Comparing Costs of Safaris in Tanzania vs. Kenya

When planning a safari adventure in East Africa, choosing between Tanzania and Kenya can be challenging. Both countries offer world-renowned wildlife experiences, but the costs associated with safaris can vary. This blog will aim to help you understand the differences in park fees, accommodation pricing, and other relevant costs to aid in planning your perfect safari.

Contents

Park Fees

• Tanzania
• Kenya

Accommodation Costs

• Budget Options
• Mid-Range Options
• Luxury Options

Guided Tours and Safari Packages

Other Costs

• Food and Drink
• Tips and Gratuities
• Souvenirs and Extras

Unique Experiences

• Tanzania
• Kenya

East Africa's Tanzania and Kenya are iconic safari destinations, each offering unique experiences in wildlife viewing, landscapes, and cultural encounters. However, when it comes to factors that determine the final cost for a safari, various factors such as park fees, accommodation, and additional costs can impact the overall price. Let's compares the costs of safaris in Tanzania and Kenya to help you make an informed decision.

Park Fees

Park fees are a significant component of the overall cost of a safari. These fees vary not only between Tanzania and Kenya but also between different parks within each country.

Tanzania

Tanzania is home to some of Africa's most famous national parks, including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire.

• Serengeti National Park: Entry fees are approximately $70 per adult per day. Additional costs may include camping fees if you're staying within the park which can be around $60 as well - costing around a total of $130 per day.
• Ngorongoro Crater: The entry fee is about $70 per adult per day, with an additional vehicle fee of $300 per car per day to enter the crater.
• Tarangire National Park: Entry fees are around $50 per adult per day.

These fees contribute to conservation efforts and the maintenance of park facilities but can add up quickly, especially for longer stays.

Kenya

Kenya's national parks, such as the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Tsavo, are equally renowned but tend to have slightly lower park fees compared to Tanzania.

• Maasai Mara National Reserve: As of 2024, entry fees have increased to now $200 per adult per day during the peak season and $100 during the low season.
• Amboseli National Park: Entry fees are around $60 per adult per day.
• Tsavo National Parks: Combined entry fees for Tsavo East and Tsavo West are about $52 per adult per day.

Accommodation Costs

Accommodation is another major expense on safari, and prices can vary widely based on the level of luxury and location.

Budget Options

Tanzania:

• Budget lodges and campsites in Tanzania typically range from $30 to $100 per night. These options may offer basic amenities but are usually clean and comfortable.
• Examples include public campsites in the Serengeti and budget lodges near the Ngorongoro Crater.

Kenya:

• Budget accommodations in Kenya range from $20 to $80 per night. These can include tented camps and budget lodges, often located just outside major parks.
• Examples include campsites around the Maasai Mara and budget lodges in Amboseli.

Mid-Range Options

Tanzania:

• Mid-range lodges and tented camps in Tanzania typically cost between $150 and $300 per night. These accommodations offer more comfort and amenities such as en-suite bathrooms and better dining options.
• Examples include Tarangire Safari Lodge and Serena Safari Lodges in various parks.

Kenya:

• Mid-range options in Kenya range from $100 to $250 per night. These include well-appointed tented camps and lodges with good facilities and services.
• Examples include Look Mara Camp in the Maasai Mara and Ol Tukai Lodge in Amboseli.

Luxury Options

Tanzania:

• Luxury lodges and camps in Tanzania can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500 per night. These high-end options provide top-notch services, gourmet dining, and exclusive game drives.
• Examples include Four Seasons Safari Lodge in the Serengeti and Lemala Nanyukie

Kenya:

• Luxury accommodations in Kenya range from $400 to $1,200 per night. These include upscale tented camps and lodges with private plunge pools, spa services, and personalized safari experiences.
• Examples include Little Governors' Camp and Elena Tortilis Camp in Amboseli.

Guided Tours and Safari Packages

Both Tanzania and Kenya offer a range of guided tours and safari packages that can cater to different budgets and preferences.

Tanzania:

• Budget Packages: Typically range from $150 to $300 per day, including park fees, accommodation, meals, and guided game drives.
• Mid-Range Packages: Cost between $350 and $600 per day, offering better accommodation and additional amenities such as private game drives.
• Luxury Packages: Range from $700 to $1,500 per day, providing top-tier services, exclusive lodges, and personalized itineraries.

