4-Day Camping Safari Tanzania: Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro

Summary

Affordable Group Safari Adventure in Northern Tanzania

You’ll join fellow travelers for four days of real adventure—sleeping under canvas, spotting wildlife up close in Tarangire and Serengeti, and standing on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater at sunrise. If you want an affordable way to experience Tanzania’s wild side with local guides who know every shortcut and story, this trip’s for you.

What’s the experience like?

The first morning started early in Moshi, with the air still cool and a bit of mist hanging over the road as we set out for Tarangire National Park. Our guide, Joseph, had this way of pointing out things you’d never spot on your own—like the tiny dik-dik darting through the grass or the way elephants gather near the baobab trees just after sunrise. We stopped for lunch under an acacia, munching on sandwiches while watching giraffes wander by. By late afternoon, most other safari trucks had already left, so it felt like we had whole stretches of the park to ourselves. That night at Kizumba Campsite, I could hear distant hyenas calling as I drifted off to sleep.

Next up was Serengeti National Park. The drive there was long but never boring—every few miles brought something new: Maasai herders with their cattle, kids waving from dusty villages, and endless golden plains. Entering Serengeti felt like stepping into one of those nature documentaries. We saw lions lounging in the shade and a herd of wildebeest so big it looked like the ground itself was moving. Lunch was quick—just sandwiches and fruit by the hood of our Land Cruiser—but nobody minded because there was always something to see. At Seronera Campsite, everyone swapped stories around a smoky campfire before turning in early.

On day three, we squeezed in one last game drive through Serengeti before heading toward Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The landscape changed fast—flat plains gave way to rolling hills and then that dramatic crater rim view. Simba Campsite sits right on the edge; I remember waking up to thick fog and the odd sound of cowbells from Maasai cattle nearby. Dinner tasted better than usual after a long day bouncing along those rough roads.

The final day was all about Ngorongoro Crater. Descending into the crater just after sunrise is something I won’t forget—the light hits the grass in this soft gold way, and suddenly you’re surrounded by zebras, buffalo, even a couple of rhinos if you’re lucky. Our guide explained how this place is one of the best spots in East Africa to see all of the Big Five in a single morning. We ate lunch by a hippo pool (watch out for sneaky birds trying to steal your bread) before heading back up and making our way to Moshi as afternoon storms rolled in behind us.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Moshi to Tarangire Safari

• Drive from Moshi to Tarangire National Park for game drives
• Dinner and overnight at Kizumba Campsite

Day 2 — Tarangire to Serengeti Safari

• Drive to Serengeti National Park with game drives en route
• Dinner and overnight at Seronera Campsite

Day 3 — Serengeti to Ngorongoro Safari

• Morning game drives in Serengeti
• Drive to Ngorongoro Crater Rim
• Dinner and overnight at Simba Campsite

Day 4 — Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive

• Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for game drives
• Drive back to Moshi

Top questions

Is this camping safari suitable for solo travelers?

Absolutely! It’s a group joining tour, so solo travelers are welcome and often make new friends along the way.

What kind of food is served during the safari?

You’ll get simple but tasty meals—think grilled chicken, rice, veggies, fresh fruit—and there’s always plenty of tea or coffee at camp.

Are there bathroom facilities at the campsites?

Yes, each campsite has basic toilets and showers. They’re not fancy but they get the job done after a long day out.

Will I see all of the Big Five animals?

Your chances are high—Ngorongoro Crater especially is famous for sightings—but wildlife can never be guaranteed.

What’s included

Your safari covers all meals at camp, camping gear (tents, sleeping mats), park entry fees—including crater service charges—and transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser or Land Rover with an English-speaking guide. Game drives are included as per itinerary. Just bring your sense of adventure!