Safari Costs & Pricing

What Determines Cost

Safari pricing depends on: (1) Season (peak dry season June–October is 30–50% more expensive than shoulder/green seasons); (2) Duration (longer safaris are cheaper per day); (3) Accommodation level (luxury lodges vs. budget camps can differ by 400%+); (4) Park fees (Kilimanjaro and Ngorongoro are pricier per day); (5) Group size (private 2-person safari vs. 8-person group); (6) Transport (fly-in vs. overland); (7) Activities (hot air balloon adds $599/person, walking safaris included).

Budget Safaris

Price Range: $150–200/person/day (accommodation, meals, game drives, guides, park fees). Budget safaris use public campsites, basic bandas, or shared vehicle transfers. Meals are simple. Guides are knowledgeable but not specialist. Perfect for young travellers, backpackers, groups willing to “rough it” a little. 5-day budget safari: ~$1,000–1,500/person.

Mid-Range Safaris

Price Range: $300–400/person/day (includes comfortable tented camps, good meals, private or small-group vehicles, experienced guides). Quality accommodation with proper bathrooms and flush toilets. Excellent value for first-time visitors and families. 5-day mid-range: ~$2,000–3,000/person. Includes Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and other major parks.

Luxury Safaris

Price Range: $500–1,000+/person/day (ultra-premium lodges, gourmet meals, private vehicles/guides, exclusive camps, personalised itineraries). All-inclusive luxury resorts offer privacy, fine dining, exceptional service, and exclusive concession access. 5-day luxury: $4,000–8,000/person or more. Includes &Beyond, Singita, Four Seasons lodges.

What’s Included

Most SAT packages include: accommodation, all meals, game drives and activities, professional guides, park entrance fees, vehicle transport during safari, drinking water, first-aid kit. Usually NOT included: international flights, travel insurance, tips/gratuities, pre/post-safari activities in Arusha, alcoholic beverages, optional activities (hot air balloon, visit to spice farm).

Park Fees Reference

Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, Tarangire: $80–100/person/day (adult), $50–75 (child under 15), plus vehicle fee $59–295/day depending on park and season.

Ruaha: $70/person/day (lowest-cost major park).

Kilimanjaro: ~$90pp  (gate fee + rescue fee + camping), split across 7–9 days = ~$100–130/day.

Park fees vary by nationality; quoted prices are for most international visitors. Tanzanian citizens pay 10–20% of these rates. All SAT packages include park fees.

Ways to Reduce Cost

• Travel in Green Season: March–May and November–December are 20–40% cheaper
• Larger Groups: Groups of 4+ people get lower per-person rates
• Overland Transport: Driving vs. flying saves $500–1,500 per person
• Shorter Itineraries: 3-day instead of 7-day safari still delivers excellent value
• Skip Premium Additions: Skip hot air balloon safaris, skip premium camps, opt for mid-range lodges
• Book Early: Early bookings sometimes include discounts

Sample Itinerary Costs

Budget 5-Day Northern Circuit (4 people, June): ~$1,850/person · Mid-Range 7-Day Serengeti (2 people, August): ~$3,200/person · Luxury 10-Day Northern Circuit (private, October): ~$6,500/person · Kilimanjaro 8-Day (group, September): ~$2,850/person all-in