How much does it cost to travel to Tanzania?
You should plan to spend around $97 (TZS249,123) per day on your vacation in Tanzania. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $24 (TZS61,478) on meals
- $15 (TZS38,333) on local transportation
- $98 (TZS251,714) on hotels
A one week trip to Tanzania for two people costs, on average, $1,357 (TZS3,487,722). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$678
TZS1,743,861
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,357
TZS3,487,722
-
One Month
Per person
$2,907
TZS7,473,691
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,357
TZS3,487,722
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$2,713
TZS6,975,445
-
One Month
For a couple
$5,815
TZS14,947,382
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Tanzania cost?
A one week trip to Tanzania usually costs around $678 (TZS1,743,861) for one person and $1,357 (TZS3,487,722) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Tanzania on average costs around $1,357 (TZS3,487,722) for one person and $2,713 (TZS6,975,445) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Tanzania will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Tanzania on average costs around $2,907 (TZS7,473,691) for one person and $5,815 (TZS14,947,382) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Tanzania expensive to visit?
Tanzania is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.
Within Africa, Tanzania is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to South Africa or Uganda.
For more details, see Is Tanzania Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Tanzania?
The average Tanzania trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Tanzania travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.
|
Category
|
Cost
|
|
Accommodation 1
(Double Occupancy)
|
TZS251,714
($98)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
TZS38,333
($15)
|
|
Food 2
|
TZS61,478
($24)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
TZS107,530
($42)
|
|
Tips and Handouts 1
|
TZS21,979 -
65,937
($9 - 26)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
TZS12,408 -
37,223
($5 - 14)
|
Accommodation Budget in Tanzania
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Tanzania is $49 (TZS125,857). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Tanzania is $98 (TZS251,714). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Tanzania? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Tanzania
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The cost of a taxi ride in Tanzania is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $15 (TZS38,333) per person, per day, on local transportation in Tanzania.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$15
TZS38,333
Food Budget in Tanzania
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While meal prices in Tanzania can vary, the average cost of food in Tanzania is $24 (TZS61,478) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Tanzania should cost around $9.57 (TZS24,591) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Tanzania is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$24
TZS61,478
Typical prices for Food in Tanzania are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Food prices in Tanzania, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.
-
A Quick Lunch (for 2)
TZS5,500
Entertainment Budget in Tanzania
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Entertainment and activities in Tanzania typically cost an average of $42 (TZS107,530) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$42
TZS107,530
Tips and Handouts Budget in Tanzania
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Tanzania is $17 (TZS43,958) per day. The usual amount for a tip in Tanzania is 5% - 15%.
-
Tips and Handouts1
For guides or service providers
$17
TZS43,958
Alcohol Budget in Tanzania
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $9.65 (TZS24,815) on alcoholic beverages in Tanzania per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$9.65
TZS24,815
Water Budget in Tanzania
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, people spend $0.50 (TZS1,290) on bottled water in Tanzania per day. The public water in Tanzania is not usually considered safe to drink.
-
Water2
Bottled water for one day
$0.50
TZS1,290
Last Updated: Jan 30, 2024
Tanzania On a Budget
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Tanzania is the largest country is East Africa, and a popular destination for wildlife safaris. The Serengeti National Park is a highlight for almost any trip. The park is a great place to see anything from lions, to cheetahs, to giraffes and elephants.
Many of the most popular and diverse national parks are found in the northern part of the country. These parks are great places to visit for wildlife viewing, luxury safari vacations, and guided tours. If you're looking to get a little more off the beaten path then consider heading to the southern part of the country. These parks are less visited and more affordable.
If you're planning a trip to Tanzania, consider going during January and February, which is the best time to do a safari. Alternatively, the weather is quite comfortable between June and August, at the end of the rainy season.
Many people also hope to pick up some African handicrafts during their trip. There are many local shops that sell everything from beaded jewelry to carved soapstone or Masai blankets. Bartering is a fun part of the experience so don't hesitated to negotiate a price. Keep the exchange light and fun and you'll enjoy the bartering as much as the shopping.
At A Glance
- One of the best ways to travel around Tanzania is by bus. It's possible to fly into Nairobi, Kenya and then take the bus down to Arusha. Arusha serves as a good base for exploring Mount Meru and Ngorongoro Crater. While there are no highways in Tanzania, and the road conditions may not by ideal, buses still offer the most reliable and affordable way to get around. They stop in most small towns along the way so trips can be slow. It is best to be prepared for unexpected stops and situations.
- Many visitors, particularly those short on time, choose to hire a car to travel in Tanzania. This is generally an affordable option and there are many reliable 4 wheel drive vehicles available. This option is the most comfortable and convenient way to explore the country. Because the road conditions can be challenging, it is recommended that you hire a Landcruiser or a Landrover.
- Many people visit Tanzania specifically for the national parks and wildlife viewing opportunities. The northern part of the country is where you will find the more popular parks. These parks are generally packed with tourists but offer a great diversity of wildlife viewing opportunities. If you're looking to travel to the south then Ruaha National Park is your best option. It is less touristy and offers a more authentic and "real" experience.
- Safaris in the country range from a basic tour which includes fly-tents, self-catering and a guide and vehicle to luxury tours with accommodation in luxury lodges and tented camps. Visitors often benefit from hiring a guide and a vehicle as the guides are familiar with the wildlife and the vehicles are designed specifically for wildlife viewing. Many of the basic tours travel to the smaller parks, while the luxury tours are prevalent in parks like Serengeti. That being said, you can find a variety of options wherever you decide to visit.
- Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa and is a popular destination for many visitors to Tanzania. It can become crowded with tourists but is a very rewarding experience regardless. If you organizing your climb through a travel agency based in your home country you will likely pay substantially more but will have the convenience of knowing arrangements have been made. If you make arrangements after arrival make sure you read reviews and get referrals for the guide and company you choose to use. This option will save you significant amounts of money though.
Related:
Looking for a
hostel in Marrakesh,
Cape Town,
Nairobi, or
Zanzibar?
Top Tourist Attractions
Serengeti National Park: Serengeti National Park is a top location for wildlife safaris. Visitors can view such animals as lions, cheetahs, leopards, hippopotamuses, elephants and more. The most popular time to visit the park is during the wildebeest migration between Serengeti National Park and Kenya's Masai Mara. Visitors are required to have a guide with a 4-wheel drive vehicle.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area: This area is another popular stop for those hoping to view wildlife. The Ngorongoro crater was formed by volcanic activity and is rich is wildlife including elephants and a small population of black rhinos.
Zanzibar: Zanzibar is a popular island destination that is off the coast of Tanzania. It offers beautiful beaches and a historic stone town. It's a great place for those who enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, and swimming with dolphins. There are also red Colobus monkeys, the Jozani Forest, and spice tours available to visitors.
Popular Foods
Tanzanian cuisine makes use of the high quality produce found in the country. Vegetables are quite good. Coffee is also popular and delicious throughout the country. Use caution if you consume meats or dairy products as the freshness and quality can be variable. It is best to make sure the meat is thoroughly cooked so as to avoid any potential problems.
Mtori Soup: This Tanzanian dish is made with plantains and beef. It is most often prepared for breakfast and is cooked over an open fire in a clay pot.
Mchicha: This vegetable stew is a favorite in the country. It is usually prepared with peanuts, spinach, curry, and coconut and is often served with a meat such as fish or beef in it.
Mandazi: This doughnut like pastry is usually made fresh first thing in the morning. It is served with coffee and also makes a great, sweet snack.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.