The Authentic Bush Trail

Q: What is a Private Camping Safari:

A Private Camping Safari is an exclusive and personalized safari experience where you and your travel group enjoy the adventure of camping in the wild with the privacy of your own vehicle, guide, and dedicated support crew. Unlike shared safaris, this type of safari is tailored specifically to your pace, interests, and schedule—offering greater flexibility and a more intimate connection with nature.

Q: What kind of meals are provided?

A private safari chef will prepare fresh, hot meals daily — including breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner. We cater to all dietary preferences (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) if requested in advance.

Q: What are the toilet and shower facilities like?

Campsites usually have shared basic facilities such as flushing toilets and cold or occasionally warm showers. In remote areas, we may use portable toilets or bucket showers for comfort and hygiene. Light, neutral-colored clothing (layers for warm days & cool mornings) Comfortable walking shoes Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat Insect repellent Binoculars and a camera Travel documents, including passport and travel insurance

Q: Can children join this safari?

Absolutely! This safari is family-friendly and suitable for children aged 2 and above. We recommend letting us know if you’re traveling with young kids so we can tailor the experience for comfort and safety.

Q: What wildlife will I see?

Depending on your route and season, you can expect to see lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, and possibly leopards and rhinos, among many other species.

Transportation
4 X 4 pop up roof & Expert Guide
Group Size
Minimum 2 people
Accomodation
Budget lodge and Bush camping
Fitness level
Easy
Arrival on
Arusha
Departure from
Arusha
Best season
June to October & December to March
Guiding method
Guided game drive
Tour type
Private Budget camping wildlife safari
Language
English, Spanish , France
Meals
All listed meals
Minimum Age
2
Maximum Age
90

Overview

Itinerary

Inclusions

FAQs

Overview

Itinerary

Inclusions

FAQs

Tour Summary

The Authentic Bush Trail: 3-Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari Adventure

Discover the heart of northern Tanzania on The Authentic Bush Trail, a 3-day safari to Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. This short yet unforgettable journey, known as The Authentic Bush Trail, takes you through two of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations, offering incredible game viewing and dramatic scenery. From the vast open plains of the Serengeti to the breathtaking beauty of the Ngorongoro Crater, The Authentic Bush Trail ensures every moment is crafted for adventure and authenticity. Perfect for travelers with limited time, The Authentic Bush Trail delivers an immersive and affordable safari experience.

Why you will love this trip?

Authentic Budget Lodges & Camping Accommodation
Fresh Meals Prepared Daily
Private Wildlife Experience
Affordable Pricing
Expect to explore the Big five
Diverse landscapes & wildlife encounters
Better Wildlife Viewing
Unlimited Game Drives

Day 01 :

Pick up from the airport

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), a friendly staff member from Serengeti Landmark Tours will welcome you to The Authentic Bush Trail. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Arusha, where you can relax after your journey. In the evening, you will have a safari briefing for The Authentic Bush Trail, where our team will go over your itinerary, answer any questions, and ensure you are well-prepared for your adventure. This marks the beginning of The Authentic Bush Trail, giving you time to settle in before your unforgettable safari experience starts tomorrow. Get a good night’s rest—your adventure on The Authentic Bush Trail begins tomorrow.

Accommodation

✓  Name: Arusha Tourist in Hotel
✓  Type: Hotel
✓  Level: Budget

Day 03 :

Arusha to Serengeti National park

Your journey on The Authentic Bush Trail from Arusha to Serengeti National Park begins early in the morning, heading westward through the heart of Tanzania’s scenic countryside. As you ascend into the lush Ngorongoro Highlands on The Authentic Bush Trail, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of rolling hills, local farms, and Maasai villages scattered along the way. The drive continues around the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, offering a brief but breathtaking glimpse into this world-renowned natural wonder on The Authentic Bush Trail.

As you descend onto the vast plains of the Serengeti, The Authentic Bush Trail reveals a dramatic change in landscape, signaling the start of your first game drive. With your experienced guide leading the way on The Authentic Bush Trail, you’ll explore the southern and central regions of the park, where wildlife sightings begin almost immediately zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, and predators like lions and cheetahs may appear at any moment. This scenic drive is more than just a transfer it is a core experience of The Authentic Bush Trail, transitioning from highland beauty to the raw wilderness of the Serengeti.

Serengeti National Park

Arrive in the afternoon and continue your The Authentic Bush Trail experience with a game drive in Seronera (central Serengeti) until late evening. Enjoy the sunset over the plains on The Authentic Bush Trail, with a chance to witness predators hunting or on a kill. Later, head to Seronera campsite, completing a remarkable day on The Authentic Bush Trail.

