An organized safari in Tanzania costs, for ground services alone, between approximately €950 and €3,000 per person for 4- to 11-day itineraries in the northern parks—that is, roughly €220–300 per person per day on average. Added to this amount are the intercontinental flight, the visa, and tips, which are not typically included in the package. For a full week, including the flight, the realistic cost per person ranges from €2,900 to €3,600.
These are broad figures because the price depends on a few specific choices: how many days, which parks, what level of accommodations, whether in a private off-road vehicle or in a small group, and in which month. In this guide, we’ll go through them one by one, including the parks’ official rates and an example of a complete quote, so you can make an informed comparison of offers from any tour operator—not just ours.
A Quick Overview of the Costs of a Safari in Tanzania
- 4–5-day safari: approximately €950–1,150 per person (ground services)
- 7-day safari: starting at approximately €2,000 per person
- 9–11-day safari: approximately €2,500–3,050 per person
- Park fees: on a one-week itinerary, these amount to approximately 500–600 USD per person, and are an expense that no reputable tour operator can cut
- Almost always excluded: international flight, visa (50 USD), tips, optional activities
Prices by Duration: What to Expect
The table shows the starting prices for some of our current itineraries in the northern parks. We use these as a concrete reference, but the price range also applies to other mid-range local tour operators.
| Duration | Sample itinerary | Major parks | Price per person starting at | Average cost per day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 days | Land of the Elephants | Northern Circuit Parks | €949 | about 237 € |
| 5 days | Heart of the Savannah | Northern Circuit Parks | €1,090 | approximately 218 € |
| 7 days | Elephant Tour (group) | Northern Circuit Parks | €2,050 | approximately 293 € |
| 9 days | Great Adventure | Arusha, Tarangire, Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Eyasi | 2,500 € | approximately 278 € |
| 11 days | Grand Tanzania Safari | Complete Northern Circuit | 3,050 € | approximately 277 € |
Two points to note. First: short safaris cost less overall, but not much less per day, because airport transfers and entrance fees are fixed costs. Second: itineraries that include the Serengeti cost more per day, due to the park fee and overnight stays within the protected area. For those with only a few days, therefore, an itinerary focused on Tarangire, Manyara, and Ngorongoro offers the best value for money in terms of sightings.
What determines the price?
1. The duration and number of parks
Each additional day adds to the cost of lodging, meals, a guide, and fuel—but above all, it adds another day’s entrance fee. Not all parks cost the same: the Serengeti is the most expensive, while Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Arusha cost about 30% less. The rates are listed in detail below; to help you navigate the protected areas, check out our guide to Tanzania’s national parks.
2. The level of accommodation
This is the variable that most influences the final price. A mid-range tented camp or lodge and a luxury property inside the Serengeti can differ by several hundred dollars per night per person. Sleeping inside a national park also incurs an additional concession fee (in the Serengeti, $70.80 per person per night), which can be saved by staying just outside the borders, at the cost of a few extra hours of travel. For those seeking the highest level, there’s our luxury safari , which we quote only upon request because the price depends on the accommodations chosen.
3. Private off-road vehicle or small group
The cost of the off-road vehicle, the driver-guide, and fuel is split among the passengers: the more people in the same vehicle, the less each person pays. The same applies to the Ngorongoro Crater entrance fee, which is charged per vehicle rather than per person. For those traveling alone or as a couple, fixed-date group departures (2 to 7 participants) are the most straightforward way to lower the price without sacrificing the quality of services. A private safari costs more but offers total freedom regarding schedules, stops, and pace.
4. The Season
The highest prices are during the dry season (July–October), when wildlife gathers around water sources and river crossings take place in the northern Serengeti, as well as during the year-end holiday season. The long-rain months, April and May, are the most affordable: many accommodations offer reduced rates, and the Serengeti park fee is also lower (70.80 instead of 82.60 USD). In exchange, you’ll have to deal with frequent rain and some more challenging roads. November and early June are good compromises. The complete month-by-month overview is in the guide on when to visit Tanzania; for those interested in the wildebeest migration, there’s the special Great Migration guide.
