A game drive in the Serengeti or a complete Tanzania safari adventure is a dream many wildlife enthusiasts hold close. But navigating the costs often seems like navigating the vast savannahs and open plains itself.
Whether you’re marvelling at the Great Migration, peering into the Ngorongoro Crater, or trekking through untouched wilderness in Selous, understanding the financial aspects is crucial.
Nonetheless, expect to spend anything from $250 to $900 daily during your Tanzania safari.
Quick Summary About Tanzania Safaris
From wildlife to climatic diversity, bush dinners to hot air balloon safaris, here’s a quick summary of what Tanzania safaris have to offer. These pointers will help you understand what affects the prices of camping safaris in Tanzania:
- Wildlife parks like Tarangire and Ruaha offer immersive walking safari expeditions.
- Serengeti offers an aerial view (through hot air balloon safaris) of the migrating herds
- Sundowners and forest dinners are a norm for unique dinner experiences with traditional music and dance.
- Quick fly-in travel between wildlife parks via small aircrafts to maximize your safari time.
- Maasai, Hadzabe, and Datoga local tribes present opportunities for cultural interactions.
- 1,100+ bird species in Tanzania make this location a birdwatching paradise.
- Explore the Big Five (lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants, and buffalos) for a once-in-a-lifetime safari vacation.
- Watch the Great Migration as 2+ million wildebeest and zebras barge across the Serengeti for the annual migration cycle.
- Explore private conservancies for sightings of nocturnal animals.
- Accommodation options range from luxury and budget family-friendly to solo traveller lodges and campsites.
Your costs will vary depending on whether your safari itinerary includes birdwatching, private game drives, fly-in transit, and a combination of wildlife parks. If the best time to visit Tanzania for safaris is your choice, expect to pay more than the average pricing throughout the year.
The last thing you want because of poor budgeting is to compromise on a night safari or bonus off-roading opportunity to see mating lions.
This guide will share all Tanzania safari prices across this wildlife hotspot.
What Are the Different Types Of Safaris in Tanzania?
For travellers seeking comfort in luxury lodges or those searching for the rawness of a wilderness camp, there’s a safari type for everybody:
Classic Safaris
This popular safari type in Tanzania typically involves game drives in renowned wildlife parks like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire. Their emphasis is on revealing wildlife activity in abundance across stunning landscapes.
You’ll be seated in a 4×4 vehicle as your guide takes you through the main tourist routes charted for wildlife viewing. If you time your trip right, you can expect to catch the much-coveted Big Five or witness the Great Migration in full effect.
Exposure to diverse ecosystems makes classic safaris ideal for first-time visitors and those curious about Tanzania’s natural heritage.
Specialized Safaris
Tanzania offers several specialized safaris for wildlife enthusiasts with specific interests:
- Night Game Drives: These specialized safaris mainly focus on viewing wildlife activity at night. If you’re curious about how nocturnal animals thrive at night, you can add this specialized safari to your itinerary.
- Photographic Safaris: The primary agenda here is to practice your wildlife photography skills. Your guide will assist you with camera mounts in your vehicle to capture captivating wildlife shots that tell stories of the wild. Expect to learn a thing or two about lighting and angling when filming animals from the safari.
- Birdwatching Safaris: These safaris come with specialist guides who provide insights into the vast avian life. Birds mating on trees or hunting for their offspring – these safaris are best visited with binoculars.
- Walking Safaris: Often conducted in less trafficked areas, walking safaris offer a raw wildlife viewing experience. You can discover animal tracks, collect flora, and understand how the ecosystem in such wildlife areas is interconnected.
Luxury vs. Budget Safari
While luxury safaris offer premier lodges or tented camps with gourmet meals, budget safaris typically use shared facilities. Of course, the top-tier accommodation is more personalized within further secluded settings, but the thrill of affordable safaris lies in the rawness of smaller campsites and communal experiences.
Remember, luxury safaris come with the privileges of butler services, spa treatment, and privatized wildlife spotting thrills. On the contrary, the rusticity of budget safaris keeps high-end comforts at bay and pushes you to be more one with nature.
What Are the Factors Affecting Safari Prices in Tanzania?
Look into this expert breakdown of what influences safari prices in Tanzania:
- Seasonality: High season vs. low season pricing
The high season of June to October and December to February coincide with the dry season. This preferable climatic condition makes this a peak season for wildlife viewing, especially for catching the Great Migration in the Serengeti.
Though crowds may be large, the area’s focus on ecosystem preservation ensures you spot memorable wildlife events without affecting the habituation patterns of the animals.
In case of the low season from March to May, the long rains can make camping messy. Although the rates are considerably lower, your comfort is highly compromised. What’s interesting to watch is the surreal transformation of barren lands to lush greenery and how the animal kingdom stays sheltered amid the wild.
