Popular Budget Safaris in Tanzania
How to Have the Best Experience and Save Money
Tanzania is a country known for its stunning landscapes and wildlife. You can experience the vastness of the Serengeti, climb Kilimanjaro, explore Zanzibar, and see beauty in every corner of this African nation.
But there’s one thing that often holds budget-conscious travelers back from experiencing all that Tanzania has to offer: price. Luxury lodges and guided tours can cost thousands of dollars, which might make you think you can’t afford a safari here.
The good news is that it’s possible to see all of Tanzania’s wonders without breaking the bank. With some careful planning and creativity, you can have an unforgettable safari on a shoestring budget. It doesn’t have to be luxurious or expensive for it to be worth it.
Here’s our guide on how to plan a budget safari in Tanzania that still gives you everything you want out of your trip. We’ll share tips for picking affordable destinations and accommodation, joining group tours, exploring off-the-beaten-path locations — so buckle up! Get ready to discover what many people say is their favorite place they’ve ever visited… while keeping your wallet happy too!
Choose Affordable Parks and Reserves
Tanzania has plenty of world-renowned parks and reserves like Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Zanzibar Island… but those are also known for being expensive. So when you’re working with a tight budget, choose lesser-known ones instead.
Some options are:
Tarangire National Park: Famous for its elephants and baobab trees; offers basic lodging options
Lake Manyara National Park: Small park with lakes full of flamingos; cheap accommodations available
Ruaha National Park: The largest national park in Tanzania where lions, leopards, rhinos live; slightly lower prices than other parks
Selous Game Reserve: Remote place with beautiful wildlife; basic camping sites and budget lodges are available
These parks might not be as famous as the others, but they’ll still give you what you want out of your visit to Tanzania. Plus, choosing them will help you save on park fees, permits, and accommodations — so it’s a win-win.
Travel in the Low Season
Tanzania’s high season is from June to October and December to February — when viewing wildlife is at its peak. But everything is more expensive during that time of year.
To save money, travel in the low season from March to May or November instead. The downside is that some roads may be muddy and wildlife could be more dispersed… but the parks’ greenness without many tourists will make up for it.
Besides, traveling during baby animal season sounds like an incredible experience that should ease any concern about missing out on things just because it’s not high season.
Be prepared for some rain and mud by wearing the right clothing and footwear
Check to make sure that where you want to stay is open, many lodges and camp sites close during low season.
Choose a group tour or hire a local guide to help you through the difficult landscape, as well as find wildlife easier.
Embrace the green season by bird watching and spotting baby animals
Camp in inexpensive lodges
Accommodation costs can eat away at your wallet on a Tanzania safari. High end luxury lodges will cost you hundreds, maybe even thousands of dollars per night. But don’t worry! There are plenty of affordable options. From basic campsites to simple lodges and guesthouses, there’s surely something for you.
Camping is one of the best ways to experience Tanzania’s parks on a budget. Many camping sites offer toilets and showers so that you feel less like you’re roughing it. Pitching your own tent and making your own meals can save you loads of money while still immersing yourself with the beautiful land around you. Below are some popular campsites:
Seronera Campsite in Serengeti National Park
Simba Campsite in Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Lake Manyara Campsite in Lake Manyara National Park
If sleeping outside isn’t for you, try staying in inexpensive lodges instead! These might not be as nice as high-end options inside the parks, but they’ll have comfortable beds, warm showers, and tasty food without breaking your bank account. Here are some great budget-friendly lodges:
Tarangire Safari Lodge in Tarangire National Park
Kipepeo Beach Village in Dar es Salaam
Mbuyuni Farm Retreat near Arusha
Go with a Group Tour
Joining a group tour is an awesome way to get the most out of your Tanzanian experience all while sticking to your budget! Since costs are split between each person, you’ll be able to save a lot on transportation, accommodation and permits. Even though these tours are budget-friendly, they still come with expert guides and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Overlanding tours is a popular choice for a lot of people in Tanzania. They can hold up to 20 people at once and offer sleeping and cooking facilities. These tours can last from a few days to multiple weeks and often include activities like camping, basic lodging, game drives hikes and more.
Other budget-friendly group tour options in Tanzania include:
Camping safaris that focus on a specific park or region, like the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater
Volunteer safaris that combine wildlife conservation or community development projects with safari activities, often at a lower cost than traditional tours
Backpacker tours that use public transportation and basic accommodation to keep costs down
Before choosing your group consider doing some research about their past reviews. You want to make sure the company is reputable as well as safe. Additionally look for experienced guides with good safety records who are transparent about their itinerary, accommodation and what’s included in the package.
