Budget Camping Safaris in Tanzania
It may be the elephants crossing close to the campsite or baboons waiting to inspect your tent, while all around you is the sky with the brilliant colors that make the African sundowners famous. And as the night sets the sky shine with millions of the stars that seem very close almost you could pluck one of them from the sky and while asleep, you can hear lions and hyenas roar and male impalas calling for a mate. That is the experience of a camping safari in Tanzania.
Camping safari options in Tanzania vary, however, in this post, I will focus on the more affordable and economical basic camping safaris in Tanzania – also known as Budget camping safaris.
This type of budget camping safari involves sleeping on a mattress on the tent floor, travelling together with your tents, food supplier and cook/chef and when arrive in a game park, offload all material at a campground, your cook and camp crew remain there while your guide drives you to the wilderness to watch wildlife. It might not be the most luxurious option out there, but it still gets the job done. These budget camping safaris are ideal for those working on low budgets, desiring to feel close to nature and are adventurous at heart.
Tanzania budget camping safaris are among the most popular safari option for visitors who want to explore Tanzania’s many game parks and conservation areas at an affordable cost. The safaris embark on the same circuit of national parks and game reserves as any other type of safari program and guests get to feel the experience of an “on the ground” adventure by camping in Tanzania’s beautiful locales, a perfect opportunity to enjoy a Tanzania safari on a budget without skimping on the service or the experience.
A budget camping safari in Tanzania is an authentic way of experiencing a true African wilderness. These budget camping safari tours cater to budget travellers, for the young and the adventurous. However, age is not a criterion; all that is needed is a sense of humour, a willingness to participate, and a spirit of adventure.
Our Tanzania budget camping safari packages offer the best affordable camping safari experience to explore Tanzania national parks on a budget. If you are a family or a group of friends travelling together, choose a private, tailor-made budget camping safari for small private groups. For those that don’t mind joining others on a Tanzania camping safari, join one of our scheduled group safaris to cut down on the overall safari cost.
Where to go on a camping safari in Tanzania?
Camping safaris in Tanzania can be organised on trips to all national parks and game reserves in the country, a mix of both public campsites and private campsites can be used on these budget Tanzania camping tours.
However, unlike most campsites used on safaris to the southern and western Tanzania safari circuits, the campsites in northern Tanzania national parks tend to be crowded during the high season. Camping safaris can also be facilitated in tours to the coastal historical towns and the Zanzibar islands, although, these are not common.
Cost of a budget camping safari in Tanzania
Budget camping safaris in Tanzania cost about $170 to $250 per person, per day. We run this type of Tanzania budget camping safaris with a maximum of 6 guests per vehicle on scheduled or private tours. An experienced licensed safari guide and cook experienced in bush cooking will accompany the guests in the same vehicle, and we use public or private campsites, wherever possible.
Adventure camping: When Is The Best Time?
Best time to go on a camping safari in Tanzania is June to October, it is the dry season the sky is mostly clear, the wind gentle and there is no rain. Camping will be comfortable and most enjoyable as you become closer to nature, get the outdoor fire under stars, and save money during your vacation.
We would not recommend a budget camping safari during the prolonged rainy season, that’s from April to May. Campsites can flood during the rainy season thus compromising your level of comfort. For some people, getting soaked is a deal-breaker. It’s not only unpleasant; it can be a safety issue.
During this period, we strongly recommend lodge safaris as a good alternative, most of the lodges offer amazingly great discounts on their prices hence you will benefit from low season rates.
Camping in the wild: How Safe Is It?
Most camps are located at designated campsites in the wild; there is an almost complete absence of fences. Wildlife remains unfettered, freely able to move around the campsite, so don’t be fooled, along with the joys there are dangers.
So is a camping safari in Tanzania safe? Absolutely, yes! Nothing in life is perfectly safe, but safari companies in Tanzania and your guide, in particular, have a vested interest in both making you happy and keeping you safe and sound. And you will enjoy it – it could be the trip of a lifetime. Just follow the rules. That’s all.
What to pack for your safari in Tanzania
What to pack for a Tanzania safari should be among the key aspects to consider when planning for a budget camping safari to Tanzania; this should evidently be done as weather patterns differ from month to month.
Clothing – During the summer, temperatures can reach up into the high 30s so it is advisable to pack light, loose cotton that is breathable as opposed to dark coloured items, or synthetics which can make you much more uncomfortable in the African heat.
- Long-sleeved items are recommended if you are more sensitive to the sun, or even if you aren’t; to have a safari ruined because of sunburn would be very sad.
- Don’t forget a warm jacket either, you’d be surprised by how cold it can get in the early mornings and nights before the sun heats everything up.
Other important items for your Tanzania camping safari checklist: cap/hat, sunglasses, suntan lotion or cream, backpack, camera, headlamp or flash torch, personal toiletries, insect repellent, Sleeping Bag (we recommend guests bringing their own sleeping bags, however, if you don’t have, we can provide)
What to expect on a budget Camping safari in Tanzania
Camping safaris in Tanzania can be designed around a range of safari itineraries that can suit the needs of different travellers. The customer is free to either select the kind of safari from our sample safari itineraries or to provide details for their custom-designed safari to fit their particular preference. A reasonable Tanzania budget camping safari can range from 2 days, 3 days up to 15 days or more according to customer needs.
Through our Tanzania budget camping safaris, we avail to you the unique opportunity to experience authentic adventures in the African bush, bringing you as close as possible to nature. It is an experience you will always remember.
After spending the day on amazing game drives, you will return to camp in the evenings around an open campfire where other adventures may begin. The spirit of adventure is awakened as you sit around the crackling campfire whilst listening to the noises of nature on a silent night.
Transport: On a privately guided budget camping safari you will travel as one unit with your professional driver/guide and cook in a private safari vehicle with all your camping equipment. Guests could be asked to assist the guide or staff with occasional camp chores such as packing up camp, etc.
Accommodation: We make use of modern, spacious 3-person dome tents with sewn-in groundsheet, allowing two per tent. All tents are complete with Mosquito-screened windows and doors. Also, we provide 2-inch thick sleeping mattresses. We use carefully selected campsites that maximise your game viewing experience.
Meals: All meals are prepared for you over an open fire, whetting your appetite with tantalizing aromas as we cook and offering hearty and healthy bush cuisine. Meals can either be taken at a set dining table or enjoyed in a relaxed manner around the campfire; we maintain high levels of cleanliness and hygiene to make our camping safaris as enjoyable as possible. Evenings are spent relaxing and stargazing.
Ablutions: All campsites have shared ablutions facilities with washrooms, toilets and running water (unless otherwise specified in the detailed itinerary).
Vehicles: 4 X safari vehicle with shade roof, game viewing seats & long-range fuel tanks are used during a safari. Luggage space is restricted to approx. 15 kg per person if more than 4 people travelling in 1 safari car.