- Accommodation: Luxury lodges vs. tented camps vs. budget campsites
The variety of accommodations makes Tanzania safaris affordable to different budgets.
Choose luxury lodges for a sense of exclusivity through fine dining and swimming pools.
Opt for tented camps for a closer connection to nature through a bush experience.
If economical is your jam and self-catering is a habit, look into budget campsites that suit backpackers.
- Duration: Short vs. extended safaris
Shorter safaris of 1-3 days are generally less expensive and focus on areas near main entry points like Arusha or Dar es Salaam. These safaris won’t show you the intimate nature of wildlife, but surely a snapshot of the region’s animal activity.
Extended safaris of 4-11 days provide a much deeper exploration of the wildlife ecosystem in Tanzania. Though definitely more costly, the slower pace and more time to catch the Big Five in action make these safaris more valuable in terms of experience.
- Group Size: Private vs. group tours
The personalized nature of private tours is perfect for families or groups seeking privacy. You’re allowed flexibility in scheduling and can customize meals, safaris, and day-to-day itineraries to your suitability. These factors make private safaris more costly.
On the other hand, group tours are budget-friendly. This may lack the personalized touch and instead require you to adjust with people. Also, the transportation and guide costs are spread among several people, making it cheaper.
- Inclusions: Meals, activities, park fees, transportation
Add-on costs can significantly increase the price of your Tanzania safari. Overland travel, domestic flights, entrance fees, bush dining, balloon rides, or guided flora walks – each can bring up your costs by margins.
For example, park fees range from $20 to $70. That alone for a week can cost anything from $140 to $490 for your safari vacation. Similarly, tipping approximately $7 a day brings up your costs. Your guides will expect tips for their assistance on your wildlife viewing expedition.
Difference Between Budget, Mid-Range, And Luxury Safaris
Note that budget safaris cost $100 to $250 daily, mid-range safaris cost $250 to $500, and luxury safaris can go up to $500 to $1,500 for each day. Here’s a comparison between all three safari types:
| Feature | Budget Safari | Mid-Range Safari | Luxury Safari |
| Accommodation | Basic campsite with minimal amenities | Comfortable stay with hot water and cosy beds | High-end homes in stunning, secluded settings with top-level amenities |
| Transportation | Overland vehicles | Smaller safari vehicles, sometimes private | Customized, spacious safari vehicles, often private |
| Meals | Basic and repetitive meals in buffet style | Better variety with local cuisines | Gourmet dining with fine wines and premium ingredients |
| Guides | Handle larger groups so less personal interaction | More personalized and dedicated to smaller groups | Experts with specialization in certain wildlife or photography skills |
| Group Size | Usually larger groups of 10+ to keep individual costs low | Smaller groups to offer more interaction and flexibility | Private groups for bespoke itineraries |
| Safari Areas | Accessible and potentially crowded | Access to broader areas, including private concessions | Exclusive access to private reserves and less-trafficked areas |
| Activities | Standard game drives with the scope of night drives or walking safaris | More variety, including cultural visits and balloon safaris | Even larger variety, including private bush dinners and helicopter tours |
Tanzania Safari Types and Costs
Tanzania’s safari types come with different costings and offerings for each; here’s a detailed explanation:
Group Safari
Group safaris cost $150 to $250 per person per day, depending on the safari’s length. You’ll travel with other tourists in a shared vehicle, usually a 4×4 or minivan. Though the itinerary is predetermined, group safaris are a great way to meet new people.
You’ll likely visit well-known parks like the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. Note that these safaris often align with the Great Migration in the Serengeti, where millions of wildebeest and zebra traverse in search of fresh grazing lands. The intensity of dramatic predator interactions is a sight to watch.
Specialized Group Safaris
Specialized group safaris cost $200 to $400 per person per day because of the expert guides and tailored experiences. It may be similar to group safaris but with a specific focus on birdwatching, photographing, calving, animal river crossings, or more.
Expect visits to predator-heavy regions for photographers or bird-rich areas like Lake Manyara for birdwatchers. Keep in mind that birding safaris can yield sightings of endemic species and migrants. Likewise, photographic safaris are ideal for capturing stunning golden hour scenes with photography guides.
Private Tanzania Safari Costs
Private safaris start at $300 per person per day and can increase according to your desired luxuries and safari length. You’ll be offered more time to spare on sightings. This is your chance to linger by a lion pride or follow a hunting cheetah without the pressure to move on. Furthermore, this intimate viewing experience boosts your chances of seeing elusive animals like wild dogs and hyenas in action.
Leverage the flexibility of private safaris for extended game drives and visits to tribal areas for cultural interactions.
Customized Private Safaris
Customized private safaris cost anywhere from $400 to $1000 per person daily, depending on exclusivity, transportation (including chartered flights), and homestays. Whether tracking certain animals, visiting remote spots, or staying at eco-friendly lodges, the experience is all about you!
