The Tanzania special campsites experience is the closest you can get to sleeping inside the African wilderness. There is no lodge, no fence and no crowd. There is a private camp pitched inside a national park, a campfire under a sky full of stars, and the sound of lions, hyenas and elephants moving through the dark. Grand World Tours is a locally owned safari company based in Arusha. We organise fully equipped camping safaris across the Northern Circuit, and if you already have your own vehicle, we can help with that too. This guide explains what the experience is really like, where you can camp, what is included, what to expect honestly and 10 reasons to try it.
In this guide
What Is the Tanzania Special Campsites Experience?
Special campsites are designated camping areas inside Tanzania’s national parks. They offer privacy, wide-open scenery and an authentic safari atmosphere, and they keep you close to the wildlife. Unlike public campsites, they are generally reserved for one group at a time, so the camp is yours alone.
The Tanzania special campsites experience suits private safaris, families, honeymooners, photography groups, adventure travellers and friends travelling together. You still enjoy game drives with an expert guide, but your evenings change. You eat a fresh meal prepared by a safari chef, sit around a fire and listen to the bush at night.
Tanzania Special Campsites Experience at a Glance
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
A Day and Night on the Tanzania Special Campsites Experience
Every camping safari is different, but this is the rhythm of a typical day:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Where to Camp: Tanzania Special Campsites Experience by Park
Arusha National Park
Ngongongare Special Campsite sits in the forests of Arusha National Park, surrounded by lush vegetation and diverse wildlife. It is an excellent choice for travellers beginning or ending a Northern Circuit safari. For more on the park and the city, see our guide to the best things to do in Arusha.
•
•
•
•
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire is famous for its enormous elephant herds, ancient baobab trees and outstanding wildlife viewing. We offer camping at several well-located special campsites. Elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions and countless bird species roam freely, and the sunsets and campfire evenings are memorable.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Lake Manyara National Park
Bagayo A Special Campsite lies inside Lake Manyara National Park, one of Tanzania’s most scenic protected areas. Camping here lets you enjoy the park’s different habitats in complete tranquillity.
•
•
•
Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti offers some of Africa’s finest wilderness camping. We organise camping safaris at selected special campsites, depending on wildlife movements and your itinerary.
•
•
What Is Included in the Fully Guided Tanzania Special Campsites Experience
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Our experienced team takes care of every detail, so you can simply relax and enjoy the adventure.
Bring Your Own Vehicle: A Flexible Tanzania Special Campsites Experience
Not everyone travels in our Land Cruiser. If you already have a private vehicle, including a foreign-registered one, you can still enjoy the Tanzania special campsites experience with our help. Here is how this option works:
•
•
•
•
•
•
You then drive to your campsite, make camp and spend the night in the wild. Contact us early, so we can secure your campsites and arrange the registration.
An Honest Word About the Tanzania Special Campsites Experience
We believe you should know exactly what to expect:
•
•
•
•
•
Camping Safari or Lodge Safari? Is the Tanzania Special Campsites Experience for You?
It depends on your priorities. Camping offers privacy, atmosphere and good value compared with premium lodges, while lodges offer more comfort. Many travellers combine both on one trip. Read our guide to where to stay on a Tanzania safari to compare the options.
Special campsites suit travellers who:
•
•
•
•
If you would rather have hotel-style comfort every night, a lodge safari may suit you better, and we will happily say so.
What to Pack for the Tanzania Special Campsites Experience
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
We send you a full packing list after booking.
Best Time for the Tanzania Special Campsites Experience
•
•
•
Top 10 Reasons to Try the Tanzania Special Campsites Experience
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Combine the Tanzania Special Campsites Experience With Other Safaris
Camping pairs naturally with other journeys. Add it to a Great Migration safari to sleep near the herds, a photographic safari to shoot at dawn and dusk, or a bird watching safari for early mornings in the bush. Special campsites are part of Tanzania’s national park system, and camping in Kenya works differently, so if you wish to continue to Kenya or Zanzibar we will plan that part of your journey with you.
Why Pick Grand World Tours for the Tanzania Special Campsites Experience?
Grand World Tours is a locally owned safari company specialising in authentic Tanzania camping safaris. Our experienced guides and professional camping crews make every safari comfortable, safe and unforgettable.
•
•
•
•
•
•
For official park information, visit Tanzania National Parks and read the Arusha National Park guide on Wikivoyage. The Serengeti is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Tanzania Special Campsites Experience
What is a Tanzania special campsite?+
It is a designated, exclusive camping area inside a national park, reserved for one group at a time, offering privacy and close contact with wildlife.
Is camping safe with wildlife nearby?+
Yes, when set up and managed by an experienced crew. Camps follow strict safety routines, and our guides brief every group on how to behave at night.
Which parks have special campsites?+
We offer special campsite camping in Arusha National Park, Tarangire, Lake Manyara and the Serengeti, including sites in the northern, central and eastern Serengeti.
What is included in a camping safari?+
On our fully guided camping safaris: a private vehicle, guide, tents, mattresses, chairs and tables, meals, a chef, drinking water and park fees, as set out in your itinerary.
Can I bring my own vehicle for the Tanzania special campsites experience?+
Yes. We provide the camping supplies and a chef, help you book the special campsites in advance and share the coordinates. For a foreign-registered vehicle, we register your trip with TANAPA through our tourism service.
Are park entry fees included if I use my own vehicle?+
No. In the own-vehicle option, entry fees are paid separately. On our fully guided camping safaris, park fees are included according to your itinerary.
Can you provide a guide and chef if I bring my own vehicle?+
Yes. We provide a reliable guide and a professional chef, so you can drive to your campsite, make camp and enjoy the night in the wild.
Do I need to book special campsites in advance?+
Yes. Allocations are limited and booked through the national parks authority, so early booking is strongly recommended, especially in peak migration months. We can book them for you in advance.
Is camping better than a lodge safari?+
It depends on your priorities. Camping offers privacy, atmosphere and value, while lodges offer more comfort. Many travellers combine both on one trip.
Are there toilets and washing water at camp?+
Special campsites have no permanent facilities, so our crew brings and sets up everything, including toilets and washing water.
What is the best time for the Tanzania special campsites experience?+
June to October and December to February are best. July to October is prime time for migration camping in the northern Serengeti. We advise against the long rains from March to May.
Plan Your Tanzania Special Campsites Experience
Ready for the Tanzania special campsites experience? Wake to the sounds of nature, enjoy a sunrise over the African plains and feel the true spirit of adventure. Tell us your dates, your group, the parks you love and whether you will use our vehicle or your own, and we will plan your camping safari.
%20copy%203.svg)