How Much Does a Tanzania Safari Cost in 2025? A Complete Breakdown of Safari Prices in Tanzania

April 25, 2025
ABS, Africa travel

how much does a Tanzania safari cost

A Tanzania safari offers one of the most iconic wildlife experiences in Africa, but how much should you expect to pay for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure? The average cost of a Tanzania safari ranges from $200 to $1,500 per person per day, depending on several factors, including the level of comfort, travel style, accommodation type, and whether you’re traveling solo or in a group.

In this detailed guide, we break down the true cost of a Tanzania safari in 2025, from budget-friendly group camping safaris to exclusive luxury lodge safaris. We’ll also highlight what affects the overall cost and whether a safari under $200 per day is truly worth it.

Tanzania Safari Prices by Travel Style and Accommodation Type

Your safari cost in Tanzania will vary based on your travel format—group travel, private safari, self-drive, or large overland tour—and the type of accommodation you choose, such as camping, mid-range lodges, or luxury lodges.

🔹 Small Group Safaris in Tanzania (with a guide)

Accommodation Type	Estimated Price (Per Person/Day)
Camping	$330
Mid-Range Lodges	$520
Superior Lodges	$670
Luxury Lodges	N/A

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🔹 Private Tanzania Safaris (with a personal guide)

Accommodation Type	Estimated Price (Per Person/Day)
Camping	$480
Mid-Range Lodges	$670
Superior Lodges	$1,000
Luxury Lodges	$1,600

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🔹 Self-Drive Safaris in Tanzania (without a guide)

Accommodation Type	Estimated Price (Per Person/Day)
Camping	$400
Mid-Range Lodges	$500
Superior Lodges	$800
Luxury Lodges	$1,200

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🔹 Large Group Overland Tours (max 20 pax, includes Zanzibar)

Accommodation Type	Estimated Price (Per Person/Day)
Camping	$250
Budget Lodges	$290

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Can You Go on a Tanzania Safari for Less Than $200 Per Day?

Yes, technically, you can find Tanzania safari packages advertised for under $200 per person/day—but is it worth the compromise?

🟡 Caution: Ultra-budget safaris often cut corners in ways that significantly affect the overall experience.

Overcrowded safari vehicles
Unqualified or inexperienced guides
Hidden costs (e.g. park entry fees, conservation fees, meals, transfers)
Unreliable transportation
Low-quality accommodations

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What Is a Budget Tanzania Safari and What Can You Expect to Pay?

A budget Tanzania safari is a cost-effective way to explore the country’s world-famous parks like the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park without breaking the bank.

✅ What’s Included in a Budget Safari:

Basic accommodations: Camping or simple lodges
Group game drives: Shared with other travelers
Park entry fees: Sometimes included
Meals: Usually basic and cooked at the campsite or lodge

💵 Budget Safari Costs:

Safari Type	Estimated Cost (Per Person/Day)
Budget Camping Safari	$250 – $350
Budget Lodge Safari	$280 – $380

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Factors That Affect Tanzania Safari Prices

Several variables can influence the cost of your Tanzanian safari. Understanding these will help you plan your trip more effectively and stay within budget.

Factor	Impact on Cost
Travel Season	High season (June–October) = higher rates; Low season (March–May) = discounts
Safari Destination	Northern Circuit parks are pricier than Southern Circuit parks
Group Size	Larger groups reduce per-person costs, especially for private tours
Accommodation Type	Luxury lodges are significantly more expensive than camping
Included Activities	Extras like hot air ballooning or walking safaris add to the total cost

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Final Thoughts: How Much Should You Really Budget for a Tanzania Safari in 2025?

If you’re dreaming of a Tanzania wildlife safari, it’s important to strike the right balance between affordability and quality. While it’s technically possible to find safaris under $200, the best experiences typically start at:

Safari Type	Recommended Starting Budget
Budget Camping Safari	$250 – $350 per person/day
Mid-Range Lodge Safari	$500 – $800 per person/day
Luxury Safari Experience	$1,000 – $1,600+ per person/day

Whether you’re exploring the Serengeti, descending into the Ngorongoro Crater, or relaxing on the beaches of Zanzibar after your safari, planning your budget wisely ensures your adventure is safe, seamless, and truly unforgettable.

What is a Mid-Range Safari in Tanzania?

A mid-range safari in Tanzania offers the perfect balance between comfort and value, providing travelers with an exceptional experience without the premium price tag of luxury options. This type of safari is ideal for those who want to explore Tanzania’s wildlife and stunning landscapes while enjoying a high standard of accommodation and service.

