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Money, Tipping and Travel Budget for Tanzania

Planning your Tanzania safari, Kilimanjaro trek, or Zanzibar beach holiday involves understanding how money works here, how much safaris cost, and how to budget for tips and extra expenses. The official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), widely used for local purchases, while major expenses such as flights, park fees, and accommodations are typically paid in US Dollars (USD). Because of Tanzania’s remote safari destinations and conservation fees, the cost of a Tanzania safari may be higher than other holidays—but the experience is truly once-in-a-lifetime.

HOW MUCH DOES A TANZANIA SAFARI COST?

Is a Tanzania Safari Expensive?

A Tanzania safari is a premium travel experience and usually more expensive than traditional holidays. The main reason is the high cost of maintaining Tanzania’s 22 national parks, where daily entrance fees for international visitors range from $50–$70 per adult. While this may seem costly, it directly supports conservation and the protection of wildlife habitats.

Accommodation costs remain relatively stable throughout the year, although prices vary by comfort level—from budget campsites to high-end luxury lodges. Choosing a private safari versus a small group safari also impacts the overall budget.

KEY FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE SAFARI PRICES

  • Duration of Stay
    The best time to visit Tanzania is during the dry season (June to October) when wildlife viewing is at its peak. Since flights are long-haul, we recommend spending at least 7–10 days exploring multiple parks and ending your trip with a beach stay in Zanzibar.
  • Private vs. Group Safari
    Traveling as a couple on a private safari can be more expensive compared to joining a small group safari, where costs such as the safari vehicle and guide are shared among up to 7 travelers.
  • Accommodation Type
    • Luxury Lodges & Tented Camps – En-suite rooms, gourmet dining, pools, and exceptional hospitality.
    • Mobile Explorer Camps – Exclusive private tented camps in pristine wilderness areas.
    • Adventure Camping – Public campsites with basic facilities, offering the most budget-friendly option.
  • Road Safari vs. Fly-In Safari
    • Guided Road Safari: Travel in a 4×4 Land Cruiser with your guide—ideal for northern parks.

Fly-In Safari: Small aircraft connect remote southern and western parks, saving travel time but costing more.

Tanzania Visa Costs

Most visitors require a tourist visa to enter Tanzania.

  • Standard visas cost $50 USD for up to 90 days.
  • Applications can be made via the Tanzania e-visa portal, local embassies, or on arrival at major airports.
  • Always confirm requirements with your nearest Tanzanian Embassy before traveling

Currency in Tanzania: What You Need to Know

The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the official currency, but many travel-related costs—including safari packages, national park fees, and tips—are paid in US Dollars.

  • Only USD notes printed after 2006 are accepted.
  • Use TZS for local purchases such as snacks, souvenirs, and cultural activities.
  • Exchange currency at bureaus de change in cities like Arusha, Dar es Salaam, and Stone Town.

 

Payment Methods in Tanzania

  • Cash (TZS) – Widely used in markets, cultural visits, and smaller shops.
  • ATMs – Available in Arusha, Moshi, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar. Always ask your guide about the most reliable ATM locations.
  • Credit Cards – Accepted at major lodges and hotels, but not guaranteed in rural areas.
  • Debit Cards – Not always reliable; notify your bank before traveling.
  • Traveler’s Cheques – No longer accepted.

Travel Tip: Always carry some cash, as ATMs may be out of service or unavailable in remote regions. Keep a credit card for emergencies, but avoid withdrawing large amounts of cash at once.

Tipping in Tanzania

Tipping is an important part of the tourism culture in Tanzania, helping support guides, porters, and staff who make your experience unforgettable. While tipping is not mandatory, it is greatly appreciated.

Safari Tipping Guidelines

  • Safari Guide: $15–20 per group per day
  • Lodge & Camp Staff: $5 per guest per night (tip box at reception)
  • Restaurants: Around 10% of the bill

Tipping on Mount Kilimanjaro

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro involves a dedicated crew of guides, porters, cooks, and waiters. A group tip is shared among the entire team at the end of the trek. Suggested daily rates:

  • Head Guide: $15–18
  • Assistant Guide: $12–15
  • Cook: $8–10
  • Waiter: $7–9
  • Summit Porter: $8–9
  • Regular Porter: $6–7
  • Camp Crew: $6–7

At the farewell ceremony, the head guide provides a list of the team members. Tips are handed over collectively, ensuring fairness and transparency.

Expert Travel Advice: Budgeting for a Tanzania Safari

While it may be tempting to cut costs, travelers consistently report that their Tanzania safari exceeded expectations and was worth every dollar. The real value lies in the wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and