What is the cost of a Safari in Tanzania?
It’s no secret that Tanzania is one of the best places on the planet for a safari. The country offers everything wildlife enthusiasts crave, from the Serengeti National Park to the Ngorongoro Crater, both ideal for spotting the Big Five.
The cost of a safari in Tanzania can vary widely depending on your preferences. Prices can range from around $200 to over $1000.
Several factors can influence the price of your Tanzania safari, such as the level of luxury, the locations you visit, and the time of year.
This price guide provides a comprehensive overview of what impacts the costs of a safari and what you can expect to see within your budget.
Tanzania Safari Budget Levels
When considering How much does a Tanzania Safari Costs per person, it can be easy to get lost in all the cost indications. Yet while cost does play an important part in determining what level of safari you end up having, it should be the only consideration.
This is because budget safaris offer a wholly different experience than top-end safaris. This is not to say that either of them is better, but it’s something that you should certainly take into account before booking Tanzania Safari Packages. Here is a rundown of all the different safari budget levels:
Budget – When you just want the thrill of adventure of being on a safari, and don’t mind staying in basic accommodations – because your end goal is to experience the wonderful surrounding landscapes and wildlife of Tanzania.
Affordable – When you want decent accommodations that don’t take a whole chunk of your money. Plus, you also want to know that it’s clean, safe and of an acceptable standard.
Mid-Range – For safari goers on the lookout for quality experiences but don’t want luxury. Think authentically styled tented camps and safari lodges! It’s not unnecessarily fancy and is still comfortable.
High-end – When you have a desire for the finer things and want lavish amenities and recognize that you’ll get what you pay for and are not afraid to splurge a bit.
Top-end – When you want nothing but the best of the best – Whether it’s world-class services, complete exclusivity, ultra-lavish accommodations or the best wildlife viewing imaginable, settling is not an option here!
Specialty Interests Tanzania Safari Costs
Tanzania Safari Tours offers unique safari experiences that stand out from the usual offerings. These specialty safari tours are perfect for meeting like-minded enthusiasts and sharing experiences. Whether you’re interested in birdwatching, photography, guided walks, or other activities, you’ll find a group that shares your passion. Here’s a quick overview of the various specialized interest safari categories and their associated costs:
Difference Between Budget, Mid-Range, And Luxury Safaris
There are three primary types of Safaris In Tanzania and the Cost of Tanzania Safari differs based on the types – budget, mid-range, and luxury.
Below is a comparison of all three of them:
What Impacts the Cost of an African Safari in Tanzania?
The Time of Year
Tanzania experiences two distinct seasons: the dry season and the wet season.
Dry Season (June to October): This is the best time for a safari in Tanzania due to minimal rainfall, making it easier to spot animals. However, high demand during this period drives up prices.
Wet Season (November to May): These months see heavy rainfall, often causing floods that disrupt popular safari routes, leading to lower demand for wildlife excursions. Safaris during this time are usually cheaper than those in the dry season.
Duration of the Safari
Longer safaris cost more due to additional accommodation, services, and experiences. However, the cost per day often decreases with longer trips.
Type of Accommodation Accommodation choices significantly impact safari costs:
Camping: The cheapest option, with basic or rustic camping facilities. You can cook for yourself and share standard campgrounds with other travelers.
Luxury Lodges: These offer upscale accommodations, gourmet food, and exclusive excursions. Expect significantly higher costs for these options, but the experience is luxurious and comprehensive.
Where You Want to Visit
Different wildlife parks in Tanzania have varying entry fees:
Famous Parks (e.g., Serengeti National Park): Higher entry costs due to their popularity and the wildlife they host.
Lesser-Known Parks (e.g., Saadani National Park): Generally lower entry fees.
The Number of People in Your Group Larger groups often get more affordable rates per person since the cost of running the safari is spread out among more people.
Northern Circuit or Southern Circuit Most safaris in Tanzania follow either the Northern Circuit or the Southern Circuit:
Northern Circuit: The most popular and typically more affordable, including the Serengeti National Park. It offers shorter driving distances between wildlife observation stops, making it convenient and accessible.
