Oh, The Places You’ll Go In Tanzania!

Tanzania is one of the most popular places to visit in Africa if you want to go on a safari. With 22 national parks and a variety of protected game reserves, the country is a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise! There are so many places to see in Tanzania, that most people visit several national parks during their safari. In this article, we’ll look at Serengeti safari prices to help you start budgeting for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Budgeting For A Serengeti National Park Safari

What is the cost of a Serengeti National Park safari? That depends! There is a wide range of prices for a seven-day safari in the Serengeti available online. If you are booking a budget tour, you can find seven-day safaris ranging between $2,250 to $2,500 per person. If you want a more luxurious tour, a mid-range one can run anywhere between $2,500 and $3,000 per person. At the very top end of the scale, a luxury tour can cost between $3,000 and $4,500 per person.

What factors determine Serengeti safari prices? When it comes to the cost of a safari, many factors come into play. Accommodations are a big part of the price! On safari, you can stay in basic budget guesthouses, mid-range hotels, or top-end luxury lodges and tented camps. Private tours also cost much more than shared tours, so consider partnering up with another group to reduce the cost.

Even the mode of travel can affect the cost of a safari! Road safaris are less costly than fly-in safaris, but you will have to spend some time on bumpy roads driving between parks. It is worth noting that safari prices also fluctuate throughout the year. If you travel in the off-season, you will save money (but you may have to contend with rain).

What Is Included In The Serengeti National Park Safari Cost?

If you are not a seasoned traveler, it is important to remember one thing: you get what you pay for, especially in Tanzania. It may be tempting to cut costs and book that budget safari, but you may very well end up sorry in the end. Stay away from anything that seems like too good of a deal. Instead, make sure your Serengeti safari package covers the following items:

• Park entry fees – the tour operator you contract with should handle all of the permits and fees associated with entry to the national parks that you visit.
• Activities – the safari drives and cultural events you participate in during the safari should be included in your safari package.
• Accommodation – make sure your tour operator clearly sets out the accommodations you can expect while on safari so you are not (unpleasantly) surprised! Even mid-range safaris include tented accommodations within the part as part of their Serengeti safari prices.
• A professional driver/guide – one of the most important aspects of your trip is your driver, who will also double as a guide. Drivers have a vast knowledge of places to see in Tanzania and will be able to help you spot animals on game drives.
• Transportation – all transportation within the park and to and from each park should be included in your travel package.
• Roundtrip airport transfer – most packages also include transportation from the airport at the start of the tour and back to the airport at the end of the tour.
• Meals – Serengeti safari prices should include all the meals you will eat during the tour.

Not everything is included in a Serengeti national park safari cost. The following things are generally excluded and need to be addressed separately

• Souvenirs – make sure you carry cash to purchase souvenirs to help you remember your trip!
• International flights – tour operators do not include the cost of flights to and from Tanzania in their package prices
• Travel insurance – no one wants to think about medical emergencies while on vacation, but they can happen. Purchasing travel insurance to help with emergencies is vital when traveling to remote areas like the Serengeti.
• Visa fees – you will have to pay the Visa fee for entering the country. Tour operators do not bear this cost.
• Accommodations before and after the tour – if you arrive earlier than your tour starting date or plan to stay for a few days once the tour ends, you will need to make personal arrangements for lodging and meals outside the Serengeti safari prices.
• Tips – plan to have anywhere between $10 - $20 per day for tipping on hand.

Can You Save Money On Serengeti Safari Prices?

We already mentioned that there are just some things you don’t want to skip or cheap out on for your safari! But is there any way to save money on Serengeti safari prices without resigning yourself to a sub-par experience? Yes, there is! We do have a few tips and tricks for you.

First off, book your safari months in advance. You will be able to find better deals on flights and tour packages this way. Next, plan your trip in the offseason. Visiting Tanzania in the less busy months (like January and April) means you can find good discounts on tour packages. Finally, travel in a group! Traveling in a larger group of 4-6 people almost always cuts your Serengeti National Park safari cost considerably. More people also means your tour operator may be able to negotiate a discount with hotels, which he in turn can pass along to you!

A Safari Adventure Of A Lifetime

For many people, a safari is a one-time trip of a lifetime. With so many places to see in Tanzania, you’ll want to do your homework and find a travel package that gives you the most bang for your buck but doesn’t cut out amenities to the point that you are miserable. Yes, Serengeti safari prices can be a little daunting, but the experiences gained from the adventure are priceless. There’s no doubt you will find your experience worth every penny!