How much does it cost to visit Serengeti? 

Serengeti National Park is a top destination for many visitors to East Africa.

As a UNESCO Site. Serengeti is an iconic African destination.

This is due to the wildebeest migration and the high concentration of the Big Five.

Despite all the reasons for the magical destination in Tanzania.

The question is: How much does it cost to visit Serengeti?

After many years of organizing trips to Serengeti National Park.

We would like to share our ideas on the cost of visiting the Serengeti.

Either for a short safari or a multi-day tour in Tanzania.

What is the average cost for a 2-5 day safari to the Serengeti?

Traveling to Serengeti National Park in Tanzania can cost between $350. (budget camping ) to $490 ( mid-range tented camp) per day.

The cost will include transportation, park fees, and meals for your trip.

So if you’re planning a trip for either 5 days, you should budget around $1,750 to $2,450

Serengeti National Park accommodates all types of tourists.

Whether you’re looking for a budget camping safari, mid-range safari, or luxury lodging trip.

Everyone gets served, though you should avoid the very cheap option.

While on safari, it might end up costing you more than you can imagine.

In this article, we will highlight how much you expect to spend.

And tips on how to save money when visiting Serengeti National Park for a safari.

How can I get the actual cost for the Serengeti safari?

The key factors for your trip cost in Serengeti.

It is determined by the type of accommodation that you will prefer.

You plan to spend several days in the Serengeti and would like additional services during your trip.

Your safari can be either very expensive or budget-friendly.

For instance, if you choose to stay in luxury tented camps such as Acacia Luxury Camp or Ang’ta Serengeti Camps.

The price should be very different for someone staying at the Seronera public campsite.

Others may prefer to add additional activities, such as a hot-air balloon safari.

The cost per person for this trip is around $550, excluding park fees and concession fees.

Bear in mind that, whether in the Serengeti or elsewhere, you get what you pay for.

What is included in the Serengeti  Safari  Package?

The following items are included for your trip to Serengeti National Park

Park fees and Taxes (18% VAT).

When visiting the Serengeti, you should pay two types of fees :

• $70 for park entry fees in the high season and $60 in the low season.
• Concession fees / Hotel concession. These are the fees for overnight stays within the park: $60 in high season and $50 in low season.
• Camping fees are $60 for private and $30 for public campsites

The above fees are the cost per person, excluding 18% VAT

It depends on how many days you plan to spend in the Serengeti. It will determine the number of park fees you should pay.

Game drives

Serengeti is known for its world-class wildlife viewing in Africa. These activities are charged per day.

The cost of hiring a safari guide who is also a driver is the inclusive rate.

The game drive can be done during the morning or at sunrise.

Transportation on a 4×4 Safari Jeep

Transport costs for the safari are included in your Serengeti package.

May tour operators offer unlimited mileage on a game drive?

Whether you drive from Arusha or Nairobi, transport is included.

Depending on the agreement, airport transfer costs are included in the package.

Accommodation on Safari / Pre and Post Safari

Many tours to Serengeti National Park start in Arusha, Nairobi, or even Zanzibar.

Depending on your arrival point, many clients prefer tour agencies to book hotels or lodges on their behalf.

You can arrive one day before your safari to the Serengeti and prefer to stay either in Arusha or Nairobi.

You may also need an extra day to relax after a long game drive.

However, during a Serengeti tour, companies arrange accommodation for you.

Serengeti offers many places to stay, including luxury camps, lodges, and public campsites.

The level of accommodation you receive is determined by what you pay for.

Accommodation in the Serengeti is on a full-board basis (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

You should pay more if you want to stay in luxury, comfortable accommodation in the Serengeti.

Your safari cost may be quoted as inclusive of all these services.

Professional safari guide

Tour guides are the masterminds of your game drive. It’s very rare to find a driver and a tour guide on the same trip.

Many tour operators prefer wildlife guides who are also drivers. Guided service should be included in your trip cost to the Serengeti.

Even if you plan to tip, you should prioritize your driver-guide.

Safari tour guides have a vast knowledge of the park.

Wildlife and extensive networks with park rangers for emergencies.

Meals and Drink on Safari

The key component of the ideal safari plan in Africa is the best meal. Many safaris to the Serengeti include soft drinks, mineral water, and meals.

Whether you choose a Tanzania budget safari or a luxury safari.

As noted earlier, safari operators offer full-board services. This should align with the day-to-day safari itinerary provided to you.

Expect to pay extra in case you want alcoholic drinks,s especially if you’re traveling on a budget. Many luxury safari trips to the Serengeti are all-inclusive.

What is the exclusion of the Serengeti Safari Package?

Travel Insurance Cover

Taking care of your health and luggage while traveling should be your priority.

Many tour operators prefer clients to buy for themselves. For comprehensive insurance cover before the tour starts.

Insurance helps you significantly in case of trouble, such as getting sick or missing your flight home.

We recommend our clients buy their insurance in advance. They should do so through a reputable insurance company.

We are not affiliated with any, but we are in the best position to advise if our clients request it. Remember, we do not bear this cost on your package.

International Flights

Many tour operators do not include your airfare in the package cost for the Serengeti.

Please arrange your return flight. Safari organizers should take you to the airport on time.

Souvenirs

Whether you buy Maasai products. Arts and other souvenirs for purchase while traveling in the Serengeti.

It will fall outside of the total package cost for your trip to the Serengeti.

Visa Fees

Foreign eligible visitors traveling to Tanzania.  For tourism purposes, visitors must have a visa to travel to and between Tanzania and Zanzibar.

While in Serengeti, you will also need to take care of the visa fees for entering Tanzania

You can process your visa online before arrival or pay at the airport upon arrival.

