Tanzania Budget Camping Wildlife Safari
Tour Highlights
Join Serengeti Pride Safaris for an amazing camping safari adventure through Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit, Lake Manyara National Park, the endless plains of Serengeti National Park, and the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater. This itinerary is designed for adventurous travelers on a budget, who don’t mind very simple camping. You will stay in public campgrounds/campsites with shared public toilet facilities (flush toilets) and public showers (where available; may be cold). If you are not used to this type of camping, we urge you to consider our classic safari trips where you stay in lodges or in tented safari camps, which are a much nicer but more expensive option than budget camping. There can be animals coming through these campsites, so while it is generally very safe, caution must be used – especially for those night-time toilet visits! – and children must be supervised at all times. Meals are served outdoors and prepared by a cook who travels with you and your guide. We provide all rainproof dome-type tents and sleeping pads (no beds). You may bring your own sleeping bag or rent them from us. Your chef and guide will prepare your meals and clean up, allowing you to relax in camp .Your chef and all gear will travel with you in the vehicle. Camping gear and luggage may be strapped on top of the vehicle while you are en route to the next camp during each transition.
Safari Itinerary
Starts with pickup from wherever you are staying in Arusha or Moshi area. You will drive about 2-3 hours to Lake Manyara National Park at the edge of the great Rift Valley. Enjoy your first game drive in this small but very scenic and interesting park with forests, lake, and plains – and a variety of wildlife. Overnight at a campsite around Mto wa Mbu or Karatu villages near Lake Manyara National Park (slight price increase for campsites inside park borders). All meals included starting with lunch today. Note: Tarangire National Park can be substitute for Lake Manyara instead.
Drive through the Ngorongoro Highlands (saving the Crater itself for later) and down onto the Serengeti plains. It is quite scenic as you ascend into the Ngorongoro Highlands which has colorful Maasai villages as well as wildlife. Then, descend onto the Serengeti Plains where you will see animals en route to the campground. If desired (entrance fee is extra), stop at the Olduvai Gorge Museum to learn a bit about our early human ancestors and fossils found in this area. Overnight at a public campsite in the Serengeti National park.
You will spend today exploring the Serengeti ecosystem which flows from Serengeti National park across the invisible line into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Overnight at the same campsite.
Early departure for Ngorongoro Crater to enjoy a game drive inside the Crater today. The Crater is home to a large number of animals – predators and prey, migratory and resident animals including the elusive rhino. It is also quite beautiful and memorable. Overnight at a campsite around Karatu or Mto wa Mbu villages (slight price increase for camping on Ngorongoro Crater rim).
Morning village walk with possibility of shopping stops in the colorful village of Mto wa Mbu for inexpensive souvenirs and an interesting experience. For any art or carvings where quality is important, we suggest you purchase in the more upscale gift shops your driver can take you to that have more quality control in place than the informal market in Mto wa Mbu. We can have you back to Kilimanjaro airport for afternoon or evening flights. If you are staying over, we will drop you at your lodge or hotel in Arusha or Moshi (lodging tonight not included). Last meal included is lunch today.
INCLUSIONS
Safari prices are in US Dollars, per person, based on twin or double occupancy. Our prices include driver/guide, vehicle, park fees (these and government mandated taxes/fees are subject to government increase after booking), all meals starting with lunch on the first day and ending with lunch on the last day. Our budget camping safaris include a cook, tents, and sleeping pads.
Single Supplement
If you are traveling solo, we charge a single supplement of $500 US Dollars. This is waived if you don’t mind sharing a room/tent with someone of the same gender from the group, and if you choose a group date that has other travelers.
EXCLUSIONS
Our prices exclude flights, tips/gratuities, beverages (except bottled water is included on budget camping safaris), travel visas, entrance fee to Maasai village or Olduvai Gorge museum if a visit is requested, and any lodging or airport transfers in Arusha area needed before or after safari. On our budget camping safari, you bring your own sleeping bag or rent one from us.
