How much does a Tanzania safari cost? An honest answer
It's the question we're asked most often: 'What does it actually cost?' And the honest answer is: it depends. A Tanzania safari can range from a compact, no-frills experience to an extended luxury journey through exclusive lodges and private concessions. We'll break it down clearly.
The main cost components
The total cost of a Tanzania safari consists of several elements:
- International flights from Europe: roughly €600–€1,200 return (depending on season and airline)
- Park fees: between $60 and $100 per person per day for popular parks like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro
- Accommodation: from $80 per night at a comfortable tented camp to $500+ per night at a luxury lodge
- Domestic flights between parks: typically $150–$250 per person per flight
- Guide and vehicle: included in all Makasa package trips
- Zanzibar beach extension: $80–$400 per night depending on the resort
Budget, mid-range or luxury — which level suits you?
There are broadly three tiers to consider:
Budget safari (€2,500–€3,500 per person excluding flights): simple tented camps, group travel, two to three parks. A great way to experience the basics, but with less flexibility.
Mid-range safari (€3,500–€5,500 per person excluding flights): comfortable lodges, private guide and vehicle, four to seven parks, often with a Zanzibar extension. This is the most popular choice among our clients.
Luxury safari (€5,500+ per person excluding flights): exclusive lodges and camps (sometimes with private pools), champagne bush breakfasts, helicopter excursions, complete peace of mind. For those who want the very best.
When is Tanzania most affordable?
The low season in Tanzania runs from March to May (the long rains). Accommodation prices drop significantly — sometimes by 30 to 40% — and the parks are far less crowded. The trade-off: some roads become difficult after heavy rain and certain camps temporarily close. For flights, school holidays (summer, Christmas, Easter) are always more expensive. Travellers who can be flexible about timing in June or November will typically find considerably lower airfares.
What's included with a Makasa trip?
When you book through Makasa, the following are always included as standard:
- All game drives with a private certified guide in a Makasa Landcruiser
- All accommodation as agreed in your itinerary
- Meals as specified in the programme (full board or half board)
- All park entrance fees
- Transfers and domestic flights (where applicable)
- 24/7 support before and during your trip
What's not included?
The following are not typically included: your international flight, travel insurance, tips for guides and camp staff (strongly recommended: $10–$15 per person per day), personal drinks and souvenirs, and the Tanzania visa fee ($50 for most EU nationals, available on arrival).
Is a Tanzania safari worth the investment?
Every single traveller who returns from a Makasa safari says the same thing: it was absolutely worth every penny. Tanzania offers something you simply cannot find anywhere else in the world — the combination of iconic wildlife, spectacular landscapes, warm and welcoming people, and a genuine absence of mass tourism. A private safari with Makasa gives you the freedom to set your own pace and live the moments you've been dreaming of.
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