A Tanzania safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unforgettable encounters with the Big Five. But how much does it cost?
Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly safari or an ultra-luxury experience, this guide breaks down the cost factors, from accommodation and transport to park fees and seasonal pricing, helping you plan your dream safari within your budget.
✔ For Luxury Safaris ($5,000+ per person) → Stay at high-end lodges like &Beyond or Singita.
✔ For Mid-Range Safaris ($2,500 – $4,500 per person) → Enjoy a mix of lodges & tented camps.
✔ For Budget Safaris ($1,500 – $2,500 per person) → Choose camping or budget lodges with group tours.
✔ For Affordable Safari & Beach Combo → Combine a Southern Tanzania safari with Zanzibar.
1. Tanzania Safari Cost Breakdown – What Affects Pricing?
🏨 Accommodation Costs – Lodges, Tented Camps & Budget Camping
Your choice of accommodation is one of the biggest factors in safari pricing.
| Accommodation Type | Price Per Night (Per Person) | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury Lodges | $800 – $2,500+ | High-end lodges with private pools, spa, fine dining, & exclusive safaris. |
| Mid-Range Tented Camps | $300 – $700 | Comfortable, semi-luxury camps with ensuite tents & great game viewing. |
| Budget Lodges & Campsites | $100 – $250 | Simple lodges or camping with shared facilities. |
✔ Best for Luxury: Serengeti’s Singita & Ngorongoro Crater Lodge.
✔ Best for Mid-Range: Ruaha’s Mdonya Old River Camp & Tarangire Safari Lodge.
✔ Best for Budget: Public campsites in Serengeti & Nyerere National Park.
✔ Tip: Budget travelers can join group safaris to reduce accommodation costs.
2. How Safari Costs Change by Season
| Season | Months | Safari Cost Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Season | June – October & December – February | High demand = expensive safaris (best for game viewing). |
| Low Season | March – May & November | Cheaper safaris, but some parks may be inaccessible due to rain. |
✔ Best for Budget Travelers: April – May (low season discounts).
✔ Best for Wildlife Viewing: June – October (dry season, easier animal spotting).
✔ Tip: Traveling just before or after peak season (March & November) can save up to 30% on costs.
3. Safari Transportation – How Much Does It Cost?
| Transport Type | Cost Per Person | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 4WD Safari Vehicle | $150 – $300 per day | Game drives in national parks. |
| Domestic Flights | $200 – $500 one way | Quick access to remote parks like Ruaha & Katavi. |
| Self-Drive Rental | $100 – $200 per day | Independent travelers (not recommended for first-timers). |
✔ Best for Comfort: Private guided safari with a driver-guide.
✔ Best for Budget: Join a small group safari to share vehicle costs.
✔ Best for Remote Parks: Fly-in safaris to Ruaha, Katavi, or Nyerere National Park.
✔ Tip: Driving between parks saves money, but flights save time.
4. National Park Fees & Permit Costs
Different parks have varying entrance fees, which affect the overall Tanzania safari cost.
| National Park | Entrance Fee (Per Person, Per Day) |
|---|---|
| Serengeti National Park | $70 – $83 |
| Ngorongoro Crater (Game Drive Fee) | $295 per vehicle |
| Tarangire National Park | $50 – $70 |
| Nyerere National Park (Selous) | $50 – $70 |
| Ruaha National Park | $50 – $70 |
| Mikumi National Park | $30 – $50 |
✔ Tip: The Southern Circuit (Ruaha, Nyerere, Mikumi, Udzungwa, & Katavi) offers lower park fees & fewer tourists than the Northern Circuit.
5. Extra Activities That Add to Safari Costs
✔ 🎈 Hot Air Balloon Safari: $500 – $600 per person (Available in Serengeti & Tarangire).
✔ 🚶 Walking Safari: $50 – $100 per person (Best in Ruaha, Nyerere, Tarangire).
✔ 🚤 Boat Safari: $40 – $80 per person (Rufiji River in Nyerere, best for crocodiles & hippos).
✔ 🏕️ Fly Camping: $100 – $300 per person per night (Luxury camping under the stars).
✔ Tip: Mixing different activities (game drives + boat safaris + walking safaris) gives a richer experience.
6. Ways to Save on Tanzania Safari Costs
✔ Travel During Shoulder Season (March & November) – Lower prices & fewer crowds.
✔ Join a Small Group Safari – Shared costs reduce per-person expenses.
✔ Combine Parks in the Same Region – Saves on transport costs (e.g., Ruaha + Nyerere or Serengeti + Ngorongoro).
✔ Choose Budget or Mid-Range Accommodations – Tented camps offer comfort at half the cost of luxury lodges.
✔ Book Early – Many lodges offer early booking discounts (6–12 months in advance).
✔ Tip: Skip expensive add-ons like hot air balloon rides if on a strict budget.
Conclusion: How Much Should You Budget for a Tanzania Safari?
| Safari Type | Total Cost (Per Person, Per Day) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury Safari | $800 – $2,500+ | Exclusive lodges & private game drives. |
| Mid-Range Safari | $300 – $700 | Tented camps & small group safaris. |
| Budget Safari | $150 – $250 | Camping & self-drive options. |
A Tanzania safari cost varies based on accommodation, season, park choices, and activities. Whether you’re luxury-seeking or budget-conscious, Tanzania offers a safari for every traveler.
🌍 Ready to plan your safari? Contact us today for custom Tanzania safari packages! 🚀 with Otto Safari Guide Tanzania – where every cost is a step toward an unparalleled African odyssey.