However, we recommend applying online to avoid check-out delays at the airport upon arrival.

Read more about the Tanzania VISA and how to apply here.

Safari  Add-on

You may decide to visit cultural tours.  Or adding extra accommodation which is not part of the shared trip plan and cost.

These costs should also be excluded from the total package cost, such as visits to the Masai Boma and day trips to Arusha or Nairobi.

Tipping for the Guide or Crew

Tipping in Tanzania is not mandatory, but it is a custom. Tips should be given after having the best service experience.

Is the best way to show gratitude for the guide and your camping staff or lodge?

Tipping is an additional expense beyond the total cost of the Serengeti safari.

You should consider this tipping guide when planning for your Tanzania safari. $10 to $20 per day. Read our Tipping Guide on Safari 

How to save money on a Serengeti Safari?

Customize Your Safari Package

Many tour operators allow clients to change accommodations or days. Focus on collaborating with the agency to secure a good deal.

Bargaining in Africa is common, so don’t feel shy. But make sure what you dream of is what you will get.

Customizing your trip will help you participate in the planning process. This will help you fix your safari budget in Serengeti.

Advance Booking of your Flight to Tanzania

Early booking of your flight to Africa is the best way to save on costs compared with late bookings.

You can save extra cash to spend on other things while on your safari to the Serengeti.

Group Joining Safari

Traveling with a group is the best way to reduce costs while traveling in Tanzania. How does group joining lessen the price of a safari?

Suppose you’re in a group, either friends or family. Or joining groups organized by tour operators can help you save significantly.

The cost of hiring a car, which is approximately $200-$300 per day, will be shared among all participants on the trip.

Accommodation is also another service that the group can share. In the Serengeti, many luxury camps and lodges offer twin- or triple-share rooms.

Instead of paying for a single room, which is always priced high.  You could share with other visitors to reduce costs on your safari.

Group joining safari is the best option for a budget safari in Tanzania.

There are also other limitations to traveling with a group. In our article about why you should choose a private safari, we have covered a lot.

Take a look to learn more about the pros and cons of this type of travel.

Request for low-season safari  discounts

During the rainy season of March, April, November, and May. Many accommodations in the Serengeti offer discounted rates.

Even tour operators experience low traffic. This is the best time to travel if you prefer low-traffic periods.

Is the luxury style of travel with few visitors in the Serengeti?

Request from our team for seasonal discount packages for Serengeti.

The dry season could be the best time for game drives, but if you wish to experience nature at its peak performance.

Then the green season is the best. It is also the best time to enjoy migrating birds and the breeding season. Once everything is green, there is life.

Research, Request, and Compare

While planning for the Serengeti safari. You should research reliable tour operators.

A tour agency that can offer you a trip at a reasonable price. ( not too cheap or too expensive ).

We recommend having 2-3 reputable safari operators.  Who can supply you with a Serengeti safari quote?

Take the price out of the equation and try to understand the value shared ( the total experience).

Go the extra mile to observe the level of professionalism and customer care you receive.

Avoid falling into the trap of cheap safari operators; being local does not guarantee affordability.

Both budget and luxury travelers pay the same taxes and fees and travel the same mileage.

So take care of anything that seems too cheap if it’s not suitable for larger groups on a budget camping safari.

Precaution is key; no cheap safaris in Africa. A cheap safari always costs more than you can expect.

Compare prices and stick to operators who seem to understand your inquiry. And offer you an affordable price.

Whether you’re on a family safari in the Serengeti or in a group joining a budget safari.

Read more on How to select a Reliable Tour Operator in Tanzania.

Do you need to carry cash while on the Serengeti safari?

The answer is YES.  You may need to purchase items such as souvenirs, tips, or pay for additional services at the hotel or lodge.

Some tour operators accept cards such as Visa and Mastercard.

But on some occasions, you might need cash while on a safari to Serengeti National Park.

The question is: How much cash do you need for a safari?

You can carry dollar bills (US$) or Tanzanian shillings.  A dollar bill is accepted in many parts of Tanzania.

Especially in tourist destinations like the Serengeti. We recommend carrying $50- $100, depending on your expenses.

Sometimes you may need to purchase en route, and some vendors do not accept cards.

But it is also not acceptable to throw your credit card at everyone on safari.

If you want to exchange your cash for Tanzanian Shillings, consider doing so in Arusha.

Many Bureau de Change are available; alternatively, ask your guide or safari organizer to drop you off at the bank for exchange.

N: B. You also need to ensure that the US dollar bills you are carrying are dated after 2006.

Bills older than this are not accepted at the bureaus due to the risk of handling counterfeit bills.

You also need to ensure that the bills you carry are not crumpled up, old, or dirty.

This will make it easier to exchange them at Forex Bureaus.

Conclusion

We conclude this discussion on the cost of visiting the Serengeti for a safari. We advise anyone planning to visit the Serengeti to prepare in advance.

Make sure you book with licensed tour operators. Close your booking in advance.

Decide on the best time you wish to visit Serengeti, if it’s during river-crossing or calving season.

Note that the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti is highly unpredictable. You should liaise with the safari specialist to ensure optimal timing.

Also, your time in Serengeti should be around 4-6 days for the best experience.

Suppose you need any help planning your epic East Africa safari. Our team will be happy to assist in designing your bespoke safari experience. Feel free to contact us Today.

If you’re ready to visit Serengeti, then these are the best safari packages for you 

8 Days Wildebeest Migration – River Crossing 

6 Days Serengeti Migration Safari 

6 Days Serengeti Luxury Safari 

5 Days Serengeti Budget  Camping Safari

Are you ready to start planning?

You can proceed with booking by filling out the form below. Let’s make your adventure unforgettable!