Serengeti Safari Package Prices: Ultimate Cost Guide for Tanzania Safaris
Curious about Serengeti safari package prices? Serengeti National Park, the crown jewel of Tanzania safaris, offers unforgettable adventures with its vast savannas, Big Five sightings, and the iconic Serengeti wildebeest migration. Whether you’re budgeting for a group tour or dreaming of a luxury Serengeti wildebeest migration safari, this guide details costs, inclusions, and tips to plan your Tanzania safari.
Understanding Serengeti Safari Package Prices
Serengeti safari package prices vary widely based on travel style, season, group size, and itinerary length. A typical Tanzania safari in Serengeti ranges from $150 to $1,200+ per person per day, driven by park fees, accommodations, transport, and activities. Packages often bundle these elements, offering convenience and value. Below, we break down costs for budget, mid-range, and luxury options to help you plan a Serengeti wildebeest migration safari that fits your budget.
Key Cost Factors
Park Fees: Entry, vehicle, and concession fees.
Accommodation: Campsites, lodges, or premium tented camps.
Transport: Drive-in, fly-in, or shared vehicles.
Activities: Game drives, balloon safaris, cultural tours.
Extras: International flights, visas, tips, and personal expenses.
Detailed Breakdown of Serengeti Safari Package Prices
Here’s a comprehensive look at costs for a 5-day Serengeti safari package, based on rates and common inclusions for Tanzania safaris.
1. Park Fees and Permits
Serengeti National Park charges mandatory fees, included in most packages but critical for budgeting:
Entrance Fee: $70-$100 per person per day (non-residents, varies by season).
Vehicle Fee: $40-$50 per vehicle per day (shared in group tours).
Camping Fee (public campsites): $30-$50 per person per night.
Concession Fee (private lodges/camps): $60-$80 per person per night.
For 5 days: $350-$500 per person for entrance fees, plus $200-$250 for a vehicle (shared).
2. Accommodation Costs
Serengeti offers diverse lodging options, impacting Serengeti safari package prices significantly:
Budget (Public Campsites): $30-$50 per person per night. Basic tents, shared facilities (e.g., Seronera Campsite).
Mid-Range (Lodges/Tented Camps): $150-$350 per person per night. Examples: Katikati Tented Camp, Serengeti Serena Lodge.
Luxury (Private Camps/Lodges): $400-$1,200+ per person per night. Examples: Four Seasons Safari Lodge, Singita Serengeti House.
For 5 nights: Budget ($150-$250), Mid-Range ($750-$1,750), Luxury ($2,000-$6,000+).
3. Transportation Costs
Getting to Serengeti from Arusha or Kilimanjaro affects costs:
Drive-In: 6-8 hour drive, $100-$200 per day for a 4×4 (shared in groups).
Fly-In: Domestic flights to Seronera Airstrip, $150-$400 one-way per person.
Group Tours: Shared vehicles lower costs ($50-$100/day per person).
For 5 days: Drive-in ($500-$1,000 total), Fly-in ($300-$800 round-trip per person).
4. Food and Drinks
Most Serengeti safari package prices include meals:
Budget: $10-$20 per person per day (basic meals or self-catering).
Mid-Range: $20-$50 per day, often included in lodge rates.
Luxury: Gourmet dining included; drinks may add $50-$150.
For 5 days: Budget ($50-$100), Mid-Range ($100-$250), Luxury (included or $250-$750).
5. Activities and Add-Ons
Enhance your Tanzania safari with these options:
Game Drives: Typically included ($50-$100/day if separate).
Hot Air Balloon Safari: $500-$600 per person for a 1-hour ride.
Cultural Visits (e.g., Maasai or Hadzabé tribes): $20-$50 per person.
Guided Walking Safaris: $30-$100 per person.
Add-on costs for 5 days: $0-$800, depending on choices.
6. Additional Expenses
International Flights: $800-$2,000 round-trip to Kilimanjaro (JRO).
Tanzania Visa: $50-$100.
Tips: $10-$20 per day per guide, $5-$10 for lodge staff.
Travel Insurance: $50-$150 for comprehensive coverage.
Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, laundry ($50-$200).
Total Estimated Serengeti Safari Package Prices (5 Days, Per Person)
Based on a group of 4-8 to share vehicle costs:
Travel Style | Park Fees | Accommodation | Transport | Food | Activities | Total (Excl. Flights) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Budget | $350-$500 | $150-$250 | $250-$500 | $50-$100 | $0-$200 | $800-$1,550 |
Mid-Range | $350-$500 | $750-$1,750 | $300-$800 | $100-$250 | $100-$400 | $1,600-$3,700 |
Luxury | $500-$600 | $2,000-$6,000 | $600-$800 | $0-$750 | $500-$1,000 | $3,600-$9,150 |
Add international flights ($800-$2,000) and extras ($150-$500) for a full estimate.
Sample Serengeti Safari Packages and Prices
Here are examples of Serengeti safari package prices for 2025, based on popular Tanzania safari itineraries:
Budget 5-Day Group Safari: $1,200-$1,800 per person. Includes camping, shared 4×4, game drives, and meals. Ideal for backpackers.
Mid-Range 5-Day Private Safari: $2,000-$3,500 per person. Features lodges like Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge, private vehicle, and cultural visits.
Luxury 5-Day Fly-In Safari: $4,000-$8,000+ per person. Offers premium camps (e.g., Singita), balloon rides, and gourmet dining.
Budgeting Tips to Save on Serengeti Safari Package Prices
Travel Off-Peak: April-May or November-December (wet season) offers 10-20% lower rates and lush scenery.
Join Group Tours: Share costs to save 20-30% on vehicles and guides.
Book Early: Lock in rates 6-12 months ahead for discounts.
Choose Mid-Range: Balances comfort and affordability.
Skip Extras: Focus on included game drives to avoid costly add-ons like balloon safaris.
Pack Light: Avoid excess luggage fees (15-20 kg limit on domestic flights).
Best Time for a Serengeti Safari
Season impacts Serengeti safari package prices and experiences:
June-October (Dry Season): Peak season, higher costs, but prime for wildlife viewing.
January-March (Calving Season): Budget-friendly, ideal for southern Serengeti’s Serengeti wildebeest migration.
April-May (Wet Season): Lowest prices, vibrant landscapes, but muddy roads.
For river crossings, target July-September for a Serengeti wildebeest migration safari.
Sample 5-Day Serengeti Safari Itinerary
A typical package includes:
Day 1: Arrive in Arusha, overnight at Ngaresero Mountain Lodge.
Day 2: Drive to Tarangire for elephants; stay at Katikati Tented Camp.
Day 3: Fly to Serengeti, afternoon game drive; Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge.
Day 4: Full-day Serengeti game drive with rhino tracking; same lodge.
Day 5: Morning drive, return to Arusha for departure.
FAQs About Serengeti Safari Package Prices
What is the average cost of a Serengeti safari package?
$800-$9,150 for 5 days, depending on style (budget to luxury), excluding flights.
Are park fees included in Serengeti safari package prices?
Most packages include fees; confirm with your operator.
How can I save on Serengeti safari package prices?
Travel off-peak, join groups, and book early.
What’s included in a typical Serengeti safari package?
Park fees, accommodation, meals, game drives, and transfers.
When is the cheapest time for a Serengeti safari?
April-May offers lower rates and fewer crowds.
Plan your Tanzania safari now! Explore Serengeti safari package prices and book a Serengeti wildebeest migration safari for an unforgettable adventure.