Budget for Tanzania with a safari

Hi,

I don’t quite get your idea of a flight excursion? You’ll still need to stay in the parks.

What’s the main idea of the trip?

Beach and animals?

For 8 days, it’s either one or the other, or Kenya (Mombasa and an excursion to a nearby park).

At the very beginning, I really wanted to do four or five days of safari and 4 days in Zanzibar, but in the end, they quoted me a price of 12,000 € for 4 people—I was pretty taken aback, as they say. So I thought that if I stayed in Zanzibar and just did a day trip by plane, it might cost me less since I wouldn’t have to pay for lodging in the lodges. But it’s clear I’d see fewer animals. I’m just starting my research, and it’s already getting complicated for me.

just a day trip by plane might cost me less since there won’t be any lodge accommodation

It doesn’t make any sense to do a day trip, even if it’s possible.

Animals are most active at sunrise and sunset. Spending a night is essential.

( Tanzania is the most expensive country for safaris)

Good evening, There are indeed day safaris that leave from Zanzibar, but honestly, they're not great—it's really just so you can say you've done a safari. Vehicles follow one after another, you're usually pretty cramped in them, and since you have to move quickly, there's not much time to enjoy it. For the prices of these day safaris, it seems they stay quite expensive. Going through an agency, yes, I don’t think it’ll be easy to find something within the budget you’re considering. For the Zanzibar part, for 3 people and 1 week with 4 outings (Safari Blue, Mnemba, snorkeling on the reef with a fisherman, and Stone Town), including the hotel, we were at around 1600 euros total (excluding flights). We organized everything ourselves, of course (Booking, TripAdvisor, etc.). For the safari part, likely around Arusha, if you target public campsites in the parks and hotels outside the parks (like a hotel in Mto Wa Mbu if you’ve been to Tarangire and are considering Manyara), it seems you could stay within your budget by trying to organize it yourself or by checking with a local agency that might have better rates. You could plan 3 days in Tarangire, for example, and maybe 1 day in Manyara. Or, alternatively, the entire Serengeti (though that’s more expensive). Don’t spread yourself too thin over such a short time. The key is to find a suitable vehicle rental and then calculate accordingly, adding park fees (check the TANAPA website) and the costs of the hotels or campsites you identify. On Le Routard, a traveler had posted a detailed travel journal of their self-organized trip (without an agency) with minimal safari time, and the price was really competitive. They’d broken everything down well for travelers considering the same thing.

Thanks for taking the time to read my post and especially for replying! I’ll go through all of this and check out the *Routard*—thanks so much for all the tips!

Hi Amandine,

Why go to Zanzibar? Tanzania’s coast is so beautiful, and you’re not too far to go see the animals. To give you an idea, you can check out our trip on our website.

Hi there,

Did you check out Victoria Expeditions (https://victoriaexpeditions.com/safaris/)? Back in 2009, I did a 4-day safari with them for 440 € (or $440 USD—I can’t remember which). I also know Corto Safaris. It’s a French-run agency, and I climbed Kilimanjaro with them. They’re really competent. For Zanzibar, it depends on what you’re looking for. For accommodation, you can find good options starting at 10 € per person on Booking, for example.

Personally, in 2009, I spent around 3,500 € for 25 days: Kilimanjaro (which was the most expensive part), a 4-day safari, the bus from Arusha to Dar es Salaam, one night in Dar es Salaam, the ferry to Zanzibar, 10 days in Zanzibar, and the round-trip flights Paris/Tanzania with Ethiopian Airlines.

a 4-day safari with them and it cost me 440 €

110 € per day including accommodation, food, guide, vehicle, and park entry fees.

I’d sign up right away at that price, but I think there’s a mistake! :-)

First off, that quoted price is from 2009...

I’m positive. I paid 440 € (about $616) for 4 days back in 2009. At the time, 1 € was worth $1.40. I’d joined a group of four Germans. On this site https://www.safaribookings.com/rates/t9206, they’re offering a 4-day safari for $704 (657 €). Over the last 15 years, inflation’s kicked in, and now 1 € = $1.07.

Even with inflation, I'm surprised by these prices.

I contacted quite a few companies, and the rate is more like $2000 for 4 days. The rate includes: * meals and full-board accommodation * water during the day on safari (excluding drinks and water in the evening accommodations) * services of a French-speaking driver-guide * national park entry fees, unlimited mileage, and activities

Excluding international flights. With 3 days in the Serengeti and 2 days in Tarangire.

The safari described is camping-based with other basic services and no French-speaking guide. One night is outside the park, and drinks aren’t included. There are 6 people in the 4x4, and no time to dawdle.

That explains the price.

We actually have 2 nights inside the park for the Serengeti and one night at the entrance of Tarangire. The accommodations are lodges, and there are 4 of us in the 4x4.

Thanks for the details.

Hi Amandine, How old are your kids, and how long would your trip be? We went to Tanzania in February 2024—two weeks in the northern region around Arusha and one week in Zanzibar. We flew with Kenyan Airlines with a layover in Nairobi. We extended that layover to a full day and hired a guide for 8 hours to visit Nairobi National Park as a little preview. I’m happy to share more details about our trip if you’d like. Best, Aline

Hi there,

two weeks in the Arusha region

Which parks did you visit?

one week in Zanzibar.

