Is Tanzania expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Yes, a safari in Tanzania is expensive, mainly because of national park fees, vehicles and guides; Zanzibar and local life are much cheaper. A budget day averages about US$200 per person, mid-range about US$430 and comfort about US$1,100 across safari and beach days. Park fees alone can be US$60-85 per person per day, plus the Ngorongoro crater fee per vehicle.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | US$50 | US$170 | US$600 |
| Food & drink | US$20 | US$40 | US$100 |
| Sights & tickets | US$60 | US$90 | US$150 |
| Local transport | US$70 | US$130 | US$250 |
| Per person, per day | US$200 | US$430 | US$1,100 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Tanzania day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Tarangire park fee | about US$60 per person with VAT |
| Serengeti park fee | about US$80-85 per person per day |
| Ngorongoro conservation fee | about US$70-85 per person per day |
| Ngorongoro crater service fee | about US$295-300 per vehicle |
| Hot-air balloon over the Serengeti | about US$550-650 per person |
| Flight Manyara or Arusha to Zanzibar | US$150-250 |
| Zanzibar pizza at Forodhani Gardens | about US$2-3 |
| Spice tour on Zanzibar | about US$20-35 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
On safari, the daily price bundles park and conservation fees, a 4x4 vehicle with a driver-guide, fuel and accommodation, which is why transport alone averages US$70-250 a day. Lodges and tented camps inside the parks cost far more than camping or staying outside. Tips of about US$15-25 per person per day for guides are expected. On Zanzibar, costs drop sharply: guesthouses, street food and dala-dala minibuses are cheap.
When it is cheaper
The long rains of April and May bring the lowest prices, often 20-40% below peak, though some camps close. November and early December (short rains) are also cheaper. June to October and the Christmas holidays are peak season.
How to spend less
- Join a group camping safari to share the vehicle and guide costs.
- Travel in the green season (November, or January to March outside holidays) for lower rates.
- Stay in lodges outside the parks, such as Karatu, to save on accommodation and fees.
- Bring clean US dollar notes printed after 2009; older or torn notes are often refused.
- Eat at Forodhani Gardens and local cafés on Zanzibar rather than hotel restaurants.
- Compare several licensed safari operators and check exactly which fees are included.
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Common questions
How much does a safari in Tanzania cost?
About US$200 per person per day on a budget, US$430 mid-range and US$1,100 for comfort, averaged over safari and beach days.
How much are park fees in Tanzania?
About US$60 per person in Tarangire, US$80-85 per day in the Serengeti and US$70-85 per day for Ngorongoro, plus about US$295-300 per vehicle for the crater.
How much should I tip safari guides?
About US$15-25 per person per day for the guide, with smaller tips for camp staff.