How much money do I need in Tanzania?

How much money do you need for a safari in Tanzania?

If you have already paid for your trip and are visiting Tanzania, you should carry at least $60- $100 per day.

Please note that your tour package should include transfers, park fees, meals, and accommodation.

If you haven’t paid for your safari yet, you should carry around $300-$450.

This amount will cover the cost of the safari. This includes transport costs.

Park fees, and even secure budget or mid-range safari accommodation.

In this article, we will highlight the amount of money you need to carry as a tourist and why.

What are the expenses for tourists visiting Tanzania?

The expenses depend on whether you’re visiting Tanzania with an inclusive tour package or paying as you go. ( instant bookings )

Inclusive Tour Packages Expenses

In addition to the other services covered in your package. Some other costs will fall out of the tour cost structure. This includes

Drinks

Many tour operators include only soft drinks and mineral water in the trip cost.

So, in case you need alcoholic drinks or wine, you should plan to spend around $10-$30, depending on which kind of drink you prefer.

Visa fees – Transit or Travel Visas

This is another cost you should consider when traveling to Tanzania. If it is a Transit or Travel visa, it must be paid in cash at the airport or border. The $100 payment was due upon entry.

Hotel Fees – Pre & Post Safari

Hotel costs may fall under the pre- or post-safari period. If you arrive before your safari starts, you should secure your accommodation.

Suppose you disagree with the tour operator. And if, after your safari, you decide to extend your stay in Arusha or Zanzibar.

You should also consider covering the cost. Many lodges and hotels in Arusha range from $50 to $1,000 per day.

The cost will depend on where you choose to stay during your safari in Tanzania.

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory in Tanzania, but it is a custom. It is a way to show gratitude for good service.

Tipping is a personal preference, though tipping guides in Tanzania typically range from $10 to $ 20 per day.

So do your simple math to add to your safari cost. Refer to our article on the Tipping Guide in Tanzania.

Special Meals

Depending on the tour package you choose. Some meals may be outside the scope of the tour package.

In this case, you will need to cater to the cost of these meals yourself. We can provide an estimate of $20 to $50 per person per meal.

This could be a dinner or a special treat prepared for you. If you’re on a honeymoon, bush lunch or dinner costs $40-$100 per person.

Souvenir

Please note that you must pay for any purchases made in transit or at jewelry shops. Souvenirs can be gifts you need to buy for family and friends back home.

The cost of these items may vary based on size, type, and location of purchase. In addition to your safari cost, you should plan to budget $100- $400, or more.

Donation/Charity

You might have a personal call to help others while on safari in Tanzania.

Whether visiting charity projects, orphanages, women’s associations, or rural schools.

The amount to donate varies from one person to another.

Consider an orphanage. You should focus on contributing food or even clothes for kids.

The cost may range from $100- $300. While there is no limit, what matters is how you help.

Instant Booking Safari  Expenses ( Pay as you go )

The amount of money you should carry on a trip to Tanzania depends on several factors.

The national park that you wish to visit, and for how long. The hotel accommodation or lodge standard.

The type of safari you want to do. Either a luxury camping safari or a budget camping safari.

Do you prefer group joining safaris or private safaris? All these answers will depend on you.

Focusing on the cost of instant booking in Tanzania.

You should focus on transport costs, which range from $200- $350 per day.

Hotel or lodging costs upon arrival range from $40 for budget accommodation to $1,300 for luxury hotels.

Park Fees for national parks in Tanzania range from $50 for Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Arusha.

And $70 for Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, and Mount Kilimanjaro.

For instant booking, consider traveling with reliable tour operators.

A tour operator can help you secure lower rates than booking directly.

For more details about the cost of a Tanzania safari.

We have written a detailed article titled “How much does it cost to visit Tanzania?”

Is there any restriction on the amount of money in Tanzania?

There are no restrictions on how much cash you can bring into Tanzania. The only limitation is that this cash should not be in Tanzanian currency.

Despite that level of freedom, you should take precautions. To travel with large amounts of cash not only in Tanzania but across the world. This is more important for security reasons.

Which currencies are accepted in Tanzania?

The US dollar (USD) is widely accepted in Tanzania. Either in hotels. Park entrances and many safari operators charge in US dollars.

