A Tanzania safari doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Having organized safaris in Tanzania for over five years, I’ve discovered countless ways to experience the country’s incredible wildlife while keeping costs manageable. This guide shares everything you need to know about planning an affordable safari, from actual costs to tried-and-tested routes.
Understanding Real Safari Costs in Tanzania
Let’s start with the actual numbers you need to know:
Daily Safari Costs Per Person:
- Basic Camping Safari: $180-250
- Mid-Range Lodge Safari: $250-350
- Luxury Lodge Safari: $500+
These rates typically include:
- Accommodation
- Transportation
- Guide fees
- Park entrance fees ($45-70 per day)
- Three meals daily
- Game drives
Additional Expenses:
- International flights: $600-1200 from Europe/US
- Tanzania visa: $50-100
- Travel insurance: $30-50 per week
- Guide and staff tips: $15-25 per day
- Personal expenses and drinks
Smart Money-Saving Strategies
- Book With Local Companies Local operators charge 20-30% less than international agencies while offering identical services. Use TripAdvisor and Safari Bookings to research companies, and always request references from past clients.
- Visit During Off-Peak Seasons
- Low season (March-May): Save 30-40%
- Shoulder season (November, January-February): Save 15-25%
- Peak season (June-October, December): Standard rates
- Choose Smart Transportation
- Join shared safaris: 40-50% cheaper than private tours
- Pick parks close to each other
- Consider flying between distant parks (can be cheaper than long drives)
10 Best Affordable Tanzania Safari Routes
1. Northern Circuit Express: Tarangire & Ngorongoro
Duration: 3 days
Cost: $600-800 per person
Perfect for: Quick trips, first-time visitors
Where to Stay:
- Budget: Panorama Safari Camp ($80-100)
- Mid-range: Kirurumu Tented Lodge ($150-180)
- Local guesthouse in Karatu ($40-60)
Daily Plan:
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire, afternoon game drive
Day 2: Full day Tarangire, evening drive to Ngorongoro
Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater tour, return to Arusha
Money-Saving Tips:
- Stay in Karatu instead of crater rim lodges
- Pack lunches from local supermarkets
- Share vehicle costs with other travelers
2. Serengeti Budget Explorer
Duration: 4 days
Cost: $800-1,200 per person
Best for: Migration viewing, big cat spotting
Accommodation Options:
- Public campsite ($30/night)
- Budget lodge outside park ($120/night)
- Tented camp in peak season ($180/night)
Daily Schedule:
Day 1: Drive to Serengeti, afternoon game drive
Day 2-3: Full days exploring Serengeti
Day 4: Morning game drive, return to Arusha
Cost-Cutting Tips:
- Visit November-December for migration views at lower rates
- Use shared charter flights to save time
- Book basic accommodation outside the park
3. Southern Circuit Value Safari
Duration: 5 days
Cost: $1,000-1,500 per person
Highlights: Ruaha & Nyerere National Parks
Where to Stay:
- Ruaha River Lodge ($150/night)
- Nyerere Camp ($130/night)
- Local guesthouse ($50/night)
Daily Plan:
Day 1-2: Ruaha National Park
Day 3-4: Nyerere National Park
Day 5: Morning activities, return flight
Budget Tips:
- Combine with Mikumi for better value
- Use public transportation to reach southern parks
- Book during January-March for lowest rates
4. Lake Manyara & Tarangire Combo
Duration: 3 days
Cost: $550-750 per person
Perfect for: Short trips, bird watching
Accommodation Choices:
- Camping ($40/night)
- Budget lodges ($100/night)
- Local guesthouses ($60/night)
Daily Schedule:
Day 1: Lake Manyara
Day 2: Tarangire
Day 3: Morning game drive, return
Save Money By:
- Staying in nearby villages
- Using public transportation
- Booking during green season
5. Nyerere National Park Explorer
Duration: 4 days
Cost: $800-1,200 per person
Best for: River safaris, walking safaris
Where to Stay:
- Basic camps ($80/night)
- Mid-range lodges ($150/night)
- Local guesthouses ($50/night)
Daily Plan:
