How much does a safari in Tanzania cost?

A wildlife safari in Tanzania is a dream for many people. Is that also possible for a small purse? Admittedly not for the very small, but cheap safaris were already in 2022 from $150 per day per person available. However, there are hardly any upper limits to the price.

The costs are determined in particular by the size of the group, the desired program & comfort and the length of the safari. That is why the price naturally also depends on your personal wishes and requirements.

At the beginning of the planning, it makes sense to visualize how the Cost of a safari tour put together to get a feel for pricing. Then you have to find out how Your personal dream safari should look like. Only when you know your own focus can you compare the numerous providers and tours in a meaningful way and judge them according to their individual price-performance ratio. For your further planning we have information about official fees for national parks and protected areas as well as to the various Accommodation options summarized. This way you can optimize your safari route and adjust it to your budget if necessary.

Africa • Tanzania • Safari and wildlife viewing in Tanzania • Safari costs Tanzania

Cost of a safari tour

 What costs does the provider have to consider?

Official Fees

On budget safaris, these fees are a major cost factor. They can be optimized through sensible route planning, but not reduced. These are park entrance fees per person and per car, service fees per group, transit fees, overnight parking fees and activity permit costs.

accommodation costs

These are very variable and can make up a large part of the safari cost. The accommodation costs are particularly dependent on your preferences. There are cheap accommodations outside the parks or upscale eco-lodges in the middle of the national park. Camping is also possible within some national parks. There are both cheap official campsites and glamping lodges.

Full board

Either a cook travels with you or the food is prepared in the accommodation or you stop at restaurants on the way. Many providers offer a packed lunch at midday to extend the time at the game drive. Occasionally, three warm meals are offered. Even budget safaris often offer excellent food. As a rule, savings are not made on quality, but on selection and ambience.

Personnel costs

Inexpensive safaris have a so-called driver guide, i.e. a nature guide who also drives the car at the same time. A cook may also travel with you. Luxury safaris often have significantly more staff such as drivers, nature guides, cooks, waiters and 1-2 helpers to look after the guests and, for example, to carry the luggage.

safari vehicle

For a real safari experience, a safari vehicle with a pop-up roof is highly recommended. Most budget safaris also offer this type of vehicle, but not all. As a self-driver, a closed all-wheel drive vehicle with a roof tent can also be useful.

Gasoline & Wear

The longer and more impassable the route, the higher the price. The famous Serengeti, for example, is off the beaten track. It's definitely worth the extra cost though. However, a day trip to Tarangire National Park, for example, is impressive and saves fuel.

extra wishes

Activities such as walking safaris, boat safaris, hot air balloon rides or a visit to the rhino sanctuary can complement your safari tour and offer great experiences in addition to the daily jeep game drives, but these incur additional costs.

Tour price = ((staff costs + jeep + fuel + entrance fee per car + service fee per group) / number of people) + full board + accommodation costs + official fees per person + extra wishes + own profit for the provider

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Africa • Tanzania • Safari and wildlife viewing in Tanzania • Safari costs Tanzania

Three important questions to find your dream safari

 Guided Safari Tour or Self Drive Safari?

A self-guided safari promises independence and adventure, while a guided safari tour offers insider knowledge and security. Whether one or the other costs more depends on the number of people, the travel route and the desired accommodation options. Rule of thumb: A self-drive tour for two people is often more expensive than a guided group tour for two, but is about the same price level or cheaper than a guided private safari.

Safari tour with guide

A guided safari has the advantage that you can concentrate entirely on observing the wild animals and do not have to drive yourself. Many nature guides also know interesting information about the African animal world. The guides are in contact via radio and inform each other about special animal sightings. This can be beneficial for sightings of rare animal species such as leopards. In addition, you do not have to worry about admissions and permits, because your provider arranges this in advance.

There are numerous tour offerings to choose from. Are you looking for a camping adventure? Or a safari lodge with a view from your private terrace? A non-stop program with as much safari experience as possible from morning to night? Or with breaks to relax? Well-known natural paradises such as the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater? Or special national parks away from the tourist crowds like Mkomazi and Neyere? Luxury travel, individual private travel, group travel packages and budget safaris - everything is possible and no option is necessarily better than the other. It is important that it offers exactly what you value most.

Safari on your own

As a self-driver, you can arrange your round trip individually. Not only the wildlife observation, but the entire travel route becomes a very personal adventure. All national parks in Tanzania can also be visited without a guide. It is only important that you inform yourself about the applicable rules and regulations beforehand fees informed and that the vehicle is permitted for national parks.

However, a large round trip on your own, with various national parks, is organizationally demanding. We have met travelers who have had a second spare tire flown into the Serengeti. With good preparation and puncture protection, nothing stands in the way of your adventure. Smaller national parks such as Tarangire National Park or Arusha National Park are very easy to visit yourself. Here day trips with a registered rental car are also a nice alternative for adventurous families who like to remain flexible.

