Budget camping safaris are among the most popular options for visitors who want to explore Tanzania’s numerous game parks and conservation areas the cheapest, most adventurous way. They are a rewarding experience because you feel you are ‘roughing it’ and participating in a real African adventure, but still have all the benefits and comforts of safari drivers, guides, and a cook to take care of all their needs.

The safaris embark on a circuit of national parks and game reserves just like other more expensive vacations, and you get to feel that you are experiencing an ‘on the ground’ adventure by camping in beautiful locales.

Booking a camping safari can be done directly through the tour operator from your home country. Or, if you are travelling through Tanzania and have a few days to spare, you can book directly through the company’s office in Tanzania.

Often, individual participants find a company and book their trip, then the tour operator is responsible for finding enough numbers to fill a car, preparations are made, and the group embarks on safari. Visitors are often expected to help pitch camp and bring their own camping equipment, but the cooking and cleaning is all left to the camping staff.

‘Fly camping’ is the term for luxury walking safaris where visitors sleep out in the open with only a mosquito net between them and the African sky. For many visitors, fly camping is the height of their Tanzanian experience - the sheer vastness of their surroundings, the peaceful rhythms of nature, and the opportunity to be alone in the African bush is a stunning and memorable experience.

Guests often embark on day hikes through the bush with their private guide, and camp is set up each evening in a new locale. These mobile walking safaris give visitors a chance to see the wildlife and birds of the game reserves up close, and experience their natural surroundings without the distraction of vehicles and other guests.

Visitors learn to read animal tracks, explore the medicinal properties of indigenous plant life, and immerse themselves in the vast world of insects and bird life that sustains the vast African plains.

Hike lengths can be varied according to difficulty and length each day, and the guided walks introduce you to a living, breathing world that extends beyond the big game of other mainstream safari options.

Fly camping is fast becoming the most popular option for luxury safari guests who want to experience the freedom and adventure of camping in the African bush without the encumbrances camping often entails. At present, fly camping is only available in the Selous Game Reserve, but due to its popularity, other game reserves may include it as a safari option soon.

Camping safaris in Tanzania are in deed unique and diverse and every human being should experience it at least once.