Detailed Breakdown of Safari Costs (Per Person, Per Day)
The overall cost of your safari is built upon four main pillars:
1. Mandatory Park & Conservation Fees
These are non-negotiable government fees paid to the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) or the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA). They cover park entry and, in some areas, overnight stays within the park boundaries.
- Serengeti National Park: Approximately $70–$83 per person per day (non-resident adult) for the park fee.
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area: Approximately $70 per person per day, plus an additional Crater Service Fee of around $295 per vehicle for the descent into the crater (a cost shared by all passengers).
- Concession Fees: If staying overnight inside parks like the Serengeti or Ngorongoro, an additional concession fee of around $71 per person per night applies. These high, fixed fees are why Tanzania safaris are generally more expensive than those in neighboring countries.
2. Accommodation
This is the single biggest variable in your safari cost.
- Budget (Public Camping): Staying in dome tents at designated public campsites. You save on accommodation fees but still incur park camping fees. Cost: $30–$60 per person per night.
- Mid-Range (Permanent Tented Camps/Lodges): Comfortable rooms or large, permanent canvas tents with en-suite facilities, proper beds, and restaurant dining. Cost: $250–$500 per person per night (full board).
- Luxury (Exclusive Lodges/Camps): Five-star experience with prime locations, gourmet dining, private decks, butler service, and sometimes a private plunge pool. Cost: $600–$1,500+ per person per night (all-inclusive).
3. Transportation
How you cover the vast distances between parks greatly affects the price.
- 4x4 Safari Vehicle (Standard): The most common and economical method for the Northern Circuit (Arusha, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti). This cost (fuel, vehicle wear, vehicle park fees) is shared among the group.
- Internal Charter Flights (Luxury): "Fly-in safaris" involve flying between major parks like the Serengeti and Arusha. This saves valuable travel time and is common in luxury packages. Cost: $100–$300+ per person, per flight leg.
4. Guide Costs & Tips
All safaris include a professional driver-guide and a custom 4x4. The guide's salary, food, and accommodation (allowances) are built into the tour price.
- Guide/Staff Tips (Expected): Tipping is customary and a key part of the guide and lodge staff income.
- Driver-Guide: Recommended $15–$25 per guest, per day.
- Camp/Lodge Staff (Tip Box): Recommended $10–$15 per guest, per day.
Example 7-Day Safari Budgets (Northern Circuit)
These estimates are based on the cost per person for a seven-day safari covering the core parks (e.g., Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and the Serengeti), excluding international flights and personal items.