Direct operator since 1978
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Trusted by 4,000+ travelers since 1978
Private safaris from $1,400/person
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Real prices from a direct Tanzanian operator. No broker markup. No hidden fees. 3-day safaris from $936 per person. 7-day from $1,456. Book in April or May and save 20–30% on lodge rates.
Want the price for your dates?
Share month, group size, and comfort level. Kassim replies with the operating price from Safaris Tanzania — park fees, vehicle, guide, meals, and lodge tier shown before you pay.
2026 pricing at a glance
All prices per person based on 2 travellers. Direct operator rates — no agent markup. Park fees and accommodation included.
| Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury | Per Day (Mid) | Parks Covered |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3-Day Safari Short Break | $936 $312/day | $1,248 $416/day | $2,600 + contact us | $416–$476 | Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater Park fees: ~$208 |
5-Day Safari Classic Northern Circuit | $1,248 $250/day | $1,824 $365/day | $4,160 + contact us | $365–$425 | Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater Park fees: ~$364 |
7-Day Safari Full Northern Circuit | $1,568 $224/day | $2,496 $357/day | $5,200 + contact us | $357–$417 | Tarangire, Serengeti (3 nights), Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara Park fees: ~$520 |
10-Day Safari Complete Tanzania | $2,080 $208/day | $3,640 $364/day | $8,320 + contact us | $364–$424 | Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, Ruaha or Selous Park fees: ~$728 |
All prices are per person based on 2 travellers sharing. Solo travellers add a single-room supplement (typically 40–60% above per-person rate). Children under 12 sharing with parents pay 50–75% of the adult rate. Park fees for children under 15 are 50% of adult fees. Safari vehicles and wildlife viewing are identical across all three accommodation tiers.
Compare real safari cards
Use this side-by-side view before you request a quote. Every card shows a direct-operator starting price, route, inclusions, and the best traveller fit.
Direct from Safaris Tanzania
Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro
From
$1,824
$365/day
Direct from Safaris Tanzania
Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro · Lake Manyara
From
$2,496
$357/day
Direct from Safaris Tanzania
Full northern circuit with optional Zanzibar or southern extension
From
$3,640
$364/day
We own the vehicles and employ the guides, so the quote you receive is the operating price — not a marked-up resale package. If your dates, family rooms, or lodge tier change the price, Kassim will show the line items before you pay a deposit.
Find your number
The same safari costs very different amounts depending on your group composition. Select your traveler type to see the pricing that matters to you.
A couple sharing a room gets the lowest per-person rate because safari vehicle costs split in half. The 7-day mid-range at $2,496 per person for a solo traveller drops to $1,248–$1,664 per person for two — the best cost-per-wildlife-day ratio in Tanzania.
When to go
Season is the single biggest cost variable. Same safari, different season — significantly different price.
Peak — Dry Season
June, July, August, September, October
The classic safari season. Dry weather means wildlife gathers around water sources, making game viewing exceptional. The Great Migration river crossings peak in July–September. This is Tanzania's most popular time — parks are busy and prices are highest.
Wildlife: Best time for Great Migration crossings (Jul–Sep), predator activity, and general game viewing. Animals concentrate around remaining water sources.
Cost: Full rates. 7-day mid-range: $1,872–$3,328/person.
Crowds: High — especially August and early September
Peak — Holiday Season
December 15 – January 5
The year-end holiday period. Families with school-age children flood the parks during Christmas and New Year. Excellent wildlife viewing with a festive atmosphere. Tanzania's summer — warm and clear.
Wildlife: Calving season in the Serengeti (December–March). Predator activity is high as vulnerable newborns attract lions and leopards.
Cost: Holiday surcharges apply. 7-day mid-range: $2,080–$3,640/person.
Crowds: Very high during the two-week holiday window
Shoulder — Early Year
January, February, March (early)
The 'second peak' season. Warm, dry weather with fewer crowds than the European summer peak. February is the driest month of the year. Excellent for wildlife photography — green landscapes, clear skies, and good light.
Wildlife: The Serengeti calving season continues through February. Lion and leopard sightings are frequent as predators follow the newborn wildebeest herds.
