Tanzania Safaris

To many adventure-junkies, a safari is not a bona fide safari unless it includes the most famous location in the world for viewing wild game – the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. Encompassing some 5,700 square miles, Serengeti offers the best year-round views of wild animals on the continent from cheetahs to zebras. A consequence of this reputation, however, is that safaris in the Serengeti are generally a bit more expensive.

Economy

• $1,100 for 5-Days - Visits Lake Manyara National Park, a day on the Serengeti plains, then a drive 2,000 feet down into the Ngorongoro Crater, home to a wide variety of plain animals. Campsite accommodations.
• $2,100 for an 8-Days - Safari to Tarangire National Park, 2-days in Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park. Campsite accommodations.

Moderate

• $1,650 to $1,800 for 5-Days - Safari that includes departure from Arusha with wildlife viewing at Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti.Lodges.
• $3,750 to $4,200 for 8-Days - Four days in Serengeti, 2 days in the Ngorongoro Crater, and a visit to Lake Manyara National Park. Lodge accommodations.

Luxury

• $5,300 to $10,000 for 12-Days - Six-day visit to Serengeti, two day at Ngorongoro Crater, and stays at Lake Manyara National Park and Tarangire National Park. Luxury lodges/private luxury camps.

Things to Consider

When shopping for an African adventure keep in mind that the cost of any safari can vary quite significantly depending on the following:

• Choice of Amenities - Some safaris may not include air transportation while other safari packages provide air from New York City. Accommodations may vary from a private luxury camp to a lodge, or even just a private tent or hut. All meals for each day may be included, most meals, or just some.
• The Number of Days in the Safari - The cost of a safari will increase dramatically depending on the number of days in the tour.
• Traveling Alone or Double-Occupancy - Safari costs for a singe-traveler is usually higher.
• The Month of the Year - The costs of safaris may also vary according to the month of the year the safari is taken. (July through October being the “best”and more costly.)

Whichever safari you select there may be side-trips offered that will be an out-of-pocket expense. If you take a hot-air balloon ride over the Serengeti, it can run about $400-$500 per person. Or you may want to leave the security of the Land Rover to explore on foot. Cost for that close-up and personal experience usually ranges up to $20 or more per person depending on the number of hours expended by your guide.

Tipping on safaris is highly encouraged, up to $70 per day for the driver-guide for luxury safaris, with somewhat lesser amounts for park rangers, etc. as well as gratuities for such employees as the bartenders, waiters, room attendants, etc. at the lodgings.

Final Note

On most safaris into the bush, credit cards may not be accepted everywhere and travelers checks are nearly impossible to cash except in the larger establishments. It is recommended that you bring U.S. currency (some large bills but mostly one-dollar bills because of the difficulty in getting change.)