Budget — Serengeti

The Serengeti is one of the world's most expensive safari destinations, and the real budget is notably above the reference budget of €500/day. Understanding the cost structure is essential for planning.

The park entry fees are 70.80 USD/day/person for non-residents (including the 18% Tanzanian VAT applied since 2022), plus the conservation fee of 5 USD/day for southern zones (Ndutu). For a 4-day stay in the Serengeti, count on 280-300 USD of entry fees per person.

Accommodation covers a very wide range. Basic mobile camps (Wayo Walking Camp, Tanganyika Bush Camp): 200-350 USD/night/person full board. Mid-range permanent camps (Serengeti Serena, Serengeti Sopa, Mbalageti): 350-500 USD/night/person. High-end mobile camps following the migration (Asilia Olakira, Nomad Serengeti, &Beyond Under Canvas): 800-1,500 USD/night/person. Luxury lodges and camps (Four Seasons Safari Lodge, Singita Grumeti, Sayari Camp, Lemala Nanyukie): 1,500-3,500 USD/night/person. All generally include game drives, meals, drinks (except premium alcohol at some), and internal transfers.

Transfers are the other major item. The road from Arusha (450 km via Ngorongoro) takes 6-8 full hours and costs €80-120/day of 4x4 rental with driver. Internal Cessna flights from Arusha (Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, Regional Air) cost 250-400 USD/segment to Seronera, Lobo, Kogatende or Kusini, but save a full day.

A standard 4-night Serengeti safari all-inclusive (flight from Arusha, internal transfers, mid-range lodge, game drives, park fees, meals) runs 2,500-4,500 USD/person. A luxury 4-night safari (high-end mobile camp, Cessna RT, premium activities) runs 6,000-10,000 USD/person. Tips are expected: 15-20 USD/day/person for the safari guide, 5-10 USD/day for camp staff.