Private 5 Days Camping Tour in Serengeti National Park

Exploring the 5-Day Private Camping Tour in Serengeti National Park: An Honest Review

Planning a safari in Tanzania can feel overwhelming with so many options. This 5-day private camping tour offers an immersive experience, taking travelers through some of Africa’s most iconic parks — from the flamingo-filled waters of Lake Manyara to the vast plains of Serengeti and the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater. We’ve gathered insights from past travelers to give you a balanced look at what this safari entails.

What really makes this trip stand out are its authentic camping experience, the chance to see Big Five wildlife, and the personalized service of expert guides. We also love the inclusion of private tours, ensuring a more intimate and flexible adventure. A possible consideration: the price of $2,556 per person may seem high, but when you factor in the quality of wildlife sightings, guiding, and camping, it can be a worthwhile investment for serious wildlife enthusiasts. This tour is ideal for travelers who want an adventure-focused, immersive experience with comfortable, yet adventurous, accommodation options.

Key Points

• Authentic camping experience in some of Africa’s premier parks.
• Expert guides with knowledge that enhances wildlife viewing.
• Includes visits to Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro — top-tier parks.
• Private tour for a more personalized experience.
• Good value for money considering park access and guided services.
• Active itinerary with early mornings and game drives, suited for energetic travelers.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect Each Day

Day 1: From Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park

Your adventure begins in Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania’s Northern Circuit. The day kicks off with a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, followed by a pick-up by your guide — a personable, knowledgeable driver who’s clearly passionate about wildlife. The first stop is Lake Manyara National Park, famed for its spectacular scenery and birdlife.

Traveling into the park, you’ll encounter a landscape that combines lush forests, alkaline lakes, and open grasslands. The reviews mention seeing many monkeys, zebras, wildebeests, and giraffes, along with the highlight — tree-climbing lions. Lake Manyara is especially renowned for its birdwatching. With over 5,000 bird species, including migrant flamingos, the park becomes a birding paradise, particularly along the lakeshore. Visitors often comment that it’s a great introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife.

Expect a game drive lasting around 6 hours, giving ample opportunity to spot animals and soak in the scenery. Since entrance tickets are included, you just need to enjoy the experience. The park’s varied habitat means that each game drive can feel quite different from the last.

Day 2 & 3: The Heart of the Safari — Serengeti National Park

Moving into the Serengeti is what most travelers look forward to — vast plains, roaming herds, and a chance to witness predators in action. The journey involves passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, offering a scenic drive through highlands and the chance to see Maasai cattle herders.

The first afternoon in Serengeti usually includes a game drive, with many reviewers noting that each corner of the park offers “a new experience around every corner.” The guides are praised for their local knowledge, helping to spot lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and elephants that might otherwise go unnoticed.

The full day of game drives on Day 3 is particularly exciting. With up to 9 hours on the road, you’ll witness animal behaviors like hunting, mating, and daily routines. Travelers have noted that guides often point out hidden animal sightings and provide interesting facts about the wildlife. The Serengeti’s diverse habitats support a stunning range of species, and some reviews mention the opportunity to see big cats in action, which is a highlight for many.

Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Your morning in Serengeti offers one last chance to see its natural wonderland, especially as the Seronera River area sustains a consistent water source for resident animals. The guide’s narration and spotting skills turn even routine game drives into captivating experiences.

In the afternoon, after a picnic lunch, you’ll head towards Ngorongoro, often called the “Garden of Eden” for its rich wildlife and lush landscapes. The drive itself is scenic, with travelers noting the presence of Maasai tribes and panoramic highland views.

This day involves approximately 8 hours of adventure, with a focus on maximizing wildlife sightings before settling into your campsite or lodge for the night. The reviews highlight the diversity of animals, including big cats and migratory herds, depending on the season.

Day 5: The Magnificence of Ngorongoro Crater

The final day’s highlight is a game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater — an extinct volcano with the largest intact caldera in the world. The crater’s steep walls and permanent water sources support an impressive concentration of wildlife.

