Is Tanzania cheap for tourists? “Tanzania is home to many stunning safari attractions, such as the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar Island, to name a few. Due to its beauty, many people have considered Tanzania an expensive destination for safari tours”
Is Tanzania cheap for tourists? This is one of the frequently asked questions by tourists who wish to visit Tanzania; however, this question is a little complicated to respond to or answer because a destination being cheap or expensive all depends on someone’s budget, meaning that what you might see as expensive might be seen as cheap by someone else, and what you might see as cheap, someone else might see as expensive, so it all depends on someone’s income and budget. Is Tanzania cheap? Tanzania is either cheap or expensive, we might say, and this is because Tanzania can be visited by anyone on any budget, whether it’s a tight budget, a mid-range budget, or a luxury budget.
Having so many attractions and activities, Tanzania can be visited on any budget because there are many things to do and places to visit for all budgets. For example, while the Serengeti National Park is more expensive and is best explored on a luxury budget, other parks such as Arusha National Park and Tarangire National Park are less expensive and can be explored on a low budget. Again, while hot air balloon safari activities are expensive and are best done on a luxury budget, on the other hand, a game drive is cheap and can be done on a low budget. As a result, Tanzania has a plethora of attractions and activities to suit all budgets. That’s why we say Tanzania is either cheap or expensive—because it can be visited and explored on all budgets.
How can you make your Tanzania safari cheap or expensive? How can you visit Tanzania on a cheap or expensive budget? There are many factors that you should consider if you want to visit Tanzania on a tight budget or on an expensive budget. And here we are going to give you some of the important tips, guides, or details that will help you go on a Tanzania safari on a cheap budget or on an expensive budget, depending on your own income and budget. Here are ways to make your Tanzania safari cheap or expensive:
DURATION OF THE SAFARI
The amount of money you can spend on the trip will be heavily influenced by how long you intend to spend on your Tanzania safari. A fantastic safari experience can be had in as little as 3–4 days. However, doing so would restrict your views to only two parks and force you to spend more time traveling than relaxing in the lodges where you are staying. This is the bare minimum amount of time to stay in the area since Serengeti National Park requires at least 1-2 days and Ngorongoro requires an additional day. If you have this much time available, we advise concentrating solely on watching the game rather than participating in any additional local activities, Is Tanzania cheap for tourists?
We advise adding an additional 1-2 days if you want to see all four parks, as well as Lake Manyara and Tarangire. A well-thought-out safari vacation can be affordable and last anywhere from 4 to 7 days. You’ll still have plenty of time throughout this period to take in the breathtaking nature around you without feeling rushed.
SAFARI TYPE (GROUP, SELF-DRIVE, OR PRIVATE SAFARI TOURS)
When determining what kind of tour you want to take on your Tanzania safari, you have a number of alternatives. The cost of your vacation will be significantly influenced by your choice. You can choose between three different sorts of vacations. Below, we’ve provided you with a more thorough explanation of them.
Group Safaris
Undoubtedly, group safaris are the most affordable option. However, because they don’t provide any exclusivity or flexibility, finding the perfect group safari for your tastes requires a lot of study. With our suggested ones, we’ve gone into a little more detail below.
- Entry-level overland vehicle safaris typically cost around $200 per day, and parties typically consist of up to 30 people. This cost includes all lodging, the majority of meals, transportation, and activities. But the itinerary won’t give you much leeway.
- Don’t be duped by Tanzanian safaris that cost only about $130 per day. The fact that most of these don’t even include going to Serengeti National Park is a big downside because you shouldn’t miss seeing the great wildebeest migration
Self-Drive Safaris
One of the least expensive methods to tour Tanzania’s National Parks is on your own. However, if you don’t do your homework and carefully arrange this ahead of time, the cost may escalate. On the other hand, you should make reservations in advance if you want to travel independently, which provides you more freedom and allows you to choose the type of accommodations and activities you want to participate in.
There are many self-drive tour companies you may work with to do this, and they can also help you make advance reservations for lodging, car rentals, and even some park fees. This is necessary to do if you’re traveling during a busy time of year in order to prevent availability problems.
You should budget approximately $70 per day (with insurance) or $110 if you want a driver for an automobile rental. You should budget an additional $25 if you plan to camp inside your car as well.
Private Safaris
The most luxury and adaptable choice is to go on a private safari. If you’re on a budget, it’s not completely out of your price range! The fee can be divided among you if you go in a group of at least four people. It makes the event much more memorable, therefore we certainly recommend it if you want to explore Tanzania on a luxury budget! This can be a nice option for you if your group has members who have certain interests because you’ll be partnered with a guide who is knowledgeable about those interests. Additionally, it’s the most effective approach to find a guide who speaks your language, Is Tanzania cheap for tourists?
STANDARD OF ACCOMMODATION
Camping Safari
The least expensive way to visit Tanzania’s national parks is on a camping safari. It’s the ideal method to explore for those who enjoy the outdoors. In general, you’ll lodge in dome tents in public or exclusive campgrounds that offer round-the-clock protection. There will be 7–10 participants in each group. You won’t likely see any wildlife while staying here because they are usually enclosed. This might be your best choice if you’re on a low budget yet have a sense of adventure. The cost typically ranges between $250 and $300 a day, which includes all transfers and meals made by a safari cook who goes with you.
Lodge Safari
A low-cost hotel may be your best option if you’re not all that interested in camping. Tanzania offers a wide range of lodge accommodations, from one to five stars, to suit all budgets. Lodges might be modest motels, inns, or opulent tented campgrounds. It’s a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a traditional and reasonably priced African safari. On an all-inclusive trip with lodge lodging included and traveling in groups of 7–12 people, you can budget $300 per person per day.
