1. Accommodation Type
This is often the biggest cost variable. A safari lodge is not a standard hotel; it’s a small, remote, all-inclusive property with high staffing ratios, unique locations, and full-service operations in the middle of wild terrain.

You’re not just paying for a bed. You’re paying for: Exceptional staff (often from the local community), Private chefs and all meals, Game-viewing decks and sundowner spots, Night security (yes, even lions need boundaries), Hot water, solar power, and logistics in remote areas

Range:
Mid-range lodge: $250–$500 per person, per night
Luxury tented camp: $600–$1,200+ per person, per night

2. Mode of Transport
Private 4x4 vehicle with guide: Included in all of our itineraries. This gives you full control of your daily schedule and ensures personal attention.

Fly-in safaris: Flying into the Serengeti or back from remote areas can save time and offer incredible views, but increases the cost. Expect $250–$400 per internal flight leg.

3. National Park Fees
Tanzania’s national parks are among the most carefully protected wilderness areas in the world, and that protection comes with layered conservation fees that can feel complex at first glance. In most parks, you pay a per-person, per-24-hour park entry fee. In some areas, including all National Parks and some Wildlife Managed Areas, there is also a concession fee if you stay overnight inside the park boundaries.
Ngorongoro is unique. To descend into the crater itself, there is a separate crater access fee, charged in addition to: Ngorongoro Conservation Area park entry fees,  Concession fees if your lodge or camp is located within the conservation area, These fees are set by the government and are mandatory, non-negotiable, and outside the control of any safari operator.

It’s also important to know that the Tanzanian government has proposed a five-year, year-on-year increase in park and conservation fees, reflecting rising conservation costs and the ongoing effort to protect wildlife, landscapes, and local communities. Rates are reviewed regularly and can change with little notice.

While these fees make up a significant part of your safari cost, they play a vital role. They fund conservation, anti-poaching initiatives, infrastructure, and the continued coexistence between wildlife and the communities who live alongside these protected areas.
When you safari in Tanzania, you’re not just entering a park, you’re contributing directly to its future.

4. Guiding Quality
A guide can make or break a safari. At Migration Tanzania Safari, our guides are not just drivers. They’re trained wildlife experts, natural storytellers, and the quiet guardians of your experience. They know how to read animal behaviour, track silently, explain the subtle signs others might miss, and, just as importantly, know when to wait and when to move on.

But here’s something many travellers don’t realise: in an industry where park fees are fixed and non-negotiable, “cheap safaris” usually cut costs elsewhere, most often by underpaying guides.
That creates a dangerous ripple effect. Underpaid guides may depend on tips to survive. Some use walkie-talkies to chase sightings reported by others, creating crowding and chaos at animal scenes. The result? Less authenticity. Less wilderness. More of a zoo experience.
We do things differently.

We pay our guides, and all our team, fair, sustainable wages. Wages that allow them to support their families, grow in their careers, and focus fully on your experience. They don’t need to rely on tips (though of course, they’re always appreciated). And because of that, you’ll never see our guides jostling for position at a sleeping lion. Instead, they’ll lead you into the stillness, where the real wilderness unfolds: unfiltered, unhurried, unforgettable.
This is what safari is meant to be. And we’re proud to be part of the reason it still exists.

5. Meals and Beverages
Meals on safari are almost always included, but how and where you eat makes all the difference.
Most companies provide packed lunches eaten inside the vehicle between game drives. At Migration Tanzania Safari, we believe your lunch break should be as memorable as the wildlife around you. That’s why we offer bush lunches on most days, set in peaceful, scenic spots away from the crowds.
Think linen-covered tables under an acacia tree. Warm, home-cooked food served with care. Cold drinks poured to your taste; soft drinks, beer, or wine, all based on preferences you’ve shared with us before you arrive.

Evenings bring the comfort of full-board dining at your lodge, often with dishes inspired by local flavours and seasonal ingredients. Some high-end properties include house wines or spirits, while others may charge separately for premium drinks or private dinners. We’ll walk you through what to expect at each place we recommend. Because to us, good food isn’t just about nourishment, it’s about slowing down, soaking it in, and feeling where you are.

6. Seasonality
Like most travel destinations, safari pricing changes with the seasons.

High season (February, July–October; December holidays):
- Great Migration in full swing
- Best wildlife visibility
- Prices at their highest

Green season (March–May):
- Lush landscapes, fewer crowds
- More affordable rates
- Some camps close during heavy rains

Shoulder seasons (January, June, November):
- Good balance of value, wildlife, and weather
- Often our favourite times to travel

We’ll help you choose the right season for your priorities, whether that’s wildlife, budget, or solitude.