Costs • Routes • Best Time • Itineraries • Expert Tips
Introduction
A safari in Tanzania is often considered a luxury bucket-list adventure — but with smart planning, you can explore Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara on a budget without sacrificing the wildlife experience.
This guide provides everything needed to plan a perfect budget safari, including costs, best times to visit, recommended routes, and money-saving techniques.
What Exactly Is a Budget Safari?
A budget safari offers the same wildlife sightings and national parks as luxury safaris — the main difference is accommodation type and shared transport. You still enjoy professional guides, great meals, 4×4 vehicles, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Budget Safari Tanzania Cost Breakdown
Average Cost: $180 – $250 per person per day
|
Cost Element |
Price Range |
Description |
|
Park Fees |
$59–$83/day |
Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Manyara |
|
Transport |
Included |
Shared 4×4 Land Cruiser, fuel & mileage |
|
Accommodation |
$20–$60/night |
Camping or budget lodges |
|
Meals |
Included |
Breakfast, lunch & dinner |
|
Guide |
Included |
Professional safari guide |
Best Parks for Budget Safaris
Serengeti National Park
• Best for: Great Migration, lions, cheetahs
• Affordable through camping & shared safaris
Ngorongoro Crater
• Big Five in one day
• Shared crater tour reduces cost
Tarangire National Park
• Best for elephants & baobabs
• Low park fees & close to Arusha
Lake Manyara National Park
• Flamingos & tree-climbing lions
• Half-day tours are affordable
Best Time for a Budget Safari
Cheapest Months: April, May, November
Affordable Wildlife Season: January–March, June
Peak Pricing: July–October, December Festive Season
Top Budget Safari Itineraries
3-Day Safari
Serengeti + Ngorongoro Crater
4-Day Safari
Tarangire + Serengeti + Ngorongoro
5-Day Safari (Best Value)
Tarangire → Serengeti → Ngorongoro → Manyara
7-Day Migration Safari
3–4 nights in Serengeti + Tarangire/Manyara
Budget Safari Accommodation Options
Public Camping
Most affordable. Includes tents, mattress, cook, shared facilities.
Budget Lodges
Private rooms with hot showers. Good comfort at low prices.
Economy Tented Camps
Beds, dining tents & good comfort while staying affordable.
How to Save Money on a Safari
• Join shared group safaris
• Travel in low or shoulder season
• Choose camping
• Avoid flights; use drive-in safaris
• Travel with a group to split costs
Packing Checklist
• Breathable shirts & fleece jacket
• Safari hat & sunglasses
• Camera, binoculars, power bank
• Sunscreen, insect repellent
Final Thoughts
A budget safari in Tanzania offers the same wildlife, same parks and same adventures as any luxury safari. With smart planning, you can explore Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire & Manyara affordably while enjoying a world-class African safari experience.
