How much does a safari cost in Tanzania

How much does a safari cost in Tanzania

A Tanzania Safari is a lifelong dream for many people and those privileged enough to experience this are never the same again.  History shows that the term Safari (from the Arabic word ‘safar’) was once used to describe all journeys into Africa and beyond. For most, the destination is exotic, unknown and invokes a reasonable amount of trepidation.

If you are reading this, it could be one of the first steps in making your dream a reality.  But how much is it going to cost?

The costs involved in a Tanzanian Safari vary hugely, but it is not going to be cheap. Tanzanian Safaris are a significant investment and we want to help you understand the range of options available and the factors that influence the final cost.

The nature of Safaris can be quite adventurous and Lion King’s number one priority at all times is your safety. This requires significant financial investment, including our staff and fleet of vehicles.  Lion King is a local, family owned Tour Operator and all our staff have become extended family members.

If you find a safari price that is significantly lower than others, something (or someone) is undoubtedly being compromised.

Approximate daily costs of doing a Tanzania Safari

Type of Safari	Cost (per person per day)
Basic Camping (in tents on the ground)	U$D 250
Mid-Range (lodges & tented camps)	U$D 350
Luxury (lodges & tented camps)	U$D 550

 

The above information gives you a rough idea of the costs involved e.g. a 5 day Mid-Range Safari will cost you somewhere in the region of 5 x U$D 350 = U$D 1,750 per person.

What factors contribute to the cost?

At Lion King, we are honest and transparent about our pricing.  We feel it’s important for you to understand how we arrive at the final price and the different factors that can influence this.

Duration

The price of your safari will of course be influenced by its length.  Our most popular Safari is 5 days 5 Day Best of Tanzania.  This safari allows you to visit all the major National Parks in the Northern Circuit.

If you want to increase the number of days on safari, but are working to a strict budget, you may wish to consider the following:

• Change the category / cost of your accommodation
• Ask additional people to join your safari (the more people inside the safari jeep, the lower the cost)
• Visit during the low season/s (some accommodation offers lower rates during these times)

Standard of Accommodation

The kind of accommodation you choose to stay in will be a significant factor in the final cost of your Tanzania Safari. Lion King Safaris can be grouped into three different categories:

Tanzania Basic Camping Safaris (Tents on the ground)

On a basic camping safari, guests sleep in private tents in designated campsites in or near national parks. Our safari crew sets up the camp and prepares all the meals. Facilities at the campsites are basic. They include washrooms and showers. All your food is provided.

Tanzania Mid-range Safaris (Lodges & Tented Camps)

Lodges are full service facilities with private rooms or cottages with private bathrooms and have restaurants and lounges. Some have swimming pools. Many lodges are architecturally stunning made with local materials and inspired by local designs and the environment.

Tented camps

are permanent or semi-permanent camps sited in areas of excellent game viewing. These provide many of the comforts of a lodge within private spacious canvas tents on a solid permanent base with beds and private baths, and high-quality meals. Tented camps are more intimate than lodges as they generally accommodate 12 to 20 guests.

Luxury Safaris (Lodges & Tented Camps)

The difference between Mid-Range and Luxury safaris is primarily the level of accommodation you will stay at. The difference between Mid-Range and Luxury accommodations may include the level of service, facilities, amenities, quality of food, views and of course price!

Your Lion King Safari Consultant will be happy to help you plan an itinerary with all accommodation of a similar standard, or we can ‘mix’n’match’ different categories of accommodation to match your budget.

Sample pricing for mid-range accommodation whilst on Safari

Area	Cost per person (per night)	Meal Plan
Arusha	U$D 75	B&B
Karatu	U$D 100	Full Board
Ngorongoro Conservation Area	U$D 250	Full Board
Serengeti Central	U$D 240	Full Board
Serengeti North	U$D 285	Full Board
Serengeti South / Ndutu	U$D 285	Full Board

These costs are a rough guide only.  Accommodation prices do vary and your Lion King Safari Consultant will provide you with a bespoke quote, based on your requests and/or our recommendations.

National Parks

Entrance fees to the National Parks vary.

The fees that you pay are used in a variety of conservation projects which support the National Parks and surrounding communities. These include wildlife protection, ecological monitoring, tourism management and Park infrastructure and security.

National Park	Park Fees (per adult, per 24 hours)
Arusha National Park	U$D 59
Lake Manyara National Park	U$D 59
Tarangire National Park	U$D 59
Ngorongoro Conservation Area (this also has to be paid if you are transiting through Ngorongoro Conservation Area to reach the Serengeti)	U$D 71
Ngorongoro Crater Fee*	U$D 295 (per vehicle)
Serengeti National Park	U$D 83
Special Camping Fee**	U$D 71 per night

*This fee has to be paid in addition to the daily Park fees.  If you want to visit the Crater, this makes it one of the most expensive days of your safari.  However, it really is worth it.

** This additional fee is not charged by your accommodation, but TANAPA (Tanzania National Parks Authority).  You do not have to pay this if you are doing a basic safari and camping in tents on the ground.