5. Domestic Flights
The classic northern routes are traveled entirely by road. Domestic flights come in handy for reaching the southern parks, the northern Serengeti without long transfers, or Zanzibar at the end of a safari. A one-way flight on a small local airline costs approximately 150–300 USD per person, but it also saves you an entire day of driving.
Park fees in 2026
Entry fees are set by the National Parks Authority (TANAPA) and, for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, by the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA). They are valid for 24-hour periods, can only be paid electronically, and are the same for all tour operators: a quote that is significantly lower than average usually means they’re cutting corners elsewhere. The figures below apply to non-resident adults and include Tanzania’s 18% VAT.
| Protected Area | Admission fee (24 hours) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Serengeti | 82.60 USD (70.80 USD during the off-season) | + 70.80 USD per night if you stay overnight inside the park |
| Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Arusha | 59 USD (53.10 USD during the off-season) | — |
| Ngorongoro Conservation Area | 70.80 USD | + 295 USD per vehicle to descend into the crater |
Children pay significantly reduced rates, and admission is free for children under 5; that’s why a family safari costs less per person than you might think.
Here’s a concrete example. On a classic one-week tour (one day at Tarangire, one at Manyara, two days and two nights in the Serengeti, one day at Ngorongoro including a descent into the crater, four people per vehicle), the taxes alone amount to approximately 570 USD per person:
| Entry | Calculation | Total per person |
|---|---|---|
| Tarangire | 1 day × 59 USD | 59 USD |
| Lake Manyara | 1 day × 59 USD | 59 USD |
| Serengeti, admission | 2 days × 82.60 USD | 165.20 USD |
| Serengeti, overnight stay in the park | 2 nights × 70.80 USD | 141.60 USD |
| Ngorongoro, admission | 1 day × 70.80 USD | 70.80 USD |
| Descent into the crater | 295 USD ÷ 4 people | 73.75 USD |
| Total | approximately 570 USD |
When traveling as a couple, with the vehicle split between the two of you, the crater fee doubles, and the total comes to about 640 USD per person. These costs are already included in our packages, but it’s helpful to know them so you can understand how much they affect a quote and recognize an offer that doesn’t include them.
What’s typically included in a safari package
Package details vary by tour operator, so the first thing to do with any quote is to read the “included” and “excluded” lists. Our itineraries include:
- Transfers to and from Kilimanjaro Airport;
- 4×4 off-road vehicle equipped with power outlets, a refrigerator stocked with cold drinks and snacks, and binoculars;
- professional Italian-speaking guide;
- Entrance fees and activities in the parks as specified in the itinerary;
- Overnight stays in lodges and tented camps in double rooms;
- full board: lunch in the parks, dinner and breakfast at the accommodations;
- AMREF Flying Doctors coverage for medical air evacuation.
Please note the last item: AMREF coverage guarantees air transport to a hospital in case of an emergency, but it does not replace travel insurance covering medical expenses, trip cancellation, and baggage, which you should purchase separately.
Expenses Not Included in the Package
Intercontinental flight
There are no direct flights from Italy: Kilimanjaro (JRO) is reached via a stopover, usually in the Gulf, in Istanbul, Addis Ababa, or a European hub. A return economy class ticket costs approximately €700 to €1,300, with peak prices in August and during holidays. Those combining beach holidays can fly to Kilimanjaro and depart from Zanzibar.
View
A tourist visa for Italian citizens costs USD 50, can be applied for online only, and must be requested at least ten days in advance. Procedures, documents, and regulations for Zanzibar are in our visa guide for Tanzania and Zanzibar .
Insurance
A travel insurance policy covering medical expenses and trip cancellation typically costs a few dozen euros per person for a 10–15-day trip, or more if you want a higher coverage limit. Those continuing on to Zanzibar must also purchase the archipelago’s mandatory health insurance, which costs about 44 USD per person.
Tips
In Tanzania, tipping the driver and lodge staff is customary and forms part of the income for those working in tourism. It is not mandatory, but should be factored into your budget.
Optional Activities
Additional experiences have their own costs, to which a park fee is often added:
- Hot-air balloon safari over the Serengeti: approximately 450–600 USD per person, breakfast included;
- night safari (available in Tarangire and Manyara): 59 USD park fee plus the cost of the activity;
- Walking safari with a ranger: 23.60 USD park fee plus the cost of the guide;
- Visits to Maasai, Hadzabe, or Datoga villages, generally involving a direct contribution to the community.
