Skip to content 
A solo safari in Tanzania can be arranged as a private trip with your own vehicle and guide or as a group joining safari where you share the experience with other travellers. Both options have advantages, but the cost, accommodation arrangements, and level of flexibility are different.
One of the main concerns for people planning a Tanzania safari alone is the additional cost of travelling without a companion. Understanding single supplements, group departures, and accommodation options can help you plan a trip that suits your budget.
This guide explains how solo safaris work in Tanzania, what they cost, whether they are safe, and how to choose the right safari experience.
Yes. Tanzania is a rewarding destination for solo travellers interested in wildlife, nature, and cultural experiences. Its established safari tourism industry makes it possible to arrange guided trips without needing to travel with friends or family.
The northern safari circuit is particularly suitable for solo visitors because several major destinations can be combined in one itinerary. These include Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, and Lake Manyara National Park.
You can choose a private safari if you prefer travelling independently or join a scheduled group departure if you want to share the experience with other visitors.
A solo safari also gives you the opportunity to plan your trip around your interests. You might spend more time photographing elephants, focus on finding big cats, or choose accommodation based on the type of experience you want.
The important thing is to select a suitable safari arrangement before booking.
The cost of a solo Tanzania safari depends on several factors, including the number of days, accommodation category, destinations, travel season, and whether you book a private vehicle or join a group.
Travelling alone can sometimes cost more per person than travelling as a couple because certain safari expenses are shared between passengers. These include the safari vehicle, guide, fuel, and sometimes accommodation.
The main factors affecting your total safari cost include:
Safari vehicle and guide: A private vehicle and professional guide can represent a significant part of the total cost when you travel alone.
Park fees: National park entrance and conservation fees are generally charged per visitor, regardless of whether you travel alone or with others.
Accommodation: Some lodges and tented camps charge additional fees when one person occupies a room or tent designed for two.
Safari duration: Longer trips usually involve additional accommodation, park fees, meals, and transport expenses.
Travel season: Accommodation prices and safari availability can change depending on demand and the time of year.
When requesting a quotation, ask for the total price for one person rather than relying on advertised prices based on two people sharing.
Also confirm whether park fees, accommodation, meals, transfers, and other services are included.
One of the biggest decisions when planning a solo safari in Tanzania is whether to book a private trip or join a group departure.
Both options allow you to explore Tanzania’s national parks, but they offer different experiences.
Private Tanzania Safari
A private safari gives you a dedicated 4×4 safari vehicle and professional guide. You do not share the vehicle with other travellers outside your booking.
This option offers greater flexibility because you can discuss your preferred destinations, accommodation, travel dates, and activities with your operator.
A private safari is particularly suitable if you enjoy photography, have specific wildlife interests, or prefer a more personalised experience.
However, it is usually more expensive for one person because you cover the vehicle and guide costs without sharing them with other passengers.
Group Joining Safari
A group joining safari allows individual travellers to join an existing departure and share a safari vehicle with other visitors.
This is often one of the most affordable ways to experience Tanzania as a solo traveller because the vehicle, guide, fuel, and other operating expenses are shared.
Group safaris are particularly suitable for people who enjoy meeting other travellers and do not mind following a planned itinerary.
However, you may have less flexibility when choosing game drive schedules, accommodation, and destinations.
Which Option Should You Choose?
| Feature | Private safari | Group joining safari |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle | Private | Shared |
| Guide | Dedicated guide | Shared guide |
| Itinerary | Flexible | Usually fixed |
| Cost per person | Generally higher | Generally lower |
| Social experience | More private | Meet other travellers |
| Best suited for | Flexibility and privacy | Saving money and socialising |
If keeping costs down is your main priority, consider a group joining safari. If you value privacy and flexibility, a private safari may be worth the additional expense.
A single supplement is an additional accommodation charge that may apply when one person occupies a room or tent normally priced for two guests.
Most safari lodges and tented camps advertise accommodation rates based on two people sharing. When you travel alone, the property may charge an additional amount because it cannot sell the second place in that room or tent.
The amount varies depending on the accommodation, season, and booking conditions.
For example, a lodge might advertise its rate per person based on two guests sharing. A solo visitor occupying the same room may have to pay a higher rate.
It is important to understand that a single supplement is not necessarily applied to every part of your safari. It usually relates to accommodation, while the private vehicle and guide costs are separate considerations.
How Can You Reduce the Single Supplement?