I’m actually looking into this right now and I’m not sure where to go :-( We wanted to stay in two places: Jambiani and Matemwe, or Paje/Nungwi.

David

Hi David, We visited the parks in Arusha, Tarangire, Lake Natron, Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, and Ndutu. And in Zanzibar, we spent four days in Stone Town and four days in Jambiani. I’m happy to help if you need anything else, Best regards, Aline

Too short. Either you do a safari for more than 3 days, or you'll spend all your time traveling. And 8,000 € is just way overpriced. If you decide to go on a safari, try to pay for it separately, then book your flights (France-Tanzania and, for example, Arusha-Zanzibar then Zanzibar-France) and your hotels separately. It’ll cost you a lot less than going through an agency. In Arusha, you have "Animaux Tanzania Safaris Ltd"—they organize trips, speak French, and have reasonable prices (ask for Cosmas).

Hello

two weeks in the Arusha region

Which parks did you visit?

one week in Zanzibar.

I’m actually looking at options right now and I don’t know where to go :-( We wanted to do two places, Jambiani and Matemwe or Paje / Nungwi

David

Keep in mind that the north of Zanzibar is much livelier than the south. You could head to the east coast near Paje, it’s nice. It all depends on what you’re looking for.

Hi there

Keep in mind that the north of Zanzibar is much livelier than the south. You could head to the east coast around Paje—it’s nice. It really depends on what you're looking for.

It’s hard to decide right now since my wife and I are older (50) and our kids are young (25).

So, a compromise.

I’m thinking we’ll split our time between Jambiani and Nungwi.

That’ll give you the chance to see two sides—nice! But if you’re calling yourself old at 50, what should I say at 60? 😄

That’ll give you the chance to do both sides, which is great. But if you’re old at 50, what should I say at 60? 😄

That you’re even older :-D

Hi Amandine, Back from my trip, I just came across this discussion a bit late.

I think your plan is doable if, for example, you limit yourself to a 3-day safari (4 nights?) in Tarangire, which is really beautiful, and stay just at the park entrance if the lodges inside are too expensive. Then, fly to Zanzibar. Aim for the east coast. You’ll find plenty of accommodation options on Booking. In Zanzibar, you can do 1 or 2 excursions from your hotel by talking to the "beach boys" (bring dollars). Fly back from Zanzibar.

Alternative, less mass tourism: the small island of Mafia, across from Dar, still a bit authentic and absolutely stunning. Beauty, relaxation, and amazing marine life.

That’s all!

Have a great holiday!

Just a little clarification: to get to Mafia Island, you’ll either take a small propeller plane from Dar Es Salaam or a boat, but the departure is from the southern coast.

It’s a really beautiful island, but very quiet. If she’s looking for crowds and excitement, Zanzibar is a better bet.

Hello! I know, I’ve done it. Flight with Coastal.

Actually, I know both islands.

We stayed at Juani Beach Bungalow for very reasonable prices. Right by the sea, and we took a boat excursion to see sharks, if I remember correctly.

Hi Chris

In Zanzibar you can do 1 or 2 excursions from your hotel by talking to the "beach boys" (bring dollars).

Why dollars and not Tanzanian Shillings? I thought it was more advantageous.

David

I’ll chime in. Locals prefer dollars, so you can exchange them based on the rate. It’s more convenient to exchange into TZS.

Locals prefer dollars, to exchange them based on the rate. It's more convenient to exchange in TZS

Uh ...

What do you mean by "It's more convenient to exchange in TZS"? Is it easier to exchange dollars into TZS?

Hello again! I’ve done both (several trips).

I withdrew shillings (from ATMs) for small expenses (markets, a few restaurants, souvenirs, etc.), but people offering excursions (or taxis) asked for dollars. We could negotiate, though. I guess they can resell the dollars at a better rate on the black market. And dollars will be accepted if they leave the country, but not shillings.

Sorry, it's more practical to pay in TZS. Otherwise, you can't really use TZS anywhere else but there.

Yeah, that’s right. If you have leftover shillings, you can’t really do anything with them.

If you have leftover dollars and you travel a bit, no problem using them. That’s my case! I always keep some dollars at home for future trips to different continents!

You can exchange euros; dollars aren’t essential

I never exchange money! And there are still countries where euros don’t exactly spark excitement.

No big deal. I just shared what I usually do, that’s all. To each their own habits!

Of course, I was just sharing some info!

No need to fight :-)

To sum up if I understood correctly:

- You can pay for everything in dollars, with the advantage of being able to use them almost anywhere in the world if you have any left.

- Shillings (via exchange or ATMs) can easily be used for small amounts (markets, a few restaurants, souvenirs, etc.). For excursions or taxis, Tanzanians prefer dollars (*).

- You can bring euros, but you’ll need to convert them into dollars or shillings.

(*) This ties into another discussion on a different forum that mentioned prices in dollars were higher than in shillings (at restaurants, there’s a menu with prices in TZS and another in $).

