How Much Does Arusha & Serengeti Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Arusha and the Serengeti are a bucket-list safari destination where costs are driven by mandatory conservation fees and 4x4 logistics. Expect roughly $235–$1,471+ / TSh609,800–TSh3,811,250+ per person per day on an organised safari, depending on whether you choose shared camping, mid-range lodges, or luxury camps. For reference, TANAPA's Serengeti conservation fee is about $81 / TSh210,381 per adult per 24h in peak season and about $69 / TSh179,891 in the low season (VAT included). Ngorongoro (NCAA) is about $69 / TSh179,891 per adult per 24h, plus a crater service fee of about $292 / TSh756,152 per vehicle per descent. Visa fees are set in USD; for most nationalities the ordinary visa is about $49 / TSh128,058, while US passports typically pay about $99 / TSh256,116 for the required multiple-entry visa.
Is Arusha & Serengeti expensive to visit?
Expect roughly $235–$1,471+ / TSh609,800–TSh3,811,250+ per person/day: park fees and the Ngorongoro crater service fee set a high baseline, and accommodation level drives the rest.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Arusha & Serengeti
$232
per person /day
$619
per person /day
$1,355
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $697 | $1,857 | $4,064 |
| 5-Day Trip | $1,162 | $3,097 | $6,774 |
| 7-Day Trip | $1,625 | $4,335 | $9,483 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is recommended to maintain a 15% buffer to cover 18% VAT sometimes excluded from quotes and the ≈$292 / TSh756,152 Ngorongoro Crater service fee. Additionally, factor in approximately $18–$24 / TSh45,735–TSh60,980 per day for guide gratuities and allow for any accommodation levies (often ~1% of room rate where applicable).
How Does It Compare?
See how Arusha & Serengeti stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Arusha & Serengeti
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Local Restaurant Meal (Nyama Choma) Typical price for grilled meat and a side at a local spot (~$5.77 / TSh14,940). | $5.8 TSh15,032 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L bottle) Brands like Kilimanjaro or Safari. Imported beers cost ~$2.94+ / TSh7,623+. | $1.93 TSh5,000 |
| Cappuccino in Arusha Tanzanian coffee is excellent. Expect to pay ~$2.53 / TSh6,555 in tourist-friendly cafés. | $2.52 TSh6,525 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Dala Dala (Local Minibus) Ride The cheapest way to navigate Arusha town. Pay in exact change if possible (~$0.24 / TSh610). | $0.24 TSh610 |
| Taxi: Arusha to Arusha Airport (ARK) Standard fare for the 8km trip. Negotiate if not using an app. Approx. $5.06 / TSh13,111. | $5.08 TSh13,172 |
| Shared Shuttle: JRO Airport to Arusha Scheduled departures. Door-to-door service is slightly more (~$15 / TSh39,637). | $15 TSh39,485 |
| Bolt Ride (Town Center Trip) A typical cross-town ride in Arusha costs around $3.06 / TSh7,927. App uses dynamic pricing. | $3.1 TSh8,019 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Ibrahim Garden Hostel - Dorm Bed Budget option in Arusha. Includes breakfast and WiFi. | $12 TSh31,191 |
| Sanna Boutique Hotel (4-star) Mid-range boutique hotel in Arusha. Rate is for two adults, approx. $182 / TSh472,595 per night. | $183 TSh473,754 |
| Gran Melia Arusha (5-star luxury) Premium luxury stay in Arusha. Price is for a standard double room, approx. $426 / TSh1,103,738. | $427 TSh1,105,415 |
Activities (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Serengeti National Park Conservation Fee (Peak Season, per 24h) Non-EAC adult conservation fee. TANAPA peak season is 16 May–14 Mar; low season 15 Mar–15 May. TANAPA tariffs are VAT-exclusive; with 18% VAT this is about $81 / TSh210,381 in peak season or about $69 / TSh179,891 in low season (converted using BoT rate). | $82 TSh211,509 |
| Ngorongoro Conservation Area Entry (per 24h) Non-EAC adult entry permit is about $69 / TSh179,891 per 24h. Crater descent additionally requires the crater service fee (about $292 / TSh756,152 per vehicle per trip). | $70 TSh181,294 |