Cost: Standard rates between peak and low. 7-day mid-range: $1,560–$2,288/person.
Crowds: Moderate — European school holidays in February bring some visitors
Green Season — Long Rains
April, May
The long rains transform Tanzania's landscapes into a lush green paradise. Accommodation rates drop 20–30% from peak. Wildlife viewing remains very good — predator sightings can actually improve as grass thins and animals are easier to spot. Some remote roads become impassable but the northern circuit parks remain fully accessible.
Wildlife: Wildlife viewing remains excellent. Some animals migrate south. Birding is exceptional — migratory birds from Europe arrive. Landscapes are stunningly green and photographic.
Cost: Low season rates. 7-day mid-range: $1,352–$1,976/person. Lodge savings up to 30%.
Crowds: Low — very few visitors during peak rains
Shoulder — Short Rains
November, early December
The short rains typically begin in November, bringing brief afternoon or evening thunderstorms. The landscape turns green quickly. This is considered shoulder season — good prices, good wildlife, and increasingly popular with experienced travellers who know the secrets of green-season safari.
Wildlife: Excellent wildlife viewing continues. The short rains bring new growth and the parks are green and beautiful. Fewer visitors means more exclusive game drives.
Cost: Between low and peak. 7-day mid-range: $1,456–$1,768/person.
Crowds: Low to moderate
Park fees are identical in every season — it is only accommodation rates that change.
Get My Seasonal QuoteSee current offers — green season discounts, group rates, and early-bird deals are available year-round.
2026 calendar
Mid-range pricing for a 7-day Northern Circuit safari covering Tarangire, Serengeti (2 nights), and Ngorongoro Crater. Prices per person based on two adults sharing.
| Month | Season | Price / Person | Wildlife Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Shoulder — Early Year | $1,976 | Excellent | Calving season begins mid-month; dry weather; lower crowds than European summer |
| February | Shoulder — Early Year | $1,976 | Excellent | Peak calving in southern Serengeti; driest month of the year; superb photography |
| March | Shoulder → Green | $1,768 | Very Good | Long rains begin late March; prices start to drop; calving continues; great for budget-conscious travellers |
| April | Green — Long Rains | $1,352 | Good | Lowest prices of the year; 20–30% off lodge rates; some remote roads muddy; birding exceptional |
| May | Green — Long Rains | $1,352 | Good | Continued low season; long rains taper; predator sightings improve as grass thins; very few visitors |
| June | Peak — Dry Season | $1,872 | Excellent | Rains end; herds move north; weather cools; book 4–6 months ahead for the best lodges |
| July | Peak — Dry Season | $2,288 | Outstanding | Greatest Migration herds in the western Serengeti; Grumeti river crossings begin; peak demand |
| August | Peak — Dry Season | $2,288 | Outstanding | Mara River crossings peak; northern Serengeti busiest; international school holidays drive demand |
| September | Peak — Dry Season | $2,288 | Outstanding | Last month of reliable Mara River crossings; weather perfect; book well ahead |
| October | Peak → Shoulder | $1,976 | Excellent | Short rains begin late month; herds move east toward the Loliondo; slightly lower demand than August |
| November | Shoulder — Short Rains | $1,560 | Very Good | Short rains bring afternoon thunderstorms; landscape green; lower prices; excellent for repeat visitors |
| December | Peak — Holiday | $2,184 | Excellent | First half: shoulder; second half: holiday peak ($2,500+). Calving season begins in southern Serengeti |
For a longer-form look at month-by-month wildlife dynamics, see our Tanzania Safari Cost by Month breakdown, which also includes calving and crossing windows.
Transparent pricing
Every Safaris Tanzania quote includes all of these. No hidden fees. No surprise charges at the end.
