When people first look into Tanzania safari costs, they might experience a moment of ‘sticker shocks’. As a developing nation, many people expect Tanzania to be a cheap destination. However, the safari industry is a big business in Tanzania, and those looking for a bargain might be surprised when they see how much a safari costs. We would like to consider your safari as an investment. You’re spending your money to create memories that you will cherish for a lifetime.

But what goes into the cost of a Tanzanian safari?
We’re glad you want to know!

AN INVESTMENT IN ADVENTURE
There are a number of factors that contribute to the final price tag that gets attached to your safari:

DURATION;
Standard of accommodation;
National parks;
Optional activities;
Transfers;
Domestic flights;
Number of travelers;
Time of year.

All of the above come into the equation when your Lindo Travel expert is calculating the cost of your breathtaking adventure safari. A four-day camping safari with six people is going to be cheaper per person than a five-day luxury safari for two people.

DURATION
Obviously, a safari’s price is influenced by its length. For those on a tight budget, you might want to consider a shorter itinerary such as our 5 Days Safari, which brings in three parks and give you an awesome chance of exhilarating game drives.

A LONGER SAFARI FOR LESS MONEY
If you want to spend long days on safari, some tips to fit a longer trip into your budget would be lowering your standard of accommodation, bringing along additional people, or choosing to visit Tanzania during the low season.

STANDARD OF ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation is a huge part of the final cost of your Tanzanian safari. Thankfully, Tanzania offers something for all budgets. From camping out under the stars to affordable lodges to tented camps to luxury properties, there is something to suit any taste. When planning your safari, it is possible to strike a balance between comfort, cost, and staying in fantastic properties.

It might be worth including a camping safari component for a couple of nights so that you can splash out on that unforgettable luxury lodge on your last night. Lindo Travel experts can prepare a quote using a budget, medium, or luxury accommodations. We can also provide you with a mix of different styles to tailor the experience to your tastes and budget.

NATIONAL PARKS
Not all national parks are created equal.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Serengeti, for example, charge a much higher entrance fee than Tarangire or Arusha National Park.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area also has a crater fee that contributes to making this the most expensive day on most safaris.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
While unlimited game drives between 6 am and 6 pm are included in all of our safaris, there are a number of optional activities that can be added to your safari. These range from relatively affordable adventures such as guided walking safaris to pricier options such as night game drives and hot air balloon safaris.

TRANSFERS
Airport transfers from Arusha and Kilimanjaro Airport are usually included in your quote. These are the same price you would get with a local taxi, and come without the hassle of having to explain where your hotel is. For those landing in Nairobi, we can also arrange shuttle transfers or private transfers at an additional cost.

EXTRA CARS
Lastly, for those flying between parks or combining countries, it is important to note that on some days you will be paying for two cars. If you’re being driven to the Isebania border crossing between Kenya and Tanzania, an empty car has to come up from Tanzania to meet you and an empty car has to drive back to Nairobi after it has dropped you off. This can be the biggest additional cost in many cross-country or flying safaris.

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS
Lindo Travel can arrange both domestic and local international flights for your itinerary. We never charge a commission on flights, so you’ll be getting the same price from us as you would be able to find online.

NUMBER OF TRAVELERS
The number of people sharing a vehicle is a huge factor in deciding the per-person cost of a safari. One person on their own is not only paying for their park entry fees and accommodation, but also bears the full cost of the car, driver, and all associated fees. On the flip side, six people sharing a 4WD Land Cruiser are splitting the cost six ways and enjoy a much lower per-person cost.

A solo safari in East Africa can be an expensive prospect, so consider bringing along a friend or loved one to make it more affordable. You’ll also have somebody to snap photos of you!

TIME OF THE YEAR
The last major factor in the cost of your safari is going to be the time of year you are visiting. Prices are high during the peak seasons of December – February, and June – August when lodges are getting plenty of business. If you’re looking to save some money on your Tanzanian safari, consider visiting in April or May when the rainy season sees many luxury lodges lower their rates to a fraction of what they would usually be. It’s entirely possible to enjoy a Green Season Safari while staying in lodges that would normally be out of your price range.

WHEN SHOULD I VISIT TANZANIA?
Tanzania offers a different experience depending on what time of the year you visit. With the Wildebeest Migration being the main attraction, it’s worth looking at our Wildebeest Migration guide to know the best time to plan your trip.

SAFARIS OVER THE HOLIDAYS
It’s important to note that many Tanzanian properties charge a non-negotiable Christmas and New Year’s surcharge that often applies to all nights from the 24th of December until January 1st. Many Zanzibar properties also have minimum stays of 5 – 7 nights during this period, so be prepared for a long beach escape if Zanzibar is on your radar.

EXTRA COSTS ON A TANZANIAN SAFARI
While our safari quotes cover the essentials such as meals, accommodation, private game drives, park entry fees, transfers, and included activities, there are a few things you’ll need to budget for in addition.

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
While Lindo Travel can assist you in booking your international flights, these are generally not included in your total price. We do, however, include any local international flights we book for you at your price.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Some of Lindo Travel safaris cost includes Flying Doctors Insurance to cover emergency evacuation, but you’ll want a comprehensive travel insurance policy for the duration of your safari. You’re perfectly safe while on safari with us, but it doesn’t hurt to have some extra coverage in case you are sick or injured while you’re traveling. A good travel insurance policy will also cover things such as flight cancellations, theft, and the like.

LAUNDRY
Many lodges in Tanzania can offer laundry service, but this usually attracts an additional fee that varies from lodge to lodge. If you think you’re going to need to do laundry during your safari, it is a good idea to arrange at least two consecutive nights at a property so that it has time to dry!

SOUVENIRS & SNACKS
Lindo Travel & Tours Safari Costs include full and half board accommodation, drinking water while on safari, and tea & coffee while on safari. If you’re looking to enjoy an ice-cold beer, a refreshing sundowner, or a late-night snack at your lodge, this cost will be in addition to what you have already paid. Some lodges on your safari might be Fully Inclusive and include selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, particularly if you’re staying in Zanzibar.

TIPS
It is customary in Tanzania to tip the staff who make your safari so unforgettable.
As a general rule of thumb, the below should be used as a guideline:
Safari Driver: $20 USD per day (per group);
Safari Chef (when camping or climbing): $15 USD per day (per group);
Climbing/Trekking Guide: $20 USD per day (per group);
Porters: $15 USD per day (per person)
These are all just a guideline, so feel free to tip more if you’re especially happy with your service.

THE GRAND TOTAL
When you factor in international flights and the cost of your safari, it can seem like a sizeable investment.
The Tanzania Safari Cost is certainly not cheap, but it’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime adventures that you’ll be talking about for years to come.

Just be careful not to fall in love, or you might make it a yearly thing…