Example of a complete itinerary: 9 days for a couple
Let’s take a couple traveling in August on our itinerary A 9-Day Grand Adventure. Here are the realistic costs per person, item by item:
| Item | Cost per person |
|---|---|
| Safari Package (ground services and park fees included) | starting at €2,500 |
| Round-trip flight from Italy to Kilimanjaro | €700–1,300 |
| Visa | 50 USD (about 45 €) |
| Travel Insurance | €80–200 |
| Tips and small expenses | To be determined |
| Estimated total | approximately €3,300–4,050 + tips |
| Optional: Hot-air balloon ride over the Serengeti | 450–600 USD |
The land portion accounts for about two-thirds of the total cost, while the flight accounts for almost all the rest. For this reason, when comparing different offers, it’s best to consider the daily cost of ground services and what’s included, rather than the advertised price.
How to Spend Less Without Missing Out on a Safari
- Travel in the spring or in November. April, May, and November offer the lowest prices, less crowded parks, and lush green landscapes.
- Join a group tour. Sharing a vehicle, guide, and game drive with other travelers is the best way to save money for couples or solo travelers.
- Reduce the number of nights spent inside the Serengeti. Staying just outside the park boundaries avoids the concession fee, though it means a longer transfer.
- Opt for less expensive parks. Tarangire and Manyara are cheaper than the Serengeti and, especially during the dry season, offer excellent wildlife sightings.
- Book your flight well in advance. This is the most variable cost of the trip: booking a few months ahead of time—especially for August and the holidays—makes all the difference.
Here’s what you shouldn’t skimp on: the driver’s experience and the condition of the vehicle. These are the two factors that most significantly determine the quality of the sightings and safety on the trails. If you’re still deciding on a destination, compare Kenya or Tanzania It also helps explain the cost differences between the two countries.
How much does it cost to add Zanzibar
t
? The safari-and-beach combination is one of the most popular. In our Tanzania and Zanzibar packages, prices start at €2,999 for a total of 13 days and go up to €3,860 for the 15-day itinerary with 9 days of safari. Comparing the latter to the 9-day safari alone, the beach extension costs about €1,360 per person, including the domestic flight and accommodations. The mandatory health insurance for Zanzibar must be added. To choose the right month, check out the guide to the best time to visit Zanzibar.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a week-long safari in Tanzania cost on average?
For mid-range ground services alone, prices start at around €2,000 per person. When you add in flights, visas, and insurance, a week realistically costs between €2,900 and €3,600 per person, not including tips.
Are park fees included in the price of the safari?
In most packages, yes, but you should always check the list of included services. On a one-week tour of the northern parks, the fees amount to about 500–600 USD per person: an offer that doesn’t include them isn’t comparable to one that does.
Is the flight from Italy included?
Generally, no. Safari packages include ground transportation starting from your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport. The intercontinental flight costs approximately between €700 and €1,300 round-trip, depending on the time of year.
Is a private or group safari better?
A group safari costs less because the vehicle, guide, and descent into the Ngorongoro Crater are shared among several people. A private safari costs more but allows you to set your own schedule, decide where to stop, and set the pace. For those traveling alone or as a couple, a group safari is the easiest way to keep costs down.
When is the cheapest time to go on a safari in Tanzania?
April and May, during the long rains: many accommodations lower their rates, and the Serengeti entrance fee also drops. November offers a good balance between lower prices and still-favorable weather conditions.
How much does it cost to add a few days at the beach in Zanzibar?
In our packages, a roughly six-day extension in Zanzibar costs approximately €1,360 per person, including the domestic flight and accommodations. You’ll also need to add the mandatory health insurance for the archipelago, which is about 44 USD per person.
Request a detailed quote
Every quote we send clearly lists what’s included and what’s not, item by item, with park fees included. If you already have specific dates, trip duration, and the number of travelers in mind, write to us—we’ll respond within 24 hours. If you’d like to get an idea of how we work first, you can read reviews from people who have traveled with us or browse all our trips to Tanzania.
