Basic Campsites in Tanzania
In Tanzania there are campsites situated in or near most major towns and in Most National Parks and game reserves, All Parks and game reserves have campsites designated as either “Public” or “Special” Most campsites in the Parks offer from the most basic facilities to reasonable ablutions and running water. There are numerous campsites all over the country, so it is possible to explore Tanzania on a budget. From basic bush campsites inside the parks to private campsites operated by lodge owners – the latter enabling you to stay at a secured site with good amenities whilst sleeping for a dime. Moreover, the opportunities to camp are year round because of Tanzania’s warm climate.
Tanzania Camping fees 2023/2024
- Public campsites managed by TANAPA cost $ 35.40 per person/night.
- Special campsites costs $59 per person/night.
- Campsites outside a national park typically costs around $5 – 15 / tent.
Are campsites available in Tanzania?
Lodges inside the National Parks in Tanzania are expensive. Good to know that Tanzania is a great country for camping safaris! There are numerous campsites all over the country, so it is possible to explore Tanzania on a budget.
From basic bush campsites inside the parks to private campsites operated by lodge owners – the latter enabling you to stay at a secured site with good amenities whilst sleeping for a dime. Moreover, the opportunities to camp are year round because of Tanzania’s warm climate.
Do I need to book in advance?
You don’t need to book your public campsites in advance. There are several public campsites in every national park and you will always be assigned a campsite when you arrive at the park entrance.
It works a bit different if you want to stay inside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and/or the Wildlife Management Association (such as Lake Natron).
If you want to visit these conservation areas, you need to obtain a reservation quote first, before you can go to the gate to pay for the park entrance. On this reservation quote, you have to mention the campsite where you will be staying.
How to book a special campsite in Tanzania?
The so-called special campsites are largely reserved by private safari companies who bid on those for the season. As an individual traveller, you can’t stay there. The less interesting special campsites are not taken by the safari companies and are available to book by individual travellers. It is not easy to secure a spot and these camps are more expensive, but you will enjoy a true wilderness experience camping at an isolated location.
If you prefer to stay at a special campsite instead of staying at one of the public campsites, we advise you to spend a day in Arusha before your safari and go to the TANAPA and NCA head office in Arusha ( open from Monday – Friday), and check out what is available and try to secure a spot. There are no facilities ( so also no toilets or showers), and it is hard to locate the sites. There is no possibility to organise the special campsite permit online.
Travelling Tanzania on a budget
Not want to break the bank? You will find plenty of decent budget and mid-range accommodation at a much lower price range in the Usambaras, Udzungwa Mountains and along the coast between Pangani and Dar es Salaam.
Public campsites in the national parks do not require any advance arrangements – most of them can’t even be booked in advance.
Check out the best Campsites in Tanzania
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