Tanzania Safari FAQs: Cost, Regions, Tourism Tax & More

Planning a safari in Tanzania? Get answers to the most Tanzania Safari FAQs about safari costs, regions, tourism tax, and whether Tanzania is a top safari destination.

Tanzania is one of Africa’s top safari destinations — home to the Serengeti, the Great Migration, the Big Five, and much more. If you’re considering a trip to this beautiful country, you probably have questions about cost, safari options, tourist taxes, and the geography of the country.

Here’s a helpful guide covering all the essentials.

1. How Much Does a Safari Cost in Tanzania?

The cost of a safari in Tanzania depends on a few key factors:

Accommodation type (budget, mid-range, or luxury)
Number of days on safari
Private vs. group safari
Season (high vs. low/green season)
Destinations visited (some parks are more remote or expensive than others)

💰 General Price Range (Per Person, Per Day):

Budget safari: $180 – $300
Mid-range safari: $350 – $550
Luxury safari: $600 – $1,500+

Prices usually include:

Park entrance fees
A professional guide and vehicle
Accommodation and meals
Game drives and transfers
Sometimes internal flights (if flying between parks)

🎯 Tip: Booking with a local operator can offer better value than going through large international agencies.

2. Does Tanzania Have Safaris?

Yes — and not just any safaris. Tanzania is one of the best safari destinations in the world. It offers:

Incredible wildlife diversity
World-famous national parks and conservation areas
A variety of landscapes: savannah, crater, mountains, forests, lakes, and wetlands
Unique experiences like the Great Wildebeest Migration, chimpanzee trekking, and walking safaris

🌍 Top Safari Parks in Tanzania:

Serengeti National Park – endless plains and wildlife action year-round
Ngorongoro Crater – high chance to see the Big Five in a compact area
Tarangire National Park – large elephant herds and ancient baobabs
Lake Manyara National Park – known for tree-climbing lions and birdlife
Ruaha & Nyerere (Selous) National Parks – remote and wild, perfect for off-the-beaten-path safaris
Gombe & Mahale Mountains – home to wild chimpanzees

🎯 Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned safari-goer, Tanzania has a safari for you.

3. Which Regions Are in Tanzania?

Tanzania is divided into 31 administrative regions, each offering its own unique attractions. These regions fall into several zones:

🧭 Key Safari Zones:

Northern Circuit – Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Manyara, Mara
Home to Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara
Southern Circuit – Iringa, Morogoro, Lindi, Ruvuma
Home to Ruaha, Nyerere (Selous), Mikumi
Western Circuit – Kigoma, Katavi
Home to Gombe Stream and Mahale Mountains (chimpanzee trekking)
Coastal & Zanzibar Regions – Dar es Salaam, Tanga, Unguja, Pemba
For beach escapes, culture, and marine wildlife

Each region offers something different — whether it’s game viewing, hiking, culture, or beach relaxation.

4. What Is the Tourism Tax in Tanzania?

Tanzania applies Value-Added Tax (VAT) and other levies to tourism services. Here’s what you need to know:

VAT (18%) is included in most published safari prices — covering accommodation, transport, and guide services.
Park Entry Fees: Charged per person, per day. Varies by park.
- Serengeti: ~$70–$83/day
- Ngorongoro: ~$70/day (plus crater vehicle fee)
- Tarangire/Lake Manyara: ~$59/day
Concession Fees: Charged if you stay inside national parks — often $50–$70 per night.
WMA Fees: Wildlife Management Areas may charge small community support fees ($10–$20 per day).
Hotel Levy: Some hotels and lodges apply a small local tax (usually $1–$5 per night).

🎯 Good safari operators include all taxes and park fees in your quoted price — always double-check!

Final Thoughts: Know Before You Go

Planning a safari in Tanzania doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With a basic understanding of costs, safari regions, and taxes, you can make informed decisions and prepare for an unforgettable adventure.

🦓 Still have questions? We’re happy to guide you through planning the perfect safari — based on your interests, travel dates, and budget.

Our Latest posts

Safari Experiences

Send Us A Message

Social Media

Read Our Reviews on TripAdvisor

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 141 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Faris K 
 23 September 2026
 
 
 Verified Amazing Kilimanjaro climb with this team
My wife and I went on the Kilimanjaro climb, through the Machame route, and the Benson Safaris team, including the guides and the rest of the crew, were amazing people. We have traveled a lot and have been to many countries, but this team were the best. We felt very welcomed and supported throughout the multi-day hike. We had a great summit experience and a great celebration from the team after that. We will definitely go on the safari adventure with them. Genuinely great people.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   River H 
 22 September 2026
 
 
 Verified responsible, responsive
will remember our safari forever! Carlos was such a nice, responsible, and experienced guide. We had a pleasant 7 days with him. Fortune was very responsive and helpful when we were first looking into the itenerary. Overall good experience.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Martha A. 
 17 September 2026
 
 
 Verified Once in a lifetime safari
We had a great time during our safari with Benson Safaris. From the very beginning Fortune was helpful and attentive, helping us to design our itinerary and adjust it to our budget and preferences. We did a cross country safari and had two guides, Edmund in Kenya and Carlos in Tanzania. They both were kind, knowledgeable and always willing to go the extra mile to make our trip memorable. They have different personalities, naturally, but share the same sense of commitment and love for their work. I will always remember this experience and will be grateful to them for it.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   tom w 
 29 August 2026
 
