This four-day circuit is built for travellers who want genuine northern-circuit wildlife without a premium price tag. Two full days in Tarangire National Park bring you close to some of Africa's largest elephant herds and its famous baobab-studded landscape, before the trip climbs to the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater for a descent onto one of the most wildlife-dense floors on earth.
To keep costs down without cutting corners on the wildlife, the safari runs on public campsites rather than lodges, with a cook and camp crew handling meals and set-up each night. It's a hands-on, close-to-nature way to experience the same parks covered by our premium itineraries, at a fraction of the cost.
Two full days among some of Africa's largest herds
A full-day Big Five descent onto the caldera floor
Public campsites with a full camp crew and cook
Tarangire's elephant herds concentrate around the river in the dry season from June through October, making this the best window for large herd sightings, while the crater floor holds resident wildlife year-round. The green season from November to May is quieter and greener, with fewer vehicles on the roads, though some campsite tracks can be muddier after heavy rain.
Depart Arusha after breakfast and drive to Tarangire National Park, arriving in time for an afternoon game drive among the park's baobab-studded plains and river valley, home to some of the largest elephant herds in Africa. Overnight at a public campsite inside or near the park.
A full day exploring Tarangire's varied habitats, from the seasonal swamps to open grassland, tracking elephant, giraffe, zebra, and the park's resident tree-climbing lions. A picnic lunch is taken out on the game drive. Second night at the same campsite.
Break camp after breakfast and drive up through Karatu and the Ngorongoro Highlands, with a stop to break up the journey. Arrive at a public campsite on the crater highlands in the afternoon, with sweeping views over the surrounding farmland and forest.
An early descent onto the Ngorongoro Crater floor for a morning of Big Five game viewing, with a strong chance of spotting the crater's black rhinos among the lion prides and dense plains game. Climb back out to the rim after a picnic lunch and drive back to Arusha, arriving in the early evening.
Prices are per person for the complete 4-day, 3-night camping safari, including hotel pickup and drop-off in Arusha. Rates decrease with larger groups.
| Group Size | Price (Per Person) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Person (Private) | $1,850 | Available |
| 2–3 People | $1,400 | Available |
| 4+ People | $1,150 | Available |
Price includes everything: private guiding, all park and crater descent fees, camping fees, a cook and camp crew, all meals from Day 1 lunch through Day 4 lunch, and hotel transfers. No hidden costs. A dome tent, mattress, and camp chairs are provided; a sleeping bag can be rented on request.
Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), roughly a 45-minute drive from Arusha, where the safari begins and ends. Onward flights to Zanzibar or other destinations can be arranged after Day 4.
Pickup is available from any hotel in Arusha town centre on the morning of Day 1, with drop-off back at the same hotel on the evening of Day 4.
Transport is by private 4x4 safari vehicle throughout, which doubles as the game-viewing vehicle for all game drives and the crater descent.
Warm layers for the highlands campsite, a headlamp, sunscreen, a hat, binoculars if you have them, and a sleeping bag if not renting one from us.
Arusha, Tanzania • Established 2015
Nashivai Safaris is a locally owned and operated safari company based in Arusha, Tanzania. Alongside our premium lodge safaris, we run a range of budget camping itineraries for travellers who want the same parks and wildlife at a more accessible price.
Camping in Tarangire with elephants wandering nearby at night was unforgettable. Great value for the wildlife you actually see on this trip.
— Owen R., South Africa • July 2024Basic camping but the crew made it comfortable, and the crater day alone was worth the whole trip. Rented a sleeping bag which was easy to arrange.
— Hannah & Ben, Ireland • September 2024