African camping safaris are an experience where you get to enjoy a remote tour adventure, mostly under the beautiful stars.

A camping safari brings you closer to the wild nature and wildlife with authentic details of the beautiful African ambiance as you ground your tent in one of the most pristine parts of the world.

On your camping safari, you will join other travelers for a sunrise game viewing and other camping safari activities of your choice. After your adventure, return to the welcoming African wild atmosphere where can also join in a campfire to warm yourself on the lovely evenings of your camping safari experience.

Visit among others East Africa’s Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda and South Africa’s Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, and Okavango Delta for unforgettable experiences.

Contact us today to plan your best camping safari experience and adventure tours to the most unspoiled areas of Africa.

Why Book a Camping Safari in Africa?

Camping safaris allows travelers on a tour to experience authentic wildlife adventures at lower costs. It is one of the experiences that allow you to actively participate in the adventures that you are going to do on your tours.

Best Safari Destinations for Camping in Africa

Africa ranks as one of the most remote places in the world, thus rich in the best camping destinations. Below, we look at the top countries where you can go for your African camping tours.

Tanzania

Tanzania is famous for the great Wildebeest migration that is best viewed from June to July at Serengeti National Park. Camping safaris in the country are best done from June to October despite it being a high season when the accommodation, transportation, and packages are quite more expensive on tours.

With various amazing grounds at Dar es Salaam and Lake Malawi (a Great Rift Valley lake), memorable adventures are also possible in other parts of the country.

Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Dar es Salaam are some of the amazing places to have a camp tour and adventure in Tanzania.

Let us look at some of the best tented camps for Tanzania adventure tours.

Singita Mara River Tented Camp in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Adorned with unique African architecture from the bygone era, this provides true luxury camp adventures and tours in the wild.

The camp is suitably located near the Mara River, in Northern Serengeti NP, where you can easily watch the Wildebeest migration of more than one million animals.

Wildebeests, Zebras, and various Antelope species cross different waters despite the dangers of the predators like the Crocodiles and wild cats ahead of them.

Watching this breathtaking tour adventure, even at your tent during your camping safari experience or on walking safaris is one of the best experiences that you could ever have.

Namiri Plains Camping at Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

The Namiri Plains in the East of the wildlife rich Serengeti are among the best places in the country to have a camping experience.

After the area was closed down for about 20 years, a temporary refuge was created in 2014 for children. The luxury Namiri Plains is currently a sanctuary for the Cheetahs and the different large cats in the area.

Camping is an amazing tour in the region that is covered with grass and has Acacia trees surrounding it, thus giving you the best natural experiences and adventure in the vicinity.

Little Chem Chem in Tarangire National Park, Tanzania

This is a well-designed tented safari camp that was constructed in 1920 thus it carries architectural designs from both the African culture and the modern elements.

The camp is set in a private concession with rich wildlife views even from your tent on your tour and trip for an amazing adventure. This will include hot air balloon excursions over the Great Rift Valley.

Being next to Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park, the camp offers creature comforts and amazing nature and game viewing to visitors, especially on game drives.

Mila Tented Camp at Serengeti, Tanzania

The camp, found on the Western corridor of Serengeti National Park on a hillside provides exceptional views to the rolling plains and the forests on the River Grumeti banks.

Authentic styles of the tent grant views to the amazing natural beauty of the landscape and game viewing, for example, the Lions, Leopards, Elephants, and Buffaloes, you will also enjoy dining and lounging at this great facility.

Safari packages and itineraries for campers to Tanzania will thus take you to Serengeti NP and other popular destinations like Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara.

Kenya

Kenya is also home to the Great Migration as the animals move between the countries. The migration adventure in Kenya occurs in Masai Mara National Reserve which is the most prolific safari destination for wildlife viewing in the country.

Camp in Kenya for an amazing tour adventure that will allow you to be in the wild, close to the big five animals, other animals, and the beautiful African nature that you can explore on game drives.

A wildlife viewing tour and camping in Kenya, especially at Masai Mara are best done from June to October.

Below are some of the best places to camp in Kenya during your wilderness adventure tours.

Cottar Safari Camping in Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Camp Cottar in Masai Mara was built in the 1920s and its base is at the Olderkesi Private Conservancy which is a link between Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara National Reserve. Camp at the luxury Cottar in Masai Mara to experience the uniqueness of spending time in Africa’s destination with the highest number of fauna in an ancient untouched architecture that dates back from 1919.

You may also visit Angama Mara Masai Mara which overlooks the Great Rift Valley for experiences that combine amazing creature comforts.

Botswana in Southern Africa

For travelers that would like to experience a jaw-dropping wildlife safari in Africa, especially to the big five, then Botswana is the right place for a camping safari experience.

The beautiful night African sky in Botswana will be unveiled to you as you rest in a remote atmosphere that is excluded from the world, especially in the Kalahari Desert.

Okavango Delta in particular is a place for these amazing experiences as you will enjoy the great sights of the different animals. The best time for the Okavango tour experience and an amazing camping safari in Botswana is from May to September.

Read below to find out some of the best places to have your wilderness camping safari experience in Botswana.

