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Complete Guide to Mid-Range Safari Cost in Tanzania (2026)
Planning a safari in Tanzania is an exciting adventure. Seeing the endless plains of the Serengeti or the stunning Ngorongoro Crater is a dream for many people.
However, determining the budget can be tricky. If you want comfort without the luxury price tag, a mid-range safari is the ideal sweet spot.
In this guide, we will break down the cost of a mid-range safari in Tanzania in simple terms.
We will look at what you get for your money, what affects the price, and how to book the best-value trip.
Mid-range Safari cost in Tanzania
How much does a mid-range safari cost in Tanzania?
On average, you should expect to pay between $450 and $650 per person per day for a classic mid-range safari in Tanzania.
This price typically includes park fees, meals, accommodations, a private 4×4 vehicle, and a professional driver-guide.
However, the final price depends heavily on your travel style.
For example, a 9-day trip through the northern parks typically costs between $3,200 and $5,800 per person.
To make it easier to understand, here is a simple chart comparing daily rates across booking types:
| Safari Type | Average Cost Per Person / Day | Best For… |
|---|---|---|
| Private Mid-Range Safari | $450 – $700+ | Couples or families wanting privacy and a flexible schedule. |
| Group (Shared) Mid-Range Safari | $380 – $550 | Solo travelers or small groups looking to save money and meet new people. |
Note: These prices are estimates. A private safari provides a vehicle exclusively for your party, while a group tour shares the vehicle and guiding costs among several passengers.
A mid-range safari in Tanzania can be booked as either a private or a shared trip.
A private safari is more expensive than a shared trip; expect to pay around $450 to $650, or more, depending on the destinations you want to visit and the level of service you request from tour operators.
A group or shared mid-range safari may cost less than a private one; rates are typically around $380 to $550 per day.
What Factors Influence the Cost of a Mid-Range Safari?
Why does the price change so much? It isn’t a fixed number. Several key factors determine the final cost of your quote. Understanding them will help you make smart choices and find the best package.
1. Season of Travel (Peak vs. Low Season)
This is the biggest factor. Tanzania has distinct seasons that significantly affect pricing.
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Peak Season (High Season): Runs from June to October (the dry season for the Great Migration) and from December to February (the calving season). Prices for lodges and camps are at their highest due to demand.
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Low Season (Green Season): Runs from March to May. This is the long rainy season. The landscapes are lush and green, and it is much quieter.
You can often find significant discounts on mid-range safaris during this time, though afternoon showers are common.
2. Type of Accommodation
“Mid-range” in Tanzania usually means comfortable, permanent lodges or spacious tented camps with en-suite bathrooms.
This is a step up from basic camping, but not as fancy as a $ 1,000-per-night luxury lodge.
You can expect hot water, comfortable beds, good food, and often a swimming pool. However, prices vary.
A lodge inside Serengeti National Park will cost more than a similarly priced standard lodge just outside the park, such as in Karatu town.
3. Duration and National Park Entry Fees
The longer you stay, the more you pay overall. However, longer trips often lower the per-day rate.
You also need to consider the park fees, set by the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA). Some parks are more expensive to enter than others.
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Serengeti National Park: ~$82.6 per person, per day (24-hour cycle).
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Ngorongoro Crater: ~$70.8 per person, per entry, plus a vehicle fee of $295 per crater descent. This makes it one of the more expensive single days on your itinerary.
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Tarangire / Lake Manyara: ~$59 per person, per day.
4. Private vs. Group Experience
As shown in the table above, a private safari costs more because you are covering the full cost of the vehicle, fuel, and guide for your group alone.
A group safari divides these fixed costs among several passengers, making it the most budget-friendly way to enjoy a mid-range tour.
5. Transportation and Add-ons
Most safaris start and end in Arusha. Driving to the parks (such as Lake Manyara or Tarangire) is standard and included.
However, if you want to fly from Arusha to the Serengeti to save time, you will need to budget an additional $250-$400 for a one-way domestic flight.
You can also add special activities to your trip.
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Hot Air Balloon Safari (over the Serengeti): ~$520-$599 per person.
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Walking Safari: Usually $50-$100 per person.
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Cultural Visits (to a Maasai village): ~$30 – $50 per person.
Chart 4: What Drives Your Mid-range Safari Budget?
This chart shows the six most significant factors that influence the cost of a mid-range safari in Tanzania.
Chart: Estimated 7-Day Mid-Range Safari Budget
To give you a clearer picture, here is a breakdown of a classic 7-day Northern Circuit itinerary (Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro).
