There is no experience quite like camping in Serengeti National Park. As the sun dips below the endless horizon and the African night unfolds, you’ll hear the distant roar of lions, the whooping of hyenas, and the rustle of grass as elephants graze just meters from your tent. This is not luxury — this is raw, authentic, and unforgettable.
Camping in Serengeti is the most affordable way to experience one of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles. Starting from just $180 per person per day, you get park fees, a 4x4 safari vehicle, an expert guide, all meals, and a front-row seat to the Great Migration — all while sleeping under canvas in the heart of the wilderness.
While luxury lodges offer infinity pools and air-conditioned suites, camping brings you closer to nature than any other accommodation. Here’s why thousands of travelers choose budget camping safaris every year:
Whether you're a solo backpacker, a couple on a budget, or a family seeking adventure, Serengeti camping delivers an experience that lodges simply cannot match.
Serengeti offers two official camping categories, each with distinct features:
| Feature | Public Campsites | Special Campsites |
|---|---|---|
| Management | TANAPA (government) | Private (booked via operator) |
| Facilities | Basic ablutions, cold showers, communal kitchen | None — fully self-sufficient |
| Capacity | Shared (20–100 campers) | Exclusive (your group only) |
| Cost (pp/pn) | $30–$50 | $50–$60 + permit |
| Best For | Budget travelers, social atmosphere | Privacy, remote wilderness |
Serengeti public campsites offer affordable, authentic wildlife experiences with basic amenities. Here are the top recommended public campsites across the park:
Seronera sits at the very heart of Serengeti National Park, offering one of the most accessible and wildlife‑rich camping experiences in the park. Because it’s close to the airstrip and visitor centre it is especially convenient for those arriving by small charter aircraft or on road safaris. Being unfenced and open, you’ll camp amid real wilderness — lions, leopards, elephants, and resident herds roam nearby. Facilities include flush toilets, cold showers, communal cooking shelters, night rangers and a small shop, giving you a comfortable yet genuine “on the plains” feel. Early arrivals are recommended if you want a shaded riverside spot, and while you can visit year‑round, the June to October period presents the highest concentration of wildlife and excellent lighting for game drives.
Ndutu lies in the southern plains of the Serengeti ecosystem, near Lake Ndutu, and becomes a magnet for wildlife during the calving period of December through March. During this time thousands of wildebeest and zebra give birth, drawing in cheetahs, lions and hyenas — creating unforgettable safari moments. The campsite itself is more rustic: you’ll find basic ablutions, no showers and a communal fire‑pit that encourages bush‐style evenings. Because of its seasonal significance and limited capacity it is highly recommended to secure your spot early. Even outside the calving window, the open plains and relative remoteness offer serene, less‑crowded camping with meaningful wildlife encounters.
Located near the Lobo Hills in the northern reaches of the park, the Lobo Public Campsite offers a quieter, more remote camping experience away from the busier central zones. The granite kopjes and undulating terrain support prolific resident lion prides and elephant herds, making it a top choice for wildlife enthusiasts seeking solitude and big-cat focus. Facilities are basic — pit toilets, bucket showers and a communal cooking area — but the trade‑off is direct immersion in raw wilderness. Visit between July and October when the migration traverses the north, and you stand a strong chance of being among the few vehicles in the game‑drives, enhancing the “wild Serengeti” feel.
Set by the banks of the Grumeti River in the iconic Western Corridor, the Kirawira Public Campsite is ideally placed for dramatic river‑crossing views, especially during peak migration periods (June–July). At night you may hear hippos or spot crocodiles, and daytime drives often reveal large herds crossing rivers or grazing nearby. The facilities are more spartan — basic toilets, no running water in some parts — so you’ll want to bring your own water and gear. Because this area is famed for the river action, staying here gives you a front‑row seat to some of the most cinematic wildlife sequences in the park.
Pimbi is nestled near the Moru Kopjes in the heart of the central Serengeti plains, offering campers a memorable blend of wildlife and landscape. Rising granite kopjes dot the horizon, while nearby rock‑paintings left by Maasai add a cultural dimension to your stay. Because the area supports rhino sightings and resident herds, you’re in a prime zone for both major and less‑common game. Facilities remain simple — communal cooking areas, fire pits and shaded tent pads — making it perfect for travellers seeking an authentic and wild Serengeti camping experience. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
The Dik‑Dik Public Campsite sits close to Seronera yet retains its small, intimate setting — ideal for couples or those looking for a quieter night under the stars. With fewer neighbouring tents and a more tucked‑away feel, you’ll often wake to soft wildlife sounds rather than lodge buzz. While the facilities are basic, the wilderness immersion is full‑on: un‑fenced grounds, ambient bush noise and the chance of game passing near your tent. It’s a perfect complement to daytime drives in central Serengeti, giving you the sunset‑to‑sunrise experience in nature. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Banagi lies near the Banagi River in the northern Serengeti zone, an area intersected by migration pathways and rich in birdlife. The campsite offers the chance to combine big‑game highlights with exceptional birdwatching and panoramic views of open savannah. Because it sits away from the busiest central traffic, your evenings bring calm and wide‑open skies for stargazing. Though infrastructure remains basic, the trade‑off is access to a quieter zone of the park where nature tends to feel more unfiltered. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
The Kogatende Public Campsite places you close to the iconic Mara River crossings during the migration (especially July‑October), giving you a front‑row seat to one of nature’s greatest spectacles. Located in the far northern Serengeti, this campsite is ideal for travellers willing to venture off the beaten path for high drama in wildlife viewing. Facilities are rustic, and you’ll want to arrive prepared with your own gear and water, but the payoff is immense: crocodile‑lined crossings, hippos in the river and vast migrating herds. Choose this site if your safari ambitions lean toward the extraordinary and wild. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Situated along the Seronera River in central Serengeti, this campsite offers the ease of central access and the ambience of an open‑wilderness stay. The proximity to abundant wildlife makes for exciting morning wake‑ups and dramatic sunsets over the flood‑plain grasses. With water nearby and a canopy of acacia trees, your tent‑pad location can maximise both comfort and scenery. This site is a fantastic choice for travellers who want the immersive feel of Serengeti camping but still stay within one of the most accessible wildlife zones of the park.
