A private Tanzania safari on the northern circuit usually costs about US$400–700 per person per day in comfortable mid-range lodges and tented camps, sharing a vehicle with one other traveller, and from about US$900 per person per day in luxury camps. Park fees are a large share: the Serengeti charges about US$83 per adult per 24 hours, and a Ngorongoro Crater descent costs US$295 per vehicle on top of conservation fees.
Key takeaways
- Mid-range private safaris: about US$400–700 per person per day.
- Serengeti: about US$83 per adult per 24 hours.
- Ngorongoro Crater descent: US$295 per vehicle, plus conservation fees.
- Fees are charged per 24 hours, so plan nights carefully.
- Zanzibar adds a compulsory US$44 travel insurance per person.
Tanzania is home to the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater and Kilimanjaro, and its northern circuit is one of the most rewarding safaris on earth. It is also one of the more expensive, mainly because of high park and conservation fees. Here is an honest breakdown.
The fixed costs
These are set by the park authorities and are the same with any operator:
| Item | Cost (non-resident adult) |
|---|---|
| Serengeti National Park | About US$83 per 24 hours (including VAT) |
| Ngorongoro Conservation Area | Conservation fee per 24 hours |
| Ngorongoro Crater descent | US$295 per vehicle, per descent |
| Tarangire and Lake Manyara | Park fee per 24 hours |
| Tanzania e-visa | US$50 (US citizens US$100) |
| Zanzibar inbound insurance | US$44 per person |
Fees in Tanzania are charged per 24 hours, so the time you enter a park matters. A careful route plan, for example entering the Serengeti in the morning and leaving the following afternoon, avoids paying an extra day.
The variable costs
- Vehicle and guide: a private 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof, fuel and a professional driver-guide. Shared between more travellers, this cost falls sharply per person.
- Accommodation: from simple tented camps to luxury lodges and mobile camps that follow the migration. This has the biggest effect on the price.
- Flights: light aircraft from Arusha to the Serengeti save a long drive, and flights to Zanzibar end a safari on the beach.
- Extras: balloon flights over the Serengeti, walking safaris and cultural visits.
Typical ranges
For a private, tailor-made trip with two travellers sharing:
- Comfortable mid-range lodges and camps: about US$400–700 per person per day.
- Upper mid-range and mobile migration camps: about US$700–900 per person per day.
- Luxury lodges and fly-in safaris: from about US$900 per person per day.
Solo travellers pay more per day because the vehicle and guide are not shared.
A sample breakdown
On a five-day route through Tarangire, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, the main costs are park and conservation fees for each 24 hours, the crater descent fee for the vehicle, the private vehicle and guide for five days, four nights of accommodation with meals, and fuel for about 1,000 km of driving. In the green season, many camps lower their rates and the parks are quieter.
Where to save, and where not to
- Travel in the green season (roughly April, May and early June), when many lodges reduce rates.
- Stay in Karatu for the crater, where lodges are often better value than on the rim.
- Share the vehicle with friends or family.
- Do not rush the Serengeti. Two or three nights are the minimum to enjoy it.
The calving season at Ndutu, from about January to March, is spectacular and often better value than the July to October river crossings.
Combining Tanzania with Uganda or Kenya
Many travellers pair gorillas in Uganda with the Serengeti. See our 12-day Uganda gorillas and Serengeti safari and read combining Uganda with Kenya or Tanzania.
Get an exact price
Every safari we run is private, so we price your dates, group size and lodge style exactly. Read the best time to visit Tanzania and the Tanzania guide, then get safari pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Why are Tanzania safaris more expensive?
Park and conservation fees are among the highest in Africa, and lodges inside the parks pay concession fees. Distances also mean more driving or flights.
Is the Ngorongoro Crater worth the fee?
Yes for most travellers. A full day on the crater floor is one of the best wildlife days in Africa, including the chance of black rhinos.
Can I save by staying outside the parks?
Sometimes. Staying in Karatu for the crater, for example, avoids a night of conservation fees, though it means more driving.
How much should I budget for Zanzibar?
Beach hotels vary widely. Add flights from Arusha or the Serengeti and the US$44 compulsory insurance per person.
Are tips included?
Usually not. Plan for tips for your driver-guide and lodge staff.
Written by our Kampala-based planners and guides, who arrange these trips every season. Prices and rules are checked before every quote.
