What is the real cost for safari in Tanzania? Well, it depends on where you go, how you travel, and what level of comfort you want.
Some people spend $200 a day. Others spend $1,500 a night. I’ve done both ends of the spectrum, and the truth is this: Tanzania is one of the most expensive safari destinations in Africa, but the value comes from the variety of experiences packed into one country.
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Key Points
- Budget safaris can be found, but they involve compromises in comfort and timing.
- Mid-range safaris give the best balance of cost and experience, especially in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
- Luxury safaris in Tanzania cost more than in Kenya or South Africa because of remote locations and logistics.
Cost for Safari in Tanzania: What You Should Expect
When people ask about the cost for safari in Tanzania, I start by breaking it into three levels: budget, mid-range, and luxury. Each one offers a very different type of trip.
A budget safari starts around $200–$300 per person per day. This usually means camping or staying in simple guesthouses near Arusha or Karatu. Meals are basic, and vehicles often have more guests packed inside. You’ll still see wildlife, but don’t expect comfort.
I once joined a budget safari where the driver doubled as the cook. It worked, but it was rough. For more on budget travel, check my guide to budget safaris in Tanzania.
Mid-range safaris cost about $400–$600 per person per day. This is where most travelers land. You’ll stay in comfortable tented camps or lodges, usually inside or just outside major parks like the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Meals are better, guides are more professional, and vehicles carry fewer passengers. This is the sweet spot for value.
Luxury safaris go from $800 to $1,500+ per person per day. Camps like Singita or &Beyond operate in remote areas of the Serengeti where logistics push costs higher. Flights are usually required to reach these lodges, and everything from imported wine to private guides adds to the price tag.
I once stayed at a camp where the bathroom was larger than my first apartment. It was unforgettable, but you pay dearly for that kind of exclusivity. I cover more examples in my article on luxury safaris in Tanzania.
Park Fees and Hidden Costs
One major cost people forget is park fees. Tanzania charges some of the highest entry fees in Africa. For example, Serengeti National Park costs $70 per adult per day, plus vehicle fees and camping fees if you’re not in a lodge.
The official Tanzania National Parks site lists current prices, and they rise regularly.
Ngorongoro Crater is even more expensive. On top of the daily conservation fee, there’s a $250 vehicle fee to enter the crater itself. If you’re sharing the vehicle with four others, that’s not bad. If you’re alone or with one partner, it adds up fast.
Another hidden cost is internal flights. Driving from Arusha to Serengeti can take eight hours. A flight costs $250–$350 one way, but it saves you a full day of travel.
Baggage limits are tight, though—15 kg including carry-on. I had to leave behind a tripod once because of this.
For anyone planning their trip, I recommend reading my breakdown of the best parks for safari in Tanzania. It helps to know which parks justify the extra expense.
Accommodation Costs: From Camping to Luxury Tents
Where you sleep is a huge factor in cost. In Arusha, you can find budget guesthouses for $30 a night. Near Tarangire National Park or Lake Manyara National Park, there are mid-range lodges around $150–$250 per night. Inside the Serengeti, expect $400–$700 for mid-range tented camps and $1,000+ for luxury lodges.
At Tarangire, I stayed at a camp overlooking a riverbed. Elephants walked past my tent every morning. The price was about $250 a night, which felt fair given the location.
In contrast, at a Serengeti luxury camp I once paid over $1,200 per night. It included a private guide, unlimited drinks, and even laundry service. To compare, you can read my list of the best hotels for safari in Tanzania.
If you’re unsure where to base yourself, I’ve put together advice on where to stay in Tanzania for safari.
Transportation and Logistics
Most safaris start in Arusha, which you reach from Kilimanjaro International Airport. For details, I’ve covered the best airport for safari in Tanzania.
From there, costs depend on whether you drive or fly. Private 4×4 vehicle hire runs $200–$300 per day, usually with a driver-guide included. Fuel is expensive in Tanzania and road conditions can be poor, so even short trips cost more and take longer than travelers expect.
Budget for breakdowns or delays, because they happen more often than operators admit.
Shared group safaris cut costs, with vehicles carrying 6–7 people. It’s cheaper but less flexible. I once joined a shared trip to Lake Manyara where we had to leave early because one guest wanted to shop for souvenirs. That’s the trade-off—your schedule isn’t really your own. For details on this option, see my guide to small group safaris in Tanzania.
Flights to remote parks like Katavi or Mahale Mountains are essential. They cost $400–$600 round trip, and there’s no practical way to drive without wasting days on the road.
Keep in mind these small planes have strict baggage limits and can cancel due to weather, so don’t plan tight connections. If you’re traveling with heavy camera gear, this can be a costly headache.
Food, Gear, and Other Expenses
Food is usually included in lodge and camp prices. Drinks are sometimes extra, especially alcohol. On budget trips, you might be eating rice, beans, and chicken daily.
On luxury safaris, I’ve had five-course meals with wine pairings.
Gear is another hidden cost. If you don’t already have good binoculars, you’ll want them. A decent pair costs $200–$300. Safari clothes add up too, and I wrote a full guide on clothes for safari in Tanzania plus another on packing for safari in Tanzania.
Shoes also matter, especially for walking or photo trips. My guide to shoes for safari in Tanzania explains which ones are worth buying and which aren’t.
Tipping is customary. Plan $10–$20 per day for your guide and $5 per day for camp staff. It’s not mandatory, but it’s expected.
Comparing Safari Costs Across Tanzania
Not all parks cost the same, and it’s easy to overspend if you don’t compare carefully. Serengeti and Ngorongoro are the most expensive, both in fees and accommodation. For example, Serengeti camps can run $500–$1,200 a night and Ngorongoro adds steep vehicle fees on top of daily entry.
Parks like Mikumi or Saadani are cheaper and closer to Dar es Salaam, which reduces logistics costs, but the wildlife density and guiding quality are more limited. I once visited Saadani and saw far fewer large animals than in Tarangire, which made the savings feel less worthwhile.
If you’re weighing cost against value, think about how much time you’ll spend traveling versus actually on game drives. Saving $200 on a lodge isn’t worth it if you spend an extra day on the road.
For a detailed breakdown, I’ve created a guide to safaris in Tanzania that compares experiences by park and region with real examples of what you get for your money.
Budgeting Your Trip Step by Step
Here’s how I recommend travelers plan:
- Decide on your total budget per person. Be honest about what you can spend.
- Choose 2–3 parks that fit both your budget and your travel time.
- Select accommodation that balances comfort with location. Being inside the park is worth the extra money.
- Factor in flights and transfers before you book.
- Add 10–15% cushion for tips, drinks, and last-minute expenses.
I’ve made this mistake myself—budgeting for just the lodge and forgetting about park fees and transfers. The extra charges quickly add 25% to the bill.
For more step-by-step advice, my article on tips for safari in Tanzania covers common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Final Thoughts
The cost of safari in Tanzania is high, but knowing what’s included—and what’s not—saves a lot of stress. From budget camping near Arusha to private luxury in the Serengeti, there’s a wide spectrum.
Just don’t expect Tanzania to be cheap. Even the budget option comes with high park fees and long travel times.
The payoff is seeing wildebeest herds move across the plains, lions resting in the shade, and elephants walking past your tent. That’s what makes the expense worth it.