| Tarangire National Park Conservation Fee (Peak Season, per 24h) Non-EAC adult conservation fee. With 18% VAT this is about $59 / TSh152,450 in peak season or about $53 / TSh137,205 in low season (TANAPA peak: 16 May–14 Mar; low: 15 Mar–15 May; converted using BoT rate). | $58 TSh151,078 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Local SIM Card (Vodacom) with 10GB Data Much cheaper than eSIM. Available at the airport or Arusha town (~$9.65 / TSh25,002). | $9.67 TSh25,063 |
Other (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Tanzania Tourist Visa (Ordinary Visa) Ordinary visa fee is 50 USD (≈$49 / TSh128,058). US passport holders are generally required to apply for a multiple-entry visa (100 USD ≈$99 / TSh256,116). Always verify current rules on the official immigration site before travel. | $49 TSh128,028 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
Dining in Arusha is affordable at local establishments like Khan's BBQ, where a meal of Nyama Choma (grilled meat) costs about $5.8 / TSh15,032. In tourist-friendly cafés, a Tanzanian cappuccino is roughly $2.52 / TSh6,525, while a 0.5L domestic beer like Kilimanjaro or Safari is priced around $1.93 / TSh5,000. Most multi-day safari packages include all meals, which helps stabilize daily food costs once traveling inside the national parks.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Khan's BBQ
$4.65–$7.74 / TSh12,044–TSh20,062Town Center / Mosque St · Street food area
Legendary spot where an auto-parts shop turns into a BBQ haven at night. Try the mishkaki (skewers).
The Fig & Olive
$6.97–$14 / TSh18,050–TSh35,094Haile Selassie Rd · Local chain
Mediterranean fusion with great outdoor seating. Excellent value for the portion sizes (~$7.06–$13 / TSh18,294–TSh33,539).
George's Tavern
$7.74–$15 / TSh20,062–TSh40,094Njiro · Local chain
Popular expat hangout with consistent quality and reasonably priced drinks.
Arusha Coffee Lodge (Shanga)
$9.67–$17 / TSh25,063–TSh45,125Dodoma Rd · Food court
Eat at the Shanga social enterprise workshop onsite for a more affordable, meaningful lunch (~$16 / TSh42,686).
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Navigating Arusha town is cheapest via Dala Dala (local minibus) at only $0.24 / TSh610 per ride, though a Bolt trip across town is more convenient at approximately $3.1 / TSh8,019. Getting from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Arusha costs approximately $15 / TSh39,485 via a shared shuttle, while a private taxi to the local Arusha Airport (ARK) for bush flights is about $5.08 / TSh13,172.
Accommodation Overview
For budget travelers, Ibrahim Garden Hostel provides a dorm bed with breakfast for $12 / TSh31,191, while mid-range boutique options like Sanna Boutique Hotel average $183 / TSh473,754 per night. High-end luxury at the Gran Melia Arusha can reach $427 / TSh1,105,415 per night, reflecting the broad range of lodging available before heading into the national parks.
Accommodation Budget in Arusha & Serengeti
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Share the Ngorongoro Crater Service Fee of about $292 / TSh756,152 per vehicle by joining a group safari and splitting the cost among passengers.
- 2 Use a local Vodacom SIM card for data, costing around $9.67 / TSh25,063 for 10GB, instead of paying for expensive international roaming or eSIMs.
- 3 Travel during the shoulder months of June or October to avoid peak-season surcharges while still enjoying excellent wildlife viewing.
- 4 Choose the shared shuttle for $15 / TSh39,485 from JRO airport instead of private transfers which often cost double or triple the price.
- 5 Eat at local institutions like Khan's BBQ on Mosque Street to keep dinner costs around $5.8 / TSh15,032 per person.
- 6 Pay the ordinary Tanzania tourist visa fee online (about $49 / TSh128,058 for most nationalities; about $99 / TSh256,116 for US passports requiring a multiple-entry visa) to avoid scams/overcharging.
- 7 Refill your water bottles at your lodge's filtered stations to avoid buying individual plastic bottles which can cost $1.18–$2.35 / TSh3,049–TSh6,098 each in the parks.
- 8 Stay at Ibrahim Garden Hostel in Arusha for $12 / TSh31,191 to save significantly on accommodation before and after your safari trek.
