HOW TO PLAN A CAMPING TRIP IN THE SERENGETI, TANZANIA
/ Image: @pixbyhelena
You're heading to the Serengeti National Park for a safari, and while the practical person in you suggests staying in a luxury lodge, your adventurous spirit is urging you to book a tented camp. With so many options - camping is one that most travelers want to try when venturing to this incredible park.
Organizing a camping trip in Tanzania's Serengeti involves some preperation. Unlike simply booking a resort online through an operator, planning a camping adventure like this requires much more effort. However, we want to assure you that camping in the Serengeti is entirely possible and very enjoyable!
BornWild has created this guide to help you plan your Serengeti camping experience. Fetch your notepad, and let's dive in!
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A leopard perched upon a tree branch in the Serengeti. Camping in Serengeti National Park allows you to feel more connected to nature and hear the sounds of the bush as you drift off to sleep.
Are You Allowed to Camp in the Serengeti?
Let's start off by stating that camping in the Serengeti is allowed as long as you do so in designated areas across the national park. You are not allowed to camp anywhere you choose; visitors can only set up their base in specific zones protected by a ranger.
2. Is Camping in the Serengeti Safe?
One of the biggest concerns people have about camping in Serengeti National Park is safety. It’s completely understandable when you're surrounded by wildlife that can threaten your life.
Whether you choose a private tented campground or a public campsite, as long as you adhere to safety guidelines, you’ll be well protected. Remember, the vast expanse of the Serengeti is not just a picturesque landscape; it is the animals' natural home, where they have the right to roam freely and thrive in their natural habitat. While it’s not uncommon for wildlife to wander into camps, you can stay safe by adhering to your guides guidelines, keeping a flashlight on hand at all times, securely locking your tents, and minimizing your time outside after dark.
Camping in Serengeti National Park can be done in an array of exciting locations. Stunning views will surround you wherever you plan to be / Image: @jacksloop
3. What Are the Camping Fees for the Serengeti?
Because you'll be staying overnight in the Serengeti, you'll be required to pay added fees for camping, even if it's a public camp ground. This charge will be separate from the park entry fees that the public have to pay when they visit.
As of today, these are the full list of fees campers will be charged, but bear in mind, they're subject to change year to year:
Camping/Concession Fees
Adults - peak season ($60 - TZS 161602.38) and low season ($50 - TZS 134668.65)
Child (5 to 15) - peak season ($10 - TZS 26933.73) and low season ($10 - TZS 26933.73)
All children below 5 - free
Expats/residents - ($60 - TZS 161602.38)
Expats/resident children - ($10 - TZS 26933.73)
EA/Tanzanian citizens - ($11.14- TZS 30,000)
EA/Tanzanian citizen children - ($3.71 - TZS 10,000)
Entry Fees
Adults - peak season ($70 - TZS 188536.11) and low season ($60 - TZS 161602.38)
Child (5 to 15) - peak season ($20 - TZS 53867.46) and low season ($20 - TZS 53867.46)
All children below 5 - free
Expats/residents - ($35 - TZS 94268.06)
Expats/resident children - ($10 - TZS 26933.73)
EA/Tanzanian citizens - ($3.71 - TZS 10,000)
EA/Tanzanian citizen children - ($0.74- TZS 2,000)
A pride of lions walk through tall grass in the Serengeti. Exciting observations like these are a regular occurance within this wonderful national park / Image: @huchenme
4. What Types of Campsites Are Available in the Serengeti?
When selecting a campsite for your Serengeti adventure, you have two choices: public and premium campsites, each offering a different level of comfort and style. Public campsites provide the essentials, like basic facilities to pitch your tent, plus communal amenities like kitchens, dining areas, and bathrooms, making them a solid option for budget-conscious travelers.
Luxury campsites, however, take things to another level entirely; you get a truly immersive full Serengeti camping experience that combines the beauty of nature with the comforts of modern amenities. with premium comforts such as 24/7 electricity, plush beds, modern bathrooms, free WiFi, laundry services, and often inclusive meals. While these camps come at a higher price, they deliver an exceptional level of comfort and an extra layer of security, one of the reasons why many of our customers opt for this option.
Public Campsites in the Serengeti
There are a handful of public campsites you can stay at during your time in the Serengeti; some of the main ones include:
Pimbi public campsite
Serenora public campsite
Nyani public campsite
Ngiri public campsite
Luxury Camps in the Serengeti
Looking for the best luxury camps in the Serengeti? We've gathered four fantastic options in this section for you:
Singita Sasakwa Lodge, Serengeti is one of the most beautiful lodges you can choose to stay at. Here is their chic outdoor restaurant to enjoy at your leisure between game drives.
5. Animals and Camping in the Serengeti: What to Expect?
While you'll be embarking on your long game drives throughout the day, at night, you'll be camping out in the open. As soon as it gets dark, it won't be long before you hear the sounds of the animals that call the Serengeti their home; all of which makes for a very authentic experience.
Once everyone settles in for the night and the quieter it becomes, you will find yourself fully exposed to the captivating African chorus that fills the air throughout the night. Camping in the Serengeti does mean that some animals will wander through the camp site at their will. We highly recommend adhering to the rules your guide recommends. Two recommendations we share with our travelers is not to leave your tent at night unless you have your guide accompany you as well as not leave food in your tent as this will attract animals.
6. What Do I Do if I Need to use the bathroom in the Middle of the Night?
This is a common situation many of our campers find themselves in, so planning ahead is important. If you need to use the bathroom after dark, its very important to follow your guides directions as encountering animals after dark can be dangerous.
If you must use the bathroom throughout the night, typically a guide should escort you. However, some guides will allow you to walk to the bathroom with the person you are sharing a tent with - as long as you have a flashlight to hand. A flashlight is there in case you do come across an animal or predator, lights will typically scare animals away and disorientate them. We suggest bringing a urination bottle with you if you are camping solo or if you do not wish to leave your tent.
/ Image: @weipanux
7. Safety Tips for Camping in the Serengeti
Your main focus on a camping safari should be safety, regardless of whether you're staying in a luxury or public site. Here are some tips for extra protection:
Follow the rules of the camps: Safari camps have rules for a reason; they're in place so all guests are kept safe. While you might trust your own judgment in a certain situation, you should never go against the rules in place, or you could put yourself and other guests in danger.
Listen to your guide: It is essential to listen and take the advice of your guide seriously. They will have extensive knowledge in this field and can advise you properly.
Book your experience with a reputable safari operator: Having a reputable adventure company manage your trip logistics will prioratize your well-being. Our company, with a strong safety record, employs licensed guides familiar with the Serengeti's terrain and trained for all situations.
Don't disturb the wildlife: Keep wildlife observations from within your safari vehicle or from afar from your camp grounds. Approaching wildlife is completely off limits anywhere in the Serengeti.
Be prepared for all types of weather: It's not unusual for the weather in the Serengeti to change suddenly, so you'll want to be prepared for every eventuality whilst camping.
Outdoor camping is an excellent way to experience a more authentic African safari. Camping in Serengeti National Park will be exciting and memorable / Image: @barchpou
Organize Your Serengeti Camping Adventure With Bornwild
Camping is a truly authentic way to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking expanse of the Serengeti. By choosing this experience, you're positioned right in the heart of the untamed wild lands, surrounded by a diverse array of animals and the mesmerizing beauty of nature. This adventure allows you to connect more deeply with the environment, rather than being confined to the comfort of a lodge.
Need assistance with booking your Serengeti camping safari? We can help you design an itinerary and arrange a camp site to suit your preferences. Contact us today to start planning your dream vacation.