How Much Does a Safari From Zanzibar Cost? (2025 Full Guide)
- travelwisesafari
- 4 days ago
- 9 min read
Everything you need to know about Zanzibar safari prices, packages, flights, park fees & how to get the best deal.
Introduction
A Tanzania safari is one of Africa’s best travel experiences. If you are relaxing on the beaches of Zanzibar, you can easily add a few days of big-game adventure to your trip. Daily flights now connect the island to famous parks like Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Selous, Mikumi, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara. It’s easier than ever to combine a Zanzibar beach holiday with a wildlife safari on the mainland.
But the question almost every traveller asks is the same:
How much does a safari from Zanzibar actually cost in 2025?
In 2025, a safari from Zanzibar typically costs:
$450–$700 per person — for budget day trips to closer parks such as Selous / Nyerere or Mikumi
$900–$1,500 per person — for mid-range 2–3 day safaris. These often visit parks like Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara, or combinations of these
$1,800–$4,500 per person — for luxury fly-in safaris to the Serengeti, especially during the Great Migration season
These are realistic price brackets for well-organised, properly licensed Tanzania safari operators. However, your actual safari cost can move higher or lower depending on:
Which national park(s) do you visit (Serengeti vs Mikumi vs Selous, etc)
Time of year (high season vs green/low season)
Type of flights (shared scheduled flights vs private charter)
Level of accommodation (budget, mid-range, luxury, ultra-luxury camps)
Type of safari (private safari vs shared group tour)
Number of days and nights you spend on safari
Optional extras, such as hot-air balloon safaris, walking safaris, or special photographic setups
Because of these factors, two travellers “doing a safari from Zanzibar” can pay very different prices. One might spend $500 on a quick day trip. The other might invest over $5,000 in a multi-day luxury Serengeti experience.
That’s why this 2025 complete guide is designed to give you a clear, transparent breakdown of all the main cost components, so you can plan a safari that matches your budget, travel style, and expectations.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
Typical price ranges for different safari lengths and styles
The cheapest safari options from Zanzibar
What a Serengeti fly-in safari from Zanzibar really costs
How park fees, flights, and accommodation influence your final price
Innovative ways to save money without ruining your safari experience
Along the way, we’ll also answer the most common search questions travellers type into Google, such as:
“Zanzibar safari cost”
“How much is a Tanzania safari from Zanzibar?”
“Zanzibar to Serengeti safari price”
“Serengeti fly-in safari from Zanzibar costs”
“Cheap safari from Zanzibar”
“Best safari from Zanzibar for the price”
If you are planning your dream trip and want real safari prices for Zanzibar in 2025, this guide will help. It has everything you need to know before you book.
How Much Does a Safari From Zanzibar Cost? (Complete Price Breakdown)
Safari prices from Zanzibar vary widely depending on which park you visit, how long you stay, and the level of comfort you choose. Zanzibar is connected by air to both Southern and Northern Tanzania, and each destination offers a different style of wildlife experience—ranging from affordable wilderness trips to world-class luxury safaris.
Below is the most accurate and up-to-date 2025 safari cost guide to help you understand exactly what you’ll spend and what you’ll get in return.
💰 Safari From Zanzibar Price Chart (2025)
Safari Destination | Safari Type | Duration | Price per Person (USD) | Notes |
Mikumi National Park | Budget | 1 Day | $450–$550 | Cheapest safari from Zanzibar |
Nyerere National Park (Selous) | Mid-range | 1 Day | $490–$650 | True wilderness + boat safari |
Tarangire National Park | Mid/Lux | 2 Days | $900–$1,200 | Elephant paradise & baobabs |
Ngorongoro Crater | Mid/Lux | 2–3 Days | $1,100–$1,700 | Big Five guarantee |
Serengeti National Park (Fly-in/out) | Mid/Lux | 2–4 Days | $1,800–$4,500+ | Iconic big-cat & Migration experience |
Serengeti Great Migration Safari | Luxury | 3–5 Days | $3,000–$7,000+ | Peak-season premium pricing |
This chart shows the average fair-market 2025 prices offered by reputable tour operators for all-inclusive safaris from Zanzibar.