There are several ways to manage additional accommodation costs when travelling alone.
Join a group safari: Sharing the vehicle reduces your share of transport and guide costs.
Ask about solo accommodation rates: Some lodges and camps offer reduced rates for individual guests.
Travel during quieter periods: Certain properties offer seasonal promotions or reduced single supplements.
Compare accommodation options: Different camps and lodges have different pricing arrangements.
Request an itemised quotation: Ask your operator to explain any single supplement before confirming your booking.
Do not assume that every group safari automatically removes the accommodation supplement. Confirm whether you will have a private room or share accommodation and what the final price includes.
Safety is an important consideration when travelling alone in an unfamiliar destination. Tanzania receives visitors from around the world, including people travelling independently.
An organised safari provides a structured way to explore national parks because you travel with a professional guide and stay at established camps or lodges.
However, you should still take normal travel precautions and choose your safari arrangements carefully.
Here are some practical considerations:
Choose a reputable safari operator: Confirm that the company is properly registered and has clear contact details and booking terms.
Arrange airport transfers in advance: Know who will collect you and where you will be staying.
Follow your guide’s instructions: Wildlife areas have specific safety rules. Always follow guidance from your professional guide and camp staff.
Keep important documents secure: Carry copies of your passport, travel insurance, and other essential documents.
Share your itinerary: Give someone at home your travel schedule and safari operator’s contact details.
Use trusted accommodation and transport: Ask your operator or hotel to arrange reliable transfers.
During game drives, remain inside the safari vehicle unless your guide confirms that it is safe to leave. At camps and lodges, follow staff instructions about walking around the property, particularly after dark.
With suitable planning and responsible travel arrangements, a guided safari can be a practical option for people visiting Tanzania alone.
Women travelling alone can also enjoy a Tanzania safari. Many safari operators, lodges, and camps regularly accommodate individual female visitors.
A private safari allows you to travel with a dedicated professional guide, while a group departure provides an opportunity to meet other travellers.
If you are planning a solo female safari, consider the following:
Book through an established safari company.
Arrange airport transfers and accommodation before arrival.
Check the location and facilities of your chosen lodge or camp.
Ask about the group size and other arrangements if joining a shared safari.
Follow local advice about transport and moving around towns.
Let someone you trust know your travel plans.
You can also discuss any particular accommodation or guide preferences with your safari operator before booking.
The most important consideration is to make arrangements that allow you to feel comfortable throughout your trip.
Tanzania offers wildlife viewing throughout the year, but different seasons provide different experiences.
The best time for your solo safari depends on the parks you want to visit and the wildlife experiences that interest you.
June to October: Dry season
This is one of the most popular periods for wildlife safaris. Vegetation is generally thinner, and animals often gather around water sources, making wildlife easier to spot in many areas.
It is also a busy travel season, so accommodation and safari availability should be checked early.
January to February: Calving season
These months are particularly interesting for visitors hoping to see the wildebeest calving season in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu area.
The period also offers opportunities to see young animals and predators in the surrounding grasslands.
March to May: Long rainy season
The long rains bring greener landscapes and fewer visitors to some destinations. Some accommodation providers may offer lower rates during this period.
However, rain can affect road conditions and travel schedules, so discuss your planned route with your operator.
November to December: Short rainy season
Short rains generally occur during this period, although conditions vary. The landscapes become greener, and birdwatching can be rewarding.
If you have flexible travel dates, ask about accommodation offers and group departures during quieter periods.
Travelling alone should not prevent you from experiencing Tanzania’s remarkable wildlife and landscapes. Whether you prefer a private safari or want to join other travellers, there are options to suit different budgets, travel styles, and interests.
At Benson Safaris, we can help you plan an itinerary based on your travel dates, preferred destinations, accommodation, and budget.
Contact Benson Safaris to discuss your solo Tanzania safari. Tell us when you plan to travel and what you would like to experience, and our team can help you explore the available safari options.
Let us tailor you dream safari!
Join Benson Safaris for a 6 day adventure in Tanzania’s Serengeti, witnessing the awe-inspiring Wildebeest Migration with prime viewing spots guaranteed.
Discover Tanzania’s wildlife wonders with our 5-day budget safari. Choose mid-range camping or lodge for budget-friendly comfort and adventure.
Embark on a 5-day Tanzanian adventure in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, choosing tented camp or mid-range lodge accommodations. Cherish the journey.
Optimized by Seraphinite Accelerator
