Tanzania Safari Cost: Your Complete Price and Planning Guide

Tanzania is one of the most extraordinary safari destinations in the world, but the cost of experiencing it can vary greatly depending on your style of travel, the season, and the level of comfort you’re looking for. From budget-friendly camping trips under the African stars to lavish lodge stays with world-class service, Tanzania’s safari scene has something for every type of traveler. Knowing what you can expect to spend is essential for planning a trip that meets both your expectations and your budget.

Why Safari Prices Differ So Much

When it comes to safari costs, there’s no one-size-fits-all price tag. The final cost is shaped by a combination of factors: the quality and type of accommodation, whether you choose a private or group safari, the time of year you visit, the number of days you spend on safari, and any extra activities you add to your itinerary.

Travelers on tight budgets may choose basic camping safaris with shared facilities, while others might prefer the exclusivity and comfort of luxury tented camps or high-end lodges inside national parks. Each style offers a completely different experience, which is reflected in the price.

Average Tanzania Safari Costs per Day

Based on current data from SafariBookings and reputable Tanzanian operators, here’s what you can expect to pay per person per day:

• Budget safaris: Around $250 for a shared group trip, or $300 for a private trip.
• Mid-range safaris: Roughly $375 for group trips, and $425 for private itineraries.
• Luxury safaris: Usually $600–$700, with ultra-luxury experiences starting from $1,100+ per day.

These averages include accommodation, park fees, game drives, meals, and guide services.

What You Get at Each Price Level

Budget Safaris

Budget safaris typically use public campsites or basic lodges, with shared washrooms and simpler meals. Game drives are usually in a shared vehicle with other travelers. The atmosphere is social and adventurous, making it ideal for travelers who value the experience over high-end amenities. Prices generally start at $250 per day for group safaris and about $300 per day for private trips.

Mid-Range Safaris

For travelers who want a good dose of comfort and style without entering the ultra-premium price bracket, mid-range safaris are the perfect sweet spot. This option blends the thrill of the wild with a comfortable, well-appointed base to return to after a day of game drives.

Accommodation in the mid-range category often consists of beautifully designed tented camps or charming lodges that combine rustic safari character with modern comforts. Expect spacious tents or rooms equipped with private bathrooms, hot showers, and cozy beds draped with mosquito nets. Many are set in stunning locations—some with sweeping savannah views, others nestled within acacia woodlands—allowing you to experience the sights and sounds of the African bush right from your veranda.

Dining is a clear step up from the budget tier. Meals are often freshly prepared by onsite chefs, featuring a variety of local and international dishes served in dining tents or open-air terraces under the stars. You’ll likely enjoy the added touch of three-course dinners, fresh-baked bread, and even afternoon tea before your evening game drive.

The level of service is more personal, with staff who take the time to learn your preferences and guides who can tailor your safari activities to your interests. Group sizes on game drives tend to be smaller, giving you better views and more opportunities for photography.

In terms of cost, mid-range safaris generally range from $375 to $425 per person per day, covering accommodation, meals, park fees, and guided activities. While not extravagant, they offer a premium experience at a fraction of luxury prices—perfect for travelers who want both adventure and comfort in equal measure.

Luxury and Ultra-Luxury Safaris

If you’re seeking an immersive, indulgent, and highly personalized adventure, a luxury Tanzania safari delivers an experience unlike any other. Designed for travelers who want the very best, this style of safari combines the magic of the wild with world-class hospitality, creating moments you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Accommodation in the luxury tier ranges from elegant lodges perched on crater rims to opulent tented camps deep in the heart of the Serengeti. Many of these properties feature spacious suites with private plunge pools, en-suite bathrooms fitted with bathtubs overlooking the plains, and private decks where you can sip champagne as elephants pass by in the distance. Interiors are often decorated with a refined mix of African-inspired design and contemporary style, blending natural textures with high-end finishes.

Service is nothing short of exceptional. Staff-to-guest ratios are high, ensuring your needs are anticipated and met before you even have to ask. Many luxury safaris include the services of a personal butler or dedicated concierge who can arrange everything from bush dinners under the stars to sunrise hot air balloon rides. Gourmet meals prepared by professional chefs feature locally sourced ingredients and are paired with fine wines, making dining an experience in itself.

