Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro: Classic Safari Camping Tour

Summary

Safari camping from Tarangire to Ngorongoro with local guides

You’ll feel Tanzania’s wild heart on this classic camping safari: watch elephants roam Tarangire’s baobab forests, spot tree-climbing lions at Lake Manyara, cross Serengeti’s open plains with your local guide, and descend into Ngorongoro Crater for close-up wildlife encounters—all with private transport and nights under African stars.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the first thing I’d notice in Tarangire to be the smell—sort of dusty and sweet, like sun-baked grass mixed with something older. Our guide, Joseph, laughed when I tried to count the baobabs (impossible) and pointed out a line of elephants moving quietly through the trees. It was quieter than I thought it would be, except for birds and the low rumble of our jeep. Lunch was just sandwiches but somehow tasted better under that sky.

The next day at Lake Manyara, we stopped by this patch where monkeys darted around and you could hear them chattering over the wind. Joseph told us about the tree-climbing lions—honestly, I thought he was joking until we actually saw one sprawled on a branch, tail flicking. The air near the lake felt cooler, almost sharp, and there were flamingos everywhere. We had a picnic lunch while watching storks pick their way along the shore. I still think about that view sometimes.

The drive into Serengeti took longer than I expected—those endless plains really are endless. There was this moment when wildebeest crossed right in front of us, dust kicking up around their hooves. At camp that night, someone nearby played quiet music on their phone and it mixed with hyena calls in a way that made me laugh (and maybe check my tent zipper twice). Game drives here felt like rolling through a living documentary; cheetahs lounging under acacia trees, zebras everywhere you looked.

Ngorongoro Crater was cold in the morning—my hands went numb holding my camera—but as soon as we descended into the crater it felt like stepping into another world. Lions right by the road, buffalo staring back at us with these heavy-lidded eyes. We ate lunch by a little pond where hippos surfaced every few minutes. On our last drive back to Arusha, everyone got quiet for a while—I guess we were all trying to hold onto those last wild moments before heading back to real life.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Drive to Tarangire National Park

• Safari briefing and drive
• Afternoon game drive

Day 2 — Lake Manyara National Park

• Drive to Lake Manyara
• Picnic lunch and birding

Day 3 — Travel to Serengeti via Ngorongoro

• Game drive to Serengeti
• Picnic lunch in Serengeti

Day 4 — Full day Serengeti game drive

• Full day game drive
• Drive back to camp

Day 5 — Serengeti to Ngorongoro Area

• Morning game drive
• Drive to Ngorongoro

Day 6 — Ngorongoro Crater and return

• Crater game drive
• Drive back to town

Top questions

How many days is this safari tour?

This classic camping safari lasts 6 days in total.

Which parks are included on this safari?

The tour visits Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup from your hotel is included at the start of the tour.

Are meals provided during the safari?

Lunches are provided as picnic lunches during game drives; dinners are served at camp each night.

Will I have a local guide during game drives?

Yes, an experienced local guide leads all game drives throughout the safari.

What kind of accommodation is used?

You’ll stay at campsites inside or near each national park: Sun bright Campsite (Tarangire & Manyara), Seronera Campsite (Serengeti), Simba Campsite (Ngorongoro).

Is private transportation included between parks?

Private transportation is included throughout the entire trip between all destinations.

Can infants join this safari tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport; not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your days include private transportation between all parks and campsites, guided game drives led by a local expert, hotel pickup at the start of your journey, park entry fees covered throughout, picnic lunches in scenic spots each day, and overnight stays at established campsites so you can fall asleep surrounded by nature before returning to Arusha at tour’s end.