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 Group trip or private safari?

If you enjoy meeting new people, are flexible and want to travel a little cheaper, a group safari is perfect for you. However, if you have a special area of ​​interest, want to take undisturbed and extensive photographs or would like to determine the daily routine yourself, then a private safari is the better choice.

Group safaris

Group tours are among the low budget tours in the safari business. With a group trip, the costs for jeep, petrol and guide can be shared among all participants. This makes the trip significantly cheaper. At the Nogrongoro Crater, for example, the crater fee alone (in addition to the entrance fee per person) is around $250 per car. (Status 2022) Group travelers have a clear price advantage here, as the car fee is shared among all travelers.

Most companies form family safari groups of 6-7 people. Each guest gets a window seat, and most XNUMXxXNUMXs also have a pitched roof, so everyone gets their money's worth. However, you should always clarify the group size and vehicle type before booking. AGE™ clearly advises against cheap special offers with large buses and limited window seats. This is where the safari experience gets lost. Small group trips, on the other hand, usually offer first-class experience packages for less money.

Individual safari tour

Private safaris are naturally more expensive than group tours, but you have full control. You can watch your favorite animal species for hours, take your time until the perfect photo is taken or just stop and make a short trip everywhere - just as you like. If a private trip is important to you, but your budget is limited, then it can be worthwhile to switch to lesser-known national parks (e.g. Neyere National Park) or another travel time. Away from the tourist hotspots, private safaris are significantly cheaper and sometimes even available as low-budget safaris.

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 Overnight in a tent or rather 4 walls?

In Tanzania, camping without fences is possible in the middle of the national park. For many this is a long-cherished dream, for others the thought of fabric tents in the wilderness is more of a nightmare. What you decide on is primarily determined by your gut feeling. The price depends on the equipment and location of your chosen overnight stay.

Camping Safaris for budget safaris and luxury trips

Camping is a way of life. Close to nature and unobtrusive. In the middle of the national park, only the thin tent fabric separates you from the wilderness - an unforgettable experience. Depending on your preferences and budget, you can choose between camping and glamping in Tanzania. There are public campsites with simple sanitary facilities, private special campsites in secluded places mostly without sanitary facilities, seasonal camps that follow the great migration, for example, or glamping offers with furnished tent lodges.

Safaris with accommodation for budget safaris and luxury trips

Even those who prefer four solid walls when sleeping can choose from very simple to very luxurious, depending on their preferences and budget. However, cheap accommodation is usually outside of the national parks. When touring through different parks, however, this can be useful at times. Safari lodges are located within the national parks, are mostly lovingly designed and offer a beautiful view. An eco-lodge with a view of the waterhole makes every safari heart beat faster.

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Africa • Tanzania • Safari and wildlife viewing in Tanzania • Safari costs Tanzania

Official fees on safari in Tanzania

Entrance fees national parks Tanzania

The entrance fee ranges from $30 to $100. This conservation fee is usually included in safari tours. If you are traveling with a rental car, you pay at the entrance gate to the national park. As of 2022.

Entrance fee per person to the national parks

~$100: e.g. Gombe National Park
~ $70 each: e.g. Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Neyere National Park
~ $50 each: e.g. Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Arusha National Park
~ $30 each: eg Mkomazi, Ruaha, Mikumi National Park
applies per day and per person (adult tourist)
Children up to 15 years cheaper, up to 5 years free
Attention: All prices without 18% VAT
You can find official prices until summer 2023 here.

There is also an entrance fee for the safari vehicle. In addition to entry per person. For tours, this fee is included in the price. They are distributed to all participants. With a local tour operator or local rental car, these costs are manageable. However, travelers who are traveling in Tanzania with a foreign car must plan for high additional costs.

Entrance fee for the safari vehicle

~ 10 – 15 dollars: car up to 3000kg from Tanzania
~ 40 – 150 dollars: car up to 3000kg registered abroad
applies per day in the national park and per vehicle
50% extra cost for open vehicles
All prices without 18% VAT
You can find official prices until summer 2023 here.

In addition, a service fee per group for rangers must be paid at the entrance gate to each national park. The fee does not mean that the group will be provided with a ranger. Rather, it is intended for the service of the rangers at the entrance, for possible assistance in the park and for monitoring the rules and animals of the national park.

The ranger service fee

~$20: Service fee in most national parks
~$40: Service Fee in Neyere National Park
applies per day in the national park and per group
All prices without 18% VAT
You can find official prices until summer 2023 here.

If you stay overnight in the park, admission is valid for 24 hours. If you come at noon, you can stay until the next noon. You can use this positively for yourself when planning and go on a two-day jeep safari with one entry ticket. If you stay outside, you only get a 12-hour ticket. For overnight stays in the park, however, additional accommodation fees are due.