Discover the Path Less Traveled
While Tanzania’s world-renowned parks and reserves are absolutely must-visits, they can also come with hefty price tags and pesky crowds. To save money and have a more authentic experience, consider straying from the beaten path.
Some lesser-known, but just as incredible areas include:
Usambara Mountains: A mountain range located in northeastern Tanzania known for its jaw-dropping views, hiking trails and bird watching.
Pangani: A relaxing coastal town filled with beautiful beaches, historically significant sites and opportunities to go snorkeling and diving.
Udzungwa Mountains National Park: A remote park packed with unique wildlife only found there — including wild primates and birds. You can even camp in the park or hit the trails!
Kitulo National Park: Nicknamed “Serengeti of Flowers,” this botanist paradise is filled with gorgeous wildflower displays that won’t break your bank. Camping options are also cheap!
By going off the beaten path you’ll not only save a ton of money on accommodations and activities, but you’ll get to know Tanzania’s natural beauty like no one else.
Use Public Transportation
Moving around Tanzania can sometimes empty your wallet when you take into account private vehicles. Plus drivers and fuel aren’t that great either. One way to save some cash during your trip is using public buses, minibuses or shared taxis.
While public transportation in Tanzania could be uncomfortable due to crowds, heat or lack of space it still does its job getting people where they need to be. Buses and minibuses run frequently between major cities so don’t worry about not finding one! They usually charge around $20 for longer trips but if you’re traveling shorter distances it’ll be much less.
Advice for using public transportation in Tanzania:
Be ready for long rides that aren’t exactly comfortable
Keep valuables close at all times because petty thievery is sometimes an issue
Don’t hesitate to ask fellow passengers or bus station staff for directions
Consider hiring a driver or private taxi if you’re going somewhere remote and far
Allow extra time for delays — it’s just how public transportation works!
Eat Local and Make Your Own Meals
Food and drinks can be an extremely pricey expense on a Tanzania safari. This is because many lodges and camps charge high prices for meals and beverages. However, you can save quite a bit of money by eating local as well as making your own meals whenever possible.
Tanzanian cuisine is affordable, delicious and easy to find. Staples include ugali (maize porridge), pilau (spiced rice) and nyama choma (grilled meat). For cheaper options consider street food stalls which offer tasty dishes such as mishkaki (grilled meat skewers), chipsi mayai (French fry omelette) and mandazi (fried dough).
Camping or staying in self-catering accommodations? Hit up the local markets for ingredients to cook your own meals! Most budget lodges have small kitchens where you can make simple dishes like pasta, rice and vegetables.
Just make sure to take caution when eating local food or drinking water:
Stick with treated or bottled water — avoid ice cubes at all costs
Peel fruits and vegetables before eating them raw
Go to busy restaurants with fresh food that’s cooked when ordered
Improvisational Gear
Here’s something to remember if you’re going on a camping or self-drive safari in Tanzania: bringing your own gear can save you money on rental costs and make sure you have everything you need for a comfortable and safe trip. The following is an assortment of what to bring:
Tent and sleeping bag (if camping)
Sleeping pad or mattress (for extra comfort)
Camping stove and cookware (if preparing your own meals)
Water filtration or purification system
First aid kit and personal medications
Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
Insect repellent and sunscreen
Binoculars and camera gear
Sturdy hiking shoes or boots
Hat, sunglasses, and lightweight, breathable clothing
By bringing your own gear, there are more benefits than just saving money on rental fees. You also have control over the quality of your equipment. However, be careful not to over-pack – bulky baggage can be expensive.
Hire Someone Who Knows What They’re Doing
It may seem counterintuitive but hiring a guide when trying to save money can actually be a smart move. A knowledgeable local guide can help you navigate parks and reserves – which will save your time, energy, and stress. On top of that they will point out wildlife that would otherwise go unnoticed – which means more cool pictures for IG. Lastly, they’ll give insight into the culture so you don’t look like an idiot in front of the locals.
Hiring someone for this kind of service has many positive long term effects as well – they will help avoid costly mistakes or tourist traps by showing off their insider knowledge. They will also provide access to local discounts that tourists might not typically have access to. Supporting local guides helps create jobs too! So it’s win win win all across the board!
When hiring a guide keep these things in mind:
Ask for recommendations from other travelers, tour operators, or your accommodation
Check the guide’s credentials and experience, and make sure they are licensed and insured
Agree on the scope of services, itinerary, and payment in advance, and get everything in writing
Be clear about your expectations and preferences, and communicate openly with your guide throughout the trip.
