Being one of Tanzania’s premier safari destinations, the Serengeti offers the wide-open spaces of the African savannah, a chance to see the Great Wildebeest Migration and an abundance of African game including the Big 5. When thinking about this once-in-a-lifetime safari experience, it’s good to know what to expect in terms of safari costs.
The cost of a Serengeti safari in Tanzania varies depending on several factors such as the time of year, type of accommodation, length of stay, and type of activities included. While it is difficult to estimate the exact cost, the good news is that there is no one-size-fits-all Serengeti safari experience.
| Tanzania Currency |
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The official currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian shilling. US Dollars are widely accepted alongside the local currency, but it is always a good idea to carry some Tanzanian Shillings as some places may only accept the local currency, and they are great to use for curios, tips, and optional extras like drinks at your safari lodge. US$1 = TZS 2,339.56 (Tanzanian Shillings). *Exchange Rate at the time of publishing. |
The first thing to consider when planning your Serengeti safari is the season. When is the best time to visit the Serengeti? is an important question. High season refers to the high-tourist season. The high safari season means greater demand, which translates to reduced availability, and higher prices. High safari season in Tanzania correlates with the dry season where game viewing is at its best and of course the Wildebeest Great Migration. During the Great Migration, large herds of wildebeest and other grazing animals move across the Serengeti-Masai Mara ecosystem in search of food and water. Roughly speaking the Tanzanian safari high season runs from June to October.
The Serengeti is huge, and while many animals do migrate, many do not, making the Serengeti a fantastic all-year-round African safari destination. The Wildebeest Migration peaks between July and September when large numbers of wildebeest gather to cross the Mara River into Kenya’s Masai Mara National Park. Unlike the Masai Mara National Park, however, the Serengeti National Park is much larger and tends to be less crowded. If you are on a tight budget, then look to visit from April to May which is the height of the rainy season.
| Average Serengeti Safari Prices for High & Low Season (per person sharing per night) |
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These price ranges are meant as a rough guide. They include things like park fees, accommodation, meals on safari, game drives, and transfers. Prices exclude flights to East Africa, extras like alcoholic drinks, laundry, telephone calls, and tips for drivers, guides, and porters. |
When booking your Serengeti safari, numbers can make a big difference. From airport transfers and drivers to overlanding vehicles and safari guides. Any expense that can be shared can be reduced by adding more people to your safari. Extrapolate these costs over the full length of the trip and the savings add up. The trick is to find a balance between having an intimate experience and sharing expenses between your group. If you are after a romantic honeymoon getaway, then adding people will not be an option. However, inviting close family or good friends to share your safari adventure might be just the ticket.
| Serengeti Park Fees (per 24-hour period) |
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*All fees are current at the time of writing but may be subject to change. |
Safari accommodation can have a big impact on how far you can stretch your Serengeti safari budget. The Serengeti does not have the volume of accommodation available in the Masai Mara, and as a result, tends to be more expensive. That said, the Serengeti does have something for everyone, from romantic tented camps to mobile camps that follow the migration, and exclusive safari lodges and villas. In addition to the accommodation within the Serengeti National Park, there are also private reserves surrounding the Serengeti that provide an exclusive safari experience.
The more expensive accommodations are found in the popular Seronera, Ndutu, and Mara areas. For mid-range options, look around the Ikoma, and Turner areas.
| Here is a range of Serengeti Safari Camp prices based on per person sharing |
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Depending on which mode of transport you prefer, either flying or going by road, it will affect the cost of your Serengeti safari. Flying to the Serengeti is more expensive compared to travelling by road. If you can afford to fly, it is a much better use of your safari vacation time and good value for money. A one-way flight from Dar es Salaam to the Serengeti can cost anywhere between US$ 100 and US$ 400 or more. It’s good practice to check with multiple airlines and compare prices to find the best deal. Keep in mind that the cost of your flight may include additional fees such as baggage, seat selection, and in-flight meal fees.
That said, planning a Serengeti safari is all about deciding what is best for you and your budget. Flying might be the quickest, and safest option, but for those with a tighter budget (or a more adventurous spirit), hiring a vehicle to do a self-drive safari to the Serengeti may be more appealing. In Tanzania, you can rent a car for as little as US$ 37 per day. But you don’t necessarily want to drive a Suzuki Alto in the Serengeti. A decent 4x4 will cost about US$ 160 per day. Keep in mind that driving a 4x4 also requires specialist skill and experience. Add to this the additional fees such as travel insurance, taxes, and optional extras like GPS navigation, rooftop camping equipment, or a child seat, and what seemed like a bargain may not be far off the price of a well-planned flight.