But no one’s fighting over it! I spent 6 months of my life in Tanzania 2 years ago. It’s way more practical to pay in TZS—you’ll come out ahead. Watch out—EVERYTHING is negotiable, but the *mzungu* (white folks) are spotted a mile away with our money!!!

But no one fights back!

I had put a smiley ":-)" that wasn't converted to [:)] because your exchanges were a bit like ping-pong [;)]

It's more practical to pay in TZS; you'll come out ahead. Watch out—EVERYTHING is negotiable, but the *mzungu* (white people) are spotted from a mile away with our money!!!

That’s what I took away.

Thanks!

David

Hi, Just to clarify a few things, you should know that Mafia is Zanzibar because Zanzibar isn’t a single island but an archipelago made up of Pemba in the north, Unguja (mistakenly called Zanzibar), and Mafia in the south. Personally, I really loved Pemba, but that was 15 years ago. I doubt anyone’s still interested, but I can dig up the different amounts I paid during that three-week trip or the one I took 10 years ago. If that’s the case, let me know, and I’ll look for them.

Hi Aline, we’d like to do almost the same trip as you—Tanzania and Zanzibar for 21 days at the end of August 2025. Could you share your tips and trip details with me? We’re looking for a local guide for the Tanzania safari part. Best regards, Dominique

Hi there, For anyone looking to go on safaris in Tanzania with kids, I’d recommend getting in touch with La Boussole Libre (on FB) or laboussolelibre@gmail.com. She’s a traveling mom who works with local French-speaking guides and helps you organize everything from A to Z.

Hi Aline, did you manage to finalize your plans for last summer? We’re trying to look into next summer, but the prices still seem crazy. Several local agencies are quoting us at least $3,000 for our family (2 adults, 2 kids) for a 3-day safari in Selous... Thanks! !

We’re buddies with him (Cosmas), he speaks French. Look him up online. Animals Tanzania, Safari Ltd

Hi Aline, did you manage to finalize your plans for last summer? We’re trying to look into next summer, but the prices still seem crazy. Several local agencies are quoting us at least $3,000 for our family (2 adults, 2 kids) for a 3-day safari in Selous... Thanks!

It's here

https://www.animauxtanzaniasafaris.com/

Hi Aline, did you manage to finalize your plans for last summer? We’re trying to look into next summer, but the prices still seem crazy. Several local agencies are quoting us at least $3,000 for our family (2 adults, 2 kids) for a 3-day safari in Selous... Thanks!

Hi Aline, I’m planning a trip to Tanzania this autumn and thought I’d tap into your experience! :-) Is October still the dry season, or would you recommend another time? I’d love to do a 10- to 15-day itinerary with a safari, a visit to Zanzibar, and other tourist spots... I’d really appreciate any tips, local contacts, or accommodation recommendations. Thanks so much! Jean-Luc

Hi Aline, I’m planning a trip to Tanzania this autumn and thought I’d tap into your experience :-) Is October still the dry season? If not, what time would you recommend? I’d love to do a 10- to 15-day itinerary with a safari, a visit to Zanzibar, and other tourist spots... I’d really appreciate your tips, local contacts, and accommodation recommendations... Thanks so much. Jean-Luc

Hi there,

We went with them:

www.animauxtanzaniasafaris.com/

They speak French. For Zanzibar, book things yourself—flights and hotels are super easy to reserve.

I think when October is still the dry season? Or else, what period would you recommend? I'd like to do a 10- to 15-day trip with a safari, a visit to Zanzibar, and other tourist spots... I'm open to your advice, local contacts, and accommodation contacts...

Hello Jean-Luc,

Let me give you some general advice about trips planned in Tanzania (or Kenya, for that matter). - The first thing to know, in my opinion, is "what’s motivating this trip?" Is it a magazine article, a documentary, friends’ comments...?

- Next, "What personally attracts you to this country?" "Are you really a fan of wildlife and nature?" "Are you genuinely drawn to Zanzibar’s culture?" ????

- Once you’ve answered these questions (for yourself), you can start making choices. In "10 to 15 days," you can’t see everything in a country, no matter where it is!

For example: when I first considered going to Tanzania, I’d read a feature in GEO and was set on seeing it all. Then I thought about it a bit. My wife and I were becoming quite passionate about animals but not so much about Zanzibar... So we decided to dedicate those two weeks solely to wildlife. And we didn’t regret it at all. Since then, we’ve been to Tanzania seven times and still haven’t been to Zanzibar. Based on everything we read or hear from other travelers, we don’t regret that choice.

We’re all different, especially when it comes to travel preferences, but I think it’s important to ask yourself a few questions before deciding and committing.

That said, I still had a major disappointment: Everywhere in specialized magazines like *Grand Reportage* or *GEO*, they raved about Ngorongoro. We went there on our first trip, and it was a huge letdown! Apart from the stunning landscape, the safari experience was like being in the middle of a crowd of vehicles—like Place de la Concorde... I swore I’d never go back.

Good luck with your reflections, Jean-Luc, and may you make the right choices for you.

Best regards.

Oh, and YES—October is a great time for safaris (though it can get quite hot), but in Tanzania, the weather isn’t an exact science anymore...

Puma2A

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