Tanzania Safari Cost

Tanzania Safari Cost: A Detailed Guide

Tanzania is one of Africa’s top safari destinations, home to iconic national parks like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Selous Game Reserve. The cost of a Tanzanian safari can vary significantly based on factors such as the type of safari, duration, time of year, accommodation, and whether it’s a private or group safari.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of Tanzania safari costs to help you budget for your dream African adventure.

Factors Affecting Tanzania Safari Costs

Several factors influence the overall cost of a safari in Tanzania:

Safari Type:

• • Private Safaris: Exclusive to you and your group, offering flexibility and a personal guide. More expensive.
  • Group Safaris: Shared with other travelers, making it a more budget-friendly option.

Accommodation:

• • Luxury Lodges/Camps: High-end lodges and tented camps with premium amenities (costs $500–$1,500 per person, per night).
  • Mid-Range Lodges/Camps: Comfortable lodges and camps offering good value (costs $250–$500 per person, per night).
  • Budget Camps: Basic camping facilities with limited amenities (costs $150–$250 per person, per night).

Duration:

• • The longer the safari, the more expensive it will be. Common safari durations range from 3 to 10 days.

Time of Year (Season):

• • High Season (June to October & December): Peak game viewing season, higher prices due to demand.
  • Low Season (March to May): Rainy season, fewer tourists, lower prices but less predictable weather.
  • Mid-Season (January to February, November): Calving season for the Great Migration, moderate prices.

National Parks Visited:

• • Visiting multiple parks like Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire increases costs due to entrance fees and travel logistics.

Additional Experiences:

• • Hot Air Balloon Safaris: $500–$600 per person.
  • Cultural Tours: $50–$150 per person for Maasai village visits, local market tours, etc.
  • Walking Safaris: Typically range from $50–$100 per person.

Breakdown of Typical Tanzania Safari Costs

1. Budget Safari (Camping Safari)

Budget safaris are ideal for travelers looking to experience Tanzania’s wildlife without breaking the bank. Accommodation is typically in basic campsites or budget lodges, and safaris are often shared with other travelers to lower costs.

Inclusions:

• Park entrance fees.
• Accommodation in basic campsites.
• Shared safari vehicle and guide.
• Meals (often basic, like boxed lunches and camp dinners).

Exclusions:

• Flights to/from Tanzania.
• Optional activities (balloon safari, walking tours).
• Tips for guides and staff.

2. Mid-Range Safari

A mid-range safari offers more comfortable accommodations, usually in mid-tier lodges or tented camps. It’s a great option for travelers who want a balance between comfort and cost.

Inclusions:

• Park entrance fees.
• Comfortable accommodation in lodges or tented camps.
• Private or shared safari vehicle with a guide.
• Meals (higher quality, typically buffet-style).

Exclusions:

• International flights.
• Optional activities (e.g., cultural tours).
• Tips for guides and staff.

3. Luxury Safari

Luxury safaris offer premium accommodations in high-end lodges or tented camps, private game drives, and personalized service. This is the ideal choice for travelers seeking an exclusive, high-end experience with exceptional wildlife viewing.

Inclusions:

• Park entrance fees.
• Accommodation in luxury lodges or tented camps.
• Private safari vehicle and guide.
• All-inclusive meals and beverages.
• Optional experiences (e.g., bush dinners, private walking safaris).

Exclusions:

• International flights.
• Tips and personal expenses.

National Park Entrance Fees

Tanzania’s national parks charge entrance fees, which are included in most safari packages. The fees help support conservation efforts and park maintenance.

Additional Safari Costs

1. Flights to Tanzania

International flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam typically range from $800 to $1,500, depending on the season and your departure location.

2. Domestic Flights

If your safari includes multiple destinations (like Zanzibar), domestic flights between parks or islands can cost between $100 and $300 per person, one way.

3. Tips and Gratuities

Tipping is a customary practice in Tanzania, especially for safari guides, drivers, and camp staff. Here’s a general guide for tipping:

4. Optional Extras

• Hot Air Balloon Safari: $500–$600 per person.
• Cultural Village Tours: $50–$150 per person.
• Walking Safaris: $50–$100 per person.

Safari Cost by Season

Planning Your Tanzania Safari Budget

The cost of a Tanzania safari can vary widely depending on the type of experience you seek, the length of the safari, and the time of year. Budget safaris provide an affordable way to explore Tanzania’s iconic parks, while mid-range and luxury safaris offer added comfort and exclusive experiences.

When budgeting for your safari, consider all factors such as flights, accommodations, park fees, and optional activities to get a complete picture of the total cost. Whether you’re seeking a budget adventure or a luxurious wildlife experience, Tanzania offers a safari for every traveler. If you need help planning your safari or would like a customized quote, feel free to contact us!