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5-Day Private Tanzania Camping Safari: Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro
Camping Safaris5 dayseasy

5-Day Private Tanzania Camping Safari: Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro

Arusha → Tarangire → Serengeti → Ngorongoro → Arusha

Overview

5-day journey

Experience a 5-day private Tanzania camping safari through Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro, with two nights in Serengeti, private 4x4 game drives, expert safari guidance and authentic nights in the African wilderness.

  • Private 4x4 Tanzania safari
  • Tarangire National Park game drive
  • Two nights in Serengeti
  • Full-day Serengeti wildlife safari
  • Ngorongoro Crater game drive
  • Big Five wildlife viewing opportunities
  • Authentic camping experience
  • Professional English-speaking safari guide
  • Picnic lunches in the wilderness
  • Wildlife photography opportunities
  • Scenic journey through northern Tanzania
  • Private safari from Arusha
5 days
Duration
easy
Physical rating
private
Group type
5+
Minimum age
Pricing

Per person, by season and group size

Low season

1 pax
$3,360
2 pax
$2,350
3-5 pax
$1,860
6+ pax
$1,650

Shoulder season

1 pax
Upon request
2 pax
Upon request
3-5 pax
Upon request
6+ pax
Upon request

Peak season

1 pax
$3,360
2 pax
$2,350
3-5 pax
$1,860
6+ pax
$1,650

Prices per person, in USD. Other currencies shown above are an approximate guide only — every trip is quoted and invoiced in USD. International flights and visa fees not included — see "What's included" below.

Day by day

The itinerary

Tap a day to expand it.

1

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park – Wildlife & First Night in the Wilderness

Tarangire National Park

Your 5-day private Tanzania camping safari begins with a morning pickup from your hotel in Arusha. Meet your professional safari guide and travel by private 4x4 safari vehicle toward Tarangire National Park, one of northern Tanzania’s most scenic wildlife destinations. After entering Tarangire, begin your first game drive through a landscape of ancient baobab trees, open grasslands and seasonal wetlands. The park is particularly known for its elephants, while giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, impalas and a wide variety of birdlife can also be encountered. Depending on the season and current wildlife activity, there may also be opportunities to see lions and other predators. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated picnic site before continuing your afternoon game drive. Your private guide will select suitable routes according to wildlife sightings, seasonal conditions and road accessibility, giving you time to enjoy Tarangire without rushing from one sighting to the next. Later in the afternoon, exit Tarangire National Park and continue toward Mto wa Mbu, a lively town on Tanzania’s northern safari circuit near Lake Manyara. Settle into your campsite, enjoy dinner and relax after your first day of wildlife viewing. Spending the night around Mto wa Mbu provides a practical and authentic camping base before continuing toward the Serengeti the following morning.

Where you'll stay tonight

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities today
  • Private 4x4 game drive in Tarangire National Park
  • wildlife viewing
  • elephant and baobab viewing
  • picnic lunch
  • afternoon game drive
  • Mto wa Mbu camping experience
2

Day 2: Mto wa Mbu to Serengeti – Scenic Highlands & First Serengeti Game Drive

After breakfast at your campsite in Mto wa Mbu, continue your private Tanzania camping safari toward Serengeti National Park. Travel through the scenic landscapes of the Ngorongoro highlands before descending toward the vast plains of the Serengeti. As you approach and enter Serengeti National Park, begin your first game drive through one of Tanzania’s most famous wildlife areas. The journey itself becomes part of the safari, with opportunities to encounter wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, elephants, buffalo, gazelles, lions and a variety of birdlife depending on the season and current wildlife activity. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated safari picnic site before continuing your game drive toward the Seronera area of Central Serengeti. Your private guide will select suitable routes based on wildlife sightings, road conditions and the time available, giving you opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography along the way. Continue toward your campsite in the Seronera area as the afternoon progresses. After arriving, settle into camp, enjoy dinner and spend your first night in Serengeti National Park. Being based in Central Serengeti gives you a convenient starting point for the full-day wildlife experience planned for Day 3.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities today
  • Private 4x4 game drive
  • Scenic drive through the Ngorongoro highlands
  • Serengeti National Park wildlife viewing
  • First Serengeti game drive
  • Picnic lunch
  • Wildlife photography
  • Central Serengeti experience
3

