Tanzania safari cost: What a safari really costs
Updated: Oct 11
A safari in Tanzania is one of the most impressive travel experiences in the world. Watching lions in the savanna, seeing herds of elephants and driving through endless landscapes is a dream for many travellers.
But before the journey begins, almost everyone asks the same question: How much does a safari in Tanzania actually cost?
Prices can vary considerably – from around $225 per person per day to more than $1.690. The exact price depends on several factors, including accommodation, safari duration, national parks and the time of year.
In this guide, you'll find a realistic overview of what you can expect to pay for a safari in Tanzania.
Average Tanzania safari costs
Here is a rough guide to the average cost per person per day:
Safari type | Price per person per day |
Budget safari | $225–$395 |
Mid-range safari | $450–$790 |
Luxury safari | $790–$1.690+ |
These prices generally include:
Safari vehicle with driver-guide
Accommodation
Meals
National park fees
International flights and tips are not always included.
The biggest cost factor: National park fees
A significant part of the total safari cost comes from national park entrance fees.
For example:
Serengeti National Park – around $80–$100 per 24 hours
Ngorongoro Crater – plus approximately $300 vehicle fee
Tarangire National Park – around $60–$80
These fees are set by the relevant authorities and can account for a significant part of the overall safari price.
Accommodation: From budget to luxury
Your accommodation has a major influence on the total cost of your safari.
Budget safari
Accommodation in simple camps or smaller lodges.
Price: Around $225–$395 per person per day
Typical features:
Simple tented camps
Shared facilities
Basic comfort
Mid-range safari
This is the category chosen by many travellers.
Price: Around $450–$790 per person per day
Typical features:
Comfortable safari lodges
Permanent tents or bungalows
Good food
Private bathroom
Luxury safari
Luxury lodges or exclusive tented camps.
Price: $790–$1.690+ per person per day
Typical features:
Small boutique lodges
Private terraces
Highly personalised service
Many of these lodges are located directly in or close to the famous landscapes of the Serengeti.
Example: Cost of a 7-day safari
Here is a realistic example of a classic Northern Tanzania safari.
Route:
Arusha
Tarangire National Park
Ngorongoro Crater
Serengeti National Park
Approximate price range per person:
Budget: $1.580–$2.480
Mid-range: $2.820–$5.070
Luxury: $5.640–$11.270+
The actual price depends on the accommodation, season, route and number of travellers.
Other costs to consider
International flights
Common arrival airports include:
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Arusha Airport
Airlines serving Tanzania include, among others:
Ethiopian Airlines
Qatar Airways
Turkish Airlines
KLM
Lufthansa
Brussels Airlines
Edelweiss
Flight prices vary considerably depending on the season, departure airport and how early you book.
Tips
Tipping is customary in Tanzania.
Typical guidelines are:
Safari guide: $10–$20 per day
Lodge staff: $5–$10 per day
Mandatory travel insurance
Since October 1, 2026, foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania are required to have inbound travel insurance.
The insurance costs $44 per person and is valid for up to 92 days. It covers emergency assistance, including medical emergencies, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation, subject to the policy terms and conditions.
The insurance must be obtained through the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) for visitors entering Tanzania through the mainland.
Important: This mandatory insurance does not replace comprehensive travel insurance from your home country. It is an additional entry requirement for Tanzania.
When planning your safari budget, you should therefore add $44 per person for this mandatory insurance.
Visa
The tourist visa for Tanzania costs approximately:
$50
Safari + beach holiday in Zanzibar
Many travellers combine their safari with a few days on the beaches of Zanzibar.
Typical additional costs include:
Hotels: $90–$450 per night
Domestic flight: $90–$225
The actual price depends heavily on the accommodation category and travel season.
How to save money on a Tanzania safari
Travel during the low season
The months of March, April and May can offer lower prices.
Some lodges offer significant discounts during the low season, although the exact savings vary depending on the accommodation and availability.
Travel in a small group
Private safaris are generally more expensive. Sharing a safari vehicle with other travellers can reduce the cost per person considerably.
So, how much does a safari in Tanzania really cost?
As a rough guide, you can expect the following:
Budget safari (7–10 days): around $2.250–$3.500
Mid-range safari: around $4.000–$6.200
Luxury safari: from around $6.760
Keep in mind that these are only general guidelines. Every safari is different, and the final price depends on the route, accommodation, season, number of travellers and the national parks included.
A safari in Tanzania may not be the cheapest holiday, but for many travellers it becomes one of the most unforgettable experiences of their lives.
The combination of incredible wildlife, spectacular landscapes and places such as the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater makes Tanzania truly unique.
Transparency is my priority. Simply share your budget with me, and as your independent travel planner, I will match you with the perfect local partners on the ground to maximize your experience.
Further reading:
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