Tanzania Safari Cost

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Tanzania Safari Cost

A safari in Tanzania offers an unforgettable experience, with the opportunity to see the “Big Five” (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino), the Great Migration, and stunning landscapes like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. The cost of a Tanzania safari can vary widely depending on factors such as accommodation, park fees, the time of year, and the type of safari (budget, mid-range, or luxury). Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you plan your safari budget.

Factors Affecting Safari Costs in Tanzania

Several key factors influence the total cost of your Tanzania safari:

FactorHow It Affects Cost
Safari TypeBudget, mid-range, and luxury safaris vary significantly in price, depending on accommodation, vehicles, and services.
DurationLonger safaris (5-10 days) are more expensive than shorter ones (2-4 days).
AccommodationLodges and tented camps range from basic to luxurious, significantly impacting costs.
Park FeesEach national park has daily entrance fees, which vary between parks.
Time of YearThe peak season (June-October) is more expensive than the off-peak (March-May).
Private vs. Group SafariPrivate safaris are more expensive, while group safaris can reduce costs by sharing transportation and guides.
TransportFly-in safaris (using charter flights) cost more than driving safaris.

Average Safari Costs by Type

The type of safari you choose will determine your overall budget. Here’s an overview of the average costs for different safari types.

Safari TypeCost Per Day (Per Person)Description
Budget Safari$150 – $300Basic accommodations (campsites or budget lodges), shared vehicles, and group tours.
Mid-Range Safari$300 – $600Comfortable lodges or tented camps, private or small group tours, and better amenities.
Luxury Safari$600 – $1,500+Luxury lodges and camps, private vehicles, all-inclusive services, and premium amenities.
Fly-in Safari$800 – $2,000+Charter flights between parks, luxury accommodations, and personalized service.

Key Points:

  • Budget safaris are ideal for travelers who want to experience the wildlife without breaking the bank, using basic camping or affordable lodges.
  • Luxury safaris offer high-end lodges or tented camps, private vehicles, and gourmet meals, often with spectacular settings inside or near the national parks.

National Park Entrance Fees

Tanzania’s national parks charge daily entrance fees, which are usually included in your safari package but can significantly impact the overall cost.

National ParkEntrance Fee (Per Person, Per Day)Additional Fees
Serengeti National Park$82.60 (adults), $23.60 (children under 16)Vehicle fees and camping fees for certain accommodations.
Ngorongoro Crater$70 (adults), $20 (children under 16)$250 per vehicle for a crater descent.
Tarangire National Park$59 (adults), $17.70 (children under 16)None
Lake Manyara National Park$59 (adults), $17.70 (children under 16)None
Ruaha National Park$59 (adults), $17.70 (children under 16)None
Arusha National Park$53 (adults), $17.70 (children under 16)None

Key Points:

  • The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater have the highest entrance fees but are also the most popular parks for wildlife viewing.
  • Ngorongoro charges an additional fee for descending into the crater, which is an essential part of the safari experience.

Accommodation Costs on Safari

Your choice of accommodation significantly impacts your safari cost. Lodging ranges from budget campsites to luxury lodges and tented camps.

A. Budget Accommodation

TypeCost Per Night (Per Person)Details
Campsites$30 – $50Basic amenities with shared bathrooms.
Budget Lodges$50 – $150Basic, no-frills lodges or permanent campsites.

B. Mid-Range Accommodation

TypeCost Per Night (Per Person)Details
Lodges/Tented Camps$150 – $350Comfortable rooms or tents with en-suite bathrooms and good amenities.
Safari Camps$250 – $500More amenities and better locations within the parks.

C. Luxury Accommodation

TypeCost Per Night (Per Person)Details
Luxury Lodges/Camps$600 – $1,500+High-end lodges with gourmet meals, private terraces, and excellent service.
Private Mobile Camps$1,000 – $2,500+Exclusive, fully serviced camps that move with the migration.

Key Points:

  • Luxury lodges often provide the most breathtaking views, proximity to wildlife, and top-notch services.
  • Budget travelers can opt for campsites, which offer basic amenities but a true wilderness experience.

Time of Year and Seasonality

The cost of a Tanzania safari varies depending on the time of year, with peak seasons being more expensive due to higher demand.

SeasonMonthsSafari CostsAdvantages/Disadvantages
High Season (Peak)June to OctoberHighest pricesBest time for wildlife viewing, especially for the Great Migration and dry-season safaris.
Shoulder SeasonNovember to DecemberModerate pricesGood wildlife viewing with fewer crowds, short rains may occur.
Low Season (Rainy)March to MayLowest pricesFewer tourists, but roads may be muddy, and some lodges close.

Key Points:

  • June to October is the most expensive time to visit, but it offers the best wildlife viewing and safari conditions.
  • The low season (March to May) is the cheapest time to go on safari, with significant discounts on tours and accommodations.

Other Safari Costs to Consider

In addition to accommodation and park fees, there are other expenses to consider when planning your Tanzania safari.

Additional CostEstimated PriceDetails
Internal Flights$150 – $300 (per person, per flight)Charter flights between parks (e.g., from Arusha to Serengeti).
Tipping$10 – $20 (per person, per day)For guides, drivers, and camp staff.
Visa Fees$50 – $100 (depending on nationality)Entry visa for Tanzania.
Travel Insurance$100 – $200 (per person)Covers medical evacuation, lost luggage, and trip cancellations.

Key Points:

  • Tipping is expected on safaris, especially for guides, porters, and camp staff. Plan to tip $10-$20 per person, per day.
  • Travel insurance is essential, especially for coverage of medical evacuation from remote areas.

Sample Safari Packages

Here’s a breakdown of typical safari costs based on the duration and type of safari.

Safari TypeDurationCost Per Person (Approximate)Description
Budget Group Safari3-4 days$600 – $1,200Shared vehicles, budget camps or lodges, visiting Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
Mid-Range Private Safari5-7 days$2,000 – $3,500Private vehicles and guides, mid-range lodges, or tented camps.
Luxury Safari7-10 days$5,000 – $10,000+Fly-in safari with luxury lodges and all-inclusive services.
Great Migration Safari7-10 days$4,000 – $8,000+Premium lodges and mobile camps, following the migration through Serengeti.

Key Points:

  • Budget safaris usually offer a good balance of affordability and wildlife viewing, with shared transportation and group tours.
  • Luxury safaris provide exclusivity, personalized service, and stunning accommodations but come at a much higher price.

The cost of a Tanzania safari can range from $150 to $2,000+ per person, per day, depending on your preferences and travel style. Budget safaris offer basic amenities and group tours, while luxury safaris provide high-end accommodations and personalized service. The best time to visit is during the dry season (June to October), which coincides with peak wildlife viewing, although prices are higher during this period. By considering factors like accommodation, park fees, and the type of safari, you can tailor your Tanzania safari to fit your budget and maximize your experience in this spectacular destination.

Destinations

Top Safari Destinations To Visit

Tanzania is renowned for its stunning safari destinations, each offering unique experiences and abundant wildlife. Here are some of the top safari destinations in Tanzania:

Serengeti National Park

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Mt Kilimanjaro National Park

Tarangire National Park

Lake Manyara National Park

Arusha National Park