Safari pricing confuses people because quotes are usually given as one number per person, with no explanation of what sits inside it. A large share of that number is fixed government fees that no operator can discount.
Here is what you are actually paying for, and what different budgets buy.
Rough daily rates per person
Prices assume two people sharing, travelling by road on the northern circuit, and include park fees, vehicle, guide, accommodation and meals.
| Style | Per person per day | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget camping | USD 200 to 280 | Basic public campsites, shared facilities, simple meals |
| Mid-range lodge | USD 300 to 450 | Comfortable lodges or tented camps, private bathroom, good food |
| Luxury | USD 550 to 900 | Well located camps, excellent guiding, more space and service |
| Ultra luxury | USD 1,000 and up | Exclusive camps, private vehicles, fly-in transfers |
Where the money actually goes
On a typical mid-range trip, park and government fees alone can be 30 to 40 percent of the total. These are set by the Tanzanian authorities and are the same for every operator.
- Serengeti park entry: about USD 70 per person per day
- Ngorongoro conservation fee: about USD 70 per person per day
- Ngorongoro crater service fee: about USD 295 per vehicle per descent
- Concession fees charged by camps inside the parks
- Vehicle, fuel and a qualified guide for the whole trip
- Accommodation and meals
What makes the price move most
- Season: August and Christmas can be 30 to 50 percent above green season rates
- Group size: two people carry a whole vehicle, six people share it, so per-person cost drops sharply
- Flying versus driving: fly-in saves a day but adds a few hundred dollars per sector
- Where you sleep: camps inside the park cost more but save hours of driving
What is usually not included
- International flights
- Tanzania visa, around USD 50 to 100 depending on nationality
- Travel insurance, which should cover medical evacuation
- Tips for guide and camp staff
- Drinks, laundry and anything personal
- Optional extras such as a balloon flight, around USD 600 per person
How to spend less without ruining the trip
- Travel in the green season, especially February or early December
- Fill the vehicle: four to six travellers cuts the per-person price a lot
- Spend more nights in fewer parks instead of driving every day
- Stay just outside the park gates on some nights
- Cut a day from Ngorongoro rather than from the Serengeti
A note on very cheap quotes
If a quote is far below the numbers above, something has been left out. Usually it is park fees, or the trip uses long driving days from cheap accommodation outside the parks, so you lose game viewing time.
Ask any operator for a written list of what is included before you pay a deposit.
Common questions
How much is a 7 day Tanzania safari?
For two people sharing on the northern circuit, expect roughly USD 2,100 to 3,200 per person mid-range, and USD 1,400 to 2,000 per person on a camping trip. Luxury starts around USD 4,000 per person.
Are park fees included in your prices?
Yes. Every quote we send lists park fees, vehicle, guide, accommodation and meals separately so you can see exactly what you are paying for.
How much should I tip on safari?
A common guideline is USD 20 to 30 per day for your guide from the group, and USD 10 to 15 per day for camp staff overall. It is a personal choice, not an obligation.
