Tanzania Safari Cost in 2025

So, you’re dreaming of an African adventure?

Awesome!

A Tanzania safari is likely at the top of your list, with its vast plains, incredible wildlife, and the promise of memories that last a lifetime. But let’s talk about the big question on your mind: What is the Tanzania safari cost?

You see, planning your dream trip involves figuring out the budget.

The good news?

It’s totally possible to plan an amazing trip without breaking the bank. This guide will break down everything you need to know about the Tanzania safari cost in 2025, from park fees and accommodation to those amazing little extras.

How Much Does a Safari in Tanzania Cost Per Day?

First things first, let’s get a general idea of the numbers.

A Tanzania safari cost per day can vary wildly depending on your travel style. Are you a backpacker happy with a tent, or are you dreaming of a luxurious lodge with an infinity pool overlooking the Serengeti?

Budget Safaris

For those looking to experience the magic on a shoestring, budget safaris are a fantastic option. You’ll likely be camping or staying in simple lodges, often sharing a vehicle with other travelers. Expect to pay around $200 – $350 per person per day. This is a great way to get an affordable Tanzania safari price while still seeing incredible sights.

Mid-Range Safaris

This is the sweet spot for most travelers.

Mid-range safaris offer a balance of comfort and value, with stays in comfortable tented camps and lodges. The Tanzania safari cost for this style is typically $350 – $600 per person per day. You get private game drives and more flexibility in your Tanzania safari itinerary.

Luxury Safaris

Ready to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime experience?

Luxury safaris deliver unmatched comfort, service, and exclusivity. Think private plunge pools, gourmet meals, and fly-in transfers. Prices start from $600 per person per day and can go well over $1,500. This is the ultimate way to experience the best safari in Tanzania.

Pro Tip: Booking with a local Tanzanian tour operator can often get you a better price than going through a large international agency, as their overheads are lower.

What Factors Influence Your Tanzania Safari Cost?

You might be wondering why the prices have such a wide range.

Well, several key factors determine the final Tanzania safari cost. Understanding these will help you tailor your trip to your budget.

Your Choice of Accommodation

This is the single biggest factor.

Staying in a public campsite is much cheaper than a private luxury tented camp inside a national park. Lodges located outside park boundaries are also more affordable.

The Time of Year You Travel

Peak season (June to October) is the most expensive time to visit due to high demand and the Wildebeest Migration. The low season (March to May) offers lower prices and fewer crowds, but it is the rainy season. Shoulder seasons offer a nice balance.

Transportation Methods

How you get around matters.

Most safaris use a 4×4 Land Cruiser. If you want to save time on long drives, you can opt for internal flights to Tanzania’s national parks, but this will increase your overall cost significantly.

Group Size and Safari Type

A private safari will cost more per person than a group tour where you share the vehicle and guide costs. Solo travelers often face a single supplement, making the Tanzania safari cost per person higher.

Pro Tip: Traveling with a small group of friends or family can significantly lower the per-person cost, as you split the fixed costs of the vehicle and guide.

A Look at Accommodation Prices

To give you a clearer picture, let’s break down what you can expect to pay for lodging. Most Tanzania tour packages include accommodation, which falls into three main categories.

Here’s a table with estimated nightly rates per person.

Location	Affordable (Budget)	Mid-Range	Luxury
Arusha	$25 – $50	$90 – $150	$180+
Karatu (near Ngorongoro)	$65 – $100	$150 – $250	$300+
Serengeti National Park	$200 – $300	$400 – $600	$800 – $1,200+
Ngorongoro Crater	$180 – $250	$500 – $700	$1,000+

These prices usually include full board (lodging, meals) and sometimes drinks. As you can see, staying inside a premier park like the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater significantly impacts your Tanzania safari cost.

Pro Tip: Mix and match accommodation styles. Splurge on a nice lodge for a night or two in the Serengeti, but choose more affordable options in towns like Arusha or Karatu.

