What is the Cost of a Safari in Serengeti National Park?
What is the cost of a safari in Serengeti National Park? The cost of a safari in Serengeti National Park is not static and is determined by several factors. The key factors that determine or have an influence on the overall cost of the Serengeti National Park tour include the cost of accommodation. The length of a safari, cost of transportation, time of the year, and park entrance fees are all some of the essential factors that determine the overall average cost of the Serengeti safari.
Accommodation/Where to stay in Serengeti National Park?
The cost of accommodation does have a huge influence on the average cost of a safari in Serengeti National Park. Serengeti National Park is a premier destination in Tanzania and features a myriad of lodges ranging from budget to luxury.
When booking where to stay, first you need to know your budget. Your budget should be the one to guide you on the accommodation category to book. Midrange accommodation options for instance Serengeti Serena Lodge can cost around USD 250 per person each night. This cost applies to visitors who travel during the peak months of the year. During the off/low season, the cost can drop down to USD 150 for some rooms. A luxury lodge can be booked at USD 1000 per night depending on. The cost is usually determined by the amenities it comes with.
Take note that these are estimates to guide you but rates can be higher or lower than the above figure. The rates keep changing from time to time and the best is to deal with the local tour operator on the ground. Native Africa Tours is a certified tour company to trust for all your accommodations and also safaris in Tanzania.
The different categories of accommodation in and around Serengeti include Ikoma Safari Camp, Serengeti Simba Lodge, Thorn Tree Camp, Serengeti Sopa Lodge, Serengeti Kati Kati Camp, Serengeti Migration Camp and Serengeti Pioneer Camp.
Luxury lodges include; Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Mbalageti Serengeti, One Nature Nyaruswiga, Asilia Sayari Camp, Sanctuary Kichakani Camp and Singita Sasakwa Lodge. Budget accommodation choices include Africa Safari Maasai Boma and Serengeti Sound of Silence.
Transportation
Different rental car types have their rates. A 4×4 Land Cruiser can cost slightly higher than a RAV4 car. But you choose a car depending on the kind of road trip you plan to undertake. A game drive will require a comfortable 4WD Land Cruiser rental car with a pop-up roof. A 4×4 Land Cruiser car hire can be hired at USD 110 per day. Other rental cars to consider for your road trip to Serengeti include Safari Trucks, Minibus, and Safari vans. Visitors can also get to Serengeti by air. Unlike rental cars, fly-in tours are slightly costly. Chartering a private jet around Tanzania can cost about USD 100,000.
Park entry fees
The park entry fees vary depending on the visitor category and the season. The foreign nonresidents pay USD 70 during the peak months of the year. USD60 is charged for Serengeti National Park entry fees during the low or off-season. The residents pay USD 35 and East African citizens are charged Tshs.10,000. These are the rates for the adult category. Children from 5 to 15 years pay USD 20 during the peak months and low season. The foreign residents are charged USD 10 and Tanzanians pay Tshs.2000.Children below 5 years do not pay for the park entrance fees. Take note that the cost levied for park entry in Serengeti National Park is valid for 24 hours.
Guide services
Safaris are available in two options; self-drive or guided safaris. Guided safaris require you to rent a car and the driver services. The advantage of guided road trips is that the driver is well-versed in the routes to your destination. This reduces any chances of you getting lost en route. Safety on the road trip is also guaranteed as the routes taken are familiar to the driver. Unlike self-drive, with a driver issues of language barriers aren’t there. Drivers were born and have grown in these places. Your interaction with the locals becomes easier.
Meals
When planning a trip, meals shouldn’t be left out. These range from breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A safari package usually covers meals but there is a need to cross-check on the inclusions to be sure.
Tipping
Tipping may not be mandatory but is something you should expect to do on Tanzania safaris in Serengeti. Consider having a separate amount for tips alone. Tips are given as a sign of appreciation for the great service or work someone rendered in the course of your holiday. You can tip the waiter, driver, waitress, and other service providers. There is no standard amount one can tip. But you can tip at least USD 10 for the individual who rendered a good service.
Duration of Serengeti safari
The cost of a Serengeti safari varies depending on how long you plan to be on a safari. You can spend many days as you can but the beauty about Serengeti National Park is that even for 3 days, you can have a successful wildlife safari holiday. With 3 days at Serengeti National Park, you can embark on a guided game drive, and witness the great wildebeest migration if the trip falls around June to September. A game drive offers the best of Big 5 game encounters in the wild with a chance for you to encounter several other wildlife.
Short trips are usually budget-focused and long safaris are ideal for luxury or those of you who desire to have an in-depth exploration of Serengeti and its wonders. The long Serengeti safaris can also allow you to pay a visit to other destinations including Lake Manyara National Park which is the best for tree climbing and lion watching.
Number of people – Group size
Traveling in a group presents several benefits and most importantly, sharing the cost in some areas. The cost is normally shared on fuel, the cost of hiring a car in Tanzania, and other expenses.
Time of the year
The cost of the Serengeti safari also differs depending on the seasonality of the destination. The peak months come with high demand and in most cases things like accommodation –their cost remains unchanged or can even increase. The peak months occur from June to September and these are perfect for watching for the Big 5 game as well as observing the Great Migration. The low or off-season starts from March, April to May, and shoulder months occur from January, February, November, and December. December to February is the ideal period for observing the wildebeest while they give birth.
Extra activities
Serengeti National Park has plenty of experiences worth exploring. Any additional activities come at a cost and hence influence the overall charge. Aside from day game drives, you can also engage in hot air balloon safaris, guided nature walks, visit local communities, and more. There are also other destinations worth visiting combined with Serengeti safaris. These include Kilimanjaro National Park –the best place to experience the most thrilling mountaineering adventure.
Conclusively, the overall average cost of a safari in Serengeti National Park is influenced by the duration of the safari, accommodation type, mode of transportation, and park entry fees. Book your safari to Serengeti National Park and create everlasting memories.
