I’ve been on both expensive and budget safaris in Tanzania. If you’re careful, you can still get a solid experience without paying luxury prices. The truth is simple: budget safaris in Tanzania mean fewer frills, but you still see the same lions, elephants, and giraffes. What changes is comfort, food variety, and crowd levels.
If you know where to cut costs and where not to, you’ll have a better trip than many who spend five times as much.
Table of Contents
Key Points
- Don’t skimp on park fees — they’re fixed, so plan around them and save elsewhere.
- Join a small group safari instead of going private if you’re trying to keep costs down.
- Be honest with yourself about comfort — camping in the bush isn’t for everyone.
Budget Safaris in Tanzania: What to Expect
When people talk about budget safaris in Tanzania, they usually picture roughing it in a tent and eating beans out of a can. It’s not always like that.
A budget trip often means you’ll be in a pop-top Land Cruiser with five or six other travelers, sleeping in pitched tents near the parks, and eating hearty but simple meals like rice, stew, and chapati. Showers might be cold, and bathrooms might be shared.
The catch is that park fees don’t change. Whether you stay in a five-star lodge or a budget tent near Serengeti National Park, you’ll still pay the same entrance fees. For Serengeti, that’s around $70 per day for foreigners, plus vehicle fees. That’s why the biggest savings usually come from accommodation and transport, not from the safari experience itself.
I once joined a budget group heading into Serengeti National Park, and while the drives were crowded at times, I still saw cheetahs hunt and elephants crossing the plains.
If you’re new to Tanzania, I’d recommend starting with a look at this general safari guide before committing. It helps set realistic expectations.
Affordable Options in Northern Tanzania
Most travelers start in the north. This includes Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara. These parks are famous for good reason, but they’re also expensive compared to the south.
Still, there are ways to cut costs.
Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti is vast, with both budget and luxury operators. Budget trips often include basic camping inside or just outside the park. Expect to pay about $200–$300 per day on a group tour. This usually covers transport, guides, park fees, and meals.
Don’t expect privacy or gourmet food. Do expect unforgettable wildlife.
When I stayed near Seronera, the central area, the camp was noisy at night with hyenas calling in the dark. It wasn’t glamorous, but waking up to wildebeest grazing near the tents made it worth the lack of sleep.
If you want to balance budget and experience, avoid peak migration season when prices spike. Check this guide on the best time to safari in Tanzania.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The Ngorongoro Crater is unique. You see an incredible density of animals in a single day. But it’s also one of the most expensive stops. Entry is about $70, plus a crater fee of $250 per vehicle.
If you’re solo, this stings. Joining a group helps spread the cost.
On my visit, the crater floor felt like a zoo — busy with vehicles — but the sheer number of lions and rhinos made it worthwhile.
If you’re tight on budget, I suggest doing a single day here instead of two. I wrote more detail in my Ngorongoro Conservation Area guide.
Tarangire and Lake Manyara
For cheaper alternatives, Tarangire and Lake Manyara are solid. Tarangire National Park is known for elephants and baobab trees. Lake Manyara has tree-climbing lions and flamingos.
Both parks allow you to get close to wildlife without the Serengeti price tag.
I’ve found that a three-day budget trip covering Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro is often the best value. You see a wide range of landscapes and animals without the cost of staying long in Serengeti.
Cheaper Alternatives in Southern and Western Tanzania
If you’re willing to skip the northern circuit, you’ll find real bargains. The parks are harder to reach, but the trade-off is fewer crowds and lower prices.
Ruaha National Park
Ruaha is one of my favorites. It feels raw. Fewer tourists. You can camp along the river and watch elephants come to drink at dusk.
Group tours are less common, so transport costs are higher unless you arrange a local guide. Expect about $150–$250 per day if you join a small operator from Iringa.
When I was there, a lioness walked straight past our camp at night. That’s the kind of intimacy you don’t get in the busier parks. It’s not for everyone, but if you want authenticity, it’s hard to beat.
Nyerere National Park (Selous)
Nyerere National Park is the largest in Africa. It’s accessible from Dar es Salaam, which helps cut costs if you’re already flying there.
You can find budget camping trips for around $120–$200 per day. Boat safaris on the Rufiji River are usually included, which is a nice break from endless game drives.
Katavi and Mahale Mountains
These are remote. Katavi National Park has some of the highest hippo densities I’ve ever seen. Mahale Mountains is all about trekking to see chimpanzees.
Getting there involves charter flights, which makes them pricier. But if you’re already in western Tanzania, it’s worth checking for local group deals. Sometimes researchers or NGOs offer affordable spaces in shared camps.
Practical Tips for Saving Money
I’ve learned that small adjustments make a big difference. Here’s what matters most when planning a budget trip.
First, book group tours whenever possible. Small group safaris in Tanzania are cheaper and often more social.
Second, keep your packing minimal. Renting or buying gear locally is easier than lugging heavy bags. I’ve written about what clothes to bring and how to pack smart.
Finally, don’t underestimate travel logistics. Airports matter. Flying into Kilimanjaro is convenient for the north, but often pricier. Sometimes it’s cheaper to fly into Dar es Salaam and work your way inland.
I wrote a guide to the best airport for safari in Tanzania.
Where to Stay
Accommodation can make or break your budget. I usually aim for basic camps or guesthouses. Sites near Arusha offer tents for $20–$30 per night, and camping inside parks runs about $35–$50 per person.
If you want comfort without blowing your budget, check this guide on where to stay in Tanzania for safari.
Some budget-friendly places I’ve either stayed at or heard consistent good feedback about include:
- Meserani Snake Park Campsite (near Arusha): basic but reliable with an on-site bar and cultural museum.
- Arusha Backpackers Hotel: dorms and simple private rooms right in town, great for meeting other travelers before joining a group tour.
- Twiga Campsite (near Lake Manyara): close to the park entrance with hot showers and a small pool.
- Kizumba Camp (outside Serengeti): simple tents and shared facilities, but waking up near the park gates is worth it.
- Tan-Swiss Lodge (Mikumi): budget rooms and camping options near the southern circuit.
Cost Breakdown
Here’s a rough idea of what to expect:
- Budget camping safaris: $150–$300 per day. Shared vehicles, tents, simple meals.
- Mid-range lodges: $300–$600 per day. Private rooms, better food, smaller groups.
- Luxury lodges: $700–$1,500 per day. Private guides, gourmet meals, premium camps.
More details are in my cost of safari in Tanzania guide.
Final Thoughts
Budget safaris aren’t about cutting corners on the animals you see. They’re about stripping away extras and focusing on the raw experience.
If you plan carefully, you’ll get the same sightings as the luxury crowd. Just be ready for long drives, simple food, and nights where hyenas sniff around your tent.
To make it work, set a daily budget before booking, factor in park fees first, and then shop around for operators who clearly list what’s included.
Always confirm if drinking water, park entry, and camping gear are part of the package. Bring your own snacks, a power bank, and a reliable headlamp — these small steps save both money and hassle once you’re in the bush.
For official park details and fees, I always double-check Tanzania National Parks. It helps me confirm current costs before booking.