Breaking Down Park Fees and Other Costs

When you book Tanzania safari packages, what’s actually included?

It’s important to know what you’re paying for.

What is included in a safari booking?

Typically, your safari booking includes:

• Park entrance fees
• Accommodation (lodging)
• All meals on safari
• Private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof
• An English-speaking driver/guide
• Unlimited game drives
• Bottled water in the vehicle

What’s Not Included?

Costs that are usually extra include:

• International flights
• Visas
• Travel insurance
• Tips for your guide
• Optional activities like hot air balloon safaris or cultural visits
• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks

Park fees make up a large portion of your Tanzania safari cost.

For example, the entrance fee for the Serengeti National Park is around $70 per person per day, while the Ngorongoro Conservation Area has a similar fee plus an additional crater service fee.

Pro Tip: Always ask your tour operator for a detailed breakdown of inclusions and exclusions before you confirm your safari booking. This helps avoid any surprise expenses.

How to Book a Safari in Tanzania

Feeling ready to make it happen?

How to book a safari in Tanzania is easier than you think. You can go about it in a few different ways.

Booking with a Local Tour Operator

This is a popular and cost-effective method.

Local companies have on-the-ground knowledge and can offer competitive pricing. You can find them through safari booking platforms like Mara Triangle Safaris, which features reviews from other travelers.

Booking with an International Agency

These agencies such as Mara Triangle Safaris, can handle everything from international flights to your complete Tanzania safari itinerary. This is an option for Tanzania safari and Zanzibar packages from the UK and the rest of the world.

DIY Safari

While possible in some African countries, a self-drive safari in Tanzania is not recommended for first-timers. The roads can be challenging, and you’d miss out on the expertise of a local guide who knows where to find the best wildlife.

Pro Tip: When learning how to book a safari in Tanzania online, always check recent reviews and ask for references. A reputable operator will be happy to provide them.

Exploring Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Packages

Why choose between a thrilling wildlife adventure and a relaxing beach getaway when you can have both? Combining a safari with a beach holiday is the perfect way to experience everything Tanzania has to offer.

Why Combine a Safari with Zanzibar?

After days of early morning game drives and dusty roads, what could be better than unwinding on the turquoise shores of Zanzibar? The Safari Tanzania Zanzibar combo allows you to relax and recharge. You can explore the historic Stone Town, go snorkeling, or simply soak up the sun.

Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Packages Price

A 10 days Tanzania safari and Zanzibar package is a popular choice. Here’s a rough idea of the cost:

• Budget: Starting from $2,800 per person
• Mid-Range: Around $4,500 – $7,000 per person
• Luxury: From $8,000 to over $14,000 per person

These packages often include the flight from Arusha or the Serengeti to Zanzibar, making the logistics seamless. They are perfect for a Tanzania safari and Zanzibar honeymoon.

Pro Tip: To save time, consider booking a direct flight from a Serengeti airstrip to Zanzibar. It costs more than flying from Arusha but saves you a full day of travel.

Sample Itineraries and Costs

Let’s look at some popular Tanzania safari packages to give you an idea of what to expect.

3-Day Serengeti Safari Price

A short but sweet trip focused on the iconic Serengeti.

• What you’ll do: Fly into the Serengeti, enjoy two full days of game drives, and fly out.
• Estimated Cost: A 3-day Serengeti safari price typically ranges from $1,500 to $2,500 per person, depending on your accommodation choice. This is one of the best safaris in Tanzania for those short on time.

1-Day Safari from Zanzibar

Staying in Zanzibar but want a taste of the wild? It’s possible!

• What you’ll do: Take an early morning flight for a day trip from Zanzibar to Tanzania (usually to Nyerere National Park or Mikumi). Enjoy a full-day game drive and fly back in the evening.
• Estimated Cost: Expect to pay around $800-$950 for a 1 day safari from Zanzibar.