What Determines the Cost of a Safari From Zanzibar?
Understanding what affects your safari price will help you decide which package fits your budget and expectations.
1. Destination (The Biggest Factor)
Your choice of national park has the most decisive influence on your safari cost.
Southern Tanzania (Cheaper)
Mikumi and Selous/Nyerere National Park
Short flights from Zanzibar (30–45 minutes)
Lower park fees
Less expensive accommodations
These parks offer extraordinary wildlife viewing at budget-friendly rates, making them the ideal choice for day trips or 1–2-day safaris.
Northern Tanzania (More Expensive)
Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Lake Manyara
Longer flights (1 to 2 hours 30 minutes)
Higher entrance fees
Premium lodge options
These are Africa’s most famous parks, home to the Great Migration, Big Five, and world-class landscapes—which naturally increases the cost.
2. Flight Type: Shared vs. Private Charter
Your flight is usually the highest variable cost in a Zanzibar safari.
Shared Scheduled Flights
Operated by Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, and Flightlink
Cheapest option
Fixed daily schedules
Safe and comfortable
Private Charter Flights
Depart at your preferred time
No waiting, full flexibility
Much more expensive (often 2–3× the cost)
Ideal for families, honeymooners, VIP travellers
Most travellers choose shared flights because they provide excellent value for money.
3. Safari Style & Accommodation Level
Safari accommodation is a major contributor to price differences.
Budget: Public campsites, basic lodges
Mid-range: Tented camps, boutique lodges
Luxury: High-end tented suites, infinity pools, private decks
Ultra-luxury: Serengeti premium camps, top Migration camps
Even within the same park, safari costs can vary by hundreds of dollars per night depending on the lodge.
4. Number of Days
More days = higher total cost, but lower cost per day.
A 3-day safari is usually more cost-efficient than booking 1-day trips repeatedly.
5. Season (Huge Impact on Price)
Safari prices fluctuate with demand.
High Season (June–October)
Best weather
Dry, easy wildlife spotting
Prices increase 20–40%
Peak Season (July–September)
Great Migration peak months
River-crossing season in Serengeti
Most expensive time of the year
Low/Green Season (March–May)
Lush landscapes, fewer tourists
Lowest prices
Excellent for photographers
6. Group vs Private Safari
Shared Safari
Ideal for solo travellers
Cheaper per person
Set itinerary
Private Safari
Customizable
Better for couples, families, and small groups
More expensive, but more exclusive
Safari Cost by Destination
Below is a detailed explanation of what each Zanzibar safari option includes and why it costs what it does.
1. Mikumi Safari From Zanzibar Cost (Cheapest Option)
Mikumi is the cheapest safari from Zanzibar. It is excellent for travellers who want a quick wildlife experience without spending too much.
Why It’s Affordable
Short flight
Lower park fees
Simple day-trip logistics
Wildlife You’ll See
Lions
Elephants
Giraffes
Zebras
Hippos
Wildebeest
Includes
Return flights
Full-day game drive
Lunch
Park entrance fees
Professional guide
Ideal For: Budget travellers, families, short-stay tourists, and last-minute trips.
2. Selous/Nyerere Safari From Zanzibar Cost
Price: $490–$650 per person (Day trip)
Selous, now known as Nyerere National Park, is one of Africa's most essential and wild reserves. It offers game drives, boat safaris, and walking safaris.
What Makes Selous Special
Boat safari on the Rufiji River
Up-close viewing of hippos & crocs
Authentic “real Africa” wilderness feel
Activities
Game drive
Boat safari
Walking safari
This park offers a variety unmatched by any other Zanzibar day-trip option.
