The cost of a safari in Tanzania varies significantly, not just in terms of daily expenses but also of compulsory fees imposed by the park authorities and the government, which include park fees and taxes. Tanzania, renowned for its iconic safaris in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, offers a range of experiences from budget to luxury, with costs varying significantly based on several factors. This detailed survey note, informed by the latest 2025 data, provides a comprehensive analysis to help travellers plan their adventure effectively.
Introduction to Tanzania Safari Costs
Planning a safari in Tanzania involves understanding a myriad of costs, from entry requirements to daily expenses during the safari. The average cost ranges from $400 to $1,500 per person per day, depending on the comfort level and additional activities. This guide aims to break down each component, ensuring travelers can budget accurately for their dream safari.
Entry and Preliminary Costs
Before embarking on your safari, several mandatory costs must be considered:
- Visa Costs: As of April 30, 2025, the standard tourist visa (Ordinary Visa) costs $50, but US citizens are required to obtain a multiple-entry visa at $100, valid for 12 months for tourism purposes. Other visa types include Transit ($30–$35) and Business ($250). Since January 30, 2025, E-Visas are mandatory, and applications can be made online at Tanzania Immigration, processed typically within 10 days.
- Vaccination Costs: Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for travelers from countries with risk of transmission, costing $50–$100. Recommended vaccines include Typhoid ($25–$50), Hepatitis A ($50–$100), and Hepatitis B ($50–$100). Anti-malarial tablets, highly recommended, cost around $2 per day, taken before and after the trip.
- Airport Transfers: Transfer costs vary by airport and destination. From Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) to Dar es Salaam, expect $25–$35; from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Arusha, $55–$80; and from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) to Stone Town, $15–$20, with transfers to beach areas costing $40–$50. Many operators, like FY African Safaris, offer complimentary transfers with packages.
- Sim Card Costs: To avoid high roaming charges, purchasing a local SIM card is advisable, costing $1–$2, with data bundles ranging from $2 for 1 GB to $10 for larger plans (e.g., Vodacom offers 2.4 GB for 7 days at $2.14, Airtel 4.5 GB for 30 days at $4.29).
- Cash to Carry: USD is widely accepted, especially in tourist areas, though paying in shillings might offer better rates. For a 7-day safari, budget $80–$100 per day for personal expenses like tips ($10/day), souvenirs ($100–$200 total), and additional meals, totaling around $1,000 in cash recommended.
Safari Cost Framework
The cost of a Tanzania safari varies based on the circuit, comfort level, and season:
- Northern vs. Southern Circuit: The Northern Circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, etc.) is pricier due to popularity, while the Southern Circuit (Nyerere, Ruaha, etc.) offers more affordable options. Costs are influenced by park fees, with Serengeti at $82/day and Tarangire at $50/day for non-EA citizens.
- Key Factors Impacting Costs: Seasonality (high season June–October, low season March–May, November), accommodation type (budget camping to luxury lodges), group size (larger groups reduce per-person costs), and activities (e.g., balloon safaris add $400–$700).
Detailed Cost Breakdown
A typical safari package includes several components, each contributing to the total cost:
- Park Entrance Fees: Vary by park and season. For 2025, Serengeti is $82/day in peak season, Ngorongoro $70/day plus $295/vehicle for crater access, Tarangire $50/day, and Lake Manyara $59/day. Fees are valid for 24 hours, with children under 5 exempt.
- Camping Fees: Mandatory for all visitors, around $30–$50 per person per night, depending on the park (e.g., Serengeti $30, Kilimanjaro $50).
- Accommodation Costs: Range widely by category:
Category Cost (USD per person per night) Details Basic/Budget $50–$150 Camping or basic lodges, shared facilities Mid-Range/Economy $150–$500 Comfortable lodges, private facilities Luxury/Premium $500–$2,000 High-end lodges, gourmet meals, exclusivity Location impacts costs, with Arusha budget at $25/night, Ngorongoro luxury at $1,000/night.
- Vehicle, Guides, and Food Expenses: Vehicle fees range from $250 for general land cruisers to $350 for high-end, guides cost $20–$50/day depending on language, and food/drinks $10–$15/day if not included.
Fees for National Parks in Tanzania
Each park has unique costs, influencing overall safari pricing:
- Serengeti National Park: Safari prices $1,500–$5,000+, park fee $82/day, camping $30–$50/night, accommodation $200–$1,000+/night.
- Tarangire National Park: Safari prices $1,200–$4,000+, park fee $50/day, camping $30–$50/night, accommodation $150–$800+/night.
