Best 8 Camping Sites for Self Drive Safaris in Tanzania

Discover the best camping sites for self-drive safaris in Tanzania, from Serengeti to Ngorongoro. Ideal spots for adventurers seeking affordable, immersive wildlife experiences.

Embarking on a self-drive camping safari in Tanzania is one of the most exhilarating ways to immerse yourself in the wilderness’s natural beauty.

It offers unparalleled freedom to explore the country’s diverse attractions at your own pace without being rushed to the next destination.

From the vast savannahs of the Serengeti, teeming with the great wildebeest migration to the stunning Ngorongoro crater, home to the Big Five, and the elephant-rich Tarangire National Park, Tanzania is one of the prime destinations for adventure seekers to Africa, specifically East Africa.

Overview of Camping Sites for Self-Drive Safaris in Tanzania

A self-drive camping safari in Tanzania combines the thrill of navigating its diverse terrains with the intimacy of camping under starlit skies, surrounded by wild sounds.

Unlike guided tours, self-driving safaris in Tanzania offer you the flexibility of lingering at your eye-catching spots, exploring the stunning vibrant villages, or even chasing the great wildebeest migration without being tied to fixed itineraries.

Tanzania’s Northern Circuit which encompasses the iconic Serengeti, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara is one of the most sought-after routes by visitors embarking on self-drive safaris across the country’s diverse attractions.

It features well-maintained and marked trails, abundant wildlife, and established campsites offering exceptional self-drive safari experiences in Tanzania.

However, a self-drive camping safari to Tanzania requires careful planning and consideration to ensure that you get the best out of your adventure.

Since you are planning to conquer the wilderness, destinations in remote areas that are often featured with a diverse of challenging terrains, you will, first of all, be required to have a reliable 4×4 car for a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.

Then, you will need a carefully select camping gear including all the essential equipment such as the bedding, and cooking equipment.

Roads leading to iconic tourist destinations in Tanzania and other different remote attractions range from paved highways to bumpy gravel tracks.

Their conditions often vary based on the seasons with the dry seasons, ranging from June to October offering easier driving conditions compared to those in the wet months.

Camping in Tanzania ranges from public campsites with basic facilities to special campsites, offering solitude without amenities.

Camping costs often include park fees, camping permits, and vehicle rentals, but the reward is an authentic, budget-friendly adventure steeped in Tanzanian wilderness.

Top Campsites by Region

Top campsites in Serengeti are found majorly in its national parks offering visitors an extraordinary wildlife experience featuring echoes of animals.

These parks have a mixture of public, private, and special campsites, catering to different kinds of travelers.

Below are the top campsites in Tanzania by region, specifically in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara, based on accessibility, wildlife proximity, and traveler feedback.

Top Campsites in Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti National Park, famously known for the Great Migration and its diverse ecosystems, is a vast reserve spanning 14,763 km², boasting numerous campsites that offer ideal locations for experiencing its untamed wilderness.

The Serengeti, spanning is famed for the Great Migration and diverse ecosystems. Its campsites are ideal for experiencing untamed wilderness. The popular options include;

1. Seronera Public Campsites

This is found in the central Serengeti, Seronera Valley. It is one of the most accessible campsites of Serengeti, well positioned in its heart where lions, leopards, and cheetahs roam.

It features a shared kitchen, toilets, and cold showers, with the option to boil water using firewood if you prefer warm water over a cold shower.

This camp has no fence therefore, while there, you should always expect nocturnal visits from hyenas or elephants. Although rangers are always there to provide security, we advise you t stay vigilant and sober especially at night.

The nearest fuel station to this campsite is 20 km away and you can also stock up what you need in Arusha that is 335 km away.

This campsite tends to be overcrowded in the peak travel seasons, ranging from July to October hence advising you to book in advance of your travel days, best with a tour operator to secure your place.

2. Lobo Public Campsite

Found in the remote Northern Serengeti near a kopje, the Lobo public campsite is ideal for the Great Wildebeest migration viewing from July to October.

It features a dining area, basic bathrooms, and toilets. It has no electricity and running water therefore we advise you to come when you have prepared for that.

Although you are assured of security from the park rangers, animals like buffaloes wander freely, advising you to be vigilant. It comes with fewer crowds and offers stunning views of the wild teaming up with wildlife.

Special Campsites in Serengeti

These are found in various locations for example there are those found near Ndutu or Kogatende, offering solitude for a true bush experience.

They don’t have any amenities requiring visitors to come with their supplies including water and portable toilets. While there, vigilance is key as they don’t have security.

They offer ultimate privacy and they are prime migration spots. Note that these campsites are much more expensive compared to other ordinary campsites, costing about USD 50 Per person, and require advance bookings.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area Campsites

The Ngorongoro crater campsites are found on its rim offering guests breathtaking views of the surroundings. These include;

• Simba A Public Campsite

This is an ideal option for budget-conscious campers featuring stunning views of the zebras and elephants that often graze nearby.

