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How Much Does a Serengeti Safari Cost? Complete Guide for 2025
- By Team Serengeti Lions
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Serengeti Safari Cost: What Does It Cost To Do A Serengeti Safari?
If you have ever dreamed of seeing the open plains at dawn in the vast, unending Serengeti, of seeing wildebeest thunder across the horizon in long, silent rows, you have probably also asked: How much does a Serengeti safari cost?
So, Serengeti safaris can fluctuate and range widely, depending on what time of year you go, where you stay, and what type of experience you are looking for. Some travelers are happy with simple, makeshift campsites and packed lunches.
Choosing Serengeti for a safari is definitely a decision you will live to remember because it’s one of the few trips that seem nearly inevitable especially once you start researching.
During your Serengeti safari, you will realize that this is a place that’s defined the idea of “safari” itself—a landscape that feels endless and alive, where you can spend days following the rhythms of wildlife without ever tiring of the view.
So, how much does a Serengeti safari cost?
Basically, a 7 day Serengeti Safari costs between $2,500 and $7,500 per person based on 2 adults sharing.
Side tip: A trip can be surprisingly affordable if you’re willing to join a group. Or it can be as luxurious as you’d like, complete with private vehicles, gourmet meals, and tented suites that feel more like boutique hotels than camps.
To properly guide you, here is the rough cost to expect for your next Serengeti safari;
Budget safaris can be around $1,700 to $2,500 per person for five to seven days. These usually include lodging in simple tented camps with shared facilities, group vehicles, and no-frills meals. It’s a great way to see the Serengeti without spending a fortune, as long as you’re comfortable with rustic accommodations.
Mid-range safaris is between $3,000 and $5,000 per person. You’ll stay in lodges or tented camps that are more comfortable—think private bathrooms, proper beds, and better food. For many travelers, this strikes the right balance between comfort and value.
Luxury safaris can fall anywhere between $6,000 to $10,000 per person or even more. These are the kinds of adventures where you have a dedicated vehicle and guide, elegant tents with en-suite bathrooms and hot showers, and kind of meals very different from the usual ones.
While price often depend on the comfort level of your accommodation, choosing a particular budget also determines the level of convenience and comfort you can expect because a higher-end operator typically has more experienced guides, newer vehicles, and smoother logistics.
That said, plenty of mid-range companies deliver an outstanding experience without requiring you to drain your savings account.
One of the biggest factors in determining cost is how many days you spend in the park. A two- or three-night safari is obviously less expensive than a full week, but many people find that five to seven days allows them to really settle in, explore different regions of the Serengeti, and not feel rushed.
Accommodation is another major piece of the puzzle. You can choose a budget campsite with basic tents and communal bathrooms, or a luxury lodge where you fall asleep in a four-poster bed under a thatched roof.
In summary, per person per night, you may spend:
- Camping can be as low as $150, especially if you’re sharing costs in a group.
- Mid-range camps and lodges typically fall in the $300–$600 range.
- Luxury tented camps or lodges can be around $700 and higher or even higher than $1,500.
What’s Not Included?
Here are some things travelers often forget to budget for:
- International flights to and from Tanzania
- Visas, which are about $50–$100 depending on your nationality
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Alcoholic drinks
- Souvenirs
- Tips for guides and camp staff
Speaking of tipping, the norm is about $10–$15 per person per day for your guide and $5–$10 per person per day for camp staff.
How Much Does a Serengeti Safari Cost? Complete Guide for 2025 Pictorial
The Main Factors That Influence Serengeti Safari Prices
1. Duration of Your Trip
Normally, the longer you stay, the more you pay. A two-day whirlwind will cost far less than a ten-day adventure that includes multiple parks and private reserves.
For many travelers, 5–7 days is the sweet spot: enough time to see the migration or track predators without feeling rushed.
2. Accommodation Style
This is probably the biggest variable.
