How Much Does a Tanzania Safari Cost?

Home to Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania is regularly rated as a top safari destination, with national parks and wildlife preservation areas found throughout the country. But how much does it cost?

The truth is, the cost of a safari in Tanzania can vary drastically based on the level of accommodations. So we’ve broken down the cost with details on a Tanzania budget safari, mid-range priced options, and luxury Tanzania safari costs.

How much does a safari in Tanzania cost?

Average Tanzania safari costs can range from around $200 per person per day to over $1000 per person per day. Factors like how long you want to go for, how many extra activities you want to include, where you want to stay and how many people come along on safari with you can all determine your Tanzania safari cost. In short, your safari can cost as much as you’re willing to spend.

What affects the price of a Tanzania safari?

A Tanzania safari cost is heavily influenced by the type of safari you choose. Group Tanzania safari packages are cheaper, but they don’t offer any flexibility in the itinerary. Private safaris are more expensive, but are highly customizable and may be a better option for a couple on their honeymoon or romantic vacation.

The length of your safari tour will also affect the price, especially if you desire a private one. There are multiple national parks to explore on safari in Tanzania; to get a full experience it’s recommended that your trip last for at least 5 or 6 days.

If you go on a private safari in Tanzania, bringing more people along can help reduce the cost. The cost of a guide and vehicle is set, so the more people you bring along on your safari, the cheaper it will be.

Adding extra activities will increase  the price of a Tanzania safari holiday.  Some popular options include a romantic hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti, a night game drive, a walking safari for bird watching, or a day hike on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Hunting with a Hadzabe tribe or paying a visit to Olduvai Gorge, known as the “cradle of life,” are two other popular options.

Several tour groups offer safari-and-beach combinations, where you can cap off your safari adventure with a few nights on the coast. There are also Tanzania safari and Zanzibar packages that allow you to or spend the final nights of your honeymoon in Zanzibar. Mnemba is another ultra-romantic choice, and Pemba and Mafia Islands are home to some of the world’s best diving.

The cost of a safari in Tanzania is also determined by the time of year that you go. May to October is considered “peak season,” as the animals are drawn into the open in search of water, making them easier to spot.

In July, hundreds of wildebeest travel from Tanzania to the plains of Kenya in search of grazing fields during the annual Great Migration. This unforgettable experience is especially popular, which makes the cost of a Tanzania safari during this time more expensive.  

The low, or green, season runs from November to March. Expect lush vegetation, mid-day thundershowers, and fewer crowds and lower prices. While the tall grass can make wildlife viewing more difficult, there will be newborn animals everywhere and wildlife spotting becomes much easier after the rains of November have passed. If you want to include a climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, plan your Tanzania safari holiday between January and March.

Finally, your choice of accommodation will also factor in to your Tanzania safari cost. Budget accommodation is very basic but cheap, starting at around $200 per night. Luxury 4- or 5-star accommodation can run well over $1000 per person daily. Mid-range accommodation is usually quite comfortable and will cost somewhere in the middle, depending on which company you book with.

How Much Do Budget Safaris in Tanzania Cost?

A budget Tanzania safari cost per day is about $200 per person. This price will include no-frills accommodation in a tent or a budget hotel, meals, game drives, transportation, drinking water, a guide, and park fees. Transportation around Tanzania will be limited to driving.

Top Budget Safaris in Tanzania

Budget restraints don’t need to stop you from having a great safari experience. Top-rated budget Tanzania safari packages are perfect for adventurous couples and don’t skimp on quality. 

The family-owned Abuu’s Tanzania Tours and Safaris was founded in 2018 and works with a tight-knit crew of drivers and guides. You’ll get a warm and welcoming experience with Abuu. 

Selous Ngalawa Camp offers a feel for the local culture in an immersive camping experience. 

Apart from safari tours, the folks at Colours Africa Tours and Safari  can help you arrange transport and accommodations outside your tour dates.  

How Much Mid-Range Safaris in Tanzania Cost?

 A mid-range Tanzania safari cost per day will run between $350-$400 per person including lodging, meals, park fees, guide, game drive, and transportation around Tanzania. A mid-range safari might include airport transfers and a few special meals and drinks. 

