Matt Davison
Tanzania is a beautiful country with loads of wildlife to enjoy across plenty of the world’s best nature parks. From the glowing red sunsets in the Serengeti to the breathtaking shores of Zanzibar, Tanzania has something for everyone.
However, finding a safari in Tanzania that is affordable and has the full experience can be challenging. Luckily for you, this guide highlights the best tours and packages for all budgets, allowing for easy booking and a great Tanzanian safari experience.
Tip: For a well-timed trip, check out this guide on the best time for Tanzania safaris.
Cost of Tanzania Safaris
How much does a safari in Tanzania cost? The cost of a Tanzania Safari varies between seasons, how long you plan on going, and where you intend on going.
From luxury trips to traveling on a budget, here are all the answers when planning a safari to Tanzania. This list primarily focuses on tour packages; check out this itinerary for Tanzanian safaris to be fully prepared for your trip.
Traveling on a Budget
General camping is the cheapest way to experience a Tanzanian safari at the most affordable price. Camping safaris will cost you between $200 and $400 per day per person.
Here is a 5-day camping tour across 4 of Tanzania’s great national parks.
Lodge Safaris in Tanzania
Lodge safaris are a great way to travel Tanzania comfortably while catering to all budgets. With prices ranging between $320 and $650 per day per person, these lodges offer the best Tanzania safari tours at reasonable prices.
Here is a 5-day deluxe lodge tour across 3 of Tanzania’s national parks.
Luxury Tanzania Safaris
Luxury Tanzania safari costs vary depending on the length of the trip and where you go. In the off-season, you can find luxury packages for as much as $470 per person per day in 4 to 5-star accommodation. For packages during the peak season with luxury 5-star accommodation, you can pay up to $1300 per person per night.
What’s Included in a Tanzania Safari?
Most of the guided safaris in Tanzania include all park fees, meal plans, accommodation, and activities. Most tour packages don’t include international flights and Tanzanian Visa fees. Flights for a U.S. to Tanzania round trip start from $700, and standard Visa fees start at $50.
Tours don’t include accommodation before and after the set package days, but it does include all transportation in the costs. So if you are looking for a thrilling safari, Tanzania has plenty of tour package options for all budgets.
Cost of Tanzania Safari Tour in the Best Parks
With a multitude of options, it’s not easy choosing which African safari in Tanzania is best for you. From the Great African Rift Valley to the expansive feeding grounds of the wildebeest herds, here is a list of the best places in Tanzania for an African safari.
1. The Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti National Park is renowned for hosting the Great Migration of wildebeest. Entrance fees into the park start at $70 per person; and tour packages start from $350 per person per day.
July until September is the ideal time to visit as this is when the herds are in full stride, moving from the Western region into the Northern area of the park. You can witness the wildebeest herds make the treacherous journey across the Mara River in the Masai Mara National Park in Kenya.
2. Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The conservation area is built around the Ngorongoro Crater, which was created by thousands of years of volcanic activity. Entrance fees during peak season are $70 per person; and tour packages start at $280 per person per day.
Bordering the Serengeti National Park, this region is still close to the migration patterns of the wildebeest. We suggest planning a trip to the Ngorongoro Crater between April and May to witness Africa’s Big Five in a green and lush environment.
3. Mahale Mountains National Park
The Mahale Mountains National Park offers breathtaking views of the Western region of Tanzania. Entrance fees are $60 per person; with chimpanzee trekking tours starting at $645 per person per day.
On the Eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika, the world’s second deepest lake, this park offers a unique African experience. Step into the rugged wilderness of the Mahale mountain range or take a luxurious day trip down Lake Tanganyika.
4. Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park is in the Southern region of Tanzania and is notorious for its giant baobab trees. Entrance fees in peak season are $30 per person; and you can take part in a 6-day safari tour for only $1,400.
With several wetlands regions protected within the park, this is a beautiful destination for anyone looking to explore Tanzania to its fullest. Ruaha is the hidden gem of Tanzania; with spectacular baobabs and loads of wildlife in the wetlands, this rugged park is a great place to visit.
Other Places For a Safari in Tanzania
● Lake Manyara National Park – Known for attracting thousands of pink flamingos during their migration.
● Tarangire National Park – Known as a fantastic bird-watching destination.
● Katavi National Park – It is a remote park in Tanzania ideal for those looking for a quieter destination.
● Gombe National Park – The smallest national park in Tanzania, it is a great place to see the protected chimpanzees.
● Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park – Known as the only home of the red colobus monkeys.
● Kilimanjaro National Park – It offers unique climbing experiences up Africa’s highest mountain in the world, Mount Kilimanjaro.
Final Thoughts on best Tanzania tours and Safari packages prices
With a wide range of places to visit, affordable accommodation, and truly breathtaking scenery, Tanzania offers travelers an experience of a lifetime. Tanzania safari trips offer an array of affordable family camping to high-end packages of 5-star lodges and fully guided tours.
Tanzania is a country with so much to give and is a place for everyone to enjoy, from families and couples to nature lovers and thrill-seekers.
If you are planning a getaway with your loved ones, check out our Tanzania family safaris.