Mobile tent camps
Safaris that include camping are also available in enhanced mobile tent camps. These are larger tents that are available for more exclusive touring. These camps stand out because they are flexible enough to move around according to the movements of the migratory animals.
Additionally, the quality of the equipment is typically considerably greater at these locations, giving you more freedom in terms of where you wish to stay and explore. These costs can range from $400 to $500 per person per night, but keep in mind that they also cover all meals and travel-related fees. Additionally, it is the best method to unwind. On this expedition, you won’t need help with cooking or setting up camp.
Luxury Safari
The most expensive way to visit Tanzania’s national parks is on a luxury safari. However, if you’re traveling in larger groups, they can offer excellent value for your money! With all the amenities included, private mobile camping offers the highest level of comfort.
If you really want to experience Tanzania’s 5-star accommodations, we advise traveling off-peak to take advantage of the greatest deals. It is also possible to reserve these types of lodgings on a full-board basis, which includes everything, although the costs can be significantly higher, with some starting at more than $600 per night, Is Tanzania cheap for tourists?
NATIONAL PARKS
Ngorongoro Crater
If you’re traveling by car to the Serengeti, you’ll undoubtedly pass by the Ngorongoro crater en route. We adore how much wildlife and plant life there is in such a little protected area as Ngorongoro. You shouldn’t need much more than this, especially if you’re on a limited budget, but it’s definitely worth the day trip if you’re passing by. If you choose a tent near the entrance gates, you can rise early the following morning and be among the first to explore. One of the finest times to visit the conservation area is early in the morning to see the crater.
Sadly, there is a cost to passing through here. The park charges a $295 vehicle descent fee in addition to an $80 per person entrance cost. Because the road trip to Serengeti is expensive, we recommend that you make the most of your time here. You won’t be dissatisfied with the breathtaking game views if you spend less time in the Serengeti and stay an extra day here, and it will save you money as well.
Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti is considered one of Tanzania’s best wildlife viewing parks, if not the best. But sadly, there is a higher cost associated with this. You will need to account for additional travel time and costs because the park is the farthest away. In addition to the $80 per person entrance fee to the Serengeti National Park, each safari vehicle costs an additional $150.
If your group is between four and six people, you can all fit in one car and divide the cost of this trip equally. However, if you’ve reserved a package, you won’t be responsible for paying these costs because they are often covered by the package. You must pay the fees for Ngorongoro Crater as well because you must pass through it to get to the Serengeti. To make the most of the entrance costs you are paying, we advise spending some time at Ngorongoro rather than continuing on to the Serengeti, Is Tanzania cheap for tourists?
Tarangire National Park
South of Lake Manyara in northern Tanzania is where you’ll find Tarangire. The elephant herds that feed there are what make this protected area famous. But it’s also among the best places to see a wide array of bird species. We firmly believe that watching them dart from the beautiful baobab trees is unbeatable. One of the most breathtaking views ever is here! The best part is that you can do this for a reasonable price as well. Tarangire’s $55 per-person entrance fee ensures that visiting the area won’t break the bank.
Lake Manyara National Park
Even though Lake Manyara is one of the least visited and untouched parks, it will take you an additional day to fully explore this region. You won’t be let down by the viewing here, but if your time is constrained owing to money, stay with the top two greatest destinations, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Additionally, keep in mind that even though Lake Manyara has a lower per-person entrance price of $55, the more parks you visit, the more entrance fees you’ll have to pay.
SEASONALITY
What time of year do you want to travel? The cost of your vacation will be significantly influenced by the time of year you choose to travel. The peak months are between June and October. This is also known as the “dry season,” and lodging and travel costs may be up to 60% more expensive at this time.
If you want to keep your expenses down, you should also stay away from January and February. Although costs are a little lower (by around 20% compared to high season), they are still expensive because this is the calving season, which makes it a very popular time to go on safari.
One of the most popular attractions in the Serengeti is the Great Migration. Every year, it happens around February, when costs may be at their peak. Consequently, if you wish to witness this event, be prepared to pay a high viewing charge.
November and December can be wonderful times to travel if you’re wanting to save money and do so during a season that is still largely dry. Even with fewer spectators and automobiles on the road, the game viewing conditions are still excellent.
When traveling in November, you can anticipate paying up to 40% less than you would in the peak travel season. Due to the fact that it falls over the holidays, December is always a little tough, so you can anticipate a price increase in the final few weeks of the year when many families are on vacation. Traveling in November is one of our favorite times of year, and if you choose the Serengeti as your destination, you might even see the great migration in person, Is Tanzania cheap for tourists?
The rainy season, from March to May, is when costs are at their lowest. During this period, you should anticipate frequent heavy downpours and oppressive humidity. This does not imply that it is a period when travel should be avoided. Tanzania is actually a year-round safari location, so even when it rains occasionally, you can still have a terrific time. The savannah is at its greenest during this time, and the wide plains of Serengeti National Park are overflowing with lush flora, making it a photographer’s dream. This is also the busiest period for bird migration, so if you’re going on vacation to observe birds, make sure you pack the correct binoculars, and this time of year will be ideal for you.
Conclusion: Though many people consider Tanzania to be an expensive Tanzania safari destination, we naturally agree with them but disagree with them completely because Tanzania, just like other safari destinations like Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, etc., can be visited and explored on all kinds of budgets. Whether you choose to go on an inexpensive safari or an expensive one depends on your interests and your financial situation. Now that you know everything, it’s not so tough to have an amazing Tanzanian safari on a tight or luxury budget! So why are you still waiting? It’s time to start making preparations for an extraordinary journey. It will undoubtedly be a fantastic adventure especially if you book with us at Focus East Africa Tours.