Validity of the entry ticket

24 hours – if you stay overnight in the national park
12 hours – if overnight outside
overnight fee at night in the park

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Accommodation costs in the national park

The official overnight fee from the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) is due whenever you sleep within a national park. It is usually included in safari tours. If you travel on your own, you pay at the entrance gate or in individual cases at the accommodation. As of 2022.

TANAPA Overnight Fee

~$30 – $60: Camping Fee (Public & Special Camps)
~ $30 – $60: Hotel Concession Fee (Hotels & Lodges)
applies per day and per person (adult tourist)
Children up to 15 years cheaper, up to 5 years free
All prices without 18% VAT
You can find official prices until summer 2023 here.

The camping fee includes pitch and use of sanitary facilities, if available. Tents and equipment must be rented externally or brought with you.

The accommodation fee is actually a fee for accommodation owners per guest. However, this is passed on to the tourist. In most cases, the following applies: Concession fee + room price = booking price. It is rarely to be understood as an additional surcharge. To be on the safe side, ask beforehand whether the TANAPA fees are already included in the room rate.

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Cost Ngorongoro Crater & Transit Fee

Several fees also add up for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area: entry per person, car entry, overnight fee. If you want to go down into the crater to go on safari there, you also have to pay a service fee for the crater. These costs are usually included in the price of safari tours. Those traveling on their own pay at the entrance to the Conservation Area. As of 2022.

Entry Ngorongoro Area & Ngorongoro Crater

~$60: Conservation Area Admission (per person for 24 hours)
Children up to 15 years cheaper, children up to 5 years free
~$250: Crater Service Fee (per car for 1 day)
All prices without 18% VAT
You can find official prices (last update unfortunately 2018). here.

Important: Even if you don't want to visit anything and only drive through the Ngorongoro area, you have to pay the 60 dollar entrance fee as a transit fee. This is the case, for example, on the way to the Serengeti. The Conservation Area is the shortest route to the South Serengeti. If you stay in the Serengeti, you will have to pay the transit fee again on the way back, as it is only valid for 24 hours.

Ngorongoro Transit Fee

Transit Fee = Entry Conservation Area
valid for 24 hours

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Cost Lake Natron and transit fee

Those who visit the Lake Natron area pay fees to the Wildlife Management Association and the Local Government, plus official flat rates to benefit the surrounding villages. Safari providers include the cost. Individual tourists pay at the gate. Arriving and departing by public transport is adventurous, but possible. As of 2022.

Entry to Wildlife Management Area Lake Natron

~ $35: Entry Wildlife Management Area (one time per person)
~$35: Overnight Fee (per person per night)
~ 20 dollars: village tax (once per person)
~$20: Lake Natron & Waterfall activity fee
plus campsite or accommodation costs
plus fees for arrival by car

Even if you don't want to visit anything and only drive through the area, you have to pay an entrance fee of 35 dollars and a village tax of 20 dollars as a transit fee. It is possible to reach the North Serengeti via this route. The fee is only charged once for the outward and return journey (probably). Keep your proof of payment safe.

Lake Natron Transit Fee

Transit Fee = Wildlife Management Area Entrance + Village Taxes
we were not given a specific time limit

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Africa • Tanzania • Safari and wildlife viewing in Tanzania • Safari costs Tanzania

Safari offers in Tanzania

Safari providers that AGE™ traveled with

Selous Ngalawa Camp offers safari tours from 100-200 dollars per day per person. (as of May 2023)

Focus on Africa offers safari tours from $150 per day per person. (as of July 2022)

Sunday safaris offers safari tours for around 200-300 dollars per day per person. (as of May 2023)

Africa • Tanzania • Safari and wildlife viewing in Tanzania • Safari costs Tanzania

accommodation costs

Price level for accommodation in Tanzania

The cost of overnight stays in Tanzania varies significantly. Anything from $10 to $2000 per person per night. The type of accommodation and the desired level of comfort and luxury are particularly important. In addition, the prices vary depending on the region or national park and between high and low season. For a multi-day safari, a combination of camping and safari lodge in the national park with accommodation outside of the protected areas can also be attractive and sensible.

Price level accommodation in Tanzania

from ~ 10 dollars: accommodation outside of the national parks
~$30: Public campsite in NP (Serengeti, Neyere, Tarangire…)
~$50: Public campsite in NP (Kilimanjaro National Park)
~ 60-70 dollars: Special Campsites (Serengeti, Neyere, Tarangire…)
~ $100-$300: tented lodge in the national park
~ $300-$800: National Park safari lodge
~ $800 – $2000: Luxury lodge in the national park
As of early 2023. Rough guideline. No claim to completeness.

