Experience the magic of Tanzania's northern circuit without breaking the bank on our 5-day budget camping safari. This authentic bush adventure takes you to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater two of Africa's greatest wildlife destinations while staying at public campsites within the parks. Far from roughing it, our camping safaris provide comfortable dome tents with mattresses, a dedicated cook who prepares hearty meals over the campfire, and the incomparable experience of falling asleep to the sounds of the African bush. This is safari at its most raw and real the way the first explorers experienced it, but with the safety and support of a professional team. If you want maximum wildlife for minimum cost, this is the itinerary for you.
Sleep inside the national parks
Stories and stars around the fire
Two full days on the endless plains
Big Five in a single day
The dry season from June through October is ideal for camping clear skies, dry campsites, and excellent game viewing as animals congregate around water sources. The green season from November through May offers lush scenery and lower prices, though occasional rain is possible. April and May are the wettest months and camping can be challenging. The Great Migration passes through the Serengeti from June to November, making this period particularly rewarding for wildlife sightings.
Depart Arusha early in the morning (7:00 AM) and drive toward the Serengeti through the Great Rift Valley and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive is approximately 6–7 hours, but the scenery is spectacular and there will be plenty of stops for photos and stretching. Enter the Serengeti through the Naabi Hill Gate and enjoy an afternoon game drive as you make your way to the public campsite at Seronera. Your guide will set up camp while your cook prepares dinner. The evening is spent around the campfire, sharing stories under a sky blazing with stars — no light pollution here. Listen for the distant roar of lions and the haunting calls of hyenas as you drift off to sleep in your tent.
A full day exploring the central Serengeti's Seronera Valley, one of the richest wildlife areas in Africa. Start early when predators are most active — your guide will search for lions, leopards, and cheetahs in the golden morning light. Visit the Moru Kopjes, granite outcrops that serve as lion lookouts and hyrax refuges, and the Retima Hippo Pool where hundreds of hippos jostle for space. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush, then continue exploring in the afternoon. The Seronera River Valley supports year-round wildlife, so you're virtually guaranteed excellent sightings regardless of season. Return to camp for another evening around the fire, with your cook preparing a hearty dinner. The campsite's location inside the park means you can hear wildlife throughout the night — an authentic safari experience.
Enjoy a final morning game drive in the Serengeti before breaking camp and heading south through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive itself offers excellent wildlife viewing — you may spot cheetahs on the southern plains and large herds of gazelles. Stop at Olduvai Gorge (optional, $10 entry) to learn about human evolution at one of the world's most important paleoanthropological sites. Continue to the Simba public campsite on the Ngorongoro crater rim, perched at 2,300 meters with stunning views over the caldera. The highland climate is cool and refreshing — a welcome change from the Serengeti's heat. Set up camp and enjoy dinner with the most spectacular backdrop in Africa.
Rise early and descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences on Earth. The 260-square-kilometer caldera is home to approximately 25,000 large animals, including the densest population of lions in Africa, endangered black rhinos, large-tusked elephants, and massive herds of buffalo and wildebeest. The soda lake at the center attracts thousands of flamingos, creating a shimmering pink border. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the hippo pool, watching these massive animals lounge in the shallows. After a full morning of game viewing, ascend the crater wall and drive to the Mto wa Mbu area near Lake Manyara. Set up camp at a public campsite and enjoy a farewell dinner around the campfire, sharing stories of the incredible wildlife you've witnessed.
After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, a compact gem at the base of the Great Rift Valley. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, large baboon troops, and the shimmering pink shoreline of flamingos on the alkaline lake. Elephants, giraffes, and hippos are also commonly spotted. After the game drive, break camp and drive back to Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon. Drop-off at your hotel or Kilimanjaro International Airport. For those wanting more adventure, we can arrange additional days or a Zanzibar beach extension at a budget-friendly price.
Prices are per person. Group joining safari with a maximum of 12 travelers.
| Season | Dates | Price (PP) | Single Tent | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low Season | Apr–May | $700 | $80 | Available |
| Shoulder | Mar, Jun, Nov | $850 | $100 | Available |
| Peak Season | Jul–Oct, Dec–Feb | $1,050 | $120 | Available |
The most affordable way to experience the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. All prices include park fees, camping equipment, meals, and transport. No hidden costs.
| Day | Accommodation | Type | Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Days 1–2 | Seronera Public Campsite | Dome Tent (shared facilities) | Flush toilets, cold showers |
| Day 3 | Simba Public Campsite (Ngorongoro Rim) | Dome Tent (shared facilities) | Flush toilets, cold showers |
| Day 4 | Mto wa Mbu Public Campsite | Dome Tent (shared facilities) | Flush toilets, hot showers |
Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), approximately 60 km from Arusha. Budget airlines like Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways often have competitive fares. From Europe, consider connecting through Addis Ababa or Nairobi for the best prices.
Your guide will pick you up from any hotel or hostel in Arusha city center at 7:00 AM on Day 1. We can also arrange pickup from Kilimanjaro International Airport for an additional $30. An overnight stay in Arusha before the safari is recommended.
Consider arriving via Nairobi (Kenya) and taking the Riverside Shuttle bus to Arusha ($35, 6 hours) for additional savings. Budget hostels in Arusha start from $15/night. We can recommend affordable pre-safari accommodation.
Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at JRO for USD $50 (USD $100 for US citizens). An e-visa can also be obtained online. A valid passport with at least 6 months remaining is required. Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from an endemic area.
Arusha, Tanzania • Established 2015
Nashivai Safaris is a locally owned and operated safari company based in Arusha, Tanzania. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience Africa's incredible wildlife, which is why we offer budget camping safaris that deliver outstanding value without compromising on the quality of the wildlife experience. Our camping safaris are led by experienced guides who are passionate about sharing the bush with travelers from all walks of life.
"I was worried camping would be rough, but it was actually amazing! The tents were comfortable, the food was surprisingly good, and waking up to the sounds of the Serengeti was priceless. Our cook Joseph made incredible meals over a campfire. Best value safari ever!"
— Lisa M., Canada • September 2024"For the price, this is unbeatable. We saw the Big Five, camped inside the parks, and had an authentic experience that luxury travelers miss. The Ngorongoro Crater was mind-blowing. Yes, the campsites are basic, but that's part of the adventure. Highly recommend!"
— Tom & Sarah K., Netherlands • August 2024