If you plan to visit Tanzania, ensure the dollar bill you bring is dated 2006 or later. The euro is accepted in a few places, but if you need help exchanging it, please let us know. Your travel agency or safari guide will drop you at the bank for exchange.

Is there any reason to exchange dollars for Tanzanian currency?

The answer is yes or no if you’re planning to spend money in local areas or visit local markets.

We recommend exchanging some U.S. dollars for Tanzanian shillings.

You could save on the deal by bargaining. If you pay in dollars, locals tend to spike prices to take advantage of you being a foreigner.

The best way to exchange your money for Tanzanian shillings (TZS) is to visit a Bureau de Change or a local bank.

How about using cards in Tanzania while on Safari?

Many lodges, hotels, and even tour operators nowadays accept credit and debit cards.

The most popular cards are VISA/ MASTERCARD and AMERICAN EXPRESS.

Please note a 3.9%- 6% surcharge for these cards.

Other safari companies accept online payment gateways. Example: Blessing Safaris Payments.

Depending on the bank your account is associated with. You may be required to submit documentation to verify the payment. This is for your security.

In summary, credit and debit cards are accepted across Tanzania. These places include

• National park gates
• The hotel, which serves international clients
• Curios shops
• Tour operators
• Banks or Payment Processors like Pesapal, Max Malipo, and Direct Pay

You should consider government facilities. Many will mention accepting a visa, but with no 100% guarantee. You should carry around $100-$200 in cash.

What items or places require cash during a safari in Tanzania?

• Tips. You should pay tips in cash; very few lodges or camps accept card payments for tips.

  And very few have separate account systems for separating tips from other transactions. If you wish to tip guides, lodge or camp staff directly, you’d better use cash.

• Park fees or entry. Sometimes the gates fail to process your card. You should consider paying in cash.
• Local restaurants or local markets in Tanzania. People only offer services or products for cash.
• Local Curious or Gift shops. Not every shop in town or the village accepts cards or online payment.
• You should consider carrying some cash to purchase their products or services.

How to travel safely with cash while on safari in Tanzania?

1. Suppose you’re in hotels or lodges. Consider using safekeeping. Many hotels provide accommodations for your valued staff. You should also handle the hotel reception if you need to leave the hotel to shop in town.
2. While in town or on the street. Use a money belt, and avoid using wallets. Wallets can be an easy target for pickpockets in a city or on the street. This is a common trend across many African cities.
3. Carry a reasonable amount of cash. Avoid carrying unnecessary cashall the time. Money attracts people with bad intentions to attack you.
4. Keep your profile low while on safari. Show-off is not the way of life in many parts of the world, not only for money, but also for other valuable items you have on your travels. This will help confuse people with malicious intent. And those who always focus on stealing from foreigners.
5. Hand over your cash to your travel agency. Ensure you have documentation showing that you remitted your excess cash to the company. This is a safe option, as the tour operator is your safari companion from arrival to departure.

How to cut costs while traveling in Tanzania?

Ask for safari joining groups.

This is the best way to save money while traveling on budget safari packages. These trips can be for a Tanzania camping safari or a luxury lodge safari.

No matter the trip type, traveling in a group of 3 to 4 people significantly reduces costs by sharing hotel or lodge expenses.

Bargain for discounts

Many tour operators set prices slightly higher than the actual cost. It is normal for curio shops, malls, or even car dealers to offer discounts.

Don’t feel shy, requests for discounts can save you some bucks to spend while on a safari in Tanzania.

Exchange your currency for Tanzania shillings (TZS)

This will help you while shopping in town or dining at local restaurants or bars. Sometimes the exchange rate for dollars or euros could be much better. Then, use the local currency to save more on your trip.

Conclusion

To conclude, we wish to enjoy ourselves to the fullest during our safari in Tanzania.

Take note of the cost and the amount of money you will need for your safari in Tanzania.

We recommend researching the tour packages that best suit you if you need any help planning your epic East Africa safari.

Our team will be happy to assist in designing your bespoke safari experience. Contact us Today 

If you’re ready to book your trip to Tanzania, then here are the best safari packages 

6 Days Serengeti Budget Safari 

14 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing  & Safari 

5 Days Luxury Camping Safari 

7 Days Tanzania Safari 

Are you ready to start planning?

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