Accommodations in campsites and small hotels will be basic but more comfortable. Game drives will be less crowded on a mid-range safari, and long-distance travel throughout Tanzania will probably be on a plane.

Top Mid-Range Safaris in Tanzania

Enjoy an affordable Tanzania safari with a few comforts sprinkled in with these top mid-range safaris. 

A group you can feel good about, African Big Cats Safaris donates a portion of its proceeds to the local water filter factory, ensuring safe drinking water for schools and villages in the area. 

Find a tour to suit every budget with Enchanting Tanzania Safari, which can also help arrange bird-watching tours, mountain trekking, and cultural tours to neighboring towns. 

Migration Venture Africa strives to provide customers with the best experience at affordable rates, whether that be a safari adventure or a trek to the peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro. 

How Much Do Luxury Safaris in Tanzania Cost?

Luxury Tanzania safari costs per day can range from around $600 to well over $1000 per person. A luxury private safari is totally customizable and, although some activities like sundowners and walking safaris are likely to be included, extra activities will contribute greatly to the final price of your private safari adventure.

For an added cost, many tour companies will also handle the necessary paperwork and arrange your travel documents to Tanzania. Also, private airport transfer and air transportation within Tanzania will be included.

Luxury accommodation will consist of private bungalows or lodges with comfortable bedding, meals, fans and mosquito netting, Wi-Fi, and laundry services.

Top Luxury Safaris in Tanzania

The highest-rated luxury safari tours in Tanzania specialize in creating the best custom itineraries money can buy.

The Soul of Tanzania puts their guides through a rigorous and thorough training process, ensuring that you get the best safari experience for your money with the most knowledgeable guides and drivers. 

Book with Nndee Afrika to get your choice of luxury tents and lodges from any supplier. 

If you’re planning an extended trip across East Africa,  Zohar African Safaris  offers services in Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda as well as Tanzania and can help you arrange an epic safari trip across these 4 African countries. 

How Does Seasonality Affect Tanzania Safari Costs?

As with any type of travel, Tanzania safari costs will be highest during the peak season, which is from July until October and then again in December.

During the low season, which is between March and May and including November, Tanzania safari prices are around 40% less.

The shoulder season is between the country’s long and short rain periods and occurs twice per year, in January to February and then again in June. During this time, average prices are about 20% lower than in the high season. 

Many consider the shoulder season the best time to go on safari in Tanzania because it’s cheaper and the crowds are smaller, but you are still likely to see wildlife.

Cost of Flights to Tanzania

Round-trip flights from New York to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania are between $1000 and $1300. Between September and October, the price dips a bit and you might be able to find flights for around $900.

There are currently no direct flights offered between the U.S. and Tanzania.

There are, however, some direct flights between the U.S. and Zanzibar, an island off the coast of Tanzania, for around $800. A 2-hour ferry ride from the island to Dar es Salaam costs between $35 and $60.

Most Tanzania safaris start in Arusha Town, which is a $ 200-$300 flight from Dar es Salaam or an 11-hour drive. A bus ride costs around $20 U.S. Flights from New York to Mount Kilimanjaro International Airport outside of Arusha Town are between $1000-$1400, with prices being at their lowest in May and September. There are no direct flights.

U.S. citizens must also apply for a multiple entry visa, which costs $100.  

Travel Insurance Cost for Safaris in Tanzania

A safari is considered generally safe, but there is some risk of injury, illness, or infection. Travel insurance can protect you from wildly expensive medical bills and give you some peace of mind while on safari in Tanzania.

The cost of travel insurance will vary depending on your age, health, and the length of your trip. Expect to pay between $100-$200 per person for travel insurance. 

Vaccinations Cost for Tanzania Safaris

Travelers to Tanzania should be vaccinated against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, and tetanus. Expect to pay around $500-$600 for a full round of vaccinations.

There are a lot of details to plan for your Tanzania safari, and shopping around for the perfect outfitter takes time. Find the safari that’s right for you with one of our trusted travel agent partners. 

If you’re trying to decide whether Tanzania is the right spot for you, or if you might prefer a safari in another area, we have multiple articles that can help like Kenya or South Africa for a Safari Adventure? and Nairobi Safaris.