Pro Tip: If you’re coming from Kenya, many operators offer Tanzania safari packages from Nairobi, which can be a convenient starting point. You can cross the border by road and begin your adventure.

Must-Do Activities on a Tanzania Safari

Beyond the classic game drives, Tanzania offers a wealth of unique experiences that can make your trip even more memorable.

Hot Air Balloon Safaris

Floating silently over the Serengeti plains at sunrise is an unforgettable experience. It offers a unique perspective of the landscape and the animals below. This add-on typically costs around $550 – $650 per person.

Walking Safaris

Get out of the vehicle and experience the bush on foot. Accompanied by an armed ranger, walking safaris allow you to notice the smaller details of the ecosystem. It’s a thrilling way to connect with nature.

Cultural Visits

Spend time with local communities, such as the Maasai or Hadzabe tribes. These cultural visits offer a fascinating insight into traditional ways of life and are a rewarding part of any Tanzania safari itinerary.

Pro Tip: Pre-book special activities like hot air balloons well in advance, especially during peak season, as they have limited availability.

Comparing Tanzania and Kenya for a Safari

It’s a classic debate: which country offers the best safari in Africa? Both Tanzania and Kenya are incredible destinations, but they have their differences.

Which safari is cheaper, Kenya or Tanzania?

Generally, Kenya is considered slightly more affordable than Tanzania. Park fees and accommodation can be less expensive, making it a popular choice for budget safaris. However, the Tanzania safari cost is higher for a reason—its parks are larger and often feel less crowded.

Is Tanzania or Kenya better for safari?

It depends on what you’re looking for. Tanzania is home to the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater and offers a sense of vast, untouched wilderness. Kenya’s Masai Mara is famous for its dense wildlife concentrations and is easier to access from Nairobi.

Pro Tip: For the ultimate East Africa experience, consider a combined trip! Many Tanzania safari and Zanzibar packages from Kenya are available, letting you see the highlights of both countries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Got more questions?

You’re not alone! Here are answers to some common queries about planning your Tanzanian adventure.

How much to go on safari in Tanzania?

The cost varies widely, from around $200 per person per day for a budget camping trip to over $1,500 for a luxury lodge safari. Your total Tanzania safari cost depends on your travel style.

How many days is enough for Tanzania safari?

A 5 to 7-day safari is ideal for covering the main highlights of the Northern Circuit, including the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. For a combined Safari Tanzania Zanzibar trip, 10 to 12 days is recommended.

What is the cheapest way to do a safari in Tanzania?

Joining a group camping safari during the low season is the most budget-friendly option. This approach helps reduce the affordable Tanzania safari price significantly.

What is the best safari for first-timers?

The Northern Circuit is perfect for first-timers. It includes iconic parks like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara and offers incredible wildlife viewing.

How far in advance should I book a Tanzania safari?

For peak season (June-October), you should book 9-12 months in advance to secure your preferred lodges and guides. For other times of the year, 4-6 months is usually sufficient.

How do safari bookings work?

You typically contact a tour operator, discuss your preferred itinerary and budget, and they will create a customized proposal. A deposit is required to confirm the safari booking, with the balance due closer to your travel date.

Is it worth going to Zanzibar after safari?

Absolutely! It’s the perfect way to relax after an action-packed safari, offering beautiful beaches and a rich cultural history. Zanzibar holidays are a fantastic addition to your trip.

Can you combine a safari with a beach vacation?

Yes, this is one of the most popular trip combinations in Africa. Many Tanzania safari packages are designed to include a few days on the coast.

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask questions! A good tour operator will be happy to customize your trip and answer all your queries to ensure you have the perfect safari holiday.

Ready for an unforgettable adventure?

Your Tanzania Safari is just a click away for the best safari with affordable packages

Let the experts at Thrill Bound Adventures handle all the details for your safari booking so you can focus on making memories. From thrilling game drives to custom-tailored Kenyan expeditions, we bring your dream trip to life.

Contact Mara Triangle Safaris today to book your next adventure!

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