The Real Cost of a Kenya–Tanzania Safari: Full Breakdown & Smart Ways to Save
A Kenya–Tanzania safari is one of the most extraordinary experiences on Earth—tracking lions in the Masai Mara, exploring the vast Serengeti plains, and descending into Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact caldera. But for most travelers, the biggest question is:
How much does a Kenya–Tanzania safari cost?
In this complete safari cost breakdown, Wildbud Safaris explains exactly what you’re paying for, what affects the price, how to choose the right itinerary, and how to save money without compromising your experience.
Average Kenya–Tanzania Safari Cost (Per Person, Per Day)
These are real-world price ranges based on 2025–2026 rates:
| Safari Type | Price from (Per Person, Per Day) |
|---|---|
| Budget | from$250–$350 |
| Mid-range | from$400–$650 |
| Luxury | from $900–$2,000 |
| Ultra-Luxury | from$2,500+ |
These rates include accommodation, park fees, meals, transport, professional guides, and game drives.
A typical 10-day Kenya–Tanzania safari itinerary costs:
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Budget: $2,500–$3,500
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Mid-range: $4,500–$6,200
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Luxury: $9,000–$16,000
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Ultra-luxury: $20,000+
Why Kenya–Tanzania Safaris Cost More Than Single-Country Safaris
Most travelers combine:
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Ngorongoro Crater safari
These are three of the world’s top national parks, each with premium park fees.
Key reasons for higher costs:
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Cross-border logistics (Isebania crossing)
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Higher park fees (especially Ngorongoro)
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Longer distances = more fuel & time
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Internal flights between parks
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Dual-country government fees
The experience, however, is unmatched—the East Africa safari circuit is the most biodiverse and iconic wildlife route on the continent.
Safari Cost Breakdown (Where Your Money Goes)
1. National Park Fees
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Masai Mara: $100–$200/day
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Serengeti: $83/day
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Ngorongoro Crater: $300 per vehicle per descent
Park fees are the biggest cost factor and non-negotiable.
Accommodation Costs
Accommodation hugely influences the total cost:
| Category | from Price (Per Night) |
|---|---|
| Budget camps | from$80–$150 |
| Mid-range lodges | from$180–$350 |
| Luxury tented camps | from$500–$1,200 |
| Premium luxury | from$1,500–$3,500 |
Luxury camps are expensive because they sit in prime wildlife zones and offer all-inclusive experiences.
Transport & Flights
Options include:
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Mixed fly + drive safaris
Typical flight prices:
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Nairobi → Mara: $200–$250
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Mara → Serengeti: $450–$600
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Serengeti → Arusha: $160–$240
A fly-in safari saves time but increases cost.
Professional Safari Guides
A top-tier guide dramatically enhances your safari.
Safari companies like Wildbud Safaris use gold-level guides trained in:
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Big Cat tracking
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Birding
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Photography
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Cultural interpretation
. Meals & Drinks
Most lodges use the full-board system:
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Breakfast
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Tea/coffee
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Drinking water
Premium camps may include:
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Alcohol
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Bush breakfasts
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Sundowners
What Makes Prices Go Up or Down?
✔ Season
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Peak season (July–Oct): 40–80% higher
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Shoulder season (Jan–Mar): Mid-range
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Low season (Apr–May): Up to 40% cheaper
✔ Group size
The more people you travel with, the cheaper the cost becomes.
✔ Lodge location
Inside-park lodges cost more but offer premium wildlife access.
✔ Transport type
Drive-in is cheaper; flying is more comfortable and faster.
Smart Ways to Save Money on a Kenya–Tanzania Safari
1. Travel in January, February, or November
Great weather & good wildlife—but lower prices.
2. Use a mixed fly-drive itinerary
Fly long distances, drive where it’s scenic.
3. Stay just outside the parks
Same wildlife access, 30–50% lower cost.
4. Choose a 4-person group
Costs drop dramatically when sharing a vehicle.
5. Book early (6–12 months)
Early-bird rates save $500–$1,000.
Best Value Itinerary (Recommended by Wildbud Safaris)
10-Day Kenya–Tanzania Highlights Safari
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Masai Mara
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Serengeti
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Ngorongoro Crater
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Lake Manyara / Tarangire
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Optional: Amboseli
Perfect blend of price + wildlife + comfort.
Why Book With Wildbud Safaris
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Expert local guides
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Transparent pricing
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Handpicked lodges
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Smooth cross-border logistics
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Custom itineraries for any budget
Ready to Begin? Get a Free Kenya–Tanzania Safari Quote
Your dream safari begins with a simple step.
Click here to get your free Kenya–Tanzania safari quote.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much does a Kenya–Tanzania safari cost?
A typical Kenya–Tanzania safari costs between $250 and $2,000 per person per day, depending on whether you choose budget, mid-range, luxury, or fly-in options. A 10-day safari averages:
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Budget: $2,500–$3,500
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Mid-range: $4,500–$6,200
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Luxury: $9,000–$16,000
Prices depend on lodges, season, park fees, and transport.
2. Why are Kenya–Tanzania safaris more expensive than single-country safaris?
Because you’re combining prime wildlife destinations—Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro—each with premium park fees. Cross-border logistics, longer drives, extra flights, and dual government taxes also increase the cost.
3. What is included in the safari cost?
Kenya–Tanzania safari packages include:
✔ Accommodation
✔ All meals
✔ Safari vehicle & guide
✔ Park entrance fees
✔ Airport transfers
✔ Game drives
✔ Bottled water
✔ Domestic flights (if part of itinerary)
4. What is NOT included in safari cost?
Typical exclusions are:
✘ International flights
✘ Visa fees for Kenya & Tanzania
✘ Alcoholic drinks (except luxury lodges)
✘ Tips
✘ Travel insurance
✘ Hot air balloon safaris
5. What is the cheapest way to do a Kenya–Tanzania safari?
To reduce costs:
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Travel in January, February, or November
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Choose mid-range lodges outside the parks
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Do a mixed fly-drive itinerary
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Travel as a group of 4+
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Book early for better rates
6. How much is the Kenya–Tanzania visa?
You will need visas for both countries:
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Kenya eVisa: ~$50
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Tanzania eVisa: ~$50–$100
Always check updated requirements before traveling.
7. Are fly-in safaris worth the extra cost?
Yes — especially for long distances like Mara–Serengeti. Fly-ins save hours of driving, reduce fatigue, and give you more time for game drives. They are ideal for honeymoon, luxury, or short safaris.
8. How far in advance should I book a Kenya–Tanzania safari?
Book 6–12 months in advance for peak season (July–October).
For January–March or November, 3–6 months is usually enough.
Early bookings guarantee better lodge prices and availability.
9. Is the Great Migration included in safari costs?
Seeing the Great Migration doesn’t cost extra, but lodges along the migration path are more expensive during peak months. A river-crossing lodge can cost 30–60% more in July–October.
10. Are Kenya–Tanzania safaris safe?
Yes — when booked with a licensed local operator like Wildbud Safaris.
You’ll travel with trained guides, secure vehicles, and vetted lodges.
Both countries are extremely safe for safari tourism.
Ready to explore Kenya & Tanzania? Get a FREE safari quote today.
