8 Days Safari in Tanzania and Zanzibar Beach Holiday
CategoriesSafari in Tanzania By adminabl

How much does a safari in Tanzania cost?

On average, cost of a budget safari with basic accommodation starts around $200 per person per day. A mid-range safari with lodging starts from $350 to $400 per person, per day. While a luxury safari will starts over $800 per person, per day. Keep in mind that this does not include international flights, visa fees, vaccinations, travel insurance, and other incidentals. Tanzania is one of Africa’s more expensive safari destinations. By gaining insights into the safari cost in Tanzania, you can plan a memorable adventure that suits your preferences and budget.

The costings table here gives an instant overview of how much the average Tanzania safari will cost, depending on your travel style. Using this table allows you to quickly match your daily budget to the kind of Tanzania safari you can afford.

Comfort LevelPrivate (per day)Group (per day)
Budget Camping250 $ 225 $
Budget Accommodation225 $225 $
Mid Range Accommodation375 $325 $
Luxury Accommodation550 $500 $
Luxury Plus Accommodation1.000 $n/a
Rates in USD $
Excluding additional costs, such as international flights, tips and personal items

Safari cost in Tanzania

When planning a Tanzanian safari, it’s important to consider the various factors that contribute to the total cost. These include the cost of renting a safari vehicle and hiring a private guide, as well as the entrance fees for national parks. While the first two factors are generally fixed prices, you may be able to save money on entrance fees by sharing the safari vehicle with other travelers.

Keep in mind that these fees can be quite expensive, with Ngorongoro Crater charging $300 per day for a safari jeep, plus an additional $78.50 per person. Accommodation costs can also vary greatly depending on the level of luxury and exclusivity you choose. Overall, while Tanzania is known as one of the world’s best safari countries, it can also be an expensive destination, but careful planning and research can help you budget accordingly.

Safari cost in Tanzania

6 factors influencing the Safari cost in Tanzania

Whether you’re a budget-conscious traveler or seeking a luxurious experience, it’s important to consider various aspects that can affect the overall expenses. Let’s explore 6 key factors that impact the cost of a Tanzania safari, allowing you to make informed decisions and tailor your adventure to suit your preferences.

1. Length of Stay: Making the Most of Your Time

The duration of your safari plays a significant role in determining the cost. Typically, full-package safaris offer slightly cheaper per-day costs for longer stays. Additionally, hiring a jeep and driver for an extended period tends to be more cost-effective. It’s worth noting that park entry fees are charged on a 24-hour basis and do not decrease with a longer stay. However, keep an eye out for special offers from safari camps and lodges that may provide free nights after a certain number of days.

2. Level of Comfort: Finding the Perfect Accommodation

The level of comfort you desire greatly influences the overall expenses. Opting for basic camping and preparing your own meals can significantly reduce costs compared to luxurious four-star accommodations. Surprisingly, even basic lodging options in Tanzania can sometimes exceed the prices of mid-range accommodations in popular European cities. Thus, carefully consider your comfort requirements and budget when selecting accommodation.

3. Safari cost Group Size: Sharing the Adventure

The size of your group directly affects the cost per person. On fully organized safaris, having a larger group can significantly decrease expenses. However, it’s important to strike a balance, as overcrowding may compromise the quality of your safari experience. Private safaris allow you to choose your travel companions, fostering a more intimate and enjoyable journey.

4. Timing: Highs and Lows of the Safari Seasons

The timing of your Tanzania safari plays a crucial role in cost fluctuations. High season, spanning from June to September and mid-December to mid-January, attracts higher prices due to increased demand. The late February period, coinciding with the wildebeest birthing season in the southern Serengeti, is also a popular but expensive time for safaris. On the other hand, low season from March to May offers more affordable rates, with prices often up to 50% lower than high season. The months between high and low seasons, such as October to mid-December and late May to mid-June, strike a balance between cost, weather, and overall value.