Mid-range safaris typically feature comfortable lodges or tented camps with private bathrooms, modern amenities, and scenic settings. Guests can enjoy game drives in private or semi-private vehicles, ensuring an intimate wildlife experience. The service is attentive, and meals are delicious, often prepared using fresh, local ingredients.

Cost of a Mid-Range Safari in Tanzania

The cost of a mid-range safari in Tanzania generally ranges between US$350 to US$670 per person per day, depending on the season, the itinerary, and the specific safari destinations you choose. This price range allows you to enjoy a personalized safari experience with a high level of comfort, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking an immersive adventure that doesn’t break the bank.

While on your safari, you’ll have the opportunity to witness Tanzania’s iconic wildlife, such as the Big Five (lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos), in world-renowned national parks and game reserves like Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Whether you’re on a game drive or a walking safari, the experience is tailored to your preferences and interests.

What is a Luxury Safari in Tanzania?

A luxury safari in Tanzania offers an exclusive and high-end experience for travelers who seek the utmost in comfort, privacy, and personalized service. It is the epitome of indulgence and provides guests with the opportunity to experience Tanzania’s breathtaking landscapes and wildlife in unparalleled style.

Luxury safaris typically include stays in upscale lodges or luxury tented camps, often featuring spacious suites, private plunge pools, gourmet dining, and a range of premium amenities. Guests can expect tailored game drives with expert guides, private vehicles, and exclusive access to some of Tanzania’s best wildlife areas.

Cost of a Luxury Safari in Tanzania

The cost of a luxury safari in Tanzania typically ranges from US$670 to US$1,500+ per person per day, depending on the level of exclusivity, the location, and the season. This option is ideal for those seeking a truly luxurious adventure amidst Tanzania’s stunning national parks and game reserves, where you can enjoy personalized service, exclusive wildlife encounters, and fine dining in an idyllic setting.

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive safari experience with every detail taken care of, a luxury safari is an unforgettable way to explore Tanzania in comfort and style.

Choosing the Right Safari Booking Company: Why Adventure in the Wild Safaris Stands Out

When booking a Tanzania safari, it’s essential to choose a reputable safari company that can provide expert guidance and deliver a high-quality experience tailored to your preferences and budget. Safari booking companies vary widely, from luxury operators specializing in bespoke experiences to budget-focused agencies offering affordable group tours.

While international companies often act as ‘middlemen’ and charge higher prices to cover overheads, local safari operators have deep regional knowledge and can offer more competitive pricing. The type of company you book with can significantly affect both the cost and the quality of your safari experience.

Adventure in the Wild Safaris is a trusted, local safari operator that stands out by combining local expertise with competitive pricing, ensuring that you receive excellent value without compromising on the experience. Whether you’re looking for a mid-range safari or a luxury safari, booking with Adventure in the Wild Safaris ensures you have a seamless and authentic Tanzanian safari experience.

Why Choose Adventure in the Wild Safaris?

By booking with Adventure in the Wild Safaris, you’re guaranteed transparent pricing, reliable service, and an authentic safari experience tailored to your needs. Their commitment to customer satisfaction is reflected in their membership with organizations such as SATSA and ATTA, which ensures that your booking is secure and that you’re dealing with a trusted, professional company.

Factors Affecting Tanzania Safari Costs:

When planning your Tanzania safari, understanding the factors that influence the cost is crucial to making informed decisions. The primary elements that impact Tanzania safari prices are the type of safari you choose and the duration of your trip. However, additional factors such as seasonality, your choice of safari destinations, flights, visas, safari activities, and even some often-overlooked extra costs can also play a significant role.

The type of safari you opt for is the single largest cost factor, as the price varies greatly based on accommodation, tour group size, transportation, and the level of participation required. Below, we break down the key factors affecting Tanzania safari costs and provide a guide to the different safari options available.

Tanzania Safari Types: Group vs. Self-Drive vs. Private Tours

The first choice you’ll make is the type of safari that suits your preferences and budget. You can choose from a group safari, a self-drive safari, or a private tailor-made safari. Each option offers distinct experiences and pricing structures.