It has a shared kitchen, dining area, toilets, and cold water showers. Rangers are present to offer the best security but still, guests have to be vigilant,t especially at night.

This camp is close to the crater’s descent road, 10 kilometers away and its fuel stations are available in Karatu which is 20 km away.

It offers chilly nights since it is found at an altitude of 2,300m high requiring you to carry heavy warm clothes. It is busy during the peak travel seasons.

• Special Campsites

These remote campsites are found in different locations both of the park majorly in its highlands. They are ideal options for adventurers seeking isolation.

They come with no security or facilities requiring yours to come with all that you need to use including water and portable toilets.  You should note that they are hard to reach because of their location in the highlands.

Tarangire National Park Campsites

Known for baobab trees and elephant herds, Tarangire is a quieter gem, ideal for relaxed safaris. The Tarangire National Park offers both public and private campsites.

Public campsites are located just outside the park near the main entrance. They are budget-friendly, costing USD 30 per person, and ideal for all kinds of travelers. They feature a basic kitchen, shared toilets, and cold showers. Security is offered by the staff.

Private campsites such as the Zion campsite and Mto wa Mbu offer a setup in comfort near Tarangire. They are well-fenced for safety and have good security. They feature flush toilets, hot showers, dining areas, and sometimes Wi-Fi.

They are ideal options for family and friends adventures although they come with fewer wildlife attractions as they are found outside the park.

You may also wish to know about Camping Sites in Kenya

Lake Manyara National Park Campsites

Famous for tree-climbing lions and flamingos, Lake Manyara offers a compact but rewarding camping experience. Campsites there include;

• Migombani Campsite

This is a private campsite nestled at the Rift Valley escarpment, found a few kilometers, 5 km, from the park’s main entrance. It offers scenic views of the surroundings and is well-accessible by car.

Migombani campsite features hot showers, flush toilets, a restaurant, and a wifi. It is well fenced with security is offered by the staff.

• Panorama Campsite

This is found inside the park offering the best wildlife experience. It offers the best spots for bird watching as it is close to the lake.

It costs USD 30 per person and requires a permit. We advise you to book in advance, especially during the peak travel seasons as it has limited facilities.

Campsite Amenities

Tanzanian campsites vary widely, balancing adventure with practicality. Here’s a breakdown:

• Fuel Stations: These are scarce inside parks with campsites like Seronera of Serengeti and Karatu of Ngorongoro having pumps which are also unreliable. We advise travelers to refuel in Arusha, Mto wa Mbu, or Karatu. If possible preserve more in jerry cans for emergencies as distances are vast for example, it is 335 Km from Serengeti to Arusha.
• Security: Public campsites often employ rangers to ensure your safety, but unfenced sites mean animals like hyenas, elephants, and even lions, roam freely requiring guests to be vigilant. We advise you to keep your tents zipped, and food well stored especially at night.  Private campsites are typically fenced with guards available for added safety. Special campsites lack security, so self-reliance is crucial.
• Washrooms: Public sites have shared toilets and cold showers. Private sites offer flush toilets and hot showers. Special campsites require portable toilets, water, and other supplies. Cleanliness varies among these campsites requiring guests to come with their sanitizers.
• Other Amenities: Public campsites provide communal kitchens and dining areas. They require you to bring a stove or gas cooker for backup. Private sites may have restaurants or Wi-Fi. Special campsites have nothing requiring visitors to pack pack all gear, including water.

Accessibility by Car

Tanzania’s roads vary ranging from well-maintained highways to dirt maram roads as you dig deep into its remote areas.

Road Conditions:

• The road taking you from Arusha to Tarangire/Lake Manyara (140 km/110 km) is a well paved (A104) is smooth in the dry season and slippery in the wet season.
• The road from Arusha to Serengeti (335 km) is well paved up to Ngorongoro (150 km), then gravel/dirt to Seronera. Expect corrugations, dust, and mud in the rain. Ngorongoro Crater descent is steep but maintained.
• Inside Parks: Tracks are gravel or dirt, rocky in Tarangire, and sandy in Serengeti. Wet-season floods tend to close routes.
• We advise you to drive 40-50 km/h on gravel, reduce tire pressure for traction, and carry a spare tire, jack, and tools.

Vehicle Requirements:

4×4 Car: A high-clearance 4×4 cars such as the Toyota Land Cruiser, and Nissan Patrol are recommended for the best off-road performances.

Gear: A car rental with a rooftop tent is a good option, carry a recovery kit with essential items like tow rope and a shovel for emergencies. Opt for a car with a GPS and satellite phone as remote areas have poor networks.

Condition: Rent vehicles that are well-serviced and maintained to ensure a seamless and enjoyable road trip experience. Check brakes, suspension, and snorkel for dust before driving off.

License: A valid driving permit and license are required.

Camping Permits and Fees

Table showing  the Camping Permits and Fees in Tanzania as of 2025: