How Much Does A Serengeti Safari Cost?
Introduction:
The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is one of the most celebrated places in the world to see wildlife at its best. Here you can see the Great Migration which involves about two million wildebeest migrating through Tanzania and Kenya, the entire circuit spanning 1,200 miles. Many other animals also take part in this epic journey. Many factors determine the cost of a safari in the Serengeti, such as the accommodation, the number of people traveling, the length of the trip, and the mode of transport you prefer. This article aims to understand these factors in detail.
The Accommodation:
The accommodation you want greatly influences the total cost of the Serengeti safari. Many such options exist in the reserve that cater to every budget. The choices range from mid-range tented camps to luxurious safari lodges. In the same breath as your preferred accommodation type, the length of your stay will also decide the final price. Peak season in the Serengeti is from July to October when prices will be high. If you plan to stay in a luxurious tented camp such as the And Beyond Klein’s Camp or Nawiri Plains, the cost per person per night in the low season would roughly be 300+ USD and 600+ USD in peak season.
If you want to stay in a mid-range safari lodge, the Serengeti Serena Lodge will cost about 150 USD per person per night during the low season and about 300 USD during peak season.
There are also budget-tented camps where the pocket pinch would be 100 USD or less. Camping in tents is even cheaper but you would need to have your camps and make do with basic facilities in campsites just as basic.
The Mode Of Transport:
This is another factor that has a significant impact on the Serengeti safari. You can fly to Serengeti from Arusha, which is more expensive, or go there by road. Overnight or two-day trips can be done by flying to the reserve. You can consider this option if you don’t mind spending a little extra. In the case of solo travel, flying may be the cheaper option unless you manage to join a group on a road safari. They can bring down the cost.
Many reliable airlines have scheduled flights from Arusha to Serengeti such as Coastal Aviation and Auric Air. A one-way flight per person ranges from 200 USD to 250 USD and a return flight from 300 USD to 450 USD per person. The season and the availability have a say in the costs.
If you want to travel by road, the 4×4 Toyota Landcruiser is the most used vehicle for safaris in Tanzania. The cost of renting is between 250 USD to 275 USD per vehicle per day depending on the season and availability. The safari vehicles will have facilities such as air conditioners, and game-viewing roofs among others. You can also make safari customizations. There are some safari vehicles for off-roading too.
Duration Of The Safari:
The number of days you plan to explore the Serengeti will also have a say in the final bill. Therefore, if you’re on a tight budget, we recommend you spend a maximum of three days in the park. The low season months from April to early June will hopefully allow you to spend less for a longer stay as the accommodations will be lower and there will be fewer crowds compared to the peak season. If your budget permits, we recommend you stay for a maximum of four days (3 nights) in the park. This would include enough game drives to explore the place properly and get ample time to relax in the camp.
Time Of The Year:
Safari prices in the Serengeti during the peak season will be high. This is the season of the famous Great Migration and it attracts tourists from all over the world. Bookings are made well in advance. So, if you are on a tight budget, we ask you to avoid coming to Serengeti during this season. Yes, you would miss the migration, but sometimes circumstances can be a pain. However, there is much more to the Serengeti than the Great Migration. The weather here is comfortable and you can watch animals in the peak and the low seasons.
The Number Of People Going:
The difference between traveling solo or with a small group and going with a big group means the total price gets divided more, resulting in you paying less. If you are the sole traveler, the payment for accommodation, food, safari, and other expenditures would be more than traveling in a group. If you are traveling with children, and if they are under the age of 12, you will be charged a lower price for the tour. If you have children under three, their safari charges will be waived in almost all camps and lodges in the Serengeti.
The Entry Fees
The residency status of the visitors determines the entry fees for the Serengeti. There are three statuses: citizen, resident, and non-resident.
Tanzanian citizens show proof of status such as a valid national ID or passport for entry. Residents present valid documents from the Tanzanian government and the non-residents are usually overseas tourists.
Non-residents of Tanzania have to pay 70 USD per adult per 24 hours in the peak season (16th May to 14th March) and 60 USD per adult per 24 hours in the low season (15th March to 15th May). Children between 5 to 15 pay 20 USD per 24 hours. This rate changes neither in the peak nor low season. They are subject to 18% VAT.
In addition to the park fees, there are concession fees that foreign visitors have to pay irrespective of the camp they are in. The concession fees for lodges or hotels during the peak months of July to October are 60 USD per adult and 10 USD per child per 24 hours (from 5 to 15 years). During the low season months of October to June, the concession fee for these visitors is 50 USD per adult and 10 USD. In both cases, there is 18& VAT.
Extra Activities:
Apart from the traveling from Arusha to the Serengeti and back, the accommodations, and the game drives, there are some extras such as a visit to a Maasai village, a hot-air balloon ride, bush, breakfast, and dinners among others. If you stay outside the reserve, you can enjoy the night game drives. They will, however, be additional expenses.
The average range of hot-air balloon rides is from 559 USD to 599 USD per person. The camp or the lodge will determine the cost.
Maasai village visits range from 30 USD to 50 USD per person, and the costs include return transfers from your overnight safari lodge or camp, village contribution fees, and an English-speaking guide.
Other Factors:
The additional factors that are just as important as the ones above are travel visas, international flight tickets, food, drinks, souvenirs, and others.
Conclusion:
If you plan your Serengeti trip keeping these determiners in mind, you are more than ready to have an unforgettable experience. Whether you see the Great Migration or not, that is not the only thing the park is famous for, you will see animals galore throughout the year, thanks to the weather. The place is ideal for people of every budget. So, what are you waiting for?