- Camping costs as little as $150 per person per night. You’ll sleep in a tent with shared facilities, which some people find refreshingly simple.
- Mid-range lodges or tented camps run about $300–$600 per person per night. These often include private bathrooms, comfortable beds, and excellent meals.
- Luxury lodges start around $700 per night and climb quickly. Some of the most exclusive camps charge over $1,500 per person per night, with perks like plunge pools, gourmet dining, and private vehicles.
3. Season of your visit
The Serengeti’s high season typically runs from June through October and December through March. During these months, demand pushes prices up by 25%–50%.
Traveling in the off-season, particularly April and May, can save you a lot. Just be prepared for occasional heavy rain and the possibility that some camps may close temporarily.
4. Transportation
Most safaris start in Arusha. From there, you’ll drive in a 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for wildlife viewing. These vehicles aren’t cheap to maintain, and fuel costs are significant—so transportation can be a notable part of your total bill.
If you prefer to skip the long drive, you can also fly into the Serengeti from Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport. Expect to pay about $250–$400 per person one way for these bush flights.
5. Park Fees and Taxes
Every visitor pays park entrance fees, which are set by the Tanzanian government:
- Serengeti National Park: $70 per adult per day (foreign non-residents)
- Ngorongoro Crater (if included): $70 per adult per day, plus an additional crater service fee of about $295 per vehicle
These fees are typically included in your safari package, but always check to confirm.
These fees are often built into the price quoted by your tour operator, but never assume. Always double-check that your quote includes park entry and concession fees.
Suggested Packages
Tanzania safari packages inclusion:
- Accommodations each night, including bedding and basic amenities
- Three meals daily
- 4×4 transportation with a pop-up roof for wildlife viewing
- An English-speaking, professional guide
- Drinking water during drives
- Government taxes and conservation fees
- Free airport pickup is always included too.
But there are plenty of costs that aren’t included. You’ll need to budget separately for:
- International flights to and from Tanzania
- Visas, typically $50–$100 per person
- Travel insurance, which is strongly recommended
- Alcoholic drinks (sometimes included, often not)
Tipping for guides and camp staff
Tipping is an important part of the safari experience and as a good rule of thumb is to set aside $10–$15 per person per day for your guide, and another $5–$10 per day for the office staff who will be with you thorough out the safari.
Tips to Save Money on Your Serengeti Safari
Here are the top tips if you’re hoping to keep costs manageable;
- Book early. This is one of the easiest ways to grab better rates and ensure you have your pick of lodges.
- Consider the shoulder season. March and November can bring a little rain, but the prices are lower and the parks are quieter because fewer visitors tend to visit during these times.
- Travel with friends or family. Sharing a vehicle reduces the per-person cost significantly.
- Compare multiple quotes but don’t over rely on the prices without justifying the experiences. you’d be surprised how much pricing can vary for what seems like the same itinerary.
- Don’t be shy about asking for details. A reputable operator will be clear about what’s included and what isn’t.
How Much Cash Should You Bring?
Even if you pay for most of your safari upfront, you’ll want spending money for tips, souvenirs, and unexpected expenses. Plan for about $70–$100 per day in cash. Bring U.S. dollars issued after 2006, in small denominations, and in good condition.
Once you arrive, change some money into Tanzanian shillings. While many camps accept credit cards, payment systems can be unreliable, and some smaller vendors won’t take cards at all.
Conclusion
So, how much does a Serengeti safari cost? There’s no single answer, and that’s part of what makes it special. Whether you choose a budget-friendly camping adventure or a luxury lodge the experience is generally the same except for the accommodation and private transfers.
When you find yourself sitting in a vehicle in the mornings in the endless plains or even at the roof top of Africa, you’ll realize this is one of those rare trips that’s worth every dollar.
If you can, take your time. Ask questions, look carefully at your options, and trust your instincts. The Serengeti rewards travelers who arrive prepared, curious, and ready for whatever the bush has in store.
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