Embarking on a safari in Tanzania is a dream for many adventure enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. This East African gem boasts some of the most iconic national parks and game reserves in the world. But how much does a Tanzania safari cost? In this article, we’ll break down the various factors that influence the cost of a safari in Tanzania to help you plan your adventure.

Factors Influencing Tanzania Safari Cost

Several factors contribute to the overall cost of a Tanzania safari. Understanding these can help you make informed decisions and budget accordingly.

Duration of the Safari

The length of your safari is one of the primary factors affecting the cost. A longer safari naturally costs more due to additional accommodation, meals, and park fees. Common safari durations range from 3-day quick trips to 10-day immersive experiences.

Type of Accommodation

The type of accommodation you choose significantly influences the safari cost. Options range from budget campsites to luxury lodges. Here’s a breakdown:

Budget Campsites: Basic facilities with shared bathrooms and no-frills services. Prices range from $50 to $100 per night.
Mid-range Lodges: Comfortable lodges with private bathrooms and better amenities. Prices range from $150 to $300 per night.
Luxury Lodges: High-end lodges with premium services, private guides, and gourmet meals. Prices can go from $500 to $1,200 per night.

Time of Year

Safari in Tanzania cost depends the time of year you choose to go on a safari in Tanzania. Peak season usually occurs from June to October and during the Christmas holidays, when wildlife viewing is at its best. Prices during these times can be higher due to increased demand. Off-peak seasons, like the rainy months from March to May, often offer lower rates.

National Parks and Game Reserves Fees

The specific parks and reserves you visit also affect the cost. Tanzania is home to several renowned parks, each with its own entrance fees and amenities. Some popular ones include:

Serengeti National Park Fees: Known for the Great Migration

Park fee is $ 83 per day for adult of 16 years and above, and $24 for a child between the age of 5 and 15 years
Public Campsite fee per person per night is approximately $36 for adult of 16 years and above, and $ 6 for a child between the age of 5 and 15 years
Special Campsite fee per person per night is approximately $71 for adult of 16 years and above, and $ 6 for a child between 5 and 15 years
Concession fee is approximately $71 per night for adult of 16 years and above, and $ 12 for a child between 5 and 15 years
Filming or Photographic fee is $ 354
Video shooting, (Music or movies) per group of 2 to 20 pax is $ 118
Bush Meal per person per day is $ 6
Fun run Serengeti (10 km) is $ 59 per adult of 16 years and above, and $ 18 for a child between 5 and 15 years
Fun run Serengeti (5 km) is $ 59 per adult of 16 years and above, and $ 12 for a child between 5 and 15 years
Cycling per person per day is $ 30

Ngorongoro Crater Fees: A UNESCO World Heritage site

Entrance fee is $71 per day for adult of 16 years and above, and $ 24 for Child of 5 years and below
Crater service fee is $ 295 per vehicle
Concession fee is $ 59 per night for adult of 16 years old and above, and $12 for Child of 5 years and below 16
Public Campsite fee is approximately $ 36 per night for adult of 16 years and above, and $ 12 for Child of 5 years and below 16 years
Special Campsite fee is approximately $ 71 per night for adult of 16 years old and above, and $ 36 for Child of 5 years and below 16 years
Short walks (1-4 hours) for adults is $24, and $12 for the child
Long walks (above 4 hours) for adults is $ 30, and $18 for the child
Permit for serving hot bush lunch is $ 24
Olduvai Gorge fee and Laetoli Footprints fee is $36 for adult, and $12 for Child of 5 years and below 16 years
Laetoli Footprints fee is $ 24 for adult, and $12 for Child of 5 years and below 16 years
Hot Air Balloon Safari is $ 40 for 8 years and above
Filming or Photographic fee is $ 354

Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park and Arusha National Park fees

Park fee is $ 59 per day for adult of 16 years and above, and $18 for a child between the age of 5 and 15 years
Public Campsite fee per person per night is approximately $36 for adult of 16 years and above, and $ 6 for a child between the age of 5 and 15 years
Special Campsite fee per person per night is approximately $71 for adult of 16 years and above, and $ 6 for a child between 5 and 15 years
Mt Meru hut fees (Miriakamba and Saddle) is $36
Ranger service fee for climbing Mt Meru is $18
Concession fee is approximately $48 per night for adult of 16 years and above, and $ 12 for a child between 5 and 15 years
Filming or Photographic fee is $ 295
Video shooting, (Music or movies) per group of 2 to 20 pax is $ 118
Bush Meal per person per day is $ 6
Night Game Drives for Tarangire and Lake Manyara is $59 per night for adult of 16 years and above, and $ 30 for a child between 5 and 15 years
Cycling per person per day is $ 30