All national park and conservation area entry fees
Serengeti $85/person/day, Ngorongoro $85/person/day + $307 vehicle + $17/person crater fee, Tarangire $55/person/day
Private 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
Fridge, charging ports, and field binoculars included
Professional English-speaking driver-guide for your entire trip
Minimum 5 years field experience, licensed by Tanzania Tourist Board
All accommodation as specified in your itinerary
Lodges, tented camps, or camping per your chosen tier
All meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner every safari day
Three-course meals at lodges; chef-prepared at tented camps
Unlimited bottled drinking water throughout game drives
Replenished daily from the vehicle fridge
Return airport transfers to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport
Or Arusha Airport on request
All government taxes, VAT, and concession fees
No hidden extras or surprise fees at the end of your trip
Flying Doctors AMREF emergency evacuation insurance
Emergency evacuation cover included for all guests
International flights to/from Tanzania
Kilimanjaro (JRO) is the main arrival airport; Ethiopian, Turkish, KLM, Qatar all fly direct
Tanzania tourist visa
$52 USD for most nationalities — purchased on arrival at JRO airport, or apply online at immigration.go.tz
Travel insurance
Mandatory. Budget $104–$208 for comprehensive safari coverage including medical evacuation
Gratuities for guide and camp staff
Industry norm: $16–$26 per person per day for your guide; $8–$13 per person per day for camp staff
Hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti
$572–$624 per person — an optional once-in-a-lifetime experience
Alcoholic beverages
Available for purchase at all lodges and camps; expect $8–$20 per drink
Personal purchases, laundry, souvenirs
Laundry available at most lodges; budget $5–$15 per item
Zanzibar beach extension
Available as an add-on; 4-night beach stay from $416 per person including transfers and half board
TANAPA fees, 2026
Park fees are set by the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority. They are identical year-round and identical whether you book direct or through a broker.
| Park | Adult / Day | Child / Day | Vehicle Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serengeti National Park | $85 | $43 | — | Concession fee $70/vehicle/day applies in some high-density zones; park fees identical year-round |
| Ngorongoro Conservation Area | $85 | $17 | $307 | Plus $17 crater service fee per person per entry (all ages). NCA entrance includes crater floor access |
| Tarangire National Park | $55 | $18 | — | Lower per-day fee than the Serengeti; excellent value for elephant herds June–October |
| Lake Manyara National Park | $53 | $17 | — | Compact park — usually a half-day stop on Northern Circuit itineraries |
| Arusha National Park | $52 | $17 | — | Common first or last day from Arusha city; walking safaris available here |
| Ruaha National Park (Southern) | $50 | $17 | — | Add $300–$500 per person charter flight from Arusha; less crowded than the north |
| Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere) | $59 | $17 | — | Boat safari included; fly-in access from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar |
| Mahale Mountains (Western) | $100 | $50 | — | Chimpanzee trekking; combination flights + boat transfer from Kigoma |
Park fees are identical year-round. Peak season premiums are entirely an accommodation and vehicle-mobilization story. The fees you see above are what you pay regardless of month.
For a deeper look at the official TANAPA structure, see our Tanzania Park Fees Explained reference, which includes conservation levies, concession fees, and overnight crater fees.
What your money buys
The wildlife viewing is identical at every level. The difference is comfort, design, cuisine, and exclusivity. Pick the tier that matches your travel style.
| Tier | Cost / Night | Room | Vehicle & Guide | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget / Camping | $75–$125 | Permanent tent or shared campsite; shared bathroom blocks; 2-person dome tents with shared mess tent | Shared 4x4 with up to 6 other passengers on a scheduled departure; pop-up roof and window seats Lead guide for the group; cannot deviate from the group's route | First-time safari visitors prioritising price over comfort; backpackers extending a longer East Africa trip |
| Mid-Range Lodge | $200–$416 | Private en-suite lodge room; permanent walls and roof; air-conditioning or ceiling fan; hot water | Private 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser for your party; pop-up roof; fridge, charging ports, binoculars Your own dedicated driver-guide for the entire safari; flexible departure times and routing | Couples, families, photographers, and most first-time visitors to East Africa |
| Luxury Tented Camp | $520–$1,040 | Permanent canvas suite on raised platform; private deck; claw-foot tub or indoor + outdoor shower | Private Land Cruiser with guaranteed window seat for every guest; charging points; reference books in the cab Your guide and a separate spotter in some reserves; expert-level naturalist guiding; can stay out for a sighting | Honeymooners, anniversary trips, special-occasion travellers, and guests who want fine dining in the bush |
| Ultra-Luxury Lodge | $1,040–$2,080+ | Architect-designed lodge with private plunge pool, butler service, in-room massage; full electricity and Wi-Fi | Private Land Cruiser or open-sided 4x4 with refreshment box; flexible schedule, no convoy with other vehicles Head guide and tracker team on a private concession; access to off-road driving not available in public parks | High-end honeymooners, multi-generational family trips, and guests combining a Tanzanian safari with a luxury Zanzibar resort |
All three tiers include the same national park game drives and the same migration viewing. Meals, drinks, and gratuities follow the lodge tier — see our Safari Pricing Tiers breakdown for a line-item view of what is included at each level.