Special Serengeti campsites are temporary, exclusive setups that provide privacy and immersive wilderness experiences. Operators provide dome tents, mess tents, and portable toilets for a fully equipped safari camping adventure.
Kogatende in the far northern Serengeti is ideally located near the Mara River, providing unmatched views of the great migration river crossings from July to October. Crocodiles, hippos, and large herds of wildebeest and zebras make this area one of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles in Africa. The campsite is roughly 200 meters from the river, giving you an immersive experience in the wild. Costs are around $60 per person per night plus a $200 site permit, reflecting its premium location and migration access.
Located in central Serengeti near Moru Kopjes, this campsite is surrounded by iconic granite outcrops and offers panoramic sunrise views over the plains. Lion prides and other resident predators frequently pass through, making morning and evening game drives incredibly rewarding. The temporary setup allows for an authentic wilderness experience while still providing essential comfort. Photographers and wildlife enthusiasts will find this campsite perfect for capturing the park’s iconic scenery and wildlife activity.
In the Western Corridor, Barafu Gorge is a dramatic location carved by seasonal rivers. Its remote position offers tranquility, fewer visitors, and exceptional photographic opportunities. Camping here immerses you in the raw Serengeti, with dawn game drives and spectacular sunsets enhancing the experience. Though facilities are minimal, the scenery and wildlife encounters make it a favorite for those seeking adventure off the main safari routes.
Nyamara, near Seronera, strikes a balance between central accessibility and privacy. Wildlife roams freely around the campsite, and the serene location ensures quiet nights under the stars. Temporary tents and minimal facilities provide a true bush experience while maintaining comfort. It’s ideal for travelers who want both convenience and an immersive Serengeti experience.
In northern Serengeti, the Lamai Wedge is a hotspot for witnessing the migration, with vast plains and regular predator-prey interactions. During migration season, herds pass through this area, making it one of the most exciting places to camp. The remote setting ensures fewer crowds and a strong connection with the landscape. Birdlife is abundant, and open vistas provide excellent sunrise and sunset views.
Located at the northernmost reaches of Serengeti, Mara North is ideal for observing predators following migrating herds. Its isolation offers an immersive wilderness experience far from central tourist traffic. Temporary tents allow guests to stay close to wildlife while maintaining comfort. Morning game drives and evening bush walks make it perfect for adventurous safari-goers.
This campsite, in the western Serengeti, is set in a scenic gorge offering spectacular sunrise and sunset vistas. Remote and quiet, it’s perfect for photography and nature immersion. Wildlife sightings are common, and the minimal human footprint enhances the feeling of wilderness. Guests can enjoy uninterrupted views of the plains and an intimate bush experience, ideal for serious nature lovers.
Camping in Serengeti is safe when following precautions. Wildlife roams freely, but campsites implement strict safety measures:
| Season | Months | Best Region | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | Jun–Oct | North & West | Migration, river crossings, clear skies |
| Calving Season | Dec–Mar | South (Ndutu) | Wildebeest births, predators |
| Green Season | Nov & Apr–May | Central | Fewer crowds, lush scenery, baby animals |
See our full guide: Best Time to Visit Serengeti
Prices include park fees, camping fees, vehicle, guide, meals, and tents:
| Duration | Price (pp) | Included |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Days | $540–$750 | Central Serengeti, 4 game drives |
| 4 Days | $720–$1,000 | Central + Ngorongoro |
| 5 Days | $900–$1,250 | Migration route |
| 7 Days | $1,260–$1,750 | Full circuit |
Group joining safaris (shared vehicle) save 15–20%.
Most operators provide tents, mattresses, and cooking gear.
Step 1: Choose your dates and region.
Step 2: Contact a licensed operator (like us!).
Step 3: Pay a 30% deposit.
Step 4: Receive itinerary and packing list.
We handle all permits, fees, and logistics.
Budget camping safaris from $180/day. Tents, meals, game drives — all included.
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