Understanding the Costs: What Would It Cost to Undertake a Safari in Tanzania?

Tanzania has some of Africa’s greatest wildlife viewing attractions among them; the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Tanzania safari has for many years featured in many traveler’s checklist for the right reasons, it has magnificently great wildlife and stunning views. However, these magical moments only happen once in a lifetime or so. Below is an outline of what will likely cost you in a Tanzania safari.

Accommodations

Lodge accommodation is normally the most expensive item on any Tanzania safari. You will mainly base yourself on Camps, Lodges, and Tented accommodations that the tour provider offers. There are premium classrooms with such extras as a spa or a personal plunge pool that costs per person anywhere between $500 to $1,500 up to and including the night. Comfortable beds and en-suite bathrooms in mid-range accommodation cost an average of $300 per night. Even the basic-type car camping and multi-occupancy spaces, like guided dorms, start from as low as $50 for a night’s stay.

Game Drives

Many Tanzanian tours consist of at least two game viewings each day, one in the morning and another towards the evening when the animals are more likely to be up and about. You will probably be using your car and guide on a self-drive basis and this costs $200-$500 a day for an average safari vehicle. Some low-end budget-friendly tours may combine travelers in the same jeep and the same guide to save money.

Park and Conservation Fees

The cost of entrance into Tanzania’s over-popularized parks such as the Serengeti National Park or the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is $50-$100 per day. Some of these fees are used to protect natural resources and finance patrols of endangered wildlife.

Flights

It was common that many safaris involved flights between parks and reserves to afford sufficient wildlife-watching time. These through small planes cost between $100 and $300 depending on the distance of the flight.

Food

You will spend most of your time on the safari eating in your accommodation. Main meals are provided in mid-range and luxury hotels while main meals and a few snacks in some of the budget camps offered the next morning after arrival may be part of the package. You are likely to part with $30-$60 per day for your food if you are on a mid-range Tanzanian safari.

Extras

Some of the expenses that one may need to cater for as extra include; insurance, immunizations, visa fees, and tips for the driver/guide. These ‘small’ expenses can soon help to add a few hundred dollars to a trip. Also, remember this booking period could attract higher prices than usual up to July-October.

Private Safaris

Tanzania safari cost can be said to depend on the standard of accommodation, quality of guide and vehicle, the number of parks to visit, and the size of the group to travel. Luxury private safaris offer the best services and guests are not restricted to a set itinerary. Tours that include fully inclusive accommodation, meals, and activities for a 6-night luxury private flying safari cost between $4,000 and $6,000 per person. Expensive private safaris range between $250 -$500 per day per person. To the extent that group budget safaris drop the daily rates to $150-$250 it is possible to sacrifice the quality of the vehicles and guide and indeed the locations accorded.

Tanzania safari tour does not come cheap though watching the Great Migration crossing the Serengeti or a family of gorillas in the Ngorongoro Highlands is priceless.