 
 Verified four day safari across the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater
As a trip of a lifetime for the family, this safari had to be extra special and Benson Safaris ensured that every step of the way we were given one of the most amazing experiences we will ever have. From shaping the right trip for us, to pre-planning check lists to the most wonderfully warm and experienced staff, I cannot speak highly enough of the service we had. We deliberately chose a local operator, not only to support local businesses but to also have a more personal touch. Dolphine was always on hand to answer any queries while our guide Liberatus was so friendly and immensely experienced (he's been driving safaris for more than 15 years) - giving us confidence that we would have the best wildlife sightings timed to avoid the larger crowds. He even managed to find us two sightings of leopards, which are notoriously hard to spot! The children gave up the count of the number of different species we saw at 30 plus but the incredible images and memories of four days on the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater will stay with us forever.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   ashrique F 
 21 August 2026
 
 
 Verified Ashrique & Krishna
We travelled with Benson Safaris for our Kenya and Tanzania trip, and honestly, it was one of the best travel experiences we’ve had. From the start, the whole trip was very well planned. We crossed the Kenya–Tanzania border and then came back into Kenya, and all the immigration and border formalities were surprisingly smooth. The team was always there to guide us and help whenever needed, which made a big difference. The accommodations were another highlight. We stayed at some really beautiful places, but Olerai Lodge, Friends Camp and Khumbu Khumbu Luxury Resorts deserve a special mention. Each one had its own charm, and the food throughout the trip was genuinely excellent. After spending hours out on safari, coming back to a good meal and a comfortable place to stay was something we really appreciated. Our guides, Martin and Zab, were a huge part of what made the trip special. Martin was very knowledgeable and patient, and you could tell that he genuinely enjoyed what he was doing. And then there was Zab — the Mayor of Serengeti! Honestly, I’m not sure how the trip would have been without him. He talked constantly, cracked jokes, knew everyone we came across, and somehow always seemed to know where the animals were. But beyond being a great guide, he became a friend during the trip. Some of our best memories are simply from sitting in the jeep listening to Zab talk about life, the Serengeti and pretty much everything else. He has this wonderful way of looking at life — simple, positive and full of humour. By the end, it felt less like we had hired a guide and more like we were travelling around with a friend who happened to know the Serengeti incredibly well. The actual safari experience was unbelievable. The Great Migration, the river crossings, lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, zebras, wildebeests, hippos and all the smaller animals in between — there was something new every single day. What I really liked was that the guides didn’t just point out animals; they helped us understand what was happening around us and how the whole ecosystem fits together. We did this trip to celebrate our first wedding anniversary, so it was already going to be a special trip for us. But Benson Safaris and the team made it much more memorable than we expected. A big thank you to everyone at Benson Safaris, to Martin, and especially to Zab, the Mayor of Serengeti, for making this such an incredible experience. We would happily travel with Benson Safaris again. And if we do make it back to the Serengeti someday, I really hope the Mayor is still around to show us around.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Mobile732604 
 16 August 2026
 
 
 Verified Absolute Dream Safari! Flawless Logistics, Upgrades and the Best Guide
Wow, what an absolutely mind-blowing experience with Benson’s Safari! From the very first email to our final goodbye, they were spectacular every single step of the way. Fortune was our superstar booking agent. She custom-crafted multiple incredible options for us and pulled off absolute magic by scoring us last-minute upgrades at three of our hotels! Our guide, Zablone, was a true legend. He drove us from Arusha all the way to the Northern Serengeti with so much pride and enthusiasm. He went completely above and beyond, working tirelessly to ensure we witnessed a breathtaking river crossing. It was unforgettable! We felt completely taken care of because Benson's had a dedicated representative with us at every single transition. We never had to stress about a single logistical detail. Do not hesitate for a second to book with them—they are the absolute best!
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Kane 
 9 August 2026
 
 
 Verified GREAT!!! HAKUNA MATATA!
We had an extraordinarily valuable experience on this trip. Grace was highly responsible and responded promptly to all our inquiries. Mr. Benson was humorous and engaging, and our guide, Carlos, was a true professional with exceptional expertise. On top of that, their quote was completely transparent with no hidden fees. I highly recommend them!
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Suzanne D 
 4 August 2026
 
 
 Verified The Safari of a Lifetime - thanks to Benson
We would highly recommend Benson! At first, we were a little hesitant about booking locally and paying the full amount in advance. However, from the very first moment, all our concerns disappeared. The communication was excellent, friendly, and professional. Our itinerary was completely tailored to our wishes and exceeded our expectations. Our first meeting with our guide, Zablon, immediately gave us confidence. He is incredibly experienced, knowledgeable, and passionate about wildlife and nature. Thanks to him, we enjoyed an unforgettable 9-day safari. The picnic lunches were perfectly arranged every day, and all of the accommodations were excellent. Everything was well organized and taken care of down to the smallest detail. Thanks to Benson and Zablon, we had the trip of a lifetime. If you're looking for a reliable company that creates a personalized safari experience with outstanding service, we can wholeheartedly recommend Benson.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Christine K 
 3 August 2026
 
 
 Verified Tanzania Safari
Wonderful Safari. Guides were amazing. Knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating. Sites were just beautiful. We were able to get to see all the animals and stayed at many wonderful lodges
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   DN 
 31 July 2026
 
 
 Verified Fijne en betrouwbare reisadviseur
Benson is een serieuze en betrouwbare adviseur. Zeer goede ervaring met reisadviseur Fortune Hyasinti (Tour Consultant /Planner). Flexibel, meedenkend, prettig contact, reageert snel, professioneel. Aanrader!