Group Safaris: Generally, group safaris are the most affordable option. They allow you to share the experience with others and benefit from reduced costs per person. However, they lack flexibility and exclusivity compared to more personalized options.
Self-Drive Safaris: A self-drive safari offers the freedom to explore Tanzania at your own pace. While this can be a cost-effective option, it’s not necessarily the cheapest. If you’re considering this option, it’s recommended to arrange your safari through a self-drive company that can book your accommodation, vehicle hire, and certain park fees/activities in advance, especially during the high season when availability is limited.
Private Safaris: Private tailor-made safaris offer the ultimate flexibility and exclusivity. These safaris are ideal for those who want to customize their trip, select accommodation based on personal preferences, and have more control over the itinerary. They are more affordable when traveling in a group of 4 or more. Even if you’re in a smaller group, the extra expenditure can be worthwhile for specialized services such as multilingual guides.

Cost Breakdown of Different Safari Styles

The style of travel you choose will also play a significant role in determining safari costs. Whether you opt for basic camping or luxury lodge safaris, prices vary accordingly:

Private Camping Safaris: For those seeking an affordable yet comfortable experience, a private camping safari in Tanzania is a great choice. Prices start at around US$300 per person per day for a group of four, including your own guide, cook, 4×4 transport, park fees, and meals.
Mobile Camping Safaris: If you’re looking for a step up from basic camping, mobile camping safaris offer extra comforts such as private camps and more amenities. Prices for these safaris range from US$340 to US$445 per person per day, depending on the group size and the level of service.
Private Lodge Safaris: For those preferring more luxury, private lodge safaris in Tanzania can start at US$320 per person per day for a 2-3 day safari to destinations like Ngorongoro Crater and the northern safari circuit (excluding Serengeti). Budget tailor-made lodge safaris can cost up to US$600 per person per day for a 6-day safari, including Serengeti National Park.

While these are starting prices, you can easily spend much more depending on the level of luxury at the lodges and tented camps, ranging from 3 to 5 stars.

Safari Transport Options & Costs

The mode of transport during your Tanzania safari significantly impacts the overall cost. Here are your options:

Overland Travel: Traveling overland in a 4×4 vehicle is far cheaper than flying between destinations. Overland transport allows you to explore the rugged terrains of Tanzania while enjoying a more eco-friendly approach to safari travel.
Fly-In Safaris: If you prefer to fly between destinations, fly-in safaris involve domestic flights to local airstrips near your lodge or wildlife destination. These bush flights, while convenient, can be quite expensive. However, they are ideal for accessing more remote areas quickly.

Tanzania Safari Seasons: How the Time of Year Affects Costs

Tanzania is a seasonal safari destination, and the time of year you visit will have a significant impact on safari prices. The main seasons to consider are:

High Season: From July to October and December, prices are at their highest, coinciding with the Great Migration and the best wildlife viewing periods in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
Mid-Season: January to February and June offer about a 20% discount off high season rates, making it a good time to travel if you’re looking for a balance between favorable wildlife viewing and lower costs.
Low Season: The low season spans from March to May and November, with discounts of up to 40% off high season rates. Although this is the rainy season, you can enjoy fewer crowds and lower costs during this time. Wildlife viewing is still possible, especially in the northern parks.

Wildebeest Migration Time: Peak Pricing

If you’re looking to witness the Great Migration in the Serengeti, be prepared for higher prices during this period. Migration prices peak in the southern Serengeti around February and in the northern Serengeti from July to August, depending on animal movements.

To optimize your experience and save on costs, consider traveling just before or after the migration peak.

Tanzania Safari Destinations: Cost Implications

The choice of safari destination in Tanzania will also affect your budget. Entry fees to iconic parks like Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater are higher compared to other national parks.

For example:

Serengeti: US$80 per adult per day
Ngorongoro Crater: US$70 per adult per day
Arusha, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara National Parks: US$60 per adult per day

Additionally, southern Tanzania’s parks, such as Nyerere National Park (former Selous Game Reserve), Ruaha National Park, and Katavi National Park, are generally more affordable. However, these destinations require longer drives and are often more expensive for private tours.

Visa Costs for Tanzania Safari

A Tanzania tourist visa costs around US$50 for most nationals and can be obtained upon arrival at the border or online. For US citizens, the visa costs US$100 but allows for multiple-entry visits valid for up to 90 days.

Planning Your Tanzania Safari

A Tanzania safari is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, offering breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re drawn to the Serengeti’s Great Migration, the Ngorongoro Crater’s abundant wildlife, or Zanzibar’s pristine beaches, proper planning ensures you get the best value for your trip.

Let Adventure in the Wild Safaris help design the perfect itinerary tailored to your budget and travel style. Contact our expert team today for personalized advice and affordable safari options!