When comparing prices, you should also note that some accommodations only offer overnight stays or may include breakfast, while expensive accommodations sometimes put together all-inclusive packages. Full board is often included there and occasionally even safari activities are included in the overnight price. A precise price-performance comparison of the offers is therefore important.

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Overnight outside the national parks

The cheapest accommodations are outside of the national parks. There will be no additional Official Lodging Fees due and especially near the city there is a lot of choice. Cheap accommodation at the beginning of the safari, at the end and on the way between two parks can definitely lower the total price. For multi-day tours in the same national park (in addition to accommodation within the protected area), accommodation that is located directly in front of the entrance or on the border of the protected area is also suitable.

Accommodation close to the city

If you are traveling on a low budget and are happy with a local shower (a bucket of warm water), you will easily find a bed including breakfast in Tanzania for little money (~10 dollars). On the outskirts of Arusha is the Banana Eco Farm a very nice place to arrive. It offers private rooms with private bathrooms, breakfast and a special ambience at a backpacker price (~$20). If you are looking for hotel standard with air conditioning, television and a king-size bed, you will have to dig deeper into your pocket. European standard is rewarded with European prices (50-150 dollars).

At the gates of the national parks

Even right in front of the gates of the national parks, there are often accommodations with a very good price-performance ratio. Very close to Lake Manyara, for example, you can stay at X in a mini bungalow with a shared bathroom and a beautiful view over the lake. There are rooms with superior facilities near the park entrance to Mkomazi National Park and on the border to Neyere National Park, Ngalawa Camp awaits its guests with a small private terrace and monkeys in the vicinity.

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Overnight in the national park

Accommodation within the protected areas promises more time for animal observation. You can enjoy sunset and sunrise in the sanctuary and don't have to drive back and forth. These accommodations are ideal for multi-day tours in the same national park. For remote national parks (such as the Serengeti), AGE™ definitely recommends staying overnight within the national park.

Public campsites in the national park

The cheapest accommodation options within the national parks are TANAPA public campsites. The camps are simple: lawns, a covered cooking and dining area, communal toilets and sometimes cold water showers. They are in the middle of the national park and are not fenced in. With a bit of luck you can also observe wild animals on the campsite. We had a buffalo in front of the toilet and a whole herd of zebras next to the tents at night. In addition to the official TANAPA Overnight Fees From $30 per person per night ($50 for Kilimanjaro National Park) there are no additional costs. You (or your safari provider) have to bring your own camping equipment and food.

Special campsites in the national park

So-called "Special Campsites" cost about 60 - 70 dollars per night. These are lonely places where you can pitch your tent or park your car if you drive yourself. There is usually no infrastructure there, not even toilets or a water connection. You have to bring everything with you and of course take it with you again. Special campsites are assigned exclusively and can be reserved at the gate. You are all alone there with nature and the animals. There are also seasonal campsites that follow the Great Migration, for example.

Glamping & Safari Lodges in the National Park

If you want more luxury but still dream of a tent, luxury camps and tented lodges are perfect for you. They offer furnished tents with private bathrooms and comfortable beds. Glamping in the national park allows pleasant comfort and still the feeling of falling asleep separated from nature only by a thin fabric. Alternatively, you can spend your well-deserved night's sleep in one of Tanzania's beautiful safari lodges. Safari lodges are known for their beautiful ambience, upscale amenities, good service and relaxing hours with a view of the African wilderness on your doorstep.

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Tipping in Tanzania

How much do you tip in Tanzania?

Tipping the safari crew is customary in Tanzania. The recommendations for tips are sometimes very far apart. There are a few "no-tipping" offers that specifically point out that a tip is not necessary because the employees are well paid. On all other safaris, tipping is generally expected and is often an important part of income, especially on low-budget trips.

Clarify in advance how many staff will accompany your safari in order to plan the budget. If the Guide drives and sets the table at the same time and the cook also sets up the tent, then two people make up the entire team. Luxury safaris often have significantly more staff on board.

Rough guide value from various recommendations

10% of the travel price for the crew
Naturalist Guide: $5-15 per day per person
Driver: $5-15 per day per person
Cook: $5-15 per day per person
Ranger: $5-10 per day per person
Waiters, helpers, porters: $5 per day
Housekeeping: $1 per day
Porter: up to $1

Some simply give the higher amount per family or round up or down depending on sympathy. In a group trip, the participants often end up staying together. Instead of 5-15 dollars per day per person, amounts of 20-60 dollars per day per group for nature guides are mentioned. How much you actually give depends on the size of the group, the number of crew members, the quality of the service and of course your private decision.

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Read the main AGE™ article Safari and wildlife viewing in Tanzania.
Find out about the Big Five of the African Steppe.
Explore even more exciting locations with the AGE™ Tanzania Travel Guide.

Africa • Tanzania • Safari and wildlife viewing in Tanzania • Safari costs Tanzania