- 9 Stick to local beer brands like Kilimanjaro or Safari at $1.93 / TSh5,000 per bottle rather than imported options which cost upwards of $2.94 / TSh7,623.
- 10 Navigate Arusha's town center using Dala Dalas for just $0.24 / TSh610 instead of hiring private drivers for short distances.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Dec, Jan, Feb
+20–40%
Apr, May
-30–50%
Oct, Nov
The 'Long Rains' (April–May) see deep discounts at luxury lodges, but some roads in the Serengeti may be impassable. June and October offer the best balance of wildlife and lower 'shoulder' prices.
Events to Watch
- ● Great Migration Crossing (July–August): Serengeti lodges book out a year in advance with +50% premiums
- ● Christmas/New Year: Hotel prices in Arusha and lodges spike +40%
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Arusha Clock Tower: Visit the landmark that marks the midpoint between Cairo and Cape Town.
- 2 Cultural Heritage Centre: Browse the massive collection of African art and sculptures in this world-class gallery for free.
- 3 Shanga Workshop: Located at Arusha Coffee Lodge, you can watch disabled artisans create glass and fabric art at no cost.
- 4 Maasai Market Curios and Crafts: Explore the vibrant stalls near the Clock Tower to experience the local craft culture.
- 5 Mount Meru Viewing: Enjoy views of the 4,562-meter peak from various high points around Arusha town.
- 6 Central Market (Soko Kuu): Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of a traditional Tanzanian market for free.
- 7 Tanzanite Experience Museum: Visit this free museum in Arusha to learn about the mining and history of the world's rarest gemstone.
- 8 Arusha Declaration Museum Grounds: View the historic monument and the surrounding area which are free to access.
- 9 Golf Course Perimeter Walk: Stroll the lush edges of the Arusha Gymkhana Club for excellent birdwatching and greenery.
- 10 Themi River Path: Walk along certain accessible sections of the river for a peaceful nature break near the town center.
- 11 Lake Duluti Forest Reserve (Perimeter): While entering the water has a fee, walking the surrounding public access trails is free.
- 12 Kilombero Market: Visit the local fruit and vegetable market to see the daily life of Arusha residents without any entry cost.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari
Unrivaled views of the migration at sunrise, including a champagne breakfast in the bush (~$609 / TSh1,576,333).
Ngorongoro Crater Floor Private Lunch
Escape the crowded picnic areas for a private set-up with a chef in the wild (~$101 / TSh262,214).
Cultural Tour: Olpopongi Maasai Village
A more ethical and immersive Maasai experience than random roadside stops (~$51 / TSh131,107).
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Arusha & Serengeti
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Arusha & Serengeti and what they cost
Arusha National Park
$102 / TSh263,190 by private taxi/4x4
$53–$59 / TSh137,205–TSh152,450 (season dependent)
≈$154–$160 / TSh399,419–TSh414,664
Materuni Waterfalls & Coffee Tour
$61 / TSh157,908 by shared shuttle/tour van
$30 / TSh78,969
$91 / TSh236,877
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
1 $ ≈ 2,590 TSh
Yes
Card use is common at upscale hotels/lodges and at park gates (via electronic payment systems). For everyday spending, carry TZS. Tanzania restricts pricing/payment in foreign currency, so exchange cash at banks or licensed Bureau de Change or pay by card/digital methods.
Expected for guides (~$18–$24 / TSh45,735–TSh60,980/day) and camp staff (~$5.89–$12 / TSh15,245–TSh30,490/day). In Arusha restaurants, 10% is generous if no service charge is added.
Use ATMs from major banks like Stanbic or CRDB in Arusha. Maximum withdrawal is usually ~$153 / TSh396,370 (400,000 TZS) per transaction.
Essential at Curio markets and for street taxis. Never bargain for food in restaurants or for set park fees. A typical goal is 20–30% off the starting price.
Connectivity
eSIM: $11–$47 (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $9.42 / TSh24,392 for 10GB
WiFi: Limited outside Arusha town and luxury lodge lobbies.
Buy a local Vodacom or Airtel SIM at the airport for ~$9.42 / TSh24,392; eSIMs like Airalo work but are 5x more expensive for large data amounts.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Arusha & Serengeti.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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