Expect to see the Big Five — elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos — all within close proximity. The crater’s variety of habitats, from wetlands to savannah, supports thousands of animals. It’s often called one of the best places in Africa to spot big game in a single day.

Reviewers like one who described it as “an unforgettable wildlife experience,” emphasizing the diver’s habitats and the chance to see a wide array of animals in one location. The day wraps up with a drive back to Arusha, ending your safari adventure.

Why You’ll Love This Safari

Expert-guided game drives are a game-changer, especially when guides are as knowledgeable as those mentioned by past travelers. Their ability to identify animals, narrate behaviors, and find elusive predators enhances every moment. Camping in public campsites adds a genuine edge to the experience, allowing for close encounters with nature and a sense of adventure that luxury lodges might not provide.

The value for money becomes clearer when you factor in park entrance fees, guided services, and meals. While $2,556 might seem steep, it covers a comprehensive, well-organized experience that includes transport, guiding, park fees, and all meals. Many reviewers appreciated how smoothly the trip was planned, with the team providing quick responses during the planning phase.

Travelers consistently praise the guides, with one reviewer calling Gabriel “the best guide I’ve ever met” — noting his professionalism and deep knowledge. The journey offers a perfect mix of wildlife viewing, scenic drives, and cultural insights, especially with the Maasai villages you might pass.

Practical Considerations and Tips

• Timing: The itinerary is flexible but expect early mornings — the best wildlife activity occurs at dawn.
• Camping: Be prepared for outdoor camping, which means bringing suitable gear and being comfortable with rustic conditions.
• Price: At $2,556, this tour offers a good balance of guided expertise, park access, and authentic camping, making it a strong value for wildlife enthusiasts.
• Group Size: It’s a private tour, so your experience is personalized, ideal for travelers seeking intimacy and flexibility.
• Transportation: The journey includes comfortable overland transfers, but be prepared for long drives between parks.
• Meals: Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are included — most dishes are simple but hearty, perfect for fueling long days of game viewing.
• Accessibility: The tour is suitable for most travelers, and special dietary needs can often be accommodated upon request.
• Booking and Cancellation: Confirmations are rapid, but note that cancellations are non-refundable — plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This safari is perfect for wildlife lovers who want an authentic, close-to-nature experience without sacrificing guided expertise. If you’re eager to camp in some of Africa’s most iconic parks, and you value personalized service, this trip hits the sweet spot. It’s especially suited for those prepared for active days, early mornings, and outdoor camping, and who appreciate guided insights to make wildlife sightings more meaningful.

Travelers who want a culturally rich journey combined with stunning landscapes will find this itinerary rewarding. The carefully curated parks, combined with excellent guides and a balanced itinerary, make it a strong choice for serious safari enthusiasts.

FAQs

Is this a private tour? Yes, this is a private experience, meaning only your group will participate, ensuring a more personalized adventure.

What is the duration of the safari? The tour lasts approximately 5 days, with detailed activities and game drives planned each day.

Are park fees included? Yes, all park entry fees for Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro are included in the price.

What does the camping experience involve? You’ll stay in public campsites, which provide an authentic outdoor experience close to wildlife and nature.

Can dietary needs be accommodated? Yes, most dietary restrictions can be managed, but it’s best to specify your needs during booking.

How experienced are the guides? Past travelers praise guides like Gabriel for their expertise, friendliness, and ability to spot animals that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Is the tour suitable for children or families? While the itinerary is active and outdoors, it’s best suited for older children or families comfortable with camping and long drives.

What kind of vehicle is used? Expect comfortable overland vehicles equipped for game drives, with open roofs or windows for optimal wildlife viewing.

What’s the best time to go on this safari? While not explicitly stated, safaris in Tanzania are generally good year-round, with animal sightings often best during the dry seasons (June to October, January to March).

To sum it up, this 5-day private camping safari offers an immersive, wildlife-rich journey through Tanzania’s top parks with expert guides, authentic camping, and memorable landscapes. It’s a fantastic fit for adventurous travelers eager to explore Africa’s wild heart in a genuine and personalized way.