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area: Safari prices $1,500–$5,000+, park fee $70/day + $295/vehicle, camping $30–$50/night, accommodation $200–$1,000+/night.
- Lake Manyara National Park: Safari prices $1,000–$4,000+, park fee $59/day, camping $30–$50/night, accommodation $150–$800+/night.
Safari Types and Their Costs
- Group Safaris: $200–$700/day, ideal for budget travelers, with options like overland ($200/day) to mobile camping ($550/day).
- Private Safaris: $350–$800/day, offering exclusivity, with costs decreasing for larger groups (e.g., $250/day for 6 people).
- Luxury Safaris: $500–$1,400/day, with high season rates up to $1,500, including luxury lodges and fly-in options.
Activity-Based Costs
Activities enhance the safari experience, with costs varying:
| National Park | Activity | Price Range (USD per person) |
|---|---|---|
| Serengeti | Game Drives | $150–$400 |
| Balloon Safaris | $400–$700 | |
| Ngorongoro | Game Drives | $150–$400 |
| Tarangire | Bird Watching | $100–$300 |
| Mahale Mountains | Chimpanzee Trekking | $150–$300 |
Additional activities like night game drives start at $60, and horseback safaris from $4,000.
Seasonal Cost Variations
- High Season (June–October): Peak prices due to dry weather and migration, with savings harder to find.
- Low Season (March–May, November): Offers 20–30% savings, with accommodation discounts up to 50%, ideal for budget travelers.
Operator Cost Comparison
Booking with local operators can reduce costs, with park fees and accommodation comprising over 50% of expenses, compared to international operators adding 25–300% more due to agent fees.
Comparative Costs with Other African Countries
Tanzania safaris are pricier than South Africa or Kenya due to higher park fees and luxury accommodations, but unique experiences like the Great Migration justify the cost. For example, a 7-night safari in Tanzania costs $10,500–$13,000, compared to $8,440–$20,890 in Kenya.
Total Cost for Travellers from Different Countries
The total cost includes flights, visas, and safari packages:
| Cost Component | US Travelers ($) | UK Travelers (£) | Europe Travelers (€) | Australia Travelers (AUD) | Singapore Travelers (SGD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Flights | $900–$1,200 | £500–£800 | €700–€1,300 | AUD 1,200–2,000 | SGD 1,200–2,000 |
| Visa Fees | $100 | £80–£200 | €90–€225 | AUD 140–350 | SGD 140–350 |
| Safari Packages | $2,000–$8,000+ | £1,500–£6,500+ | €1,800–€7,500+ | AUD 3,000–12,000+ | SGD 3,000–12,000+ |
| Park Fees | $50–$100/day | £40–£80/day | €45–€90/day | AUD 70–140/day | SGD 70–140/day |
| Accommodation | $50–$1,500+/night | £40–£1,200+/night | €45–€1,400+/night | AUD 70–2,000+/night | SGD 70–2,000+/night |
| Transportation | $150–$400/day | £120–£300/day | €135–€350/day | AUD 200–500/day | SGD 200–500/day |
| Travel Insurance | 5–10% of total cost | 5–10% of total cost | 5–10% of total cost | 5–10% of total cost | 5–10% of total cost |
Additional Expenses
- Tipping: Around $10/day, appreciated for guides, porters, and staff.
- Travel Insurance: Starts at $100, with plans like Basic ($89 for 10 days) to Premium ($169 for 10 days), including COVID-19 coverage.
- Food and Drinks: $10–$15/day, with local meals like Ndizi na nyama at $1.21, beer at $2.50–$4.
- Pre and Post-Safari Accommodation: Budget options from $40/night, mid-range lodges around $90/night for two.
Safari Category Differences
- Budget Safaris ($400–$500/day): Basic camping, shared vehicles, simple meals, ideal for cost-conscious travelers.
- Mid-Range Safaris ($500–$700/day): Comfortable lodges, private vehicles, extended activities, balancing cost and comfort.
- Luxury Safaris ($700–$1,500/day): High-end lodges, gourmet meals, private guides, exclusive experiences, perfect for premium travelers.
Flight Costs
Flight costs vary by origin:
- From the US: Round-trip $900–$1,200, with airlines like Ethiopian Air offering $875–$1,039.
- From the UK: Round-trip £500–£800, with deals around £444 on Ethiopian Air.
- From Europe: €700–€1,300, depending on departure city.
- From Australia: AUD 1,200–2,000, with longer routes increasing costs.
- From Singapore: SGD 1,200–2,000, with airlines like Qatar Airways at $1,226.
