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Tanzania has been a dream vacation for many people around the world. Whether for mountain climbing or wildlife safaris.
If you’re looking for a cost to visit Tanzania, that is a good start toward the success of your trip to Tanzania.
Many factors contribute to Tanzania’s safari costs. But the most common are accommodations, park fees, and the supporting team you may need for your trip.
Some trips need to have a crew, and others do not. On average, you need six (6) people for support if you climb Kilimanjaro. On a game drive, one safari guide is enough.
All these factors drive costs up or down. We invite you to read this topic about Tanzania safari costs.
We can group Tanzania safaris into three service levels. These are standard, mid-range, and luxury services. These levels vary from one to another depending on your choice.
So, how much does the Tanzania safari cost?
The average cost ranges from :
- $ 250 to $300 per person per day for a budget safari
- Mid-range service starts from $350 to $650 per person per day
- Luxury service starts from $700 to $ 1,4000 per person per day
These costs can be seen as expensive at first glance. Yes, though for you to have the best experience, service standards should be in place.
You might find costs less than that, but you should know that something or a service is a compromise. You don’t need to travel all the way home to come here to experience difficulties or any challenges.
Key drives for the Tanzania Safari costs
- Airport transfers
- Accommodations (lodges, hotels, or camps )
- Meals and drinks
- Park fees and other taxes
- Transport while on safari
- Tour guides ( Mountain and Safari guides )
- Camping equipment ( Mountain climbing and camping safaris )
- Chartered flights (in the case it is booked is part of the trip)
- Cultural tourism programs
- Safari add-ons like walking, beach parties, and weddings)
- Optional tours
- Balloon safari experience (if requested )
- Night game drives
- Mountain crew (porters, cooks )
- Climbing equipment (apply for renting )
Transport Guide
If you plan to visit Serengeti, you may arrive at Kilimanjaro or Jomo Kenyatta Airport. This is where the real tour costs start.
Most travel companies offer transfers to and from hotels or lodges. Roughly budget for airport transfer is roughly $100, and for game drive, the vehicle hire price ranges from $200 to $ 350 per day.
Accommodation Costs
Arrive at the northern part of Tanzania, either Moshi or Arusha. Many tours start here toward Ngorongoro Crater or Tarangire.
The accommodation price differs from Arusha town to the center of the national park. Below is a sample price from Arusha/Moshi to Serengeti National Park.
Arusha / Moshi Town
- Costs range from $50 to $300 B&B ( Budget and Mid-range)
- Cost from $ 350 to $ 1,800 B&B, HB (Luxury and Deluxe)
Mto wa Mbu and Karatu
- Costs range from $100 to USD 380 Full Board (FB) (Budget and Mid-range)
- Costs range from $400- USD 1,700 for Full Board ( Luxury and Deluxe )
Ngorongoro & Serengeti
- Costs range from $180 to USD 390 Full Board ( Budget and Mid-range)
- Costs range from $450 to USD 14,500 for Full Board ( Luxury and Deluxe)
These prices are subject to change depending on the season or new taxation.
Despite these costs, some visitors prefer camping options. The cost always goes down. As a company, we organize budget camping trips accompanied by a professional cook.
Park Fees
Familiarizing yourself with fees for the parks you wish to visit is the best start for your trip cost budgeting. Below is the list of parks and fees for Tanzania.
You might ask why all these charges. The park entry fees you pay go to communities and wildlife conservation.
National Park Park Fees (per adult, per 24 hours)
- Lake Manyara National Park: USD 59 ( 18% VAT inclusive )
- Arusha National Park US$ D 59 ( 18% VAT inclusive)
- Tarangire National Park USD 59 ( 18 VAT inclusive )
- Transit fees if you are transiting Ngorongoro to Serengeti are USD 71
- Ngorongoro Crater Fee USD 295 (per vehicle)
- Ngorongoro entry fees USD 70.8 per person
- Serengeti National Park USD 83 ( 18 % VAT inclusive)
- Special Camping Fee USD 71 per night in Serengeti
Trip add-on
You might decide to add some extra activities to your game drive Safari. These activities also come with extra costs. Below is the list of activities and costs.
- Hot air balloon USD 599 per person ( Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire )
- Night game drive in Tarangire: USD 200 per person
- Night game drive in Lake Manyara USD 190 per person
- USD 25 for a guided walking Safari (hills around Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater rim )
- Maasai Boma visit in Ngorongoro, USD 50 per vehicle
Kilimanjaro Climbing Fees
You might also want to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. But how much does Mount Kilimanjaro climbing cost?
Reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro at 5,895 is pride. Reaching the summit of this mountain can take about 5 to 9 days, depending on the route and climbing program.
Of the five routes, only one route offers mountain huts; the rest are camping options. Thus, creating a cost difference
Conservation fees per day (all routes)
- US$70 for or above the age of 16 years
- US$20 between the ages of 5 and 15 years
Public Campsite Fee per Night
- (US$50 for or above the age of 16 years
- US$10 between the ages of 5 and 15 years
Hut Fee
- US$60 per night (for those aged 16 years)
- US$20 per night (between the ages of 5 and 15 years)
Rescue Fee
- US$20 per person per trip
Crew Fee
- US$2 per person per trip
Crater camping fee
- US$100
Staff Wages and Food
- Costs range from USD 80- 150 per day, depending on the group size
- USD 15-30 spending for one climber per day
Mawenzi Peak climbing
- US$750 (it is technical climbing)
Paragliding on Kilimanjaro
- Pilot fee: US$500
- Passenger fee $250
Cycling in Kilimanjaro National Park
- US$50
Video Shooting per group of 2-20 people (This is for recording own art, music, or movies)
- Park US$100
- TANAPA HQ US$50
All the above fees for Mount Kilimanjaro exclude VAT at 18%
Tipping Guide
Many companies or specialists overlook or forget to brief clients visiting Tanzania. It may come as a surprise to many visitors about tipping policies.
YES, it is very appreciated! When and how do you pay your tips?
You can decide to pay for the package, or you can decide to pay the crew after the trip. Below is a quick guide for tipping
- $20 per guide, per day.
- $15 per cook, per day.
- $10 per porters per day.
Conclusion
To wrap up this topic, we believe you have gained insight into how much a Tanzania safari costs.
Trips differ from one client to another and from one company to another.
The data presented in this article is a simple guide to help you understand and get a clear picture of Tanzania safari costs.
Companies offer discounts for groups or based on the seasons of the year.
A good thing about Tanzania is that many tour operators offer you a chance to customize the trip.
We collaborate with our clients to design their own experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions: Tanzania Safari Costs
1. What is the average cost per day for a Tanzania safari?
The daily cost varies significantly based on travel style. On average, you can expect:
- Budget Safari: $250 to $400 per person per day.
- Mid-Range Safari: $450 to $700 per person per day.
- Luxury Safari: $650 to over $1,500 per person per day.
2. Why is there such a huge price difference between safari companies?
Prices can vary by 30% to 300% largely due to the booking method. International tour operators based in the US or Europe often act as middlemen, subcontracting to local companies and adding a significant markup.
Booking directly with a reputable local Tanzanian tour operator typically offers much better value and more competitive pricing.
3. What is typically included in a safari package cost?
A transparent safari package from a local operator usually includes :
All park entry, concession, and conservation fees
Accommodation in lodges or tented camps
All meals during the safari (Full Board)
A private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof
Services of a professional English-speaking driver/guide
Drinking water in the vehicle and all game drives
4. What costs are usually NOT included in a safari package?
Be sure to budget for these common exclusions :
International flights
Tanzania visa (approx. $50-$100)
Travel insurance (mandatory, with medical evacuation)
Gratuities for guides and camp staff
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Optional activities (e.g., hot air balloon rides)
Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry)
5. Is it cheaper to book a group safari?
Yes, joining a shared (group) safari can reduce costs by 12-27% compared to a private tour.
This is a great option for solo travelers or those on a tighter budget, though it often involves fixed itineraries and basic camping accommodation.
6. How much should I budget for tipping on safari?
Tipping is customary. A general guideline is $15-$25 per person, per day for your driver-guide. It’s also recommended to bring small U.S. dollar bills for tipping lodge staff and for other incidental expenses.
7. When is the best time to book a safari for the best price?
To secure the best rates and availability, especially for peak seasons like the Great Migration (July-September), it is advisable to book 6 to 12 months in advance.
Traveling during the green season (November to May) can also offer lower prices, though some areas may experience heavy rainfall
Are you ready to start planning?
You can proceed with booking by filling out the form below. Let’s make your adventure unforgettable!
