How much does a Tanzania safari cost? — honest overview
Allard·18 February 2026
Let me be honest: Tanzania is not a cheap destination. But it's also not as expensive as many people think. And I'm convinced that if you do it right, you get more value for your money than almost any other safari destination. Let me explain how it really works.
The main cost components
A Tanzania safari consists of five main parts: flights (from the Netherlands/Europe), park entry fees, accommodation, guide and vehicle, and meals. Most "budgets" you see online only cover in-country costs — meaning: everything except flights.
At Simba Tours we quote an all-inclusive in-country price. That means: park fees, accommodation, guide, vehicle, meals during the safari, drinking water and transfers are included. Things not included: international flights, travel insurance, visa ($50), tips and personal purchases.
Park entry fees — the surprise cost
This is where many travellers get a shock. The Tanzanian government charges considerable fees for foreign visitors.
:::info Park fees 2024–2025 (per person per day) - Serengeti: $80 peak season / $70 low season - Ngorongoro Crater: $80 + extra concession fee - Tarangire: $65 - Lake Manyara: $45
For a typical 7-day safari (Serengeti + Ngorongoro + Tarangire) you easily pay $300–400 per person in park fees alone. These are government costs — nobody bypasses them. :::
Accommodation: budget vs. luxury
This is where the biggest variation lies. There are roughly three categories:
Budget lodge — $80–150 per night
Simple but clean. Good meals, fine guides. Less atmosphere than a tented camp, but the wildlife experience is identical. Good for travellers who prefer to spend the budget on the safari itself.
Comfort lodge — $200–350 per night
The sweet spot. Good facilities, good food, atmospheric setting. Most travellers choose this level — and it's also what we most often recommend at Simba Tours.
Luxury lodge and tented camps — $400–1,500+ per night
The absolute top. Private plunge pool, butler, all meals, private game drives. If this is your dream safari, it's worth every cent. But it's absolutely not necessary for an amazing wildlife experience.
Our price level
At Simba Tours we primarily work at the comfort level. A typical 7-day private safari with us (Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro) costs per person (for 2 people) between €1,683 and €2,400 p.p. This includes all park entry fees, accommodation, meals, guide and vehicle.
Why are we priced competitively? We work without unnecessary middlemen. Our guides are direct partners, not subcontracted through a local agency. That removes one link in the chain and therefore margin.
Flights from Europe
Budget €600–900 return Amsterdam–Kilimanjaro for a relatively direct flight. Via Nairobi, Addis Ababa or Istanbul flights are cheaper (€400–700) but longer. Peak season (July/August) is considerably more expensive — book 4–6 months in advance.
My honest budget advice
For a couple: budget all-in (including flights, visa, but excluding tips) for €3,500–5,000 per person for a good 10-day circuit including Zanzibar. Sounds like a lot. It is. But: you probably do this trip once in your life, and a bad safari experience through cost-cutting in the wrong places (bad guide, ageing vehicle) is money wasted. Invest in quality where it counts.
Want to save without sacrificing quality? Choose May or November (low season, 20–30% cheaper), go with 4 people in the same vehicle, or choose 7 days instead of 10. Never cut on the guide — that's what makes or breaks your safari.
What you should never skip
Good travel insurance with medical evacuation cover (€10,000+ evacuation is possible), and a guide you trust. Cut costs on hotels before cutting quality on your guide.