These safaris venture into less-travelled parks like Katavi or Mahale. Get ready to watch herds of chimpanzees in their original habitat and tree-climbing lions setting up for kills in stealth mode.
Luxury Tanzania Safari Costs
This safari type goes from $600 to $2000 per person per day. It doesn’t get any more luxurious with these 5-star lodges and luxury tented camps topped with gourmet meals and sublime hospitality.
From spa therapies in the wild to access to private conservancies, your safari experience more than surpasses standard game drives. For example, you can choose bespoke activities like helicopter rides for aerial wildlife viewing or private boat safaris in Selous Game Reserve.
Did You Know: Tanzania is home to 310+ mammal species, including the less spotlighted ones like the serval, caracal, and African civet.
Safari costs for Various Circuits in Tanzania
Tanzania safari package prices can vary based on the northern, southern, or western circuits:
- Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, Tarangire – Northern Circuit
– Budget safaris cost $150-$250
– Mid-range safaris cost $300-$500
– Luxury safaris cost $600-$2000
- Selous, Ruaha – Southern Circuit
– Budget safaris cost $200-$350
– Mid-range safaris cost $400-$700
– Luxury safaris cost $800-$1500
- Katavi, Mahale – Western Circuit
– Budget safaris cost $300-$500 (less developed for budget travel)
– Mid-range safaris cost $600-$1200
– Luxury safaris cost $1200-$2500 (including chimpanzee trekking)
Note that these are costs per person per day.
Safari costs for National Parks in Tanzania
National Park safari prices in Tanzania can vary considerably. Here are some costings:
- Serengeti National Park
– Day trips cost $50-$200 per person, excluding park fees
– Overnight $200-$2000 per person per night, inclusive of accommodation, meals, and game drives
2. Ngorongoro Crater
– Pay $70.80 per person per day as an entry fee
– Safaris cost $200-$2000 per person per night, including accommodation
3. Tarangire National Park
– Pay $53 per person per day as park fee
– Safaris cost $150-$700 per person per day, including game drives
4. Ruaha National Park
– Pay $30 per person per day as park fee
– Safaris cost $300-$1000 per person per day
Safari costs for Vacation Packages
Here are some Tanzania safari costs for vacation packages:
- 7-day Budget Safari Package: Price ranges from $1050-$1750 per person for a group tour
- 10-day Mid-Range Safari Package: Price ranges from $2500-$5000, including mid-range lodges
- 12-day Luxury Safari Package: Price ranges from $6000-$24000 per person, including luxury lodges, private vehicles, and sometimes private charter flights
Safari costs by Activities
Here are additional Tanzania safari costs based on different activities:
- Game Drives: $50-$250 per vehicle per day, depending on the park
- Walking Safaris: $50-$100 per person for a half-day walk
- Hot Air Balloon Safari: $500-$600 per person
- Cultural Village Visits: $20-$50 per person
- Night Drives (in private conservancies): $150-$250 per person
Safari costs for Mount Kilimanjaro
Your Mount Kilimanjaro safari expedition costs can come under the following three brackets. Look for the best Kilimanjaro tour operators for a holistic trekking experience topped with the goodness of local company.
- Budget: $1500-$2500 per person, including park fees, guide, porter, and basic accommodation
- Mid-Range: $2500-$3500 per person, including better accommodations and added comforts
- Luxury: $4000-$6000 per person, including premium services, premium culinary dining options, and additional support staff
Don’t forget to plan your trip for the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
Where to Stay?
Here’s a guide to help you decide the best fit for your safari adventure:
Luxury Lodges
- Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
- Singita Sasakwa Lodge
- Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
- Jabali Ridge, Ruaha National Park
Tented Camps
- Asilia’s Sayari Camp
- Lamala Kuria Hills Lodge
- Nomad Tanzania’s Sand Rivers Selous
- Kichakani Serengeti Camp
Mid-Range Lodges and Camps
- Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
- Tarangire Sopa Lodge
- Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
- Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge
Budget Campsites
- Simba Campsite
- Seronera Campsite
- Mto wa Mbu Campsite
- Nyani Campsite
Specialty Lodging
- Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
- Katavi Wildlife Camp
- Mwagusi Safari Camp
- Chaka Camps
Key Takeaways
Each safari in Tanzania is worth every penny, whether you’re watching flamingos in Lake Natron or rare shoebills in the swampy regions of the western parks.
Our wildlife guides and tour operators follow a strong sustainability ethos to keep these wildlife reserves protected.
Make your safari trip extra memorable with personalized tours to private wildlife parks or birdwatching spots that most travellers don’t know about.
Bonus Read: Do give our travel blog section a read to discover the marvels Tanzania has to offer.
