How much does it cost to go to Tanzania and see the main attractions? - 2026 Guide

What is the average cost of a trip to Tanzania?

According to Budget Your Trip, travelers typically spend about $118 (approx. 290,000 TZS) per person daily in Tanzania. That brings a standard one-week solo trip to roughly $824 (just over 2 million TZS), while couples should budget around $1,647 (approx. 4 million TZS) for the same duration.

Longer vacations naturally cost more, with a one-month trip for two averaging $7,059 (TZS 17,345,040). These figures cover accommodation, food, local transport, and sightseeing, though your final bill will depend heavily on whether you pick high-end safaris or budget hostels.

How much does a budget trip to Tanzania cost?

If you're traveling solo, you can spend way less than the average. A budget-conscious trip costs approximately $45 (TZS 110,111) per person per day. To stay this cheap, you'll need to stick to hostels, where dorm beds average just $15 nightly.

If you're flexible, you can save a lot on accommodation by camping at designated sites. Dining at local eateries drops food expenses to $5 a day, while dala dalas (minibuses) keep transport costs around $0.20 (400 TZS) per ride. You'll save a ton of money, but don't expect hot showers or soft beds.

How much does a mid-range vacation to Tanzania cost?

With a daily budget of $118 (approx. 290,000 TZS), you step up from dorms to private rooms ($35+) or standard hotels ($20–$50). Quality accommodation in this tier generally costs $25 to $60 per night, where you get AC and your own bathroom.

Dining expands beyond street food to include Western restaurant meals costing $12 to $20 (30,000-50,000 TZS). Travelers in this category mix local and private transport to access more activities, giving you a bit more freedom to explore without rushing compared to the budget tier.

How much does a luxury trip to Tanzania cost?

If you're after a premium experience, you should budget approximately $323 (TZS 791,521) per person daily. This budget grants access to exclusive hotels or lodges that often exceed $100 to $200 nightly. Luxury trips include superior comforts like private transfer vehicles and gourmet dining.

Costs jump significantly for luxury safaris, which frequently range from $1,000 to $2,500 per person per night. These all-inclusive packages cover top-tier accommodation and unique activities like balloon safaris, so you won't have to share your jeep with strangers.

What factors affect the total cost of a vacation to Tanzania?

You could sit next to someone on the plane to Kilimanjaro who paid double what you did. Why? Because two people can pay vastly different prices for the exact same trip depending on a few key choices.

• When you go matters most; costs surge during peak seasons due to high demand for flights and lodges.
• Travel style directly influences daily expenditure based on the desired level of luxury.
• Safari preferences are the biggest wild card, ranging from affordable camping tours to exclusive fly-in experiences.
• Group size and transportation choices further differentiate the final budget.

How does the time of year affect travel prices?

Prices change drastically depending on the season. The peak season, running from June to October, is the most expensive due to dry weather and the Great Wildebeest Migration. Demand surges during these months, driving average hotel prices to approximately $190 per night.

Conversely, you can save a lot in the low season if you're willing to navigate wetter conditions. From April to May and November to January, average hotel rates drop to around $102. Fewer crowds visit national parks during these months, offering a private experience despite the rain. Avoiding the Great Wildebeest Migration window is a smart way to save money.

How does travel style influence your budget?

Travel style is the biggest factor of the overall budget. Budget travelers keep daily spending low by selecting basic amenities like hostel dorms and local meals. Meanwhile, mid-range travelers balance comfort and cost, paying more for private rooms and Western restaurant meals.

Luxury travelers pay for privacy, leading to significantly higher expenses. Private lodges will eat up most of your budget, while private transfers replace public transport options. In the end, your bill comes down to three things: where you sleep, what you eat, and how private you want your safari to be.

How much does a Tanzania safari cost?

A basic budget safari typically ranges from $250 to $350 per person per night. Mid-range to luxury experiences cost between $700 and $2,500 nightly. This doesn't include flights, but it does cover accommodation, game drives, and meals.