Optional Activities

In addition to your game drives, there are a number of optional activities that can be included in your safari.  These include:

Activity	Approximate Cost
Guided walking Safari (hills around Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater rim )	U$D 25 per person
Night Game Drive (Lake Manyara National Park)	U$D 170 per person
Visit to Maasai boma (village) in Ngorongoro	U$D 50 per vehicle
Hot Air Balloon Safari (Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti)	U$D 600 per person
In the foothills of Mt Meru, you can take part in a number of activities including Hiking, Coffee Tour, Canoeing, Swahili cooking lessons	U$D 50 per person (half day including transport and hot local lunch)

Airport Transfers

Transfers between airports (Kilimanjaro International (JRO) and Arusha (ARK) and Arusha town are normally included in the cost of your safari (1 pick-up and 1 drop-off per group). The cost is roughly the same as you would pay for a local taxi.  Being collected by a member of the Lion King team gives you reassurance and you know you will be delivered safely to your agreed accommodation.

Domestic Flights

Lion King can book domestic flights for your Safari.  However, it is often cheaper to purchase them yourselves online.  Your consultant will be happy to advise you on dates, times and airport.

Number of travelers

The number of people sharing a vehicle is a significant factor in the per person cost of a safari.  One person on their own is not only paying for their Park Fees and accommodation, but also bears the full cost of the Safari vehicle and guide.

Therefore, if there are 6 people in your group, the daily cost of the vehicle will be split 6 ways, which results in a much lower cost per person.

Time of Year

The last major factor in the cost of your safari is the time of year that you wish to come to Tanzania. Prices are normally highest during the Peak Seasons (December to February and June to October) when the lodges are busier.  If you would like to save some money on your Tanzania Safari, consider visiting during the low season (March, April, May, November).  Many of the lodges (not all!) have lower rates during this time.

Whilst you may experience rain, the benefits of coming at this time (as well as the reduction in cost), is that the countryside is green, lush and spectacularly beautiful.  Crops are growing and the animals have good sources of water and food.  Also, there are significantly fewer visitors in the National Parks and you sometimes feel as though you have the Serengeti to yourself!

Safaris during Christmas & New Year

It’s important to note that many of the lodges and tented camps charge an additional supplement over Christmas and New Year, therefore increasing the cost of your trip further. Many properties in Zanzibar also have minimum stays during this period (anything between 3 and 7 nights) so this should be factored in when planning your trip.

Our Vehicles

Next to our Guides, our Safari vehicles are our most precious resource.  To maintain a fleet of custom-built Safari vehicles is a significant on-going cost. Our clients’ safety and well-being is our number one priority. All the vehicles are serviced and maintained to a very high standard, before, during and after every safari.  We are very proud of the Lion King Safari vehicles.  Your vehicle will be your home for the duration of your safari and it is crucial that you feel safe and comfortable.

Your Safari Guide is also a critical component of your Safari.  You will be spending a lot of time together and he can make the difference between a good Safari and an unforgettable Safari. The Guide’s role is diverse and they have a lot of responsibility.  All our guides are professionally trained, experienced and knowledgeable. We believe the work they do deserves a decent salary which rewards their hard work and commitment.

In addition

Lion King Safari costs include accommodation, all your meals whilst on Safari, airport transfers, unlimited drinking water, some complimentary beer, wine and soda, Park Fees, Crater Fee, Special Camping Fees, Safari Vehicle and Guide.  However, there are a few additional things that you will need to budget for:

• International flights (prices vary widely depending on the time of year you are coming)
• Travel Insurance. You will need to ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance for the duration of your safari.  A good travel insurance policy will cover things such as flight cancellations, theft etc.
• Drinks at your accommodation. Lion King provides unlimited drinking water whilst on game drives, but if you want to enjoy some drinks in the evening at your accommodation, this will be an additional cost. At some lodges, the cost includes selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.  This will be indicated on your itinerary
• There is a well- established culture of tipping in Tanzania. Your Safari crew will work extremely long hours and tips supplement their income significantly. Anything you can afford is appreciated.  The following is guidance only:
  • Safari Guide: U$D 10-15 per guest, per day
  • Private Chef (when Camping) U$D 10-15 per guest, per day

  Tipping in accommodation is also discretionary.  Most accommodations have a tip box in Reception.  We would recommend putting something in at the end of your stay, rather than giving individuals money.  Depending on the level of service, we recommend $10 per day (for a group of 2).

  Finally

  The tourism industry plays a very important part in the lives of many Tanzanians. The money that you pay helps to support a vast number of industries, people and their families.  This includes guides, chefs, porters, office team, hotel staff, local farmers, vendors and craftspeople.   As a final note, your money helps to conserve Tanzania’s exceptionally precious natural resources and wildlife.  Tanzania is a country that has so much to offer and we feel privileged to share it with the rest of the world. We hope to welcome you soon.

  Please do get in touch with us o find out more about our itineraries, the way we work and what we do to ensure you will have an unforgettable trip.