Kenya:

• Budget Packages: Generally cost between $100 and $250 per day, covering park fees, basic accommodation, meals, and shared game drives.
• Mid-Range Packages: Range from $300 to $500 per day, with mid-range lodges and more inclusive services.
• Luxury Packages: Cost from $600 to $1,200 per day, featuring luxury lodges, private game drives, and premium services.

Link: Compare Safari Packages

Other Costs

In addition to the main costs outlined above, there are several other expenses to consider when budgeting for a safari in Tanzania or Kenya.

Food and Drink

Tanzania:

• Meals are often included in safari packages, but if you are staying at lodges or camps on a room-only basis, expect to pay $10 to $20 for a meal at budget accommodations, $20 to $40 at mid-range, and $50 to $100 at luxury lodges.
• Drinks are generally extra, with prices varying depending on the type of beverage and the level of accommodation.

Kenya:

• Similar to Tanzania, meals are usually included in packages. For room-only stays, budget $10 to $15 for meals at budget lodges, $20 to $30 at mid-range, and $40 to $80 at luxury accommodations.
• Drink prices are comparable to those in Tanzania, with a similar range based on the accommodation's luxury level.

Tips and Gratuities

Tipping is customary on safari, and the amounts can add up, especially for longer stays.

• Guides and Drivers: $10 to $20 per day per person.
• Camp Staff: $5 to $10 per day per person.
• Porters: $1 to $2 per bag.

Link: Safari Tipping Guide

Souvenirs and Extras

Purchasing souvenirs and participating in additional activities can also impact your safari budget.

Tanzania:

• Souvenirs such as Maasai beadwork, local textiles, and wood carvings can range from $5 to $100, depending on the item.
• Extra activities, such as hot air balloon rides over the Serengeti, typically cost around $500 per person.

Kenya:

• Similar souvenir options are available, with prices comparable to those in Tanzania.
• Additional activities, like cultural visits to Maasai villages, cost around $20 to $50 per person, while hot air balloon safaris over the Maasai Mara cost about $450 to $500 per person.

Check out our other article on souvenir shopping in Tanzania for more info!

Unique Experiences

Both Tanzania and Kenya offer unique experiences that can enhance your safari and add to the overall cost.

Tanzania

Cultural Experiences: Visiting local tribes such as the Maasai or Hadzabe offers a deep cultural immersion. These visits can cost anywhere from $50 to $100 per person, depending on the duration and depth of the experience.

Walking Safaris: Guided walking safaris provide a different perspective of the wildlife and landscapes. Prices typically range from $50 to $100 per person for a half-day experience.

Fly-in Safaris: For those seeking convenience and a unique vantage point, fly-in safaris are available, where you can fly directly into the national parks. These can cost significantly more, from $1,000 to $2,000 per person, but they save time and provide stunning aerial views.

Kenya

Great Migration: Witnessing the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara is a bucket-list experience. While park entry fees and accommodation can be higher during this peak season, the spectacle is well worth it. Consider budgeting extra for this unique experience.

Horseback Safaris: In some Kenyan conservancies, you can explore the wilderness on horseback. These safaris cost between $200 to $500 per person per day, providing a unique way to get close to wildlife.

Community Projects: Participating in community-based tourism projects, where fees contribute to local development, can add a meaningful dimension to your safari. Costs vary but typically range from $50 to $150 per person.

Recap

In summary, the cost of safaris in Tanzania and Kenya can vary based on park fees, accommodation, guided tours, and other expenses. While Tanzania may have slightly higher park fees, both countries offer a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences.

Tanzania:

• Wide Range of Accommodation: From budget to luxury, with a focus on high-end options.
• Unique Safari Experiences: Iconic parks like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

Kenya:

• Diverse Accommodation Options: Comparable range of budget, mid-range, and luxury lodges.
• Popular Safari Destinations: Famous reserves like the Maasai Mara and Amboseli.

Ultimately, both Tanzania and Kenya provide exceptional safari experiences, each with its unique charm and offerings. By understanding the cost differences and planning accordingly, you can ensure a memorable and budget-friendly adventure in East Africa.