TLDR: A basic safari costs $300-$400 per person per day, a comfort safari costs $400-550 per person per day, a mid-range safaris cost $550-$750 per person per day, a luxury safaris costs $750-$1,000 per person per day and signature safaris cost upwards of $1,000.
It is probably the first and most common questions asked: How much does a Tanzania Safari cost? Generally, Tanzania is regarded as one of the more expensive safari destinations in Africa. But with that higher cost comes greater exclusivity, breathtaking landscapes, wildlife second to none and experiences far richer than any other.
That said, it doesn’t always need to be super expensive. Knowing what factors influence your Tanzania Safari can allow you to make the right adjustments to your plan and enjoy a safari that best fits your budget.
Unless you are in a private and exclusive use concession, like the Grumeti, your experience being out and about on traditional game drives does not vary much between various safari price points. You will see and experience the same wildlife, though travel distances to key hotspots may sometimes be a longer.
However, your selection of accommodation is by far the most important factor that determines the cost of a safari. When in the wilderness, the phrase “location, location, location” is often very apt.
As a simple guide, we have created a handy table below which lays out the average costs for a Tanzania safari based on 5 levels of accommodation: from basic all the way to signature accommodation designed for the Top 1%. The costs are provided as ranges as other factors, which we talk about below, play a part in what the actual price is going to be.
Want a quick estimate? Use our handy Tanzania Safari Price Calculator.
Average Tanzania Safari Cost
| Accommodation Type | Cost Per Person Per Day (Sharing) |
| Camping / Basic | ~ USD 300 to USD 400 |
| Comfort | USD 400 to USD 550 |
| Mid-Range | USD 550 to USD 750 |
| Luxury | USD 750 to USD 1,000 |
| Signature | Over USD 1,000 |
What does the average Tanzania Safari cost include?
- All accommodation (including pre-safari)
- All meals while on safari
- All National Park entry fees for every day spent inside a park (or WMA)
- All National Park Concession fees for every night spent inside a park (or WMA)
- At least 1 x Ngorongoro Crater Descent fee
- A private safari vehicle with an expert safari guide
- All ground handling, transport and safari game drives
- All Taxes (18% Value Added Tax + 1% Tourism Development Levy)
What does the average Tanzania Safari cost include?
- International flight
- Tanzanian Visa (USD 50 to USD 100)
- Post-safari accommodation
- Some drinks (alcoholic or other premium drinks) are often only included in higher-end safaris
- Travel/Medical Insurance
- Mandatory Zanzibar Health Insurance (if Zanzibar is included)
- Tips (see our tipping guide)
- Optional activities like Hot Air Ballooning, Night Game Drives etc
Factors that influence a Tanzania Safari Cost
#1 Season of travel
Arguably the biggest factor influencing the cost of a Tanzania safari is the season of travel (Yes, sometimes even more than the choice of accommodation). Travelling during the Peak Season from July to September, when the Wildebeest Migration crosses the Mara River, is expensive. Similarly, mid-December to February when the Wildebeest congregate near Ndutu for Calving Season is equally pricey.
Green Season in April and May, coinciding with the wet season, is generally the most favourable season with deep discounts at camps and lodges.
#2 Selection of accommodation & location
#3 Number of travellers
While most costs of a safari are individual, like park fees, meals, accommodation etc, others like your vehicle fees, Ngorongoro Crater Descent fees etc are per group. This means that the larger a travelling family or group size, the better the cost of a Tanzania Safari.
It is important to strike the right balance though. While most Tanzania Safari vehicles can fit up to 8 people, we do not recommend maxing it out. We recommend a max occupancy limit 6 people per safari vehicle, allowing you room to move about while viewing wildlife, ensure everyone gets a large window seat and allow for ample luggage storage. For groups larger than 6, we strongly recommend additional vehicles.
#4 Flights, or no flights
The common way to get around the various National Parks on a Tanzania safari is by road, being driven around in a Safari Vehicle by an expert driver-guide.
However, it is not the only way. You have the option to fly between the parks on scheduled or private bush flights. Flights are ideal for travellers that want to maximise their time on excursions and activities. Hybrid drive-in/fly-out safaris (or fly-in/drive-out) are very popular as well.
Generally, full driving safaris are more cost effective compared to safaris that include flights since flight tickets can be a bit expensive, especially around the peak travel season.
#5 Parks visited
#6 Length of stay
#7 Optional activities