Total costs for a complete safari usually fall between $3,000 and $8,000 depending on duration. Daily expenses vary between $300 and $800 based on comfort levels. Group size also impacts the price, as sharing a private vehicle reduces per-person rates. While not the cheapest destination, it's worth every penny for the incredible wildlife. Speaking from experience, the sticker shock vanishes the moment you spot your first elephant herd in the wild.

What are typical national park and conservation fees?

Mandatory national park and conservation fees frequently account for about 30% of the final tour price. Travelers should budget between $60 and $70 per person per day for standard park fees, based on current TANAPA tariffs. Iconic locations like Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area charge high fees to help protect the environment.

You also have to pay vehicle entrance fees based on weight. The Ngorongoro Crater charges a separate fee per vehicle for descending into the caldera. Rates differ by citizenship, with non-East African citizens paying higher prices, though children under five usually get in free.

Which is more expensive: the Northern or Southern safari circuit?

Think of the Northern Circuit like a popular greatest-hits album—crowded but full of classics—while the Southern Circuit is the deep cut: raw, exclusive, and harder to find. You often need expensive flights to reach isolated spots like Ruaha National Park. In contrast, the Northern circuit—home to the Serengeti—is easier to reach by road and has more tour operators competing for business, creating more budget-friendly options. Travelers on the Southern circuit pay a premium for exclusivity and a wilder experience.

What is the cost of major attractions in Tanzania?

Major attractions often require budgeting beyond standard park fees. High-profile activities, particularly trekking Mount Kilimanjaro, cost a lot, covering permits, guides, and porter wages. A trip to Zanzibar involves additional travel costs, including ferry tickets priced around $35 (88,000 TZS) or internal flights.

Cultural tours with Maasai or Hadzabe tribes also add to the cost. Special interest safaris focused on birding or photography often cost more because of specialized equipment and expert guides. Travelers must set aside money for these activities to keep their budget on track.

How much does it cost to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro typically costs between $2,000 and $6,000 per person. This price includes mandatory daily park, camping, and rescue fees collected by the government, which often make up 70% of the total. A standard package covers logistics, food, equipment, and wages for the support crew.

The route you pick changes the price based on days spent on the mountain. Longer itineraries like the 8-day Lemosho route are more expensive than the 5-day Marangu route but offer better acclimatization. While budget operators may advertise prices around $1,500, these rates often mean they are cutting corners on safety or unethical porter treatment. Luxury packages exceeding $5,000 provide premium amenities like portable toilets and oxygen tanks. Trust me, your success rate on the mountain often correlates directly with the quality of support you pay for.

What are the travel costs for a trip to Zanzibar?

Zanzibar travel costs are separate from mainland safari expenses. The cheapest transport is the ferry from Dar es Salaam, costing $35 (88,000 TZS) and taking two hours. Internal flights are faster but typically range from $80 to $150.

Accommodation prices vary widely based on location. Budget travelers can find Stone Town hostels for around $20, while luxury beach resorts often exceed $300 nightly. Activities like historical tours and water sports can really add up, though dining and local transport are about the same as the mainland.

How much does accommodation cost in Tanzania?

Accommodation prices range widely depending on lodging type, location, and season. Options span from budget-friendly hostels averaging $15 per night to high-end safari lodges exceeding $200. Camping at designated sites or staying in 'bandas' (basic huts) are great ways to significantly reduce lodging fees for flexible travelers.

Mid-range travelers typically spend $25 to $60 per night for quality guesthouses or standard hotels. Luxury accommodation is the most expensive option, with exclusive resorts frequently costing over $100 to $200 nightly. Seasonality changes these prices a lot, with average double-occupancy prices rising from $102 in low season to $190 during peak times.

What are the typical food and drink costs?

Food costs depend on whether you eat local or international food. Sticking to local eateries and markets can keep daily expenses as low as $5. On the other hand, Western cuisine in restaurants typically costs between $12 and $20 (30,000-50,000 TZS) per person. If you want a personal recommendation, look for Nyama Choma (grilled meat) stalls—they offer an incredible feast for a fraction of restaurant prices.

The average daily food cost is approximately $41 (TZS 101,439) per person. Alcohol and social activities add to the total, with nightlife averaging around $10 (TZS 24,815) per day. Domestic beers are cheaper than imported brands, so visitors prioritizing fine dining or nightlife will need to budget more.