Day 1: Arrival and boat safari
Day 2-3: Game drives and walks
Day 4: Morning activities, departure
Money-Saving Strategies:
- Visit June-October for best value
- Combine activities to save on fees
- Book basic accommodation packages
6. Cultural Safari: Ngorongoro & Lake Eyasi
Duration: 4 days
Cost: $700-1,000 per person
Highlights: Wildlife and local tribes
Accommodation Options:
- Local homestays ($40/night)
- Budget lodges ($120/night)
- Camping ($30/night)
Daily Schedule:
Day 1: Ngorongoro area
Day 2: Crater tour
Day 3: Lake Eyasi cultural visits Day 4: Return to Arusha
Save By:
- Choosing local homestays
- Visiting during the month of March-May
- Combining cultural and wildlife activities
7. Mikumi Weekend Safari
Duration: 2 days
Cost: $400-600 per person
Perfect for: Quick wildlife viewing
Where to Stay:
- Basic lodges ($70/night)
- Camping ($25/night)
- Local guesthouses ($40/night)
Daily Plan:
Day 1: Drive to Mikumi, afternoon game drive
Day 2: Morning drive, return to Dar es Salaam
Budget Tips:
- Use public transport to reach Mikumi
- Pack your own meals
- Book last-minute deals
8. Family Budget Safari
Duration: 4 days
Cost: $700-1,000 per person
Best for: Families with children
Accommodation Choices:
- Family rooms in lodges ($180/night)
- Two-bedroom bandas ($150/night)
- Camping ($40/night)
Daily Schedule:
Day 1-2: Tarangire
Day 3: Lake Manyara
Day 4: Return to Arusha
Save Money By:
- Booking family rooms
- Traveling during school holidays
- Choosing parks close to Arusha
9. Classic Northern Circuit Budget Style
Duration: 5 days
Cost: $1,100-1,600 per person
Highlights: Serengeti & Ngorongoro
Where to Stay:
- Public campsites ($30/night)
- Budget lodges ($140/night)
- Local guesthouses ($50/night)
Daily Plan:
Day 1-3: Serengeti
Day 4: Ngorongoro
Day 5: Return to Arusha
Money-Saving Tips:
- Travel during shoulder season
- Use camping accommodation
- Share vehicle costs
10. Ruaha Budget Adventure
Duration: 4 days
Cost: $900-1,300 per person
Best for: Off-the-beaten-path experience
Accommodation Options:
- Basic camps ($90/night)
- Local guesthouses ($50/night)
- Bandas ($70/night)
Daily Schedule:
Day 1: Arrival and afternoon drive
Day 2-3: Full day game drives
Day 4: Morning activities, departure
Save By:
- Flying in during low season
- Booking basic accommodation
- Combining with Mikumi visit
Essential Money-Saving Tips for Affordable Tanzania Safari Routes
Transportation
- Share vehicles whenever possible
- Use public transport to reach park gates
- Consider fly-in safaris for distant parks
- Combine nearby parks to minimize driving
Accommodation
- Stay outside the parks when possible
- Use public campsites
- Book basic rooms or bandas
- Share rooms with other travelers
Activities
- Combine game drives with walking safaris
- Share boat trips with other groups
- Book cultural activities directly
- Use local guides for village visits
Food & Drinks
- Buy snacks from local markets
- Carry a reusable water bottle
- Request packed lunches
- Choose accommodation with included meals
Planning Your Safari
Best Booking Platforms
- Skyscanner for flights
Essential Apps
- Maps.me for offline navigation
- XE Currency for money conversion
- iNaturalist for wildlife ID
Final Tips for Affordable Tanzania Safari Routes
- Book 3-6 months ahead for best rates
- Travel during shoulder seasons
- Compare at least three operators
- Read recent reviews carefully
- Check for hidden costs
- Get everything in writing
- Verify park fees independently
- Consider travel insurance
A Tanzania safari can be affordable without compromising on wildlife experiences. Focus on what matters most to you – whether that’s time in specific parks or certain types of accommodation – and adjust other aspects accordingly. With careful planning and these insider tips, you’ll create amazing wildlife memories without breaking your budget.
Ready to start planning? Contact Us directly and use this guide to compare offerings. The perfect budget safari is within reach.