Camping Safaris in Tanzania
Tanzania is one of the best destinations for classic African wildlife viewing safaris. With 16 national parks including the Serengeti National Park famous for wildebeest migration and big 5 African mammals. In addition to being able to camp in the African wilderness, there are several camping places such as beaches on the Indian Ocean coastline, Zanzibar islands as well as in Arusha, Dar- Es-Salaam among others. Camping Safaris in Tanzania are one of the best way of exploring the vast savanna plains.
Therefore, visitors have a wide range of camping options that range from catered camping, pitching your own tent to lodges. Bottom line is; it’s how much you are willing to spend that will determine the kind of camping experience. Camping Safaris in Tanzania offer an ambience of wilderness. The open clear skies, the starry nights and the sounds of the wildlife create unbeatable moments on your African safari tour.
CAMPING WITHIN NATIONAL PARKS.
The experience is wild and full of wildlife encounters. There are two ways to go, one is to rent a vehicle and set your own tent. The second way is to book your camping trip with a trusted operator. This is the safest and recommended way to camp within the Tanzania parks. Because your operator will cater for everything including a guide, setting up a camp, cooking, spotting animals on game drives and most important providing essentials like sleeping bags.
Serengeti National Park.
There are designated public camping areas within Serengeti National Park. Also, some lodges in Serengeti offer camping tours where they have set locations with tents and shared bathrooms. The campsites with no fences for instance, at Simba Campsite you are separated from the wilderness by a strip of canvas. Other campsites in Serengeti include Serengeti Tented Camp which offers both campsite and lodge experience.
The tents used are dome structured raised off the ground by four metal poles. These tents are hard to stand against winds. Each tent will accommodate two people. You may not need to book in advance. However, if visiting in the peak season, you need to reserve a spot before you arrive as many visitors are arriving and departing at the same time.
While it’s not common for wild animals to get into campsites, take in mind this is a wild territory. So, you must try to avoid getting outside your camp at night or do so with care. You should bring a head lamp or torch for that matter.
Different campsites offer different services. That’s why it’s important to book your Tanzania camping safari with a tour operator. Because you need to know the essential items for your packing list. Some of the structures feature kitchen, bathrooms some with squat-style or western style toilets. some camps will provide hot water, soap, tissue while others may not.
Concerning what the food is like on Tanzania camping safari, you expect to be feasting around fireplace or spacious covered places designated for preparing meals and dinning. Meals include anything from homemade bread locally known as Mandazi to fresh fish, fried or roasted chicken and pasta. The food on camping safari is still great as it would be on any other accommodation facility.
Wildlife sightings during camping safari in Serengeti National Park.
Serengeti is home to big 5 mammals as well as wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, Grant’s Gazelle, Topi and wildlife sightings are rewarding during game drives. While there’s no guarantee you will spot all the big five, Serengeti has them in big numbers. Chances are high for you to see leopard up a marked tree, cheetah on an outcrop, herds of elephant, lion, buffalo and the king of the jungle- lion.
Camping on the borders of Ngorongoro crater
Lilac Lake Manyara campsite
Located in Arusha town, Lilca campsite offers great camping as well as access to some of Tanzania’s best national parks. The campsite is about Park 45-minute drive from Lake Manyara National, 2-hour drive to Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro crater.
Udzungwa forest camp
This campsite also known as Hondo Hondo lodge is located on the border of Udzungwa Mountains National Park one of the parks in Tanzania eastern safari circuit. Udzungwa camp does not only offer outdoor camping but also African huts, tented room for those seeking extra comfort and special camping inside the tropical forest. With solar heated water showers, washing sinks, western style toilets, barbecue area, Udzungwa is one of the beautiful campsites. Visitors have a chance to explore Udzungwa mountains National Park, a treasure trove of nature hiking trails leading you to waterfalls, primates and birds.
The lake shore lodge and campsite
This beautiful place is located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Africa’s deepest lake and 2-hour drive to Katavi National Park.
There are many reasons why you should take your Tanzania camping safari to Lake Shore campsite. From adventure activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, quad and mountain bikes to relaxation on the beaches to day trips into Katavi National Park.
As well as the safari lodge, there are budget and luxury Bandas with view of the beach and lake and outdoor camping area under mango trees.