Know what you are paying for
Understanding how safari pricing works helps you find the best value and avoid unexpected costs.
Season is the single largest cost variable. Peak season (July–October, December) commands 30–50% higher lodge rates than green season (April–May). The same safari in peak August versus green April can differ by $600–$1,200 per person. Park fees do not change by season.
July–October: +30–50% | January–February: standard | April–May: -20–30%
A private 4×4 Land Cruiser seats up to 7 passengers but the per-person cost drops sharply as more travellers share the vehicle cost. Two travellers pay full vehicle rate. Four travellers split it. Solo travellers pay the most because there is no one to split the vehicle cost with.
2 people: full rate | 4 people: 65–75% per person | 6 people: 50–60% per person | Solo: 130–150% of per-person rate
Your lodge or camp choice is the second-largest variable after season. A $125 per night lodge versus a $416 per night lodge adds $2,032 to a 7-day trip for two people. The wildlife seen from each property is identical — the difference is comfort, design, cuisine quality, and exclusivity.
Budget: $75–$125/night | Mid-range: $125–$416/night | Luxury: $416–$2,080+/night
Each park charges different fees. Adding the Southern Circuit (Ruaha, Selous) or Western Circuit (Mahale Mountains, Gombe Stream) adds both park fees and significant transport/logistics costs. The classic Northern Circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire) offers the best value per park — the highest wildlife density at the lowest added cost.
Northern Circuit: $208–$520 in park fees | Southern Circuit: $400–$700 additional transport surcharge
International travel agents and online booking platforms add 25–40% commission to every booking. A $2,496 per person safari that costs $1,872 direct carries a $624–$998 agent markup. This commission comes out of the operator's margin — meaning the agent-commission safari is often booked with a lower-quality operator to absorb the markup.
Booking direct: full price goes to your safari | Agent booking: 25–40% surcharge
Longer safaris offer better per-day value. Fixed costs — vehicle mobilization ($260–$416), park logistics ($104–$156), and airport transfers ($78–$104) — are incurred regardless of safari length. A 3-day safari pays these fixed costs once; a 10-day safari spreads them over more days.
3-day: $89–$156/day in fixed costs | 7-day: $62–$104/day | 10-day: $47–$78/day
Real numbers
Three real scenarios with full cost breakdowns. No estimates. No surprises.
Peak Season
2 adults · Mid-range lodges · Great Migration
+ International flights (~$2,400–$4,000 per person)
Green Season
1 adult · Mid-range · Best value month
+ International flights (~$1,200–$2,000 per person)
Family
2 adults + 2 children (under 12) · Mid-range
+ International flights (~$2,400–$4,000 per adult)
More travellers = lower per-person cost
A private 4x4 costs the same whether 2 or 6 people share it. The per-person price drops sharply as more travellers split the vehicle cost.
| Group Configuration | Per Person (7-day mid-range) | Adjustment | How It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo Traveller | $3,640 | + 40–60% single supplement | Most lodges charge per room — solo travellers pay the same room rate as two people sharing. A 7-day mid-range safari runs $3,640 per person plus the single-room supplement ($2,080–$3,120). |
| Couple (2 adults) | $2,496 | Base rate | Two people sharing one vehicle and one room is the standard pricing baseline. The most cost-efficient booking structure for our standard itineraries. |
| Group of 3 | $2,184 | −12% per person | Three adults sharing one vehicle. The third adult pays a triple-share rate (typically 80% of double-share), reducing the per-person cost by ~12% versus a couple. |
| Group of 4 | $1,872 | −25% per person | Four adults sharing one vehicle and either two rooms or one family suite. Per-person cost drops sharply because the vehicle cost spreads across four travellers. |
| Group of 5–6 | $1,664 | −33% per person | Two vehicles travel together with a lead guide. Most cost-efficient non-solo configuration. Common for multi-generational families and friends travelling together. |
| Family of 4 (2 adults + 2 children) | $1,872 | Children 50% of adult rate | Children under 12 sharing with parents pay 50% of the adult rate. Children under 5 are free in national parks. School holidays (July, August, December) require booking 6–9 months ahead. |
Travelling solo? The single-room supplement is the largest cost variance in a safari. Most lodges charge per room, not per person. See our Solo Safari Cost breakdown for how to mitigate it.