3. Tarangire Safari From Zanzibar Cost
Price: $900–$1,200 for 2 days
Tarangire is the elephant capital of Tanzania, famous for its towering baobab trees and dramatic dry-season animal gatherings.
Highlights
The most enormous elephant herds in the region
Lions, leopards, cheetahs
Stunning landscapes
Perfect for travellers wanting a Northern Circuit safari without paying Serengeti prices.
4. Ngorongoro Crater Safari From Zanzibar Cost
The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the Eight Wonders of the Natural World. It is one of the best places to see the Big Five in one day.
Why It’s Pricier
High conservation fees
Longer flights
Premium lodges on the crater rim
Wildlife You’ll See
Rhinos
Lions
Buffalo
Hyenas
Elephants
Thousands of wildebeest & zebras
A must-see destination for romantic couples, families, and photographers.
5. Serengeti Safari From Zanzibar Cost (Fly-In Safari)
Price: $1,800–$4,500 per person (2–4 days)Migration
Season: $3,000–$7,000 per person (3–5 days)
The Serengeti is the crown jewel of Africa—home to the Great Wildebeest Migration, the world’s highest concentration of predators, and some of the continent’s most luxurious safari lodges.
Serengeti Safari Cost Breakdown
Shared flights: $300–$450 each way
Park fees: ~$90 per person per day
Lodge fees: $250–$1,000+ per night
Safari vehicle + guide: $200–$300/day
Why Serengeti Costs More
Remote location
Higher fuel and logistics
Premium-level accommodations
Migration camps charge peak rates
But the experience is truly unmatched—incredible wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and world-class guiding.
Serengeti Great Migration Safari Cost
$3,000–$7,000 per person for 3–5 days
Prices rise due to:
High-demand Migration camps
Seasonal price increases
Limited availability
Specialised guiding and locations
This is Africa’s #1 bucket-list safari.
🧾 What’s Included in a Travel Wise Safari Package?
When you book a safari with Travel Wise Safari, you’re not just paying for a wildlife experience—you’re investing in a fully organised, stress-free adventure handled by one of Tanzania’s most reliable safari specialists. Our packages are designed to give you maximum value, comfort, and transparency, with every essential element covered from start to finish.
Here’s what you get in every Travel Wise Safari package:
✔ Round-trip flights from Zanzibar
Your safari begins the moment you leave Zanzibar. Return domestic flights to the mainland (Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Serengeti, or Selous) are included, ensuring fast and seamless travel.
✔ Airport transfers (both ways)
From the moment you land, our driver-guide is waiting. No confusion, no delays—just smooth transitions.
✔ All national park entrance fees
Park fees in Tanzania can be high, especially in Serengeti and Ngorongoro. We include every fee upfront so there are no surprises later.
✔ Professional English-speaking driver-guide
Our guides are handpicked for their experience, deep wildlife knowledge, safety skills, and ability to turn a safari into a storytelling adventure.
✔ Unlimited game drives
We don’t limit game drive hours. You have full-day access to maximize wildlife sightings.
✔ Comfortable 4×4 Land Cruiser safari vehicle
Fully equipped with:
Pop-up roof for photography
Charging ports
Cooler box
Long-range radio
Window seat for every traveller
✔ Drinking water throughout your safari
Each day includes unlimited bottled water to keep you refreshed.
✔ All meals during the safari
Depending on the itinerary, this includes:
Picnic lunches
Hot lunches at lodges
Full buffet breakfasts
Three-course dinners at your lodge or camp
✔ Quality accommodation (your choice of budget, mid-range, luxury)
Stay in carefully selected lodges and tented camps that match your budget and comfort preference.
✔ All government taxes and levies
We handle all legal and administrative fees—your price is final and transparent.
⚠️ No Hidden Fees. No Surprises. Always Transparent.
Travel Wise Safari is committed to transparent pricing, meaning what you see is what you pay. No last-minute charges. No unexpected add-ons. No stress.