San Camp in the Kalahari Desert

The San Camp in Kalahari Desert, Botswana defines a serene tour experience that isolates you from the noise of the world.

While at the white Meru tents of San Camp, you will get to enjoy the amazing views of the desert palms and the mighty Makgadikadi Salt Pan which the camp overlooks.

The isolated plains of this camp and tent in Botswana will also expose you to the beautiful savannah rolling fields that will offer you the awe-inspiring and wild experiences of horseback riding, walking safaris, and quad biking guided by a tour guide among the Kalahari Bushmen.

Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp at Okavango Delta

This camp in the Okavango Delta area, Botswana comprises an architecture of fine wood and canvas with both traditional and modern designs. Despite this, the camp around Okavango Delta offers luxury tents and they are suited to overlook the lush terrain with marshy grasslands for your wilderness camping safari tour.

Enjoy the thrilling game drives at the Moremi Game Reserve where you will explore the rich flora and fauna on the beautiful landscapes.

Sanctuary Baines’ Camp at Okavango Delta

Like many campsites in Botswana, this is a very secluded luxury tented camp to give the peace and the richness of the wild.

It combines a serene African ambiance and it is great for intimate safaris into the wilderness adventure.

Enjoy the natural beauty of the night sky while sleeping on a private deck of the beautiful suites on your tours in Botswana.

A visit to Botswana destinations like Okavango Delta can be combined with excursions to Victoria Falls, Cape Town, and Port Elizabeth among other places.

South Africa

National parks in South Africa are a leading factor for the best camping safari tour in the country, with Kruger National Park being the most popular one.

Kruger National Park is a delightful place to explore the big five animals and the best time to visit the safari destination for your camping tours is between May and October when it is dry. This is however also a high season in the protected areas, therefore you should expect slightly more expensive services like accommodation and transportation.

With the famous Cape Town, Table Mountains, and Johannesburg, you are guaranteed experiences filled with memories.

An excursion to this southern part of Africa will take you to visit Port Elizabeth and other amazing destinations for game viewing tours.

Cape Town Adventures in Southern Africa

Cape Town trips will take you to Table Mountain, the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, and Robben Island, among others.

Cape Town packages can be combined with visits to Port Elizabeth, Victoria Falls, Okavango Delta, etc.

Cape Town is thus one of the most amazing places to go on any of your South African tours.

Namibia in Southern Africa

Namibia is famous for having some of the best landscapes in the world. Namibia is a safari destination where you can find beautiful deserts like the Namib Desert and beaches during your tours.

Etosha National Park is the best place to view animals during your tours in Namibia. However, you can add to your travel itinerary a visit to Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Okavango Delta, and Port Elizabeth.

Namibia experiences lesser rainfall compared to other African countries, it is a great place to camp and have wildlife tours. However, the dry season in Namibia runs from June to October, which is great for a camp tour.

Below are the most amazing and popular destinations to camp from in Namibia.

Onguma Tented Camp in Etosha National Park

Onguma Camp is a luxury tented camp that provides the beautiful views of an amazing lake. Enjoy the amazing sites of various animals like the Giraffes.

While at a camp, you may enjoy dining at the dining area, and you may enjoy swimming at the swimming pool.

The tents are very beautiful with both indoor and outdoor showers built in a very stylish way.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe offers some of Africa’s most rewarding camping safaris, mostly for budget camping tours.

The camping experience in Zimbabwe will take you to visit Hwange National Park and other national parks, which are rich wildlife destinations.

Through your camping safaris in Zimbabwe, especially in the famous Hwange National Park, you will be able to enjoy the wild peaceful environment where you can also do walking safaris with a tour guide.

Zimbabwe adventures at Hwange National Park can also be combined with other excursions to Victoria Falls, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, etc.

Below are the famous places to camp in Zimbabwe.

Somalisa Acacia Tent at Hwange National Park

The luxury camp brings an ambiance of living in the bygone era as it is designed with authentic architectural blends of African traditional canvas. It is an easy spot where you can connect for your game drives at Hwange National Park.

Victoria Falls Adventures

Victoria Falls is a beautiful ground for camping adventures and each participant can pay about $10 to $15 per night.

Victoria Falls does not only offer campsite areas but also dormitories that you can sleep in.

The excursions at Victoria Falls will expose you to the beautiful wonder. You could also swim at the Devil’s Pool of Victoria Falls.

Other lodging sites at Victoria Falls include the Shoestrings Backpackers Lodge, Victoria Falls Backpackers, and the N1 Hotel and Campsite among others.

Apart from the Somalisa Acacia Tent and Victoria Falls, the luxury Fothergill Island at Matusadana National Park will also give you a memorable camping tour in Zimbabwe.

Other amazing countries where you can go for a coming safari include Zambia (Time + Tide Chinzombo at South Luangwa National Park and Victoria Falls Camps), Uganda, Rwanda, etc.

Types of Camping Safaris in Africa

Camping safari types differ depending on whether you book a budget, midrange, or luxury safari.

There are different options for you to choose for the type of camping that you would like to have.

Below are the two most popular camping types in Africa.

