Arusha serves as the gateway to the northern safari circuit in Tanzania and has many popular tourist attractions in proximity to it. Camping near Arusha is a great idea because numerous campsite are available around the city, each with a different terrain to suit your need.
Here are some of the top camping destinations around Arusha:
- Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is located about a 1.5-hour drive away from Arusha town. It’s a stunning National Park with lush green scenery, different from the plain lands you see elsewhere in Tanzania. You can even get beautiful views of Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days. You can spot zebras, elephants, giraffes and even black and white colobus monkeys here.
- Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is known for its tree-climbing lions, abundance of elephants and excellent bird-watching. The Lake itself is also pretty stunning, with flamingoes lining its shore. The hippo pool is also very interesting to observe! It’s always an amusing sight watching hippos dance around in the muddy water.
You’ll also come across lots of baboons and vervet monkeys.
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Ngorongoro Conservation Area is the best place in Tanzania to spot the Big Five. The endangered rhinos, that are rare in other parts of Tanzania, are frequently spotted here. They’re not even shy and can easily be seen roaming around.
Camping here also provides for wonderful photo opportunities owing to the beautiful views of the Ngorongoro Crater.
- Serengeti National Park
Serengeti offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities year-round. Camping in Serengeti is one of the best ways to get up close and personal with the wildlife. You can spot lions, leopards, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes and elephants.
Sometimes, animals come close to the campsite as well, but usually, they stay away because of the noise.
- Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Camping at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro is an excellent experience. You can mingle with the locals, observe diverse wildlife and gear up before heading to the summit of the mountain. The route up the mountain is quite a bit challenging so make sure you have some experience hiking mountains before attempting to get on top of this one.
- Lake Natron
There are many wonderful campsites near Lake Natron, a huge soda lake that’s home to thousands of flamingoes. Lake Natron is a highly alkaline lake. Only those animals who are adapted to the high pH of the water can thrive here. It’s an interesting Lake to photograph. Fun fact: sometimes, animals here turn to stone after they die because sodium carbonate from the lake gets deposited on their bodies, which acts as a preservative for their bodies.
No matter where you go camping in Tanzania, always make sure you contact the camp providers before-hand so you know exactly what they’re going to provide. It’s best to keep a sleeping bag with you, even though some camping companies provide it.
Avoid littering and be respectful of the nature around you!
So, what are you waiting for? Head over to Tanzania and have a great time at these camping destinations. Don’t forget to check out these top 10 Tanzania tips too while you’re there.