Day 3: Full-Day Serengeti Safari – Wildlife, Big Cats & Endless Plains

Central Serengeti

Wake early at your campsite in the Seronera area and enjoy breakfast before setting out for a full-day private game drive across Serengeti National Park. With the entire day dedicated to the Serengeti, there is time to explore different wildlife areas and follow current sightings rather than rushing between destinations. The Seronera area is one of Central Serengeti’s important wildlife regions, offering opportunities to encounter lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, gazelles, hippos and abundant birdlife. Wildlife sightings vary naturally with season, weather and animal movements, so your professional guide will adapt the route throughout the day to make the most of current conditions. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated picnic site during the game drive, surrounded by the open landscapes of the Serengeti. After lunch, continue exploring the plains, river areas and wildlife-rich habitats around Central Serengeti, with time for photography and quiet observation. As the afternoon light changes across the plains, continue your game drive before returning to the Seronera-area campsite for dinner. Spend your second night in Serengeti, surrounded by the sounds and atmosphere of the African wilderness, ready for the following day’s journey toward the Ngorongoro highlands.

Where you'll be

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities today
  • Full-day private 4x4 game drive
  • Central Serengeti wildlife viewing
  • Big Five wildlife viewing opportunities
  • big cat spotting opportunities
  • wildlife photography
  • picnic lunch
  • scenic Serengeti plains
4

Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro – Wildlife Drive & Crater Rim Camping

Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast at your campsite in the Seronera area, begin your final morning game drive in Serengeti National Park as you gradually make your way toward the park exit. This gives you one more opportunity to experience the Serengeti and observe wildlife along the route before leaving the plains. Continue toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, travelling through the changing landscapes of northern Tanzania from the open Serengeti plains toward the forested and scenic highlands of the Ngorongoro area. Depending on the day's timing and wildlife activity, your guide may make suitable stops along the route for wildlife viewing and photography. Enjoy a picnic lunch during the journey before continuing toward the Ngorongoro Crater rim. Arrive at Simba A Public Campsite, where you will settle into camp and take in the dramatic highland surroundings. Enjoy dinner at camp and spend your third night camping in the Ngorongoro area. An early night allows you to rest before the following morning's descent into the Ngorongoro Crater for a dedicated wildlife game drive.

Where you'll be

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities today
  • Early morning private game drive
  • Serengeti wildlife viewing
  • scenic drive from Serengeti to Ngorongoro
  • Ngorongoro highlands experience
  • crater rim experience
  • wildlife photography
  • picnic lunch
5

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive – Wildlife & Return to Arusha

Ngorongoro Crater

Start the final day of your private Tanzania camping safari with an early breakfast at Simba A Public Campsite before descending into the Ngorongoro Crater for a dedicated game drive. As you enter the crater floor, explore its diverse habitats with your professional safari guide and look for lions, elephants, buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, gazelles and a wide variety of birdlife. With patience and good timing, there may also be an opportunity to spot the endangered black rhinoceros. Wildlife sightings are naturally unpredictable, and your guide will choose suitable routes according to current conditions and wildlife activity. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated picnic site while taking in the dramatic scenery of the crater. Continue exploring the crater floor before ascending the steep crater walls and beginning the journey back to Arusha. Arrive in Arusha in the afternoon or evening, depending on the day’s crater conditions and departure time. Your 5-day private Tanzania camping safari ends with drop-off at your hotel or another agreed location in Arusha, leaving you with memories of Tarangire, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater.

Where you'll be
Where you'll stay tonight

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities today
  • Ngorongoro Crater game drive
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Black rhinoceros spotting opportunity
  • Big Five wildlife viewing opportunities
  • Picnic lunch
  • Wildlife photography
  • Scenic drive to Arusha

Included

  • Camping mattress provided

    A comfortable camping mattress is provided for each guest as part of the mobile camping setup.

  • All park entry and conservation fees

    All applicable park entry and conservation fees required for the scheduled Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari activities are included.

  • Sleeping bag provided

    A sleeping bag is provided for the trip — no need to bring your own.

  • Camping kitchen equipment and cooking supplies

    Essential camping kitchen equipment and cooking supplies are provided for preparing meals during the safari.

  • Meals as specified

    Every meal named in your day-by-day itinerary — which ones vary by day, so check your specific schedule.

  • Bottled drinking water during game drives

    Drinking water is provided during daily game drives to help guests stay hydrated throughout the safari.

  • Camping equipment and setup

    Essential camping equipment, including tents and sleeping arrangements, is provided and set up by the safari team.

  • Camping equipment & setup

    Tents, sleeping mats and full camp setup, handled by our crew at each stop.

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Arusha

    Pickup from and drop-off at your hotel or agreed location in Arusha are included at the beginning and end of the safari.

  • Public campsite fees

    Applicable public campsite fees for the included overnight camping stays in Serengeti and Ngorongoro are included.

  • Drinks as specified

    Soft drinks and water named in your day-by-day itinerary — check your specific schedule for which days.

  • Professional safari cook

    A dedicated safari cook prepares fresh meals during the mobile camping portion of the safari.

  • Accommodation as specified

    A room or tent for every night on the itinerary, at the tier described — any upgrade is priced separately.

  • All scheduled activities

    Every activity named in your day-by-day itinerary — anything marked optional is priced separately.

  • Ngorongoro Crater entry and applicable conservation fees

    Applicable Ngorongoro Conservation Area and crater-related entry fees for the scheduled visit are included.

  • Airport transfers in Arusha/Kilimanjaro

    Pickup and drop-off between Kilimanjaro International Airport (or Arusha) and your safari start/end point is included.

  • Bottled water during game drives

    Bottled drinking water is stocked in the vehicle for every game drive, at no extra cost.

  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide

    An experienced local driver-guide who handles navigation, wildlife spotting, and park logistics throughout the trip, and speaks fluent English.

  • Full-board mobile camping (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

    All three meals a day, prepared fresh at camp by your safari cook, included for the full length of the trip.

  • All park entry & conservation fees

    Every park entry permit and conservation fee for the parks on your itinerary is paid in advance — nothing to arrange or pay at the gate.

  • Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof

    A dedicated 4x4 Land Cruiser for your group only — never shared with other travelers — with a roof that pops up fully for standing, unobstructed photography during game drives.

  • All taxes & VAT

    Government taxes, VAT and standard service charges are already built into your quoted price.

  • Packed/picnic lunches

    A packed or picnic lunch on the days your itinerary calls for one.

  • Pre-safari briefing

    A pre-safari briefing is provided to explain the itinerary, daily schedule, safari logistics and important travel information.

  • Camping tables and chairs

    Camping tables and chairs are provided for comfortable outdoor dining and relaxation during the camping experience.

Not included

  • Optional activities

    Anything beyond what's in your itinerary — an extra activity you add on the ground — is priced separately.

  • Government tax/fee increases

    If the Tanzanian government raises taxes or park fees after booking, that increase is passed on rather than absorbed into your quoted price.

  • Personal expenses

    Souvenirs, personal shopping and other individual spending money aren't included.

  • Alcoholic beverages

    Soft drinks and bottled water are included; alcoholic beverages are available at extra cost where offered.

  • International flights

    Flights to and from Tanzania are not included — we can recommend routes and airlines on request.

  • Tanzania visa

    Most nationalities need a Tanzania visa, available on arrival or online in advance — the fee is not included in the trip price.

  • Tips & gratuities

    Tipping your driver-guide and camp staff is customary but discretionary, and not included in the trip price.

  • Travel insurance

    We require all travelers to carry their own travel insurance, including emergency medical evacuation cover — not included in the trip price.

  • Pre/post-trip accommodation

    Any hotel nights before your trip starts or after it ends aren't included — we're happy to arrange these on request.

  • Airport transfer

    Airport pickup and drop-off isn't included on this trip — let us know if you'd like it arranged.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

  • What type of tents and sleeping gear are provided on this 5-day private camping safari?