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park fees: Home for the highest Mountain in Africa

Park fee is $ 83 per day for adult of 16 years and above, and $ 24 for a child between the age of 5 and 15 years
Camping fee per person per night is approximately $59 for adult of 16 years and above, and $ 12 for a child between the age of 5 and 15 years
Upper Barafu Camp fee per person per night is approximately $118 for adult of 16 years and above, and $ 24 for a child between 5 and 15 years
Mt Kilimanjaro Hut fees (Mandara, Horombo and Kibo huts) $71 per night for adult of 16 years and above, and $ 24 for a child between the age of 5 and 15 years
Kilimanjaro: Self-contained rooms fees (Marangu Route only) $118per night for adult of 16 years and above, and $ 36 for a child between 5 and 15 years
Filming or Photographic fee is $ 295
Video shooting, (Music or movies) per group of 2 to 20 pax is $ 118
Paragliding on Kilimanjaro per person per day is $ 590 for Pilot and $ 295 for passengers
Cycling per person per day is $ 59
Mawenzi Peak Technical Climbing per person per day is $ 885
Mt Kilimanjaro Rescue fees is $ 24 per climb

Mode of Transportation

Your choice of transportation also plays a role in the overall cost. Options include:

Private Safari Vehicles: Offers personalized experiences. Prices can range from $250 to $350 per day.
Fly-in Safaris: For those with a bigger budget, flying between parks saves time and offers a unique perspective. Prices start at around $500 per flight.

Inclusions and Exclusions

When comparing safari packages, it’s essential to understand what’s included and what’s not. Common inclusions are:

Park entrance fees
Accommodation
Meals
Game drives
Guide services
Professional Driver guide

Exclusions might include:

International flights
Travel insurance
Visa fees
Personal expenses
Tips and gratuities

Sample Safari Cost Breakdown

To give you a clearer picture, here’s a sample cost breakdown for a mid-range 7-day Tanzania safari:

Accommodation: 5 nights at mid-range lodges on safari: $1,506
Accommodation: 2 nights at mid-range lodges before and after safari: $200
Park Fees: Serengeti ($83 x 3 days) + Ngorongoro ($71 x 1 day) + Tarangire ($59 x 1 days): $379
Concession Fees: Serengeti ($71 x 3 days) + Ngorongoro ($59 x 1 day) + Tarangire ($48 x 1 days): $ 320
Transportation: Private safari vehicle: $250 per day x 5 days: $1,250
Crater fee service $ 295
Meals and Guide Services: Typically included in the accommodation and transportation fees

Total Estimated Cost: $2,700

Tips to Save on Your Tanzania Safari

While safaris can be expensive, there are ways to make your dream trip more affordable:

Travel During the Shoulder Season

Traveling during the shoulder season, just before or after the peak season, can help you save money. The weather is still favorable, and you can enjoy good wildlife viewing without the high costs.

Book in Advance

Booking your safari well in advance can secure better rates and more options, especially for popular lodges and camps.

Join a Group Safari

Joining a group safari can significantly reduce costs as expenses for transportation and guides are shared among several travelers.

Be Flexible with Your Itinerary

Flexibility in your travel dates and itinerary can open up opportunities for discounts and special offers.

Opt for Mid-range or Budget Accommodations

Choosing mid-range or budget accommodations instead of luxury lodges can help lower your expenses without compromising the safari experience.

Final Thoughts

The cost of a safari in Tanzania can vary widely based on several factors, including duration, accommodation, time of year, parks visited, and transportation. By understanding these elements and planning accordingly, you can create a memorable and budget-friendly safari experience. Whether you’re opting for a budget adventure or a luxury retreat, Tanzania’s breathtaking landscapes and incredible wildlife promise an unforgettable journey. Contact Precious safaris to choose one of our Midrange Safari Packages with the best safari Tanzania Cost