If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing Africa’s incredible wildlife but worried about costs, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of top-rated Tanzania safari tours on a budget. Tanzania is one of the best safari destinations in Africa, home to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara National Park. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, you don’t need to spend thousands on luxury lodges—affordable Tanzania safaris make the dream of adventure possible for everyone.
This article explores the best budget safaris in Tanzania, explains what’s included, how to save money, and lists some of the top affordable safari packages available in 2025/2026.
Choosing budget Tanzania safaris doesn’t mean compromising on experience. In fact, many travelers find budget packages more authentic. You’ll often stay in tented camps or budget lodges, which bring you closer to nature while still offering comfort. Here’s why these tours are so popular:
Affordable Prices: Packages start from $199–$250 per person per day, making them accessible.
Shared Group Safaris: By joining a group, you split the costs of transport, park fees, and guides.
Authentic Experiences: Budget safaris often include camping, giving you the chance to sleep under the African sky.
Same Parks as Luxury Safaris: Whether luxury or budget, you still enjoy the same Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire game drives.
Below are some of the top-rated budget Tanzania safari tours that combine affordability with unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Price: from $850 per person
Highlights: Witness the Big Five, camp inside Serengeti, explore Ngorongoro’s unique crater floor.
Perfect for: Travelers with limited time seeking the most iconic safari spots.
Price: from $1,490
Highlights: Full Northern Circuit, elephant herds in Tarangire, big cats in Serengeti, rhino spotting in Ngorongoro.
Perfect for: First-time visitors wanting a complete wildlife package at a fair price.
Price: from $721 (shared group safari)
Highlights: Affordable camping, flamingos at Lake Manyara, Serengeti plains full of lions and cheetahs.
Perfect for: Backpackers and solo travelers looking to join group safaris.
Price: from $2,100
Highlights: Experience the Great Wildebeest Migration, mobile camping near the herds, Ngorongoro included.
Perfect for: Wildlife photographers and travelers visiting between June–October.
Price: from $500
Highlights: Short and affordable, perfect for those already in Arusha or Moshi.
Perfect for: Travelers on layovers or combining safari with Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar.
Most affordable Tanzania safari tours include the following:
Park entrance fees (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, etc.)
Accommodation in budget tented camps or lodges
Safari vehicle with pop-up roof for photography
Professional driver-guide
Daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Drinking water
Not included: international flights, visa, tips, and personal expenses.
Book Group Safaris – Joining others helps reduce costs significantly.
Choose Camping Safaris – Cheaper than luxury lodges, with great immersion in nature.
Travel Off-Peak Season – November to mid-December and March to May have lower prices.
Use Local Operators – Tanzanian-based companies often offer better prices than international resellers.
Compare Itineraries – Make sure your chosen budget safari still includes the main highlights.
1. Are budget Tanzania safaris safe?
Yes, they are safe. Licensed operators follow strict guidelines, and guides are experienced in handling wildlife situations.
2. Can I see the Big Five on a budget safari?
Absolutely. The Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—are found in Serengeti and Ngorongoro, even on budget tours.
3. Is camping comfortable on a budget safari?
Budget safaris usually include quality tents, sleeping mats, and sometimes even hot showers at campsites.
4. What is the average cost of a budget safari in Tanzania?
On average, budget safari packages in Tanzania cost around $250–$350 per person per day, depending on duration and inclusions.
5. Can I combine a budget safari with Zanzibar?
Yes. Many affordable safari + Zanzibar packages exist, where you can enjoy wildlife and end your trip relaxing on Zanzibar beaches.
A trip to Africa doesn’t have to be expensive. With so many top-rated Tanzania safari tours on a budget, travelers can enjoy world-class wildlife viewing without overspending. From the vast Serengeti to the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, budget-friendly packages deliver the same unforgettable encounters as luxury safaris—at a fraction of the cost.
If you’re looking for affordable Tanzania safari packages, start by comparing 3-day, 4-day, and 5-day itineraries with local operators, join a group, and prepare to witness lions, elephants, giraffes, and the legendary wildebeest migration.
👉 Book your budget safari in Tanzania 2025/2026 today and make your dream African adventure a reality!