Tanzania · Slow travel
A safari in East Africa is a unique experience.
A safari in Tanzania, Kenya, or Uganda may be more expensive than a traditional holiday, but in return, you get an authentic and exclusive experience. Prices are determined by factors such as park fees, accommodation, permits, transport, and limited infrastructure. However, it is above all the combination of pristine nature, impressive landscapes, and an exceptional abundance of wildlife that makes a safari an experience you won’t soon forget.
What are you actually paying for during a safari?
A large portion of the costs goes towards protecting and managing the national parks. Additionally, lodges and camps are often remote and operate on a full-board basis, while permits, concession fees, vehicle maintenance, and domestic flights further increase the total price.
Four reasons why going on safari is so expensive
- High parking fees and concession costs: in Africa, for example, foreign visitors pay considerably more than residents of Africa.
- Accommodations are often remote: as a result, restaurants and shops are not just around the corner, which is why accommodations typically operate on a full-board basis.
- Permits, transport, and maintenance cost a lot of money: building and operating a lodge in a protected area requires expensive permits and significant costs.
- Flights and infrastructure also play a role: flight prices will be significantly higher than those of a short European city trip, especially during busy travel periods.
- More peace for yourself: breakfast without a clock, long lunches, a book under an acacia.
But is a safari worth the money?
YES! A trip to East Africa is not an ordinary holiday where you only pay for a hotel room and a beach. You pay for access to protected nature reserves and expert guidance. But you also pay for the logistics in remote areas and, above all, for the chance to see wild animals in their natural habitat.
From an elephant walking right past your safari vehicle to lions on the savannah and thousands of wildebeest during the migration: such moments are difficult to put a price on.
Practical
Here's how to get more out of your safari
Book in advance
International and domestic flights can quickly become more expensive if you book late. Since the corona pandemic, the rule is the earlier the better, as prices rarely drop anymore.
Choose your national parks and safari accommodation wisely.
When planning a safari in Tanzania, it is important not to look solely at the price. Therefore, choose consciously which national parks and safari accommodations you want to visit during your trip. A combination of well-known highlights, such as the Serengeti and Masai Mara, with less crowded and less known nature reserves can ensure a unique safari experience as well as good value for money.
Look at the total cost of your safari
When comparing safari prices in Tanzania, do not look solely at the price per night. A safari actually consists of many more components. Consider, for example, park fees, meals, transfers, a professional safari guide, safari activities, vehicle costs, and any domestic flights.
What slow safari, in particular, truly gives you back.
Many travelers remember not only the Big Five afterwards, but rather the small moments: a conversation with the guide about his village, the sound of hyenas at night, or the look of an old buffalo before it walks away.
Slow safari creates space for those experiences — and that only happens when you are not constantly on your way to the next place.
F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the cheapest time for a safari in East Africa?
Those looking for a cheap safari in East Africa are usually best off traveling outside the high season. In Tanzania and Kenya, prices for accommodation, safaris, and often flights are lower during quieter periods, especially when there is less demand for safaris.
We are thinking primarily of March, April, May, and November.
2. Can I make a safari in East Africa cheaper?
Certainly. There are various ways to limit the cost of a safari without having to compromise on the quality of your trip.
For example, you can ask us to compare different types of safari accommodations, travel outside the peak season, and consciously choose which national parks to visit.
3. Tanzania is one of the most expensive destinations. Why choose this?
Tanzania is one of Africa’s most extraordinary safari destinations. The country boasts world-famous nature reserves such as the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire, as well as the impressive Kilimanjaro and beautiful lakes and landscapes.
In summary
- The costs of a safari consist of park fees, permits, accommodation, meals, transport, guides, and vehicle maintenance.
- Moreover, a higher safari price in Tanzania contributes to nature conservation and the preservation of the unique nature and wildlife here.
- The combination of wildlife, spectacular landscapes, and authentic safari experiences makes Tanzania a once-in-a-lifetime destination for many travelers.
A safari is therefore a unique experience that is more than worth the price.
A well-organized Tanzania safari takes you far away from the crowds and right into nature. You travel through diverse landscapes, discover extraordinary animals, and experience Africa in a way that you simply cannot experience on an ordinary vacation.