Safari Planning
How much does a Tanzania safari cost?
Leina Lemomo · May 21, 2025
Park fees, accommodation tiers, group vs private departures, and the hidden costs most trip summaries omit. A clear breakdown.
What You're Actually Paying For
Park fees. The Serengeti charges approximately USD 70-80 per person per day for non-residents. Ngorongoro Crater adds a crater service fee. Park fees are non-negotiable and are included in all legitimate packages.
Accommodation. This is the largest single cost variable. Budget tented camps start around USD 80-120 per person per night. Mid-range lodges run USD 180-350. Luxury mobile camps can exceed USD 1,000 per person per night.
Vehicle and guiding. Quality vehicles with good optics and experienced guides cost more than older fleet with entry-level guides. The guide is the most important variable in your safari.
What to budget. For a well-run 6-day northern circuit with mid-range accommodation, budget USD 2,400-3,000 per person on a group departure. Private safaris add 30-50%.