❗ Additional Optional Costs (If You Choose)
These extras are optional and not required, but many travellers enjoy adding them for a richer experience.
Add-on | Cost | Notes |
Hot-air balloon safari | ~$550 | Available in Serengeti & Tarangire—epic sunrise views |
Tips for guide | $10–$20/day | Industry standard for excellent service |
Alcoholic drinks | Varies | Not included at most lodges |
Lodge upgrades | — | Depends on the camp/lodge level |
Travel insurance | Recommended | Best to cover medical/emergency situations |
Optional extras allow you to personalise your safari without affecting core pricing.
💸 How to Get the Best Safari Price From Zanzibar (Travel Wise Safari Tips)
If you want the best value for money, follow these expert tips:
1. Book flights early
Domestic flights to Serengeti and Southern Tanzania fill quickly. Booking early = better prices and more route options.
2. Choose mid-range lodges (best value)
Mid-range properties offer:
Great comfort
Beautiful locations
Excellent food
High standards
…at a much lower price than luxury lodges.
3. Travel during Green Season
March–May brings:
Fewer tourists
Lower lodge rates
Greener landscapes
Excellent photographic opportunities
It’s the best time for budget-conscious travelers.
4. Join a group safari
Shared safaris reduce the cost by splitting vehicle and guide expenses.
5. Mix Northern & Southern parks
A combination like Selous + Tarangire gives you wildlife variety without full Serengeti prices.
📌 Best Zanzibar Safari Options for Every Budget
Here are the top safari options depending on your price range:
🔹 Budget Safaris (from $450 per person)
Perfect for travellers who want an affordable yet rewarding wildlife experience.
1-Day Mikumi Safari
1-Day Selous/Nyerere Safari
🔹 Mid-Range Safaris ($900–$1,800 per person)
Greater comfort, longer adventures, and more iconic parks.
2-Day Tarangire Safari
2–3 Day Ngorongoro Crater Safari
3-Day Manyara + Ngorongoro + Tarangire Circuit
🔹 Luxury Safaris ($1,800–$7,000 per person)
Ideal for honeymoons, photographers, couples, and VIP travellers.
Serengeti Fly-in & Fly-out Safari
Great Migration Safari (July–Sept & Dec–Feb)
Luxury tented lodges & private guides
Travel Wise Safari can customise every package based on your dates, interests, and budget.
📚 FAQs: Safari From Zanzibar Cost (Top Google Searches)
1. Can you do a safari directly from Zanzibar?
Absolutely. Travel Wise Safari offers daily flights from Zanzibar to:
Serengeti
Ngorongoro
Tarangire
Selous/Nyerere
Mikumi
2. What’s the cheapest safari from Zanzibar?
The Mikumi Day Trip ($450–$550) is the most affordable option.
3. Is the Serengeti worth the price?
Yes—Serengeti is considered Africa’s #1 safari destination, especially during the Great Migration.
4. Do safari prices change during the year?
Yes.
High season = higher prices
Green season = lower prices
Peak migration = luxury pricing
5. Can I book at the last minute?
Yes, but flight prices may be higher, and availability is limited during peak months.
🎯 Final Summary: How Much Does a Safari From Zanzibar Cost?
Here’s a simple pricing breakdown:
Safari Type | Price per Person |
Budget | $450–$650 |
Mid-range | $900–$1,800 |
Serengeti Fly-In | $1,800–$4,500 |
Luxury Migration | $3,000–$7,000 |
No matter your budget, Travel Wise Safari offers unmatched value, expertise, and comfort—from affordable day trips to ultra-luxury adventures.
⭐ Ready to Book Your Safari From Zanzibar?
Travel Wise Safari offers private, group, luxury, and tailor-made safari packages for all travellers.
➡️ Tell me your dates, budget, and preferred parks—and I’ll create a custom itinerary for you.
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