warthogs. The flamingos are a signature sight here, and the hot springs add a touch of serenity to your farewell.

This concludes your safari, leaving you with a trove of memories from your Tanzanian adventure.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

Authenticity and immersion are at the heart of this safari. Staying at campsites like Simba near Ngorongoro, with animals often visible nearby, offers an experience many luxury lodges can’t match. Guests consistently mention the helpfulness and expertise of guides—like David and Emmanuel—who are praised for their animal-spotting skills and genuine passion.

The food deserves a special mention. Reviewers highlight the chef Richard’s talent for creating delicious meals, even surprises like birthday cakes, which add a personal touch to the camping trip. The mention of real plates and cutlery also underscores the attention to detail.

Safety and organization are frequently noted as strong points, with the operator Serengeti African Tours praised for professional service, responsiveness (notably Linah), and seamless coordination. The tour’s inclusion of all park fees and meals simplifies planning, allowing travelers to focus solely on enjoying the experience.

Potential Drawbacks

While many praise the authenticity of camping, some travelers might find the basic amenities a bit challenging. It’s not a luxury lodge experience—think shared tents, outdoor bathrooms, and the sounds of wildlife at night.

Plus, the 6-hour drives each day mean long hours on the road, which may be tiring for some. However, many reviews mention that the scenic views and animal sightings make the journey worthwhile.

Final Thoughts

This 5-day Serengeti camping safari provides a compelling blend of wildlife, landscapes, and local culture, all at an accessible price. It’s ideal for travelers who want to experience Africa’s wilderness authentically and aren’t bothered by camping comforts.

You’ll love the expert guides, the delicious food, and the up-close encounters with Africa’s most iconic animals. While the long drives and camping setup aren’t for everyone, those who embrace the adventure find it profoundly rewarding.

For wildlife lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone eager to step away from the tourist trail, this safari offers genuine value and memories that last a lifetime.

FAQ

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from your hotel in Arusha, making logistics easier.

What is the total cost per person?
The tour costs $1,100 per person, which covers transport, all park fees, meals, and camping accommodations.

Are meals included?
Yes, all meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—are included throughout the 5 days.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, there is a free cancellation policy. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. Many reviews highlight solo travelers joining and enjoying the camaraderie and shared experiences.

Are there cultural experiences included?
Optional visits to Maasai villages are available, offering insights into local traditions and lifestyles.

Will I see wildlife every day?
While sightings vary based on animal movement, guides are skilled at maximizing your chances at each stop, especially in key parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro.

What should I pack?
Bring comfortable clothing for game drives, layers for varying temperatures, a hat, sunglasses, camera, and personal essentials.

How long are the drives each day?
Expect around 6 hours of game drives per day, with some longer travel times between parks.

Is camping comfortable?
The camping experience is authentic and well-organized, with tents set up at campsites like Simba. You’ll have basic amenities, but it’s not a luxury stay—think outdoor showers and shared facilities.

In essence, this safari delivers an authentic, engaging, and value-packed Tanzanian adventure. It’s perfect for those who crave wildlife encounters, cultural insights, and a true taste of African wilderness—ready for the adventure of a lifetime?