The Quick Answer: Daily Cost Range for a Tanzania Safari

The cost of a safari in Tanzania is highly variable, depending almost entirely on your preferred accommodation style. However, to provide a quick estimate for a comfortable experience, travelers should expect the following per person, per day, based on double occupancy:

“No other country has such a variety of big game as East Africa, and certainly no other part of Africa can compare with it in the beauty of the scenery.” – Theodore Roosevelt

Key Factors Driving Your Tanzania Safari Price

Understanding where your money goes is crucial, as the cost is not random. The final price is dictated by these five critical factors:

1. Accommodation Style (The Biggest Cost Driver)

The choice between a tent (budget) and a luxury lodge can swing your daily cost by over $1,000. For example:

• Budget: Tents in a public campsite, where facilities are shared.

• Mid-Range: Comfortable, permanent tented camps often located just outside the park gates or in good viewing areas.

• Luxury: Remote, small-batch camps within the park that offer private service, gourmet food, and stunning views.

2. Park Fees and Concessions (The Mandatory Cost)

Tanzania's parks are highly regulated, and these fees support conservation, making them a significant fixed daily expense.

Park fees ensure that a significant portion of your payment directly supports wildlife protection and park maintenance.

3. Season of Travel (High vs. Low)

• High Season (Peak): June to October (Dry Season, Great Migration). Expect prices to be 20% to 40% higher due to peak demand and the best wildlife viewing conditions.

• Low Season (Green): March, April, and May (Rainy Season). Hotels offer their lowest rates, providing excellent value, though some remote roads may be challenging.

4. Group Size and Vehicle Type

A private safari for two people will always have a higher per-person daily rate than a group safari of six, as the fixed costs (guide salary, vehicle rental, and fuel) are shared among fewer guests.

5. Optional Activities

While game drives are included, specialized activities significantly increase the cost:

• Hot Air Balloon Safari (Serengeti): Adds approximately $550 – $700 per person.

• Fly-in Safaris: Replacing long drive days with domestic flights saves time but adds substantial cost (often $200 – $400+ per internal flight).

Additional Costs to Plan For

A safari package generally covers all in-park expenses, but travelers must account for external costs:

• International Flights: (Varies widely; average round-trip from Europe/North America is $800 – $2,000).

• Tanzania Tourist Visa: (Typically $50 - $100 per person, depending on nationality).

• Travel Insurance: (Essential; budget $50 – $200 for comprehensive coverage).

• Tipping: Guides, cooks, and lodge staff are typically tipped. A guideline is $10 – $15 per person, per day, for the guide, and $5 – $10 per person, per day, for lodge staff.

Smart Tips for Saving Money on Your Safari

1. Travel During the Green Season: Book in April or May to take advantage of low-season accommodation discounts.

2. Focus on the Northern Circuit: Stick to the popular Northern Circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire) for the best balance of wildlife and logistical cost efficiency.

3. Opt for Public Camping: If you are comfortable with basic facilities, budget camping can reduce accommodation costs by 50% or more.

4. Join an Organized Group Tour: This is the best way to share the fixed costs of the vehicle, guide, and fuel.