Self-Catered Camping Safari

This is the most common camping safari that travelers to Africa have. This will require the campers on the campsites to be experienced because they will take care of their own needs like food preparation.

In this type of camping, campers are left to their own tour experience and knowledge, but they will have professional guidance during their activities like game drives, boat cruises, and walking safaris.

Glamping Safari

A glamping tented safari excursion is when the campers enjoy their tour to the fullest, without the distractions of cooking or setting up the campsites. They have a support crew to do all this.

A participant will sleep in a luxury tented camp with a bed(s) and ample space for storage. Being a luxurious tour experience, campers may also experience private game drives and amazing dining experiences.

What Will You Do on Your Camping Tours?

On your camping safari tours, especially a self-camping type your group members will be required to perform some of the duties below.

1. Food preparation/Meal preparation
2. Washing dishes or light clothes and other important chores
3. Packing and unpacking your bags
4. Loading and offloading the track
5. Setting up a camp and taking down your own tent,  in case you do not have a support crew, among others.

What Month is Safari Africa Best? | Best Time to Go to Africa for a Camping Safari

The best season for camping safari tours in Africa differs, depending on the country as different countries have different weather and climatic conditions.

However, based on the country that you will be going to, it is best to travel for your camping safari in the dry season (mid-December to through February and June to July) when the weather is favorable for the expedition.

Is Safari Africa Expensive?

African safaris are usually costly, but with camping safari tours, they become less costly.

How Much Does an African Camping Safari Cost? | How Much Does it Cost to Stay in African Safari? | How Much Does an African Safari Vacation Cost?

Budget camping safari tours will cost about USD 175 to USD 350 per person per day and this depends on various factors as seen below.

Safari destination of visit: Camping safari tours are more expensive in Tanzania and Botswana than in other African countries because of the size of the countries and the level of conservation measures in the destinations.

How long you will stay: The longer one stays on a tour, the more expensive the tour will become as they will need to spend more.

Whether you use a tour operator or not: Using a tour company will be more costly than going on a self-tour.

Top Safari Packages for Your African Camping Trip

Check below for packages that can be customized to suite your expectations.

1. a)    5 days Northern Tanzania Budget Camping in Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater
2. b)    6 days of amazing Botswana Camp
3. c)     7 days Serengeti Budget Camping Safari
4. d)    7 day Namibia Camping Safari Trip
5. e)     10 days Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, and Zambia Camping safari
6. f)      15 days midrange Camping Safari in Kenya’s Masai Mara and Cape Town, South Africa, and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe
7. g)    30 days camping in East and South Africa (Cape Town, Kruger National Park), Namibia (Namib Desert and Etosha National Park), Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls, Hwange NP)

Important Questions to Consider Before Going for a Camping Safari

For a memorable tour on your camping safari, it is best to consider inquiring about the following before going on a camping trip.

1. Is it safe to camp around wild animals? | How safe are safari tents?

It is usually safe to camp around the animals, as long as you follow the safety precautions that are set for you. You should properly zip your own tent at night and avoid keeping strong-smelling food in your tents at night as it may attract some wild animals.

Grasses at campsites and around the tent are usually cut short so that the animals are easily seen. They usually stay at a distance during the day but in the night when the place is quiet, they usually roam around the campsites.

2. Which camping equipment is provided?

You ought to inquire with your tour operator about the equipment that will be provided. Most times, campers will receive sleeping mats or bags, well ventilated tents, cooking equipment, and any other thing that they will need for their amazing camping experience.

3. Do they provide sleeping bags or bedding?

In most cases, sleeping bags and bedding are provided for sleeping in your tent. Check with your tour operator about this so that you avoid flying with heavy bedding.

4. Will there be a bed or will I sleep on the floor?

Having a bed or not in your tent will depend on various factors including your budget. On some camping safari adventures, you will sleep on sleeping bags on the floor while on others on beds, especially on luxurious excursions.

5. Do campsites have good bathrooms?

Different bathrooms at the sites range from using buckets, showers, or modern bathrooms.

6. How long does it take to set up a camping tent?

If travelers are for self-catered camping, they will need to set up their tents at the beginning of their tour and tear it down at the end of it.

However, this may also depend on the cost of the tour.

7. What type of tents will be available for you to sleep in?

Using a tour operator for your safaris will give you a higher chance for high-quality tents having strong canvases and good zips. Your guide will give you the chance to choose the design of your choice.

The tents are usually enough for at least two people.

8. Which African country has the cheapest safari?

Namibia, South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda are some of the cheapest countries to travel to in Africa for your safari trip.

9. What is the difference between a camping safari and a lodge?

A camping experience includes you sleeping in tented structures inside national parks and reserves while a lodge is a building that accommodates visitors. Most lodges are situated in one place while tents can be changed or even moved.

Most lodges will also have extra facilities like swimming pools, bars, restaurants, and guest rooms.

An African camping safari is thus one of the most amazing experiences that you could ever have on your African tour. Enjoy the amazing wild experience of living closer to the wild nature and animals while on your unique African tour. Each country will avail you with a unique experience!

Inquire and book your African camping safari trip today!