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost Per Person | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Park Fees | $800 – $900 | Includes Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and other park entry fees. |
| Accommodation (Mid-Range) | $1,200 – $1,600 | 6 nights in lodges or tented camps on a full-board basis. |
| Transport & Guide | $700 – $900 | 4×4 Jeep with pop-up roof, fuel, and a professional guide. |
| Estimated Total | $2,700 – $3,400 | This is the base cost of the safari package. |
| Optional: Flights | $390+ | If flying from Arusha to Serengeti |
| Optional: Balloon | $599 | Once-in-a-lifetime experience. |
Who Should Choose a Mid-Range Safari?
A mid-range safari is the most popular choice for travelers because it offers the best balance of value and comfort. It is ideal for:
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Families: Kids need comfort and good food, and these lodges provide both.
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Couples: It offers a romantic setting without the price tag of a honeymoon suite.
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First-time Safari Goers: It’s a safe, reliable, and comfortable way to experience the wild.
You get the security of a professional guide during the day and the comfort of a private room with a hot shower at night.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tanzania Mid-Range Safari Costs
1. What is actually included in a “mid-range safari” price?
When you see a price for a mid-range safari, it usually covers the “big three” expenses: accommodation, transport, and meals.
Specifically, it includes a private 4×4 safari jeep with a pop-up roof for game viewing, services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide, full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) at your lodge or camp, and all park entry fees.
It typically excludes international flights, travel insurance, visas, tips for your guide, and alcoholic beverages.
2. Why is the Ngorongoro Crater so expensive compared to other parks?
The Ngorongoro Crater is often the most expensive single day on a safari itinerary because of its unique conservation model and exclusivity.
Unlike regular national parks, you pay a crater service fee of around $295 per vehicle in addition to the standard entry fees.
This higher cost helps protect the fragile ecosystem and manage the number of vehicles descending onto the crater floor, ensuring a less crowded experience for wildlife viewing.
3. Can I save money by booking a safari during the rainy season?
Yes, absolutely. Traveling during the green season (March to May) is the best way to significantly reduce your mid-range safari cost in Tanzania.
Many lodges and tour operators offer “green season discounts” because it is the low season for tourism.
While you may experience afternoon showers, the landscapes are lush, the crowds are gone, and you can often save 20-40% on peak-season rates.
4. Is a private safari worth the extra money over a group safari?
It depends on your travel style. A private safari costs more because you have the vehicle and guide exclusively to yourself.
This offers flexibility—you can stay longer at a lion sighting or take a break whenever you want.
A group safari is cheaper because you split the vehicle and guide costs with other travelers (usually 4-6 people).
If you are a solo traveler or a couple on a budget, a group safari offers excellent value and a chance to meet new people.
5. What is the difference between a “mid-range lodge” and a “luxury lodge”?
The main difference lies in exclusivity, location, and fine details. Mid-range lodges offer comfort, private bathrooms, and good food, but they are often larger and may host groups.
Luxury lodges offer highly personalized service, private plunge pools, gourmet dining, and often prime locations within national parks (such as the Serengeti) that command premium prices.
Mid-range gives you comfort; luxury gives you indulgence.
6. How much cash should I budget for tips and extras on a mid-range safari?
It’s smart to budget separately for tips and personal extras. For tipping, a general guideline is $15-20 per day for your guide and $5-10 per day for lodge staff.
For extras, if you plan to buy souvenirs, take a hot air balloon safari (~$600), or order drinks at the lodge bar, you should bring additional cash (USD is widely accepted) or a card for these incidentals.
7. Do children pay the same price as adults for a mid-range safari?
Not always, but it depends on the age and the specific lodge policies.
Some mid-range lodges offer discounts for children under 12, sometimes charging 50% of the adult rate if sharing a room with parents.
However, park fees are often non-negotiable, and children over 5 usually pay the full conservation fees.
Always check with your tour operator about child rates when requesting a quote.
8. Why do some quotes for the same itinerary vary so much between companies?
Price variations usually come down to vehicle quality, guide experience, and lodge standards.
A cheaper quote might use older vehicles, less-experienced guides, or book you into mid-range lodges farther from the park gates (meaning more driving time).
A slightly more expensive quote often guarantees a newer, more reliable Land Cruiser, a highly qualified guide, and accommodations in better locations with better service.
Always compare what is included, not just the price tag.
Final Remarks & Next Steps
Understanding the cost of a mid-range safari in Tanzania is the first step toward booking an unforgettable adventure.
While the price is higher than that of a budget camping trip, the added comfort, better locations, and improved service are well worth the investment for most travelers.
Don’t hesitate to contact a trusted local tour operator to get a personalized quote. The savannah is waiting for you
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