Camping on Self Drive Tours-Car Rental Tanzania
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Find the list of Frequently asked questions about Camping in Tanzania.
Question : What is ground camping?
Camping ground – a site where people on holiday can pitch a tent. Campground, camping area, camping site, campsite, encampment, bivouac. Land site, site – the piece of land on which something is located.
Question: is Camping Safe in Tanzania?
There’s something indescribable about falling asleep to the distant cackling of hyenas, grunting of wildebeest, and the occasional roar or trumpet from one of Africa’s larger residents.
While luxury lodges and tented camps offer more in the way of comfort, camping out under the stars of the Serengeti or on the scenic rim of then Ngorongoro Crater is a fantastic way to be as close as possible to the wildlife of Africa.
Question: Can you Camp Wherever You Want in a National Park?
Yes and No. Most national parks allow for “back country camping”, which is the same as “dispersed camping”, but they allow it only in specific areas. If you plan to camp in such an area, the National Park will let you camp wherever you want. Otherwise, all National Parks have defined areas for camping and day use.
Question: Camping Wherever You Want in a National Park
National Parks refer to this as “back country camping”. This means primitive camping outside of designated campgrounds, and well into the wilderness areas of the park. Most national parks have specified areas where back country camping is allowed. As long as you plan to camp in these areas, you are free to camp wherever you want. What Camp-sites can you Use?
Camping safaris are available in the Serengeti National Park or Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
In the cases of both Seronera and Lobo in the Serengeti, you are camping within the national park.
In the case of Ngorongoro, you are camping within the Conservation Area but not in the Ngorongoro Crater.
- Seronera Camp (Central Serengeti)
- Lobo Camp (Northern Serengeti)
- Simba A Camp (Ngorongoro Crater Rim)
Question : Fees for Back country Camping
Every national park that allows back country camping will require you to obtain a back country camping permit, which comes with a fee. This fee is good for the entire duration of your stay. You must obtain these permits at a visitor center. The National Parks Pass does not apply to back country camping fees.
Question: Motor Vehicle Camping Is Usually Not Allowed
National parks that permit back country camping usually do not allow motor vehicles, RVs, cars, off-road vehicles into these areas. Back country areas are meant to be enjoyed just as nature intended it, on foot. You must hike in your camping gear, and hike it out.
But, each national park sets its own policies. You should inquire at a visitor center if and where back country camping with permitted with a motor vehicle.
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You can camp wherever you want, but you must keep moving on
National parks do not allow backcountry campers to set up a base camp and stay there the entire time. Instead, they expect you to camp overnight and keep moving on. Their idea of backcountry camping is to explore the park from one end to the other, camping overnight and continuing on the next day. They don’t want their backcountry areas to turn into tent cities, and they don’t want people using their park as a temporary residence.
Backcountry campsites
Some national parks will restrict backcountry camping to specific backcountry campsites that they’ve marked on their maps. These sites usually have a post set into the ground marking their location. They will often include a metal fire ring. In these cases, you are required to camp only in these designated areas. In these national parks, you’re not allowed to camp wherever you want.
Obtaining a Backcountry Camping Map
If a national park permits backcountry camping, they will have a backcountry camping map. Usually, these are available online from the National Park website. They will also be available at a visitor center. Most of them are free, however they do offer laminated, detailed printed maps that can only be purchased.
Why Go Camping in Tanzania?
Whether you’re looking to save some money or you’re wanting to feel a greater level of closeness to nature, camping is a fantastic option for those wanting to enjoy the best that Tanzania has to offer without breaking the bank.
With camp sites available in or near both Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, camping can be added to any itinerary featuring these destinations.
What to Bring
In addition to the other items you would bring on any safari, you will need to bring toiletries (soap, shower gel, shampoo etc.) and a towel for bathing.