    You are provided with spacious, heavy-duty 2-person canvas dome tents featuring built-in mosquito mesh screens and waterproof rainflies. Inside, TanzaLux provides thick, high-density foam mattresses, clean bed linens or sleeping bags, and pillows.

  • Does our group need to help set up the tents or clean up after meals?

    No. Your private camping safari includes a dedicated camp chef who travels with your group. The crew handles pitching and dismantling the tents, setting up camp tables and chairs, washing dishes, and preparing all meals.

  • What shower and bathroom facilities are available at public campsites like Seronera and Simba?

    Public campsites inside the national parks feature central communal ablution blocks equipped with flush toilets, mirrors, handwashing basins, and stall showers. Hot water is supplied via solar or gas water heaters, though availability can fluctuate during peak shower hours (early morning and late evening).

  • How do we keep camera batteries, phones, and headlamps charged while camping?

    While campsite communal dining areas occasionally have charging points, they are often crowded. You can charge all electronic devices directly inside your private 4x4 Land Cruiser during daily game drives using the built-in USB ports and 110V/220V power outlets.

  • How are meals stored and prepared in the bush without electricity?

    Your chef travels with a specialized mobile kitchen setup, including gas burners, cookware, and heavy-duty insulated ice chests stocked with fresh produce, meats, dairy, and beverages refreshed from Arusha.

  • What is a typical menu for a private camping safari?

    Breakfast: Eggs (cooked to order), pancakes, sausage, toast, cereal, fresh tropical fruit, hot coffee, and tea. Lunch: Packed gourmet lunchboxes (sandwiches, roasted chicken, boiled eggs, fruit, juice, and home-baked treats) for game drives. Dinner: Freshly cooked multi-course hot meals starting with vegetable soup, followed by a main dish (e.g., grilled chicken, beef stew, or fish with rice, pasta, or potatoes and fresh vegetables), and a light dessert.

  • Can the camp chef accommodate strict dietary requirements like gluten-free or vegan?

    Yes. Because this is a 100% private trip, the camp chef customizes food purchasing and preparation entirely around your party's dietary preferences, food allergies, or religious food requirements (such as halal or kosher-friendly).

  • Are the campsites in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro fenced?

    No. Campsites in Tanzanian national parks are unfenced wilderness areas. Wildlife (including zebras, hyenas, buffaloes, and occasionally lions or elephants) can walk through the campsite freely, particularly at night.

  • Is it safe to sleep in a canvas tent with wild animals nearby?

    Yes. Animals view tents as solid, non-threatening obstacles and will not attempt to enter unless food or scented items are left inside. Your safari guide and camp chef conduct a thorough briefing on camp rules upon arrival.

  • What are the rules for moving around the campsite after dark?

    Once you retire to your tent for the night, you must stay inside until morning. If you need to use the restroom after dark, you must use your headlamp to scan the area and notify your guide or campsite ranger, who will escort you safely.

  • Can we store snacks, fruit, or toiletries inside our tent?

    No. Food, scented fruit, snacks, and sweet-smelling toiletries must never be kept inside your sleeping tent, as the scent can attract monkeys, baboons, hyenas, or insects. All food items remain locked inside the safari vehicle.

  • How does the itinerary flow across the 5 days?

    Day 1: Pickup from Arusha → Full-day game drive in Tarangire National Park → Overnight near Lake Manyara/Mto wa Mbu (e.g., Twiga Campsite). Day 2: Scenic drive through Ngorongoro highlands → Game viewing en route to Central Serengeti → Overnight at Seronera Campsite. Day 3: Full-day game drive exploring the Seronera River valley and Serengeti plains → Second night at Seronera Campsite. Day 4: Morning game drive in Serengeti → Transit back to Ngorongoro Crater rim → Overnight at Simba Campsite (Ngorongoro). Day 5: Early morning descent into Ngorongoro Crater floor → Afternoon transfer back to Arusha town or Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO).

  • Why stay at Simba Campsite on the Ngorongoro Crater rim on Night 4?

    Simba Campsite sits directly on the high crater rim (2,200m altitude). Camping here allows your vehicle to be among the very first to descend into the crater floor at dawn on Day 5, ahead of daily visitor traffic coming from Karatu lodges.