5. Which parks you want to go to

Your choice of safari destinations within Tanzania can significantly impact the cost. Popular attractions like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Nyerere National Park often come with higher price tags. However, exploring lesser-known parks like Katavi, Saadani, or Arusha National Parks allows you to witness an abundance of wildlife at a more affordable cost. These hidden gems provide a win-win situation, offering diverse wildlife encounters and budget-friendly entry fees and accommodations.

6. Add-On Activities

Adding special activities to your safari, such as taking a hot-air balloon ride, can elevate your experience but also increase expenses. A hot-air balloon ride across the Serengeti offers breathtaking views but comes with a starting price of 600 $ per person.

Safari cost in Tanzania

Safari cost in Tanzania: include/exclude

A budget safari in Tanzania includes meals, transport, accommodation, game drives, park fees, an english professional driver/guide, all transportation and bottled drinking water. It will not include airport transfers, accommodation before and after your safari, local flights and any special meals and drinks that are not on the itinerary.

A mid-range safari would include airport transfers and may include some flights within Tanzania. Special meals and drinks might also be included on some days, depending on the accommodation. And safari vehicles would generally be less-crowded than on a budget safari. 

Safari cost in Zanzibar

Compared to mainland safari accommodation, Zanzibar offers much more affordable options. You can stay at our premium Class accommodation on this beautiful tropical island for only $60 per person per night. The lodge we have selected is located on the beach in one of Zanzibar’s most picturesque villages.

In conclusion, a Tanzania safari’s cost is influenced by numerous factors, providing travelers with a range of options to suit their preferences and budgets. By carefully considering the length of stay, level of comfort, location of accommodation, group size, timing, transportation, destination choice, add-on activities, extensions, and specialized interests, you can plan a safari that aligns with your desires while optimizing your budget. Embrace the adventure, explore the diverse landscapes, and create unforgettable memories in the heart of Tanzania’s wildlife-rich havens.

Africa bucket list
CategoriesSafari in Tanzania By adminabl

Best safari in Tanzania

The Best Safaris in Tanzania: A Wildlife Adventure Like No Other

Tanzania is home to some of the most breathtaking wildlife safaris in the world; and it can be hard to choose which safari to go on among all the options on offer. That’s why we’ve created this list of the top 10 safaris in Tanzania; so you can plan your trip with confidence.

1. Serengeti national park

The Serengeti national park is easily one of Africa’s best safari destinations. This great Kenyan National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, from giraffes and zebras to lions and elephants. The Serengeti national park is most famous for its annual migration of wildebeest, which draws huge crowds every year. In fact, it’s estimated that 2 million animals travel between Kenya and Tanzania as part of their seasonal migration.

2. Mlolo Safari Lodge

Mlolo Safari Lodge is one of the best safari lodges in Tanzania. It sits on a hillside overlooking Ngorongoro and provides stunning views from almost every angle. The staff at Mlolo is incredibly accommodating, but be prepared to splurge; prices start at about $560 per person per night for a five-night stay. If you’re looking for luxury or want to be close to a national park, Mlolo might be perfect for you! However, if you’re hoping to save money and/or stay somewhere off-the-beaten path, these other options may work better.

3. Ngorongoro Crater

This is a relatively small national park, but it’s very special. Maybe one of the best safari in Tanzania. It lies at an elevation of over 9,000 feet above sea level and experiences some of Africa’s lowest temperatures. The result is that it’s one of East Africa’s most biodiverse protected areas. During your visit to Ngorongoro Crater, you’ll likely spot elephants, gazelles, buffalo and rhinos. Plus, there are also thousands of flamingos and other water birds found here each year. If you’re visiting from December through March during a full moon, you’ll be able to see them gather on neighboring Lake Ndutu to feast on fish; it’s one of nature’s great spectacles!

4. Tarangire National Park

Of all the great safari destinations in Africa, there’s no place quite like Tarangire National Park. Located on northern Tanzania’s eastern border with Kenya; it features some of most beautiful tall-grass savannah landscapes that East Africa has to offer. The park is best known for its impressive wildlife populations and iconic elephant sightings. But birders will also love it particularly during November and December when masses of waterbirds flock to its marshy lakes and rivers. If you’re not a birder, fear not; Tarangire is still one of east Africa’s most rewarding parks thanks to spectacular scenery and fascinating cultural landscapes. The best time to visit Tarangire is during the summer season.

5. Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is known for its tree climbing lions, endangered rhinos and hippos. The park is in northern Tanzania and covers over 30,000 acres. It’s popular with tourists looking to see wildlife up close and enjoy a bit of nature too. One of Manyara’s most prominent features is Lake Manyara itself. The lake attracts many birds and water-loving animals, including flamingos, which nest along its shores each year. Other animal inhabitants include elephants, giraffes and impalas. Manyara has four campsites where visitors can stay on their trip to Lake Manyara National Park; they range from luxury options to tent sites at various price points depending on what you’re looking for.

6. Mount Kilimanjaro

If you’re looking for a true safari adventure, look no further than Mount Kilimanjaro. At 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), it is Africa’s highest peak and probably its most stunning sight as well. There are plenty of different routes up to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters or 19,341 feet), including Marangu Route and Machame Route. You can climb up on your own or with a guide—although make sure to bring lots of water with you because there’s nowhere to resupply on your way up. It offers a stunning view of a sunrise on the rooftop of Africa.

7. Olduvai Gorge

One of Africa’s richest archeological sites; Olduvai Gorge is located in northern Tanzania and gives visitors a glimpse into the early history of man. It has been called one of the most significant paleoanthropological sites in existence; and it is thought that over 70% of all hominid fossils discovered worldwide were unearthed here. At Olduvai Gorge you can walk through 500 million years of history, seeing where our ancestors first evolved and how they lived millions of years ago. It is also home to many plant species that have disappeared from other parts of Africa. Perhaps most interesting though is how much evidence there is to suggest that climate change may have led humans out of Africa toward cooler areas with less rainfall, eventually leading them all over Europe and Asia.

8. Singita Grumeti Reserves

Rubondo Island Camp & Retreat Center is not your typical safari destination. Instead of seeking out game, you’ll be relaxing on your own island paradise. There are no roads to Rubondo—just a pristine lagoon and a 700-hectare (1,750-acre) private reserve that’s home to roughly 80 animals, including lions, hippos and crocodiles. Water activities include snorkeling, kayaking and fishing; there’s also an option for a guided tour of nearby Mahale Mountains National Park on Rubondo Island Camp’s stately dhows (ancient Arab sailing vessels). Overnight guests get complimentary use of kayaks and boogie boards as well as one free hour of snorkeling per day.

9. Rubondo Island Camp & Retreat Center

Rubondo Island Camp & Retreat Center (RICC) is a remote bush camp near Rubondo Island, north of Lake Victoria. The camp specializes in safari-style accommodations; day and night game drives, mokoro excursions (dugout canoes), cultural visits to nearby villages, open water swimming and boating on Lake Victoria. With only 12 thatched chalets set on stilts above a rock outcrop next to Victoria Nyanza (the lake), RICC is one of Africa’s most exclusive camps. When you visit RICC, you will have access to more than 16 miles of trails through pristine African bush bordering two lakes.

10. Ruaha National Park

Discover the untouched beauty of Ruaha National Park, a hidden gem in southern Tanzania. This vast wilderness is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, and rare antelope species. With its rugged terrain and scenic landscapes, Ruaha offers a sense of solitude and tranquility that is unmatched. Explore the park on a game drive or opt for a guided walking safari to truly immerse yourself in its unspoiled splendor.

11. Selous Game Reserve

For those seeking a more remote and off-the-beaten-path safari adventure, the Selous Game Reserve is the perfect destination. Spanning over 50,000 square kilometers, it is the largest game reserve in Africa and offers a unique wilderness experience. Embark on a boat safari along the Rufiji River, where crocodiles and hippos bask in the sun, or venture on a walking safari to encounter wildlife up close and personal. The Selous Game Reserve is a haven for intrepid explorers.