How Much Does a Typical Tanzania Safari Cost Per Person?

Tanzania Safari Cost, Tanzania is one of Africa’s premier safari destinations, offering breathtaking wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, and world-renowned national parks like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire. However, planning a safari requires careful budgeting, as costs can vary significantly depending on factors such as accommodation, duration, season, and level of luxury.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the typical costs of a Tanzania safari per person, including budget, mid-range, and luxury options, as well as additional expenses to consider.

Factors Affecting Tanzania Safari Costs

Before diving into specific price ranges, it’s important to understand the key factors that influence safari pricing:

1. Type of Safari (Group vs. Private)

• Group safaris (joining other travelers) are cheaper, ranging from $200–$400 per person per day.

• Private safaris (exclusive vehicle and guide) cost more, typically $400–$1,000+ per person per day.

2. Accommodation Level

• Budget camping ($150–$300 per night)

• Mid-range lodges & tented camps ($300–$600 per night)

• Luxury lodges & high-end camps ($600–$1,500+ per night)

3. Duration of the Safari

• Short safaris (3–4 days): $800–$2,500 per person

• Standard safaris (5–7 days): $2,000–$6,000 per person

• Extended safaris (8–10+ days): $5,000–$15,000+ per person

4. Season (Peak vs. Low Season)

• Peak season (June–October, December–January): Higher prices due to the Great Migration and holiday demand.

• Low season (March–May, November): Discounts of 20–40% on lodges and tours.

5. Park Fees & Permits

• National park fees: $70–$100 per person per day (e.g., Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater).

• Conservation fees: Additional charges in some reserves.

6. Transportation

• Driving safaris: Cheaper but longer travel times.

• Flying safaris (domestic flights): More expensive ($200–$500 per flight) but save time.

7. Extra Activities

• Hot air balloon rides ($500–$600 per person)

• Walking safaris ($50–$100 per person)

• Cultural tours ($30–$100 per person)

Tanzania Safari Cost Breakdown (Per Person)

Below is a detailed breakdown of safari costs based on different budget levels.

1. Budget Safari ($150–$300 per person per day)

• Accommodation: Basic camping or public campsites.

• Transport: Shared 4×4 safari vehicles.

• Meals: Cooked by the guide or at campsites.

• Example 5-day budget safari: $1,000–$1,800 per person.

Pros:
✔ Most affordable option.
✔ Great for backpackers and solo travelers.

Cons:
✖ Limited comfort (shared bathrooms, no luxury).
✖ Fewer amenities.

2. Mid-Range Safari ($300–$600 per person per day)

• Accommodation: Comfortable lodges or permanent tented camps.

• Transport: Private or semi-private 4×4 vehicles.

• Meals: Full-board (breakfast, lunch, dinner included).

• Example 6-day mid-range safari: $2,500–$4,000 per person.

Pros:
✔ Better comfort and privacy.
✔ Good balance between cost and quality.

Cons:
✖ More expensive than budget options.

3. Luxury Safari ($600–$1,500+ per person per day)

• Accommodation: High-end lodges, boutique camps, or luxury mobile tents.

• Transport: Private 4×4 Land Cruisers with expert guides.

• Meals: Gourmet dining, premium drinks included.

• Example 7-day luxury safari: $6,000–$12,000 per person.

Pros:
✔ Ultimate comfort and exclusivity.
✔ Personalized service and premium experiences.

Cons:
✖ Very expensive.

4. Ultra-Luxury & Fly-in Safaris ($1,500–$3,000+ per person per day)

• Accommodation: Five-star lodges (e.g., Singita, Four Seasons, &Beyond).

• Transport: Private flights between parks.

• Extras: Private butlers, spa treatments, exclusive game drives.

• Example 8-day ultra-luxury safari: $15,000–$25,000 per person.

Pros:
✔ Unmatched luxury and privacy.
✔ Highly customized itineraries.

Cons:
✖ Extremely high cost.

Additional Tanzania Safari Cost to Consider

1. International Flights ($800–$2,000)

• Flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Dar es Salaam (DAR).

2. Visa Fees ($50–$100)

• Most tourists require a visa (available on arrival or online).

3. Travel Insurance ($100–$300)

• Covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.

4. Tips for Guides & Staff ($10–$20 per day)

• Safari guides: $10–$15 per day.

• Camp staff: $5–$10 per day.

5. Vaccinations & Medications ($100–$300)

• Yellow fever, malaria prophylaxis, etc.

Sample Safari Itineraries & Costs

1. 5-Day Budget Camping Safari ($1,200–$1,800 pp)

• Destinations: Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater.

• Includes: Shared vehicle, camping, park fees, meals.

2. 7-Day Mid-Range Lodge Safari ($3,500–$5,000 pp)

• Destinations: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara.

• Includes: Private guide, comfortable lodges, full-board meals.

3. 10-Day Luxury Safari ($8,000–$15,000 pp)

• Destinations: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Selous, Zanzibar.

• Includes: Private flights, luxury lodges, gourmet dining.

Ways to Save Money on a Tanzania Safari Cost

1. Travel in the Low Season (March–May) – Discounts on lodges and tours.

2. Join a Group Safari – Cheaper than private tours.

3. Book Early – Early bird discounts (10–20% off).

4. Choose Driving Safaris Over Flying – Domestic flights add $500–$1,000.

5. Skip Ultra-Luxury Lodges – Mid-range lodges offer great value.

What’s the Real Tanzania Safari Cost?

A Tanzania safari can range from $1,000perpersonforabudgetcampingtrip\ast \ast to\ast \ast$25,000+ for a luxury private safari. The average mid-range traveler should budget $3,000–$6,000 for a 7–10 day safari, including accommodation, meals, park fees, and transport.

Ultimately, the cost depends on your preferences—whether you want a rugged adventure or a five-star luxury experience. By planning ahead, comparing tour operators, and choosing the right season, you can enjoy an unforgettable Tanzanian safari within your budget.