Wildlife viewing is elevated to a whole new level. Prime locations—whether in private reserves, exclusive concession areas, or lodges strategically positioned along migration routes—mean fewer vehicles, less crowding, and uninterrupted encounters with wildlife.

Guests often have access to private safari vehicles and expert guides who customize each day’s game drives to your preferences, whether you want to focus on big cats, birdlife, or the Great Migration herds.

The cost reflects the exclusivity, with prices starting around $600–$700 per person per day for high-end options and climbing well beyond $1,100 per person per day for ultra-luxury safaris that include private charters, exclusive activities, and the most prestigious properties in Tanzania. For those who value comfort, privacy, and exceptional service as much as thrilling wildlife encounters, a luxury safari is worth every penny.

The Role of Seasons in Pricing

The time of year you visit Tanzania plays a big role in how much your safari will cost.

• High season (June to October and December to February) is peak wildlife-viewing time, with dry weather, fewer mosquitoes, and big events like the Great Migration. Prices are highest during these months.
• Low or “green” season (March to May) is when the rains arrive. While some roads can be muddy, it’s a beautiful time with lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and significantly lower prices—often up to 50% less than high season.

Park Entry Fees in Tanzania

Park fees are fixed by TANAPA (Tanzania National Parks Authority) and charged daily. For adults, these typically range from:

• $70 for major parks like Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater
• $50 for parks such as Tarangire, Arusha, and Lake Manyara
• $30 for less-visited parks like Ruaha and Mikumi
• $80–$100 for chimpanzee destinations like Mahale and Gombe
• $70 for Kilimanjaro National Park

These fees are included in most safari packages, but always confirm with your tour operator to avoid unexpected costs.

Sample Safari Cost Scenarios

A classic example of a well-rounded Tanzania safari package is a 6-day group lodge safari that includes the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park. This type of itinerary often combines diverse landscapes and a wide range of wildlife encounters, from watching elephants among Tarangire’s ancient baobab trees to spotting lions on the Serengeti plains and rhinos within Ngorongoro’s unique caldera.

Such a trip typically costs around $2,999 per person, which generally covers park entry fees, daily game drives, professional guiding, full-board accommodation in comfortable lodges, and most meals.

For travelers with limited time or a specific focus, shorter options are available. A 2–3 day Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari offers a taste of Tanzania’s best wildlife viewing. Joining a shared group tour can keep prices lower, averaging around $550 per person, while opting for a private or solo experience offers greater flexibility but can cost approximately $740 per day. The difference largely comes down to the level of privacy, the type of accommodation, and the exclusivity of the safari vehicle.

Beyond standard game drives, Tanzania offers a variety of special activities that can enhance your safari but also increase the budget. A prime example is the Serengeti hot air balloon safari, a bucket-list experience that lets you float silently over the savannah at sunrise, often spotting herds of wildebeest, giraffes, and elephants from the air. This unique perspective comes at a premium, with prices averaging around $825 per person.

Some travelers choose to combine their safari with other major adventures, such as climbing Mount Kilimanjaro before or after their wildlife trip. Tackling Africa’s highest peak is a significant investment, often costing more than $3,000 per person for a fully guided trek, which includes guides, porters, camping equipment, park permits, and meals on the mountain. While this adds substantially to the overall Tanzania travel budget, it offers a rare chance to blend two iconic African experiences into one unforgettable journey.

Other Expenses to Consider

Beyond the core safari package, you’ll also need to budget for:

• Visas: About $50–$100 depending on nationality
• Tipping: Around $15 per traveler per day for guides and drivers
• Flights: International airfares vary greatly, but regional flights within Tanzania (e.g., Arusha to Zanzibar) typically cost $100–$250
• Travel insurance: Strongly recommended for medical and trip protection

Budget Planning at a Glance

Here’s a quick overview of daily costs per person:

Safari Style	Group Cost (USD)	Private Cost (USD)
Budget	$250	$300
Mid-Range	$375	$425
Luxury	$600–$700	$600–$700
Ultra-Luxury	—	$1,100+

Final Thoughts

The cost of a safari in Tanzania can range anywhere from $250 per person per day for a budget group trip to $1,100+ per day for an exclusive luxury experience. The key is to balance your budget with your expectations—decide whether you value comfort, location, exclusivity, or affordability most.

By understanding the factors that influence safari costs—season, style, location, and extras—you can design a trip that delivers the magic of Tanzania without unwelcome surprises when it comes to price.