Southern Circuit: More challenging with dirt-track roads, fewer facilities, and longer distances to observation points. This circuit attracts travelers seeking a rustic experience, and safari costs are usually higher due to the added complexities of operating in this region.
Extra Tanzania Safari Costs to Consider
Every safari comes with unavoidable costs. Here’s what you need to prepare for:
Visa Costs Most nationalities need to purchase a visa before entering Tanzania. Prices vary depending on your country of origin. Refer to our full visa guide for more details.
Flights to Tanzania Unless traveling overland from a neighboring country, you will need to book flights. Many major capital cities have direct routes to airports in Tanzania, such as Dar es Salaam International Airport and Zanzibar’s Abeid Amani Karume International Airport.
Extra Experiences Want to tick off more bucket list activities, like visiting Mount Kilimanjaro or relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar? These experiences will add to your itinerary costs.
Vaccines Travel vaccines are essential for entering Tanzania. Authorities require proof of necessary vaccinations. This can add to the overall cost of your safari.
Travel Insurance Travel insurance is crucial for any trip to Tanzania. It covers cancellations, illnesses, accidents, and more. Medical insurance is highly recommended when traveling to Africa.
Average Costs of Different Safaris in Tanzania Based on National Parks
The national parks you visit will significantly impact the overall cost of your safari. Here are some average prices you can expect:
Serengeti Safari Prices (From $70 to $650)
Let’s begin by examining the costs associated with a Serengeti Safari:
- Entry Fee: Starts from $70 (plus 18% VAT).
- 2-Day Serengeti Safari:
- Budget Accommodations: From $750 per person, per day.
- Luxury Accommodations: From $1350 per person, per day.
- 3-Day Serengeti Safari:
- Budget Lodges and Campgrounds: From $1250 per person, per day.
- Luxury Lodges and Tented Camps: From $1650 per person, per day.
Ngorongoro Safari Prices (From $70 to $600)
- Entrance Fee:
- High Season: $70
- Low Season: $60
- 1-Day Ngorongoro Safari: From $280 per person.
- 2-Day Ngorongoro Safari: From $395 per person, per day.
- 3-Day Ngorongoro Safari: From $600 per person, per day.
Tarangire Safari Prices (From $50 to $600)
- Entrance Fee:
- High Season: $50 per person.
- Low Season: $45 per person.
- 1-Day Tarangire National Park Safari: From $200 per person.
- 2-Day Tarangire National Park Safari: From $400 per person, per day.
- 3-Day Tarangire National Park Safari: From $600 per person, per day.
Lake Manyara Safari Prices (From $50 to $620)
- Entrance Fee:
- High Season: $50
- Low Season: $45
- 1-Day Lake Manyara National Park Safari: From $200 per person.
- 2-Day Lake Manyara National Park Safari: From $450 per person, per day.
- 3-Day Lake Manyara National Park Safari: From $620 per person, per day.
Arusha National Park Prices (From $50 to $230)
- Entrance Fee:
- High Season: $50
- Low Season: $45
- 1-Day Arusha Safari: From $185 per person.
- 4-Day Horse-Riding Safari in Arusha: From $4000 per person, per day.
- 1-Day Cycling Tour to Arusha National Park: From $230 per person.
A Final Note on Safari Costs in Tanzania
As highlighted in our article, a safari in Tanzania can be a significant investment, especially if you want to experience the best of the country’s wildlife, cultural highlights, and natural beauty.
Opting for a private safari can increase costs, but it also offers a more personalized experience.
At Nyamera Treks and Safaris, we specialize in private and customizable adventures. Contact us to explore our range of options, from affordable to luxury, tailored to suit every traveler.
Beyond offering bespoke safari experiences, we are committed to wildlife conservation. We support various projects focused on positively impacting animal species and work with BCP to offset our travel emissions and reduce atmospheric carbon.
Interested in learning more about our packages? Visit our tours section for more details, or connect with one of our travel designers here.