Safaris can range widely in cost – depending on how many days, how many people, the level of luxury you’re looking for and many other factors.
How Much Does a Safari Cost? A Guide to Tanzania Safari Prices
An Investment in Adventure
When people first look into Tanzania safari prices, they might experience a moment of ‘sticker shock’.
As a developing nation, many people expect Tanzania to be a cheap destination. However, the safari industry is big business in Tanzania, and those looking for a bargain might be surprised when they see how much a safari costs.
We like to consider your safari an investment. You’re spending your money to create memories that you will cherish for a lifetime.
But what goes in to the cost of a Tanzanian safari?
We’re glad you asked!
Tanzanian safari costs vary greatly depending on the type of safari, accommodation, and season, ranging from roughly $200 to $1500 or more per person per day. Budget safaris can be found for around $200, mid-range for $350-$600, and luxury safaris can exceed $1,500 per day.
There are a number of factors that contribute to the final price tag that gets attached to your safari:
- Duration;
- Standard of accommodation;
- National parks;
- Optional activities;
- Transfers;
- Domestic flights;
- Number of travelers;
- Time of year.
All of the above come into the equation when your Serengeti Joy Tours expert is calculating the cost of your Tanzanian safari adventure.
A four day camping safari with six people is going to be cheaper per person than a five day luxury safari for two people.
We are often asked in the Tanzania Safari Faq’s or queries that we receive from our clients – How much does a safari cost in Tanzania?
The Answer is simple, the implications of your Tanzania Safari Cost is determined by the type of accommodation you are opting for. We provide budget/mid range, standard luxury accommodation, and of course the up market lodges/ tented camps. The Duration of your safari also determines the price of safari along with the total number of people traveling with you in your group.
Cost Factors for Tanzania Safaris
The Average Cost of Safari in Tanzania is dependent on the following factors:
Duration (length of stay);
For how long you are planning your Tanzania Safari Tours determines your safari cost in many ways. For those planning a budget safari can choose a shorter itinerary. This is not a bad idea as in just four days you can visit the three main national parks and enjoy memorable game drives. However a longer itinerary is more fruitful as Tanzania has so much to offer and not less than a week or more is required to cover all the must see magical destinations of this East African country.
Accommodation type;
Whether you are choosing a luxury stay or a budget accommodation will determine the price of your safari in great details. Ranging from camping to budget lodges to tented camps to luxurious properties, there are different accommodation types for all budgets in Tanzania.
Number of travelers;
For your transportation costs, the number of people traveling out for as it can decrease per head cost to a great deal. Traveling solo for an East African safari can be costly. Therefore to consider traveling with a relative or friend to share costs and make the safari affordable is a great idea.
Transfers and Extra cars;
The Tanzania Travel Cost includes all transfers like Airport to your accommodation pickup or to the place where your guide picked you up from.If you require extra cars, on your cross-country safari or you need to fly between parks, you will be required to pay for two cars on particular days. We do not include international flight costs in our Safari packages.
National parks;
Which Tanzania Destinations you choose to visit will significantly impact the total cost of the safari. The Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area charge about $70 park entry which is higher than the $50 park entry fees charged by Arusha, Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks.
Season/Time of the year;
The Best Time For Safari In Tanzania also determines your safari cost in Tanzania. There are peak season and low seasons. The prices are high during the peak season from June to August and from December to February. In this period you can watch out for the Migration of the Wildebeests in Africa
What is included in your Tanzania safari price?
The safari packages do not include a lot of costs like the international flights, Tanzania Safari Guide tips and more. What are included are – airport transfers in a private Car both on arrival and on departure. Accommodation in and around the national parks in various hotels or lodges in Tanzania are also included in the package cost. The cost of your safari 4×4 vehicle, park entry fees, Conservation fees, Crater Entry fees ( where applicable), ranger fees where applicable, and water during safari are included in the package costs. It is up to you to provide the safari guides or other staff with Tanzania Safari Tips on your tour.
Ready For Tanzania Safari Tours In Budget!
With Lifetime Safaris you will experience the best of Budget Safari Tanzania in an affordable and exciting way. We are flexible with your travel plans and wishes and design customized private tours to different national parks and locations in Tanzania that you will simply fall in love with. Our travel experts and guides will provide you immense knowledge about various Tanzania Safari Facts which are incredibly fascinating.
Choose Serengeti Joy Tours for your next big Tanzania adventures and we promise you won’t be disappointed. Call us now to book your Tanzania safari packages today!
Tanzania is a top destination for birdwatching, with over 1,100 recorded species, including around 35 endemic to the region. The best time for a birding safari is during the green season (November to April) when migratory birds arrive.
Top birding locations include Serengeti National Park, home to 500 species like ostriches, secretary birds, eagles, and vultures. The Usambara Mountains host endemic species like the Usambara Akalat and Spot-throat, while the Ngorongoro Conservation Area features over 500 species, including the rare Lammergeier vulture and Kori Bustard. Ruaha National Park in southern Tanzania offers sightings of African Fish Eagles, Grey Hornbills, Harrier-Hawks, and various eagles, owls, storks, and vultures.
A birding safari typically requires a specialist guide and costs an additional $50-100 per day on top of standard safari prices. For photography, a long-distance lens with 800x magnification or similar is recommended.
Hiking and walking safaris in Tanzania offer a unique way to experience nature up close and can be more affordable than vehicle safaris due to lower park fees in some areas.
By law, a walking safari group can have a maximum of six tourists, all accompanied by an armed ranger for safety. The cost typically ranges from $150 to $200 per person per day.
A balloon safari in Tanzania offers a unique aerial view of wildlife, especially in vast parks like the Serengeti. This experience comes at a premium, typically costing between $550 and $650 per person.
Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak at 4,900m, is a popular trekking destination and home to the Chaga tribe. Hikers can explore the lower slopes in a day or climb to the summit over multiple days. The cost of a Kilimanjaro climb ranges from $1,500 to $6,000 per person for a 3 to 7-day trek, with park fees making up 50-70% of the total cost.
Tanzania’s national parks and conservation areas require entry fees, which vary depending on the location. Below is a breakdown of fees for non-East African citizens, excluding 18% VAT.
Additional charges may apply for vehicle entry, overnight stays, camping, and special permits like sport fishing.
Rates listed are for the peak season (May 16 – March 14).
Discounts apply during the low season (March 15 – May 15) for select parks:
- Serengeti & Nyerere National Parks: Adult fees reduce to $60.
- Lake Manyara, Tarangire & Arusha National Parks: Adult fees reduce to $45.
- Children under 5 years: Free entry.
| National Park/Conservation Area | Adult Fee (16+) | Child Fee (5-15) | Additional Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ngorongoro Crater | $70.80 | $23.60 | Crater visit: $295 per vehicle |
| Serengeti & Nyerere National Parks | $70 | $20 | – |
| Lake Manyara, Tarangire & Arusha National Parks | $50 | $15 | – |
| Kilimanjaro National Park | $70 | $20 | – |
| Katavi, Mikumi, Ruaha, Rubondo, Saadani, Kitulo, Mkomazi, Udzungwa, Burigi-Chato, Ibanda-Kyerwa, Rumanyika-Karagwe, Saanane Island National Parks | $30 | $10 | – |
| Gombe National Park | $100 | $20 | – |
| Mahale National Park | $80 | $20 | – |
| Ugalla River & Kigosi National Parks | $20 | $20 | – |
For the latest updates, visit the official Tanzania National Parks and Ngorongoro Conservation Area websites.