What Are the Things Included in Your Tanzania Safari Cost ? A Complete Breakdown : When planning a safari in Tanzania, understanding what’s included in the safari cost can help you make informed decisions and ensure a stress-free experience. Tanzania, with its world-famous national parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, offers a range of safari packages that cover a variety of services. In this guide, we’ll break down the key elements included in most Tanzania safari costs, helping you know what to expect and how to budget accordingly.
Find expert Tanzania safari guides and packages here.
What Are the Things Included in Your Tanzania Safari Cost ? A Complete Breakdown : Accommodation Costs
One of the primary factors affecting your safari cost is accommodation. Tanzania offers a range of options, from luxury lodges and tented camps to more affordable campsites. The level of accommodation you choose will significantly impact the overall price.
Luxury Lodges and Camps
Luxury lodges in Tanzania often include full-board meals, private game drives, and stunning locations within the parks. These lodges provide high-end amenities like private decks, plunge pools, and gourmet dining.
- Examples: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge.
- Inclusions: Full board, guided game drives, and airport transfers.
Learn more about Tanzania’s luxury lodges here.
Mid-Range and Budget Accommodations
Mid-range lodges and camps still offer excellent services, though with fewer luxurious extras. Budget travelers can opt for campsites where you sleep under the stars but still enjoy the full safari experience.
- Inclusions: Standard accommodations, meals, and guided drives.
Explore budget-friendly safari camps in Tanzania.
What Are the Things Included in Your Tanzania Safari Cost ? A Complete Breakdown : Park Entry Fees
Every national park in Tanzania charges entry fees, which are typically included in your safari package. These fees help fund the conservation efforts that keep Tanzania’s wildlife thriving. The cost of park fees varies by park and is often higher for the most popular destinations like Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
Serengeti National Park Fees
- Adult: Around $60 per day for non-residents.
- Children: Reduced rates for kids under 16.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area Fees
- Adult: About $70 per day for non-residents.
These fees usually cover conservation costs, park maintenance, and access to the park’s public facilities. They’re non-negotiable and typically part of the package you book.
Check up-to-date park fees for Tanzania safaris.
What Are the Things Included in Your Tanzania Safari Cost ? A Complete Breakdown : Game Drives and Guided Safaris
Most safari packages include daily game drives, led by professional guides who are familiar with the parks and the best wildlife viewing spots. Game drives are the highlight of any safari, offering you a chance to see Africa’s famous wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, and more.
Morning and Afternoon Drives
Many packages offer two daily game drives—one in the early morning and another in the afternoon. Some lodges also offer night drives, where you can spot nocturnal animals like leopards and hyenas.
Professional Guides
Having a knowledgeable guide enhances the safari experience. These guides not only know where to find wildlife but also offer valuable insights into animal behaviors, conservation, and the environment.
Read about the role of safari guides in Tanzania.
What Are the Things Included in Your Tanzania Safari Cost ? A Complete Breakdown : Transportation and Transfers
Your Tanzania safari cost often includes all necessary transportation within the country. This typically covers airport transfers, as well as transportation between different parks or regions if you’re visiting multiple destinations. Safaris usually use customized 4×4 vehicles equipped for rugged terrain and comfortable viewing.
Included Transport Services
- Airport Transfers: Picking you up from the airport and taking you to your lodge or starting point.
- Game Drives: A private or shared safari vehicle for game drives inside the parks.
Learn more about the safari vehicle options in Tanzania.
What Are the Things Included in Your Tanzania Safari Cost ? A Complete Breakdown : Meals and Drinks
Full-board meals are typically included in your Tanzania safari package, particularly when staying at mid-range or luxury lodges. The meals range from simple local dishes to gourmet international cuisine, depending on your accommodation choice.
Full-Board Safari Packages
- Breakfast: Usually served before morning game drives.
- Lunch: Packed lunches for those on long drives or buffet-style meals back at the lodge.
- Dinner: A multi-course dinner, sometimes served outdoors under the stars.
Drinks
Most lodges include soft drinks, water, tea, and coffee in their packages. Alcoholic beverages may or may not be included, depending on the lodge.
Discover food and dining experiences on safari.
What Are the Things Included in Your Tanzania Safari Cost ? A Complete Breakdown : Park and Conservation Levies
In addition to park entry fees, many parks also charge conservation levies to support wildlife protection and local community projects. These fees are typically bundled into your safari cost and help fund anti-poaching efforts, habitat restoration, and other environmental initiatives.
Ngorongoro Crater Levy
- The Ngorongoro Crater charges an additional fee for driving down into the crater for a game drive.
Read more about Tanzania’s conservation efforts.
What Are the Things Included in Your Tanzania Safari Cost ? A Complete Breakdown : Fly-In Safaris (Optional)
Some high-end packages offer fly-in safaris, where you are flown directly to your lodge or camp. This is a quicker and more scenic way to travel between parks, allowing you to spend less time driving and more time enjoying your safari.
- Private Charters: These small planes offer direct access to remote camps and lodges.
- Aerial Views: You’ll enjoy stunning views of the African landscape, from the Serengeti plains to the lush Ngorongoro Crater.
Explore fly-in safari options here.
What Are the Things Included in Your Tanzania Safari Cost ? A Complete Breakdown : Taxes and Service Charges
Your Tanzania safari cost typically includes taxes and service charges imposed by the government and individual lodges or camps. These fees ensure that your trip runs smoothly and that the tourism sector continues to support local communities and conservation.
- Government Taxes: VAT (value-added tax) and other local taxes.
- Service Charges: Fees added by lodges for services like room cleaning, food preparation, and guiding.
Read about Tanzania’s tourism and service charges.
What Are the Things Included in Your Tanzania Safari Cost ? A Complete Breakdown : Travel Insurance (Usually Not Included)
While some luxury packages may offer travel insurance, most Tanzania safari costs do not include it. However, it’s essential to have travel insurance that covers potential risks such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and evacuations.
- Recommendation: Purchase travel insurance that specifically covers safari activities and medical evacuations.
Find out more about travel insurance for safaris.
What’s Usually Not Included in Tanzania Safari Costs
While most safari packages are comprehensive, there are a few expenses that are typically not included and should be budgeted for separately.
Exclusions
- International Flights: Your safari cost does not include flights to and from Tanzania.
- Visa Fees: Visitors will need a visa to enter Tanzania, which is not included in the package.
- Gratuities: Tipping guides, drivers, and lodge staff is customary but not included.
- Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, laundry services, and alcoholic beverages are often not included.
Check more on visa requirements and tips for Tanzania travel.
Optional Activities
Some Tanzania safari packages include optional add-ons, like hot air balloon safaris, guided walking tours, or cultural visits to Maasai villages. These activities usually come at an additional cost but can greatly enhance your experience.
Popular Add-Ons
- Hot Air Balloon Safaris: Fly over the Serengeti at sunrise for an unforgettable view of the wildlife below.
- Maasai Village Tours: Learn about the Maasai culture with a guided tour to a traditional village.
Discover the top safari add-ons available in Tanzania.
What Are the Things Included in Your Tanzania Safari Cost ? A Complete Breakdown : Conclusion
Understanding what’s included in your Tanzania safari cost ensures you know what to expect from your trip and allows you to plan accordingly. From accommodations and meals to game drives and park fees, most safari packages are designed to cover the essentials, leaving you free to enjoy the experience. Always check with your tour operator to confirm what is and isn’t included in your package.
For more information on planning your Tanzania safari, check out Kilimanjaro Climb Specialist or Eddy Tours & Safaris.