Family of 4 or more? The 25% per-person saving is your biggest single discount. Our Group vs Private Safari Cost guide shows when a small private group beats a scheduled group departure.
Optional extras
Beyond the core safari, these are the add-ons most travellers book. Prices are per person, valid for 2026.
| Activity | Cost (per person) | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serengeti hot air balloon safari | $572–$624 | 3–4 hours (1 hour flight + champagne breakfast) | Photographers, honeymooners, and travellers wanting a once-in-a-lifetime perspective on the plains at sunrise |
| Walking safari in Tarangire or Ngorongoro highlands | $130–$260 | Half-day or full day with armed ranger | Travellers wanting close-up tracking, birding, and ecosystem detail rather than the vehicle-based game drive |
| Maasai cultural village visit | $25–$52 | 1–2 hours | Families and first-time visitors curious about Maasai traditions; supports community-owned cultural projects |
| Night game drive (private concessions only) | $104–$208 | 2–3 hours after dinner | Wildlife enthusiasts wanting to see nocturnal species — genets, bushbabies, hyena, and leopard on the move |
| Olduvai Gorge museum visit | $52 + $35 guide | 1.5–2 hours | Anthropology and history buffs; the museum sits between Ngorongoro and the Serengeti — easy to add on |
| 4-night Zanzibar beach extension | $416–$1,040 | 4 nights / 5 days | Most safari-goers who want sand and sea after a week of game drives; flights to Zanzibar are $156–$260 each way |
| Internal flight (Arusha → Serengeti return) | $312–$520 | 1.5 hours each way | Travellers short on time or wanting to skip the 8-hour drive from Arusha into the Serengeti; saves a full day each way |
| Coffee tour (Arusha or Kilimanjaro region) | $40–$80 | 2–3 hours | Coffee lovers and slow travellers who want a half-day cultural break between safari arrival and departure |
For a focused deep-dive on hidden costs, see our Tanzania Safari Hidden Costs reference, which covers tipping, drinks, laundry, and souvenir budgets that surprise first-time safari visitors.
The direct advantage
Same safari. Same lodges. Same guides. The only difference is who you pay — and how much of your money actually reaches the people running your trip.
International travel agents and booking platforms add 25–40% to every safari they sell. They take your enquiry, mark up the price, and subcontract the actual safari to operators like us.
Since 1978, we have sold directly to travellers. Your WhatsApp message reaches Kassim Abdallah — the founder who still manages operations. Your money goes to fuel your safari, not a middleman's commission.
"The safari is identical. The only difference is who you pay — and how much of your money actually reaches the people running your trip."
— Kassim Abdallah, Founder, Safaris Tanzania
Quick comparison
Longer safaris cost more in absolute terms but offer significantly better per-day value.
| 3-Day | 5-Day | 7-Day | 10-Day | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-range per person | $936 | $1,824 | $2,496 | $3,640 |
| Per day cost | $312/day | $365/day | $357/day | $364/day |
| Parks covered | 2 parks | 3 parks | 4 parks | 5+ parks |
| Wildlife coverage | Highlights | Good | Comprehensive | Complete |
| Best for | First-timers, fly-in visitors | Most first-time visitors | Travellers wanting full coverage | Photographers, enthusiasts |
Pro tip: If you are travelling from Europe or North America, a 5-day safari at $1,824 per person costs $520 more than a 3-day at $936 per person — but adds 2 extra park days. A 7-day safari at $2,496 per person adds even more value. The extra days are almost always worth the investment.
Free 2026 guide
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