Camping in the wild is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s the best experience ever for one seeking a close connection with nature and wildlife. Serengeti and Ngorongoro host the most diverse wildlife. In Serengeti, you can trek the Great Migration, watch the Big Five, and more. You can also see the Big Five and many other animals in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The views are also spectacular in the Ngorongoro Crater – the planet’s largest unbroken caldera.
Imagine spending a night in a tent in the Serengeti or Ngorongoro. You’re part of these ecosystems, not just an observer. But where do you set your camp? A public campsite or a private one. You’ll know all these in this article. Let’s get right into it.
Camping in the Serengeti
There are tons of options for where to camp in the Serengeti, including a public campsite, a private campsite, or whatever. The good news is that enjoyment is guaranteed in any kind of campsite you choose.
Seronera Campsite
This is a public campsite in the central Serengeti. It’s found in the Seronera River Valley and it’s close to the Seronera Airstrip, which receives many flights coming to Serengeti National Park.
The campsite has facilities, including toilets, bathrooms, and a dining area. Hot showers are available if you ask your chef.
You can see various animals from this camp: giraffes, hyenas, cheetahs, lions, leopards, etc. The wildebeest reaches the Seronera from June to July.
Pimbi Public Campsite
This is another public campsite in the Seronera Area. It has a restaurant that your cook can use. Other facilities include a toilet, a dining area, and a kitchen. You’re advised to bring food and water supplies and anything else you need for camping.
This campsite gives you an exceptional experience with wildlife. You can listen to wild sounds from your canvas tents or fall asleep in the sounds of nature.
Nyani Public Campsite
This is a public campsite in the Seronera Area and it offers a camping ground and facilities like modern toilets and bathrooms. There is also a separate kitchen and a dining area. You can expect wonderful interactions with nature, wildlife, birds, and vegetation.
Lobo Campsite
Lobo is one of the remote regions in the Serengeti. A few visitors reach this region. This is the best place for camping if you want seclusion. The campsite is located near a kopje. It is equipped with facilities like a bathroom, toilet, dining area, and kitchen. All these facilities are shared. There’s an option of camping with a 4×4 jeep with a rooftop tent. You will need to pay an extra 20 dollars per person.
You can expect to see wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles between June and August. Other animals are resident in this area, including baboons, buffalo, and klipspringers.
Private campsites
Besides public campsites, you can stay in special campsites. These are unique places to stay temporarily. To access them, you’ve to book from the property running them.
Special campsites are good for travelers with a reasonable budget. However, the experience they offer is unmatched. They offer comfort while balancing adventure in the wild. Try them.
Camping in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA)
Speaking of camping in the NCA, note that camping is not permitted in the Ngorongoro Crater. All campsites are found in the NCA, and there is just one public campsite: Simba A Public Campsite, and special campsites. You can stay in any of the campsites.
Simba A Public Campsite
It is just half a kilometer from the NCA, less than 600 meters from the NCA Airstrip, and 19 km from the entry gate – Loduare. Simba A Campsite can accommodate more than 200 campers per night.
This public campsite has basic facilities like bathrooms and toilets. Campers can also share a kitchen, dining area, a restaurant, and a bar.
Special campsite
The NCA has 49 special campsites scattered around the conservation area. They are big and spacious, and you can find other campers there. Some are small, for example, the one found on the rim of Empakai crater. It’s ideal for small backpackers.
The special campsites have no facilities like bathroom and toilet. Therefore, they’re good for self-sufficient safari-goers who can bring all camping equipment with them.
General Tips for Campers
Let’s say you have a camp already set for you. What to do then! Serengeti and Ngorongoro are home to dangerous animals. Also, the fact that you’re in the wild should make you alert. Here are a few tips to stay safe.
Bring warm clothing. The nights are freezing. Make sure you bring heavy layers to protect your body.
Don’t walk alone during the night. Animals, even dangerous ones, do visit campsites. Avoid going out of the tent alone. Consult the ranger before you go.
Never leave your valuables in the tent. Carry them with you. Do not leave money or anything of value unattended.
Are you ready for a camping experience? Book a trip with 4×4 Adventures. We can make every safari an epic tale. If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.