Accommodation

✓  Name: Seronera Public Campsite
✓  Type: Bush Camp
✓  Level: Budget Camping

Day 04 :

Serengeti national park

Seronera, Serengeti National Park
After an early breakfast will go on an early game drive with a short walk within the park seeing a lot of animals till afternoon where will head to camp for lunch and packing doing a game drive while we exit the Serengeti heading to Simba campsite with crater view (2hrs drive) near rim of Ngorongoro crater.

Accommodation

✓  Name: Ngorongoro Simba campsite
✓  Type: Bush camp
✓  Level: Budget

Day 05 :

Ngorongoro Crater

After some breakfast, you will depart the lodge with a picnic lunch and descend into the amazing Ngorongoro Crater. When you arrive at the edge of the crater and take in the amazing view of one of the Natural Wonders of the World you'll be surprised. The crater of this inactive volcano is approximately 3 million years old, 20 km in size, and the largest unbroken volcanic caldera in the world. It is possible to see all of Africa's Big Five within the crater among a vast array of other wildlife including hundreds of bird species. You'll enjoy not less than six hours of game drives in the crater before departing and heading to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation

✓  Name: Arusha Touristin
✓  Type: Hotel
✓  Level: Budget

Day 05 :

Arusha City Tour & Airport Drop-Off

Make the most of your final day in Tanzania with a guided Arusha City Tour before heading to the airport! This experience gives you a taste of local life, culture, and history — all in one enriching half-day adventure.
🌍 Arusha City Tour Highlights:
1. Central Market Visit
Explore the bustling local market where you’ll see colorful displays of fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, textiles, and handcrafted items — a great place for last-minute souvenirs and an authentic taste of everyday Tanzanian life.
2. Cultural Heritage Centre
Discover Tanzanian art, crafts, and history at this beautifully designed center. You can browse artworks, learn about the diverse tribes of Tanzania, and even shop for high-quality souvenirs and gemstones like Tanzanite.
3. Clock Tower Landmark
Snap a photo at the famous Arusha Clock Tower, said to be the halfway point between Cairo and Cape Town — a historic symbol in the heart of the city.
4. Local Lunch (Optional)
If time allows, enjoy a delicious local or international meal at a recommended restaurant or café in Arusha before your journey to the airport.

✈️ Airport Drop-Off
After the city tour, you’ll be comfortably transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), depending on your flight. Our driver will ensure you arrive on time and assist with your luggage for a smooth departure.

Frequently Asked Questions –Budget Shared Camping Safari

Expand all

What is a Private Camping Safari:

A Private Camping Safari is an exclusive and personalized safari experience where you and your travel group enjoy the adventure of camping in the wild with the privacy of your own vehicle, guide, and dedicated support crew. Unlike shared safaris, this type of safari is tailored specifically to your pace, interests, and schedule—offering greater flexibility and a more intimate connection with nature.

Do I need to bring my own camping equipment?

No, all camping gear is provided — including tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, chairs, tables, and cooking equipment. Just bring your personal items and a sense of adventure!

What kind of meals are provided?

A private safari chef will prepare fresh, hot meals daily — including breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner. We cater to all dietary preferences (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) if requested in advance.

Will we see the Big Five?

Tanzania offers some of the best chances to see the Big Five — lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino — especially in Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. While sightings are never guaranteed, your guide will do their best to track them down for you!

What are the toilet and shower facilities like?

Campsites usually have shared basic facilities such as flushing toilets and cold or occasionally warm showers. In remote areas, we may use portable toilets or bucket showers for comfort and hygiene.

Light, neutral-colored clothing (layers for warm days & cool mornings)
Comfortable walking shoes
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
Insect repellent
Binoculars and a camera
Travel documents, including passport and travel insurance

Is it safe to go on safari in Tanzania?

Yes, Tanzania is generally safe for tourists. Our professional driver-guides are trained in both safety and hospitality. All accommodations are secure, and we follow all national park safety protocols.

Is the camping safari safe?

Yes, it’s safe. Our campsites are located in designated areas with ranger presence, and your guide is trained to handle wildlife encounters. You will be given a safety briefing on the first day.

What’s the best time to go on safari?

The safari season in Tanzania is excellent year-round. However, the dry season (June to October) is best for game viewing, while December to March is ideal for calving season in the Serengeti. The Great Migration can be witnessed at different times depending on your travel month.

Can children join this safari?

Absolutely! This safari is family-friendly and suitable for children aged 2 and above. We recommend letting us know if you’re traveling with young kids so we can tailor the experience for comfort and safety.

What wildlife will I see?

Depending on your route and season, you can expect to see lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, and possibly leopards and rhinos, among many other species.