What are the transportation costs in Tanzania?

Transportation costs depend on how much comfort you want. Local transport like minibuses is the most cost-effective method within cities. Travelers prioritizing comfort can use private taxis or rideshare apps at a higher price point. Moving between regions costs more via ferries or internal flights.

How much do local transport options cost?

• Dala dalas are the most affordable city transport, with tickets costing approximately $0.20 (400 TZS).
• For faster short-distance travel, boda bodas (motorcycle taxis) typically charge between $0.80 and $1.25 (2,000-3,000 TZS).
• Private taxis offer greater comfort but average $8 to $16 (20,000-40,000 TZS) per fare.
• Rideshare apps like Uber and Bolt often are cheaper and you know the price upfront compared to traditional street taxis.

What is the cost of internal flights and ferries?

Internal flights are the most efficient way to cover long distances between hubs like Arusha and Zanzibar. Prices for these scheduled flights typically range from $80 to $300 depending on the season. While flying increases the overall budget, it gives you more time for safaris.

Ferries are a cheap way to cross the Indian Ocean to Zanzibar. A standard economy ticket costs $35 (88,000 TZS) each way, while VIP classes cost around $50 (126,000 TZS). The two-hour journey is a reliable option for travelers managing a strict budget. I highly suggest springing for the VIP class; the air conditioning is a lifesaver in the tropical heat.

How can I stay connected in Tanzania with an eSIM?

eSIMs have made staying connected in Tanzania much simpler, allowing you to activate a data plan instantly without hunting for a physical SIM card vendor at the airport. For easy internet access, travelers can use a dedicated eSIM card for Tanzania that provides immediate connectivity upon landing.

Data packages are affordable, often costing around $4.50 for 1 GB or $26 for 10 GB. This means you can use navigation and communication apps without expensive roaming fees. While local SIM cards from providers like Vodacom offer similar rates, eSIMs are generally faster to set up.

What other expenses should I budget for a Tanzania trip?

Beyond accommodation and safaris, travelers must budget for extras. Mandatory entry requirements, health precautions, and cultural gratuities add to the total trip cost. A well-planned budget includes specific provisions for visas, insurance, tipping, and medical preparations.

How much are visa and travel insurance?

A single-entry tourist visa is mandatory for most international visitors, costing $50 generally and $100 for US citizens. Travel insurance is just as important, averaging $5 to $15+ per day. We highly recommend comprehensive policies covering medical evacuation and theft for peace of mind.

What should I budget for tipping and souvenirs?

Tipping is expected in Tanzania's tourism sector. Travelers should plan to tip safari guides approximately $10 to $20 per person per day, while camp staff typically receive a communal tip of $5 to $10 daily.

Souvenirs range from affordable Maasai beadwork costing $5 to expensive Tanzanite jewelry. Allocating around $100 for gratuities and shopping is a good starting point for a standard week-long trip.

What are the costs for vaccines and medication?

Pre-trip health costs often range from $100 to $300. Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination is typically required if you are arriving from a country with risk of transmission (including layovers in Kenya), and the shot costs approximately $150, while anti-malarial medication is standard for all visitors. A course of malaria prophylaxis costs between $50 and $100. Travelers should also budget for insect repellent and basic first-aid supplies.

How can I save money on a trip to Tanzania?

Saving money on a trip to Tanzania takes some planning and adapting to local customs.

• Visit during the low or shoulder season to secure accommodation discounts of up to 40%.
• Book flights and lodges well in advance to lock in lower rates.
• Stay in hostels or seek housesitting opportunities to drastically reduce lodging fees.
• Use public transportation like dala dalas ($0.20 per ride) instead of private taxis.
• Eat local street food to keep dietary expenses around $5 per day.
• Book activities directly with local safari companies to avoid international commission fees.
• Join scheduled group tours rather than private excursions to split vehicle and guide costs.

• https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/tanzania
• https://www.tanzaniaparks.go.tz/uploads/publications/en-1688147569-TARIFFS%20Design%20202324.pdf