Pros & cons
PROS
- Central Seronera base with easy access to game-drive loops
- Wild, unfenced setting with frequent nighttime wildlife around camp
- Shared kitchen and dining shelters with running water
CONS
- Cold-only showers and cleanliness can be hit-or-miss
- No guest electricity or Wi‑Fi
Overview
Pimbi Public Campsite sits in the Seronera area of central Serengeti—a simple, budget-friendly public camp that trades frills for location and a true wilderness vibe. Expect hyena, buffalo, giraffe, even lions moving near or through camp after dark, with kopjes nearby setting the classic Serengeti scene. If you want a raw, close-to-nature night between game drives, this is the right kind of roughing it.
Facilities at a Glance
- Communal ablution block with running-water toilets; cleanliness and flushing reliability vary, and there’s typically no lighting at night.
- Cold-water showers; pressure/flow can be inconsistent.
- Enclosed communal kitchen and a separate dining shelter used by tour cooks; independent campers should be self-sufficient.
- Parking beside the camping area; no on-site shop or restaurant, and no guest power or Wi‑Fi.
Setting and Wildlife
Pimbi is unfenced, so animals genuinely share the space. Reports of hyena, buffalo, giraffe, rock hyrax—and occasional lions—are normal here. After sunset, keep movements to a minimum, use a headlamp, and follow your guide’s directions. Keep food sealed and don’t leave anything outside your tent overnight.
Access and How It Works
This is one of TANAPA’s Seronera public camps, handy for exploring the central plains and near the Seronera airstrip. Public camps are typically reserved/assigned via TANAPA or bundled by safari operators. Independent travelers usually confirm space and pay at the gate—expect park entry fees plus a per‑person public camping fee, with rates updated periodically.
What It’s Best For
- Travelers prioritizing location and wildlife over comfort.
- Overlanders and guided budget safaris that bring their own kit and cooks.
What It’s Not For
- Anyone needing hot showers, charging points, or dependable facilities on par with lodges.
Best Time to Visit
Arrive by late afternoon to pitch before dark—there’s usually no lighting in the ablutions or around camp. Evenings can get busy when tour groups return to cook; early mornings are ideal for heading straight out on game drives. Crowd levels ebb and flow with season and operator traffic.
Extra Tip
Campfires can often be arranged by camp staff for a small fee if requested in advance; bring your own essentials (headlamp, TP/soap, wipes, flip‑flops, power bank) and plan to charge devices in your vehicle.
Where it is
-2.4217, 34.8512Tips for Pimbi Public Campsite
- 01Bring a headlamp—there’s typically no lighting in the ablutions at night.
- 02Arrive before dusk to pitch tents and get oriented safely.
- 03Pack TP, soap, wet wipes, and flip‑flops for the showers.
- 04Bring a power bank and plan to charge devices in your vehicle; there’s no mains electricity.
- 05Keep food sealed and avoid leaving items outside your tent overnight.
Amenities
Near Pimbi Public Campsite
All places →All trails →
0.4 mi awayNyani Public CampsiteBasic bush camp near Seronera with wildlife at your tentCampground · Restroom
0.7 mi awayTumbili Public CampsiteSimple Seronera camp with wildlife roaming and a secure dining shelterCampground · Restroom
0.8 mi awayNgiri Public CampsiteBasic Seronera camp with shelters, cold showers, and big-cat accessRestroom · Campground
0.9 mi awaySerengeti Research Institute (Seronera)Historic Serengeti research hub in the heart of Seronera
9.6 mi awayRetina Hippo Pool WalkDrive-up hippo spectacle with short, easy stroll and big photo payoffEasy · 0.3 mi · 30 min
23.3 mi awayMoru Kopjes Gong Rock TrailShort scramble to Maasai rock art and the Serengeti’s ‘gong’ rockEasy · 0.3 mi · 30 min
30.1 mi awayNaabi Hill Nature TrailShort kopje walk with sweeping Serengeti plains views and wildlife scanningEasy · 0 mi · 30 minLamai Kopjes WalkGuided kopje walk to big sky views and sundowners over the plains.Moderate · 0 mi · 0 min
