How Much A Serengeti Safari Costs

Visitors planning to visit enquire how much a Serengeti Safari Cost. There are so many factors influencing the cost of your Serengeti Safari including the type of accommodation, number of people traveling, preferred mode of transportation (by road or by air), duration of your Serengeti Safari, the time of the year and inclusion of additional activities.

For example, full package prices vary considerably from USD 450 per person for a budget 3 Day Serengeti Tour (with a group of 6 persons in a safari vehicle) staying in a budget camp, up to USD 1700 per person for luxury accommodation for the same Serengeti Safari.

In this blog we will discuss each of these factors in detail

1. Accommodation

The choice of accommodation you choose has the biggest influence your Serengeti Safari Cost. The park offers an extensive range of accommodation options catering for every budget. The different categories of accommodation from adventure budget camping to mid-range tented camps to luxurious safari lodges.

A part from the type of accommodation you choose, the price of your accommodation is also determined by the number of nights you plan on staying and the time of the year you are visiting (during the peak season from July to October the prices are higher).

• Luxurious tented camps in Serengeti such as And Beyond Klein’s Camp or Nawiri Plains will cost roughly US$ 300 plus per person per night during low season and US$ 600 plus per person per night during the peak season.
• A mid-range luxury safari lodge such as Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge will cost roughly US$ 150 per person per night during low season and US$ 350 per person per night during peak season.
• The budget tented camps will cost roughly USD 100 or less per person per night Also, you may opt for camping in tents which is way cheaper still but then this is a basic campsite with your own tents and very basic facilities.

2. Mode of Transportation

The mode of transport to Serengeti National Park is another factor that greatly influences your Serengeti Safari Cost. Flying to Serengeti from Arusha is more expensive compared to traveling by road, but also more convenient and quicker especially for shorter safaris such as an overnight or 2 nights Serengeti tip. For solo travelers flying to Serengeti, it is way cheaper than driving there unless one manages to join a group on a road safari which lowers the pricing. There are several reliable local airline operating daily scheduled flights to Serengeti from Arusha Airport, including Auric Air, Coastal Aviation among others.

The duration of flying from Arusha to Serengeti is usually one hour though the actual time depends on how many interim stops the flight will make (known as hops) as they land to drop or pick up passengers from various airstrips. A one way flight ranges from US$ 200 – 250 per person while a return flight will cost anything from US$ 300-450 per person including taxes, depending on the season and availability.

For road transport, 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser Jeep are the most common mode of transport for safari tourists in Tanzania. Often, these Toyota LandCruiser jeep are converted into safari vehicles with the addition of pop up game viewing roofs (front and main), safari customization, and addition of UHF radio calls and suitable seating. Some vehicles also come with air conditioning and electric cooler boxes. Safari jeeps are more capable off road and marginally more comfortable as well as over rougher sections of road.

Note: the price is based on the full occupancy of the vehicle. A land cruiser costs typically from $250 to $275 per vehicle per day depending on the season and availability.

Also, transport on your safari is priced per vehicle not per person. The drive from Arusha to Serengeti takes approximately 5-6 hours. The road from Arusha leading to the main gate of Serengeti is now paved/tarred all the way.

3. Number of People Traveling (Group Size)

As the general rule goes, the large the group traveling the cheaper it is for everyone, as you get to share the costs compared to when one or two persons are traveling. Also for family travel, the ages of children affects the cost of your safari as children under the age of 12 years pay a reduced price while children under the age of 12 years pay a reduced price while children under 3 years of age are allowed for free in all lodges and camps in Serengeti National Park.

4. Duration of Your Safari

The cost of your Serengeti is also determined by the number of days you plan to be on a safari. Therefore, it is advisable for clients on limited budget to spend the minimum recommended time of 3 Days in the park.

Low season (April to early June) will probably allow you to spend less for a longer safari as accommodation prices are significantly lower and the park is also less crowded with tourists as compared to peak season. Keep in mind that the wildebeest migration takes place from July to September which is also a peak season. With budget permitting, we recommend a minimum of 4 days (03 nights) in Serengeti to allow you to fully explore the park and its savannah plains. This includes enough safari game drives to seeing plenty of wildlife at a relaxed pace and give you enough time for leisure time at your camp.

Traveling “slow” really does have its advantages in the African Wilderness.

5. Time of The Year

The cost of your Serengeti safari is also dependent on your travel dates. Prices tend to be higher during the Peak Season which normally when the Great Wildebeest Migration happens as this attracts large numbers of visitors to Serengeti making it more expensive to secure rooms due to the high demand.

The peak season in Serengeti and Tanzania at large runs from July to October. So, clients on limited budget are advised to avoid the peak season and plan on visiting during the low or the shoulder season (January to March) when the prices are lower and rooms are readily available.

6. Park Entry Fees

Like any other Tanzania National Park and reserves, one of required to pay an Entry Fee at the gate to enter Serengeti National Park. The Serengeti Park Entry Fees is determined by the residency status of the tourist visiting the park that is Citizen, Resident and Non-Resident.

Citizens of Tanzania have to show proof of status such as a valid National ID/Passport. Residents refers to persons residing in Tanzania with valid documentation from the Tanzanian government while non-residents refer mainly to overseas tourists.

Please note that proof of identification is required before into the park

Park Entry Fees to Serengeti National Park are as follows

• Non-Residents (Foreign Tourists) – USD 83 per adult per 24 hours during Peak season (16^thMay – 14^th March) and USD 60 per adult per 24 hours during Low Season (15^th Mach – 15^th May). Children ages 5 years up to 15 years pay USD 24 per 24 hours during Peak or Low Season.

Please note these rates are subject to 18% VAT

In addition to Park Fees there is also Concession Fes which is applicable for tourists staying at any Camp. Lodges and hotels located inside Serengeti National Par. During Peak Season (July to September), the hotel concession fee for foreign tourists staying is USD 83 per adult per 24 hours and USD 10 per child ( 5 years to 15 years) per 24 hours. During Low season ( October to June ), the hotel concession fee for foreign tourists staying in Serengeti is USD 50 per adult per 24 hours and remains USD 10 per child ( 5 years to 15 years) per 24 hours. 18% VAT is applicable on all of these rates above.

7. Additional Activities  

Apart from the standard Serengeti Safari Package which usually includes transportation from and back to Arusha, safari game excursions, accommodation and meals as well as the park entry fees, some visitors opt to include other activities which may include a Maasai Village Visit, Hot Air Balloon Flight, Guided Nature Walks and Horse Riding. These activities are enhance your Serengeti and are thrilling, but come at an added cost.

Hot Air Balloon Flight price ranges from US$ 559 to US$ 600 per person depending on which camp or lodge you will fly from in Serengeti.

Maasai Village Visit price ranges from US$ 30 to US$ 50 per person and the cost is inclusive of return transfers from your safari lodge or camp. Services of an English Speaking Driver – Guide and Village Contribution Fees.

8. Other Factors

Apart from the above listed factors, there are many other factors to consider when costing for your Serengeti Safari such as Travel Visa, Insurance, International Flight Tickets, Laundry, Souvenirs, drinks and beverages.

In conclusion, with some basic planning basing on the above listed factors. Our Expert Travel Consultants can customize your Serengeti Safari Costs to meet your budget while still ensuring you have unforgettable Serengeti Safari experience.