WHAT’S THE COST OF A SAFARI IN TANZANIA?
2025 PRICE GUIDE FOR EVERY BUDGET
What is the cost of a safari in Tanzania? Read our guide to help you plan your adventure / Image: @agent_illustrateur
It's no secret that Tanzania is one of the best places on the planet to go on a safari. The country has everything every avid wildlife lover craves, from the Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater (ideal for spotting the big five).
The cost of a safari in Tanzania can vary depending on your preferences; you should expect to pay anywhere from $2000 to far over $8,000 for your trip. Many factors can impact your Tanzania safari price, like the level of luxury, locations you visit, and the time of year.
If it's your first time planning a vacation like this, it's bound to be stressful. But you're in good hands; we're here to answer any questions you might have with our complete price guide. We'll give you a full rundown of the things that impact the costs of a safari and what you can expect to get with your budget.
Let’s get started…
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Many safaris in Tanzania will always include a cultural visit. Tanzania has rich and vibrant history which reflects within the culture brilliantly / Image: @sanchezorense
INSIDE THIS GUIDE
THE DIFFERENT BUDGET PACKAGES FOR A SAFARI TOUR IN TANZANIA
Everyone has their own budget when arranging a safari in Tanzania. Some will want to go for the most affordable option with basic accommodation, while others may prefer to spend a little extra for an added layer of comfort and luxury. It's all a matter of personal preference. Luckily, there are private safaris in Tanzania for all types of budgets.
In this section of our pricing guide, we’ll break down the different types of safaris and the costs to go with them.
Budget safari (average price per person per day: $400 - $600) - The most affordable safari of the three; it includes your overnight accommodation, game drives, a culture visit, and fully boarded meals.
Mid-range safari (average price per person per day: $500 - $750) - An upgrade from our most affordable package, the mid-range Tanzania safari package comes with higher standard accommodation, game drives, optional experiences, fully boarded meals as well as great food options.
Luxury safari (average price per person per day: $1000 - $3000) - Includes luxurious accommodation, game drives, world-class experiences, extravagant food options, and high-end services; this is our premium package.
Be assured that all of our tailored packages come with private tour guides, 4x4 pop up land cruisers, fully boarded meals, and your choice of accommodation.
These prices are typically for group sizes between 2 and 10 people. The costs are significantly higher for those traveling solo as you'll be required to rent an entire safari vehicle as well as a guide by yourself, rather than sharing the costs with others. On top of that, there's often an additional single supplement charge which can elevate your costs even higher.
WHATS INCLUDEDWITH A SAFARI PACKAGE?
When selecting a safari package, you must assess everything included to choose the best option for you. What’s covered depends on the company you choose, but here's a brief breakdown of what BornWild includes:
Park fees: Entry into the national park(s) on the chosen itinerary.
Drivers/guides: Your own private 4x4 safari land cruiser for the trip, along with an experienced driver / safari guide.
Accommodation: Hotel/camp/guesthouse style accommodation at the chosen destinations.
Meals: Three meals per day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as specified in the itinerary.
Transfers: Transport between locations during your time in Tanzania.
Taxes/VAT: Any tax or VAT fees that tourists have to pay.
Water: Unlimited drinking water within the vehicle for every day of the trip.
Flights: Chartered flights if stated in the itinerary
Drinks: Welcome drinks on the first evening in Tanzania to start your vacation on a high note.
A tailored safari package will always include game drives and venturing to Tanzania during peak season can be busy with bustling tourists / Image: @mattpunsplash
THE TYPES OF SAFARI ACTIVITIES IN TANZANIA
It's not uncommon for wildlife safaris in Tanzania to have a specific theme, like our African Lion Safari Adventure. Safaris of this nature typically come with a higher price but are worth it, especially if you have a keen interest in a specific type of animal or activity.
Here's a price breakdown of the types of safari activities you can do with costs:
Wildlife trekking safaris (average price per person per day $200) - Hike whilst discovering wildlife, meet local tribesmen, and see your favorite animals on foot with a guide and armed ranger.
Fly camping (average price per person per day $400 - $500) - Have your own private camp set up for the night in one of the national parks and sleep among the wildlife in a deluxe or rustic environment.
