Tanzania is one of Africa's most expensive destinations, due to the high cost of park entry fees and safari logistics. The reference budget of €150/day/person is a very optimistic minimum valid only for trips primarily based in Zanzibar with a short budget group safari. For a real quality safari experience, count on €300 to €700/day/person all-in (4x4, guide, full board, park fees, lodge or permanent camp accommodation).
Park entry fees are a major budget line. 2026 rates for non-resident adults: Serengeti 70 USD/day, Ngorongoro 70.80 USD/day (including the 295 USD crater fee per vehicle to descend into the crater), Tarangire 53 USD/day, Lake Manyara 53 USD/day, Arusha 53 USD/day. To this add 18% VAT applied since 2022. For a 7-day Northern Circuit, park fees alone represent 500-700 USD/person.
Accommodation covers the full range. Mobile camps or basic permanent camps: €200-350/night/person on full board. Mid-range lodges (Serena, Sopa, Lake Manyara Serena): €350-500/night. Premium lodges (Four Seasons Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Singita): €800-2,500/night. In Zanzibar, the offering is more diverse: €30-60/night in Stone Town guesthouses, €80-200/night in mid-range hotels at Nungwi or Kendwa, €300-800/night in luxury resorts (Park Hyatt, Zuri Zanzibar, Baraza Resort).
A few practical tips: the US dollar is widely accepted for tourist transactions (lodges, park fees) — bring fresh small-denomination bills (notes prior to 2009 are refused). The Tanzanian shilling (TZS) is needed for daily purchases (€1 ≈ 2,700 TZS in 2026). ATMs work in Arusha, Moshi, Dar es Salaam and Stone Town. Tips are expected for safari guides (10-15 USD/day/person per guide), Kilimanjaro porters (per KPAP scale), and waiters (10% in urban restaurants).
Read also
- Northern Circuit: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire — The benchmark safari circuit: the Great Migration, the crater and Tarangire's giant baobabs.
- Zanzibar: Stone Town and turquoise beaches — The Swahili archipelago, its UNESCO alleys, spice plantations and paradise white-sand beaches.
- Kilimanjaro: Africa's roof — 5,895 m, the continent's highest peak — a legendary 5-9 day climb via Machame, Marangu or Lemosho routes.
- Dar es Salaam, Selous and the southern coast — The economic capital, Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous) — Africa's largest reserve — and Mafia Island.