  • How cold does it get at Simba Campsite, and how should I prepare?

    Due to high elevation, temperatures at Simba Campsite can drop to 5°C–10°C (41°F–50°F) at night. You should pack thermal base layers, a warm fleece or down jacket, heavy socks, and a beanie/beanie hat specifically for Night 4.

  • What type of luggage should we bring for a 5-day camping trip?

    Pack soft-sided duffel bags rather than hard-shell suitcases. Soft bags compress easily, making them much simpler to load into the rear luggage storage compartment alongside camp equipment and cooking gear.

  • What essential personal items should I pack specifically for camping?

    A reliable LED headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries) for nighttime camp navigation. A fast-drying microfiber towel and flip-flops/sandals for communal showers. Eco-friendly body wipes and hand sanitizer for midday bush stops. A high-capacity portable power bank.

  • Can we add a Serengeti Hot Air Balloon flight to Day 3 of this camping itinerary?

    Yes. You can add a dawn balloon flight in Central Serengeti. The balloon operator picks you up directly from Seronera Campsite at around 5:00 AM, and your private TanzaLux guide collects you after your bush breakfast to resume your game drive.

  • Are alcoholic beverages included in the camping package?

    Complimentary bottled mineral water and soft drinks are provided inside your 4x4 Land Cruiser. Alcohol is not included, but your guide can stop at a local supermarket in Arusha or Karatu before entering the parks so you can purchase beer, wine, or snacks for camp evenings.

  • What is the standard tipping guideline for the driver-guide and camp chef on a 5-day trip?

    Tipping is paid in cash (US Dollars printed in 2013 or later, or Tanzanian Shillings) at the end of the safari: Private Driver-Guide: $20–$30 USD total per day from your group. Private Camp Chef: $15–$20 USD total per day from your group.

  • Can we end this tour with a direct transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) on Day 5?

    Yes. On Day 5, after completing your 5 to 6-hour Ngorongoro Crater floor tour and lunch, your driver will transfer your party straight to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) for your onward flight.

Travel documents

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Traveller stories

The proof should come from people who went.

Dorine M1 year ago
TripAdvisor

Grateful experience

As a solo female traveler, I felt super safe and well taken care of the entire time.

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Dagmar P3 months ago
TripAdvisor

Private Safari 6 days

I can only highly recommend the young company Tanzalux for organizing a private safari.

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Sylvanus T11 months ago
TripAdvisor

An unforgettable vegetarian journey with Tanzalux Safaris

I highly recommend Tanzalux for anyone wanting a special, personalized safari.

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Lucas G4 months ago
TripAdvisor

Our 3-day camping safari with Tanzalux was simply fantastic! Everything was perfectly organized.

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Victoria Goodluck5 months ago
★★★★★
Posted on Google

Back in April, I joined a day trip to Tarangire National Park with Tanzalux Safaris, and it was truly one of the best experiences I have ever had…

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Danai Vicha7 months ago
★★★★★
Posted on Google

I've had an amazing experience with Tanzalux Safaris, would 1000% recommend! Thank you for making my trip so special🫶

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ikigo simbila7 months ago
★★★★★
Posted on Google

I recently visited Meru Waterfalls in Arusha and got to do some of the activities there, honestly it was such a great experience and I really enjoyed it.

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Hadija Shebe7 months ago
★★★★★
Posted on Google

Our guide Dullah Mr Rastaman had the best vibe. I would like to recommend other people not to miss it, Tarangire is the best national park.

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Tumain Hope6 months ago
★★★★★
Posted on Google

Our tour guide Nasri was very friendly and welcoming from the first day we met him. He knows Tarangire very well and explained many things during the safari.

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Linnah Kimaro6 months ago
★★★★★
Posted on Google

As a grandmother in the group, I would like to share my happiness with Tanzalux Safaris. Me, my daughters, and my grandson went on a short trip to Tarangire National Park…

Read more

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Juma Amani
Juma AmaniTanzania Luxury Safari Expert
Book this trip5-Day Private Tanzania Camping Safari: Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro
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