Photography safaris (average price per person per day $200 - $500) - Cruise to secret locations away from the hoards of tourists and get some one-on-one time with the Big Five.
Birdwatching safaris (free of charge with BornWild) - Home to almost 1200 bird species, Tanzania is a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts.
Hot air balloon safaris (average price per person per flight $400 - $700) - Glide to new heights and observe wildlife from above the trees.
Canoe safari (average price per person per day $100 - $300) - Padel between locations in one of Tanzania's national parks on the water for an extraordinary wildlife viewing experience.
Be advised that these are average prices. They may vary based on the national parks you visit.
Cost of a safari in Tanzania can vary from affordable to luxury. Whatever you opt for, you will always witness mesmerising views like these / Image: @sutirtab
HIGH/LOW SEASON PRICE COMPARISON
A significant factor that influences the price of a safari is the season you travel in.
The high season is the busiest time of year, which means higher demand, so prices increase. Some park fees will rise based on the season, but the prices of guides and game drives will stay around the same. Accommodation, on the other hand, is what really affects the price of a package. Hotels, camps and lodges are well aware that there's a huge influx of tourists, resulting in them charging a premium.
For those willing to travel during the low season, the cost can be significantly lower, roughly between 20% and 50%. Since the hotels aren't at full capacity, it's easy to pick up some excellent deals.
WHAT IMPACTS THE COST OF AN AFRICAN SAFARI IN TANZANIA?
The Time of Year
Every year, the weather in Tanzania can be quite predictable as the country experiences two seasons: the dry and wet seasons.
The dry season begins in June and continues until October. This is the best time of year to go on a safari in Tanzania because of the lack of rainfall, the weather is warm and sunny, and it's easier to spot animals during this time. Since a lot of people want to travel to the country during the dry season, the prices to book a safari are higher.
The wet season runs from November to May, with the addition of the two drier months of November and December sandwiched in between. Aside from November and December - these months experience light and heavy rainfall, some months will experience tropical floods that disrupt popular safari routes, so there's less demand for wildlife excursions as the weather can severely disrupt your game drives. Safaris still run during the wet season and tend to be more affordable than the dry season.
Duration of the Safari
Longer safaris are more expensive than shorter ones because of the added day's accommodation, services, and experiences. But the cost per day is often cheaper the more days you add to a trip.
Type of Accommodation
The more comfort and luxury you desire, the higher the price point will be for your accommodation.
Camping is typically the most budget-friendly option. If you opt for basic or rustic camping - you will typically be staying within a campground along with other travelers. With this option - you will also have the option to use the public kitchen to cook for yourself. These campsites are ideal for travelers who are journeying through Tanzania on a budget.
Luxury lodges provide upscale accommodations, gourmet food, and amazing amenities and excursions. You will certainly get what you pay for but it's helpful to know that it will come at a higher pricepoint than what you may initially expect.
Where You Want to Stop
Some wildlife parks in Tanzania have a higher entry price than others. Famous national parks like the Ngorongoro Crater will cost more than lesser-known parks like Saadani National Park. One of the reasons for the different prices is due to the wildlife species that reside there.
Northern Circuit or Southern Circuit
Most safaris in Tanzania will either follow the Northern Circuit or Southern Circuit; these are two popular routes in different parts of the country.
The Northern Circuit is the most popular route and the general preferred option for travelers. It also offers a wide range of safaris between budget friendly, mid-range and luxury options. The Northern Circuit provides shorter driving distances between each wildlife observation stop as well as the many famous national parks like the Serengeti. People opt for the Northern Circuit for sightings, experience of the major national parks and for convenience.
The Southern Circuit is more rugged and remote, with driving times being longer due to rougher terrain, dirt-track roads, poorer facilities, and long distances to observation points and attractions. The Southern Circuit attracts a keen traveler who loves a more authentic and rustic experience. Safari costs on this circuit are typically higher because of the added work that goes into operating them from logistical planning, fuel and the remote nature of where the parks are located.
The cost of a safari in Tanzania depends greatly on the accommodation you choose. If luxury is what you require, the infinity pool here is just one of the wonderful amenities you can enjoy when booking in a luxury lodge.
ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL COSTS?
Outside of our safari tour package inclusions, there are a few additional travel expenses that visitors will need to take into account.
Flights: Any International and domestic flights.
Visa Fees: Depending on the country you're traveling from, you might need a visa to enter Tanzania.
Additional accommodation: Hotels before and at the end of the tour.
Gratuities: Tips for drivers, guides, or accommodation staff. Unsure about how much to tip? We have a helpful guide on Tipping in Tanzania
Extra meals: Any meals not outlined in the itinerary.
Drinks: Alcoholic beverages purchased and/or minibar costs within your accommodation.
Increased government fees: Government tax and/or park increases.
Personal expenses: Extra personal costs unrelated to the package.
Travel vaccines: Immunization doses before arriving in Tanzania.
Witness the Great Migration in the Serengeti during peak season! Even though it will be much busier and more expensive during this time - it is worth it / Image: @kilosierra
AVERAGE SAFARI COSTS BASED ON NATIONAL PARKS
The national parks you visit on your safari will greatly impact the final cost of your trip. Have a look at some of the average prices you can expect to pay:
Arusha Safari - Between $45 to $50 entry fee into the National Park plus $50 to $230 per day for guide fees.
Serengeti Safari - $70 entry fee into the National Park plus between $750 and $1350 per day for a guided safari experience as well as accommodation.
Ngorongoro Safari - Between $60 and $70 entry fee into the Crater plus $280 and $600 per day for a guided safari experience as well as accommodation.
TIPPING FOR YOUR SAFARI: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
If you have enjoyed your safari experience, you may be inclined to tip the people that helped make your trip memorable and fun. A tip is a gesture of gratitude to express how much you enjoyed your journey or experience. Here at BornWild we always advise our travelers to tip out of heartfelt thanks rather than because they feel obliged to. It is a personal choice that is left to the traveler to decide.
We have made an entire Tanzania tipping guide for help.
IS TRAVEL INSURANCE NECESSARY FOR A SAFARI?
Although there are no rules for having travel insurance for a safari, at BornWild, we require our customers to obtain a certain level of coverage in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Lots of factors can impact the cost of a travel insurance plan, from the length of the trip to the extent of coverage you'd like. To book a safari through our company, take a look at our Travel Insurance requirements to get a better idea of what you might need. However, it's important to note each tour operator requires different travel insurance criteria.
The cost of a safari in Tanzania includes tipping. Read our guide on Tipping in Tanzania to enjoy your stay as well as reward the staff who have made it memorable / Image: @joeynicotra
HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU BRING?
It's a good idea to bring with you a mixture of cash as well as credit and debit cards. The reason for this is that cards can make for a smoother transaction when paying, however throughout remote areas ATMs and cash machines are scarce, so it's a good idea to bring some cash with you. Oftentimes, withdrawing cash can incur fees of around $6 per transaction. We recommend carrying USD or Euros with you as it is often accepted to pay in these currencies as well as it being fairly easy to exchange at reliable bureaus where fees are generally lower. Tanzanian Shillings are important to have for souvenir and local shops.
Let Us Plan Your Ideal Tanzania Safari
Tailored safaris in Tanzania, customized to your needs. Our team designs personalized experiences to match your preferences. Explore top destinations like Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Travel solo, with a partner, in a group, or with family. Click HERE to contact us to start your adventure!
COST OF DOMESTIC FLIGHTS
Whilst in Tanzania, you may need to take a domestic flight depending on the location you are heading to as well as your itinerary. Flights can save you a lot of time in comparison to bus rides, which can take a significant amount of time. Domestic flights should be purchased ahead of time as seats can sell out fast during peak season.
Make An Impact On Your Next African Safari!
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Our expedition takes us on a thrilling route through Tanzania - exploring one of the most extraordinary journeys in Africa.
Our African safari trip will highlight Lion Conservation and we will be exposing travellers to resources and experiences you will only encounter through this adventure. Experience lion conservation from the worlds best lion conservation experts and registered conservation charities to enable you to broaden your safari experience above and beyond your wildest dreams.
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