Having the logistics of an African safari taken off your hands is one of the reasons so many people choose to go with a package Serengeti safari or a private bespoke safari option. Lodges and safari camps often include transfers, and pickups, leaving you free to sit back and enjoy the ride. Talk to one of our experienced safari consultants to figure out the best option for you and your Serengeti safari budget.
| Tanzania Visa Costs |
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*These visa costs were accurate at the time of writing but it is always advisable to connect with your travel agent for up-to-date visa information. |
A Serengeti safari, whether bespoke private safari or group tour, will cover just about everything from airport pick-ups and transfers, safari vehicles and game drives to park fees, food on safari, and accommodation. When booking, your safari tour consultant will discuss what activities you want to include or exclude. These are optional extras, and they are often bucket list items.
Popular Serengeti safari extras include visiting Maasai villages, night-time game drives, horseback riding, guided safari walks, and hot air balloon adventures. While these activities can make for a richer safari experience, they will also add to the cost of your Serengeti safari.
| Serengeti Safari Extras Price List |
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Different companies will have various services and pricing structures. These prices will often include pick-ups, transport, park fees, and a host of other things. If the price seems high, check to see what it includes. This list is meant as a rough guide. When you are ready to book and need more information, talk to one of African Budget Safaris experienced travel consultants. |
International flights, visas, and safari expenses aside, here is a short list of some safari extras that you can budget for while visiting the Serengeti on your vacation. It is good practice to budget for these extra costs that will inevitably turn up.
Souvenirs and curios. It’s always nice to take something home with you or get gifts for someone back home. There will be plenty of opportunities to shop around for something special as a keepsake from your Serengeti safari in Tanzania.
Alcoholic drinks are very seldom included. If you are partial to scotch or beer, then best budget for some recreational drinking.
Laundry. Packing space is limited due to weight restrictions on flights. Laundry services are available, but these will have to come out of your own pocket.
Tips. Tipping is an important part of the safari economy, and it is expected. Guides, staff at lodges, cleaners, waiters, and waitresses will all go out of their way to make sure your stay is amazing. A baseline tip is 10% but exceptional service should be rewarded.
When booking your Serengeti safari, a few budget travel myths need to be corrected. These travel myths relate to safari agents, package deals, and the do-it-yourself mantra.
The truth of the matter is that safari travel agents have a wealth of experience to draw on. Their connections within safari travel circles mean that they will have access to special deals, room availability, transfers, and the latest news and reviews from safari destinations. They are there to help you find the best deal for your budget. Being able to assemble your safari itinerary from start to finish gives them the bargaining power to find the best safari deals. |
Not always. While package deals do offer you one “all-in” safari price, and can make your trip convenient and affordable, it also locks you into certain activities and destinations that have a ridged price structure. A tailor-made safari is designed not only around you and your safari ideals but also around your safari budget. A bespoke Tanzania safari means that you can decide where to pull your budget safari strings and where to splurge for those exceptional experiences at the top of your safari bucket list. |
Travel agents are perceived as expensive. Many independent travellers baulk at the idea of subscribing to a safari package. There is a notion that the DIY safari experience will give them more freedom from a rigid itinerary, the ability to change direction at a whim, and therefore a richer safari experience. However, going on a Tanzania safari involves travelling large distances, often to remote and out-of-the-way places. The specialized knowledge of a safari expert gives them the edge in putting together the most budget-friendly options. A “Do-it-yourself" safari will not necessarily be cheaper, or with regards to more remote destinations, even possible. |
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The cost of a Serengeti safari varies depending on several factors such as the time of year, type of accommodation, length of stay, and type of activities included. While it is difficult to estimate the exact cost, the good news is that there is no one-size-fits-all Serengeti safari experience.
The sheer abundance of wildlife on the wide-open African plains is reason enough to visit the Serengeti. Tanzania is not however a one-safari destination. While you can charter a fly-in safari to the Serengeti, driving from Arusha puts you on the popular northern safari circuit. Most safaris to the Serengeti include Tanzania’s northern safari circuit which includes the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire National Park.
With such an abundance of world-class safari destinations, it is difficult to pinpoint exactly how much a safari to the Serengeti will cost. A budget 4-day safari starts at around US$ 475 per person per day, while a 7-day camping safari can be a little US$ 286 per person per day. On the high end, a 7-day private safari will start at around US$ 716 per person sharing.
To compare options and Serengeti safari prices, take a look at our budget-friendly Serengeti Safari Packages on African Budget Safaris.
Once you know where you want to go, what you want to see, and how much you would like to spend, speak to one African Budget Safaris experienced safari experts, and let them help you to organize your dream safari getaway.
For more information about African safari costs and prices see African Safari Cost.
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