Planning a safari in the Serengeti National Park often comes with one big question:
“What is the average cost per night at Serengeti lodges?”
The Serengeti is one of the most famous safari destinations in the world, and accommodation here ranges from budget-friendly tented camps to ultra-luxury lodges. Prices vary depending on the level of comfort, location within the park, time of year, and inclusions such as meals, drinks, and game drives.
Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect to pay per night for accommodation inside or around the Serengeti:
Budget Lodges & Tented Camps → $150 – $350 per person per night
Mid-Range Lodges & Camps → $350 – $600 per person per night
Luxury Lodges & Camps → $700 – $1,200 per person per night
Ultra-Luxury & Exclusive Camps → $1,200 – $3,000+ per person per night
💡 These rates usually include meals, park fees (sometimes), and game drives, but exclusions vary depending on the lodge or safari operator.
Several elements influence how much you’ll pay per night at Serengeti lodges:
Lodges near migration hotspots (Ndutu, Seronera, Mara River) cost more due to prime wildlife viewing.
Properties deep inside the park are more expensive than those on the outskirts because of exclusivity and accessibility.
Peak Season (June – October & December – February) → Higher prices due to migration river crossings and calving season.
Low Season (April – May, March, November) → Rates drop by 20–40%, making it budget-friendly.
Permanent luxury lodges with pools, spas, and private villas are pricier.
Tented camps are usually more affordable, though some luxury tented camps can be equally expensive.
Full-board (meals, game drives, drinks) vs. accommodation-only packages.
Private guides, exclusive vehicles, and bush dining increase costs.
What’s included? Basic but comfortable tented camps, shared facilities or standard en-suites, meals included.
Who are they for? Budget-conscious travelers, backpackers, or group safaris.
Examples: Serengeti Wildebeest Camp, Seronera Campsites.
What’s included? Spacious tents or rooms with en-suite bathrooms, good meals, and sometimes shared game drives.
Who are they for? Couples, families, or travelers looking for comfort without luxury prices.
Examples: Kati Kati Tented Camp, Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge.
What’s included? Stylish suites/tents, private bathrooms, gourmet dining, pools, personalized service, guided safaris.
Who are they for? Honeymooners, photographers, luxury travelers.
Examples: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Melia Serengeti Lodge, Asilia Dunia Camp.
What’s included? Exclusive villas, private plunge pools, personal butlers, private guides & vehicles.
Who are they for? High-end travelers, VIPs, celebrities, and those wanting total exclusivity.
Examples: Singita Sasakwa Lodge, &Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas, Mwiba Lodge.
When booking Serengeti lodges, most packages include:
Accommodation
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Selected drinks (sometimes all-inclusive)
Guided game drives (shared or private)
Laundry (in luxury camps)
Not always included:
Park entry fees (around $70 per person per day)
Internal flights to Serengeti airstrips
Premium drinks and spa treatments
Tips for guides and staff
Travel in the shoulder or low season (April, May, November) for discounts.
Book in advance — popular lodges sell out a year ahead during migration.
Combine safari packages — many operators include lodges in all-inclusive packages that are cheaper than booking separately.
Choose tented camps over permanent lodges for affordable rates.
Join group safaris to split the cost of game drives.
Not always. Some lodges include them in all-inclusive packages, but often park fees are paid separately.
Many luxury lodges are fully inclusive (meals, drinks, and game drives), while budget and mid-range camps may only cover meals and accommodation.
Yes, accommodations outside the park (in Karatu or near Ikoma Gate) are often cheaper, but you’ll spend more time traveling to game drives.
Yes, many Serengeti lodges offer reduced rates for children, making them more family-friendly.
Yes, by choosing mid-range or budget tented camps and traveling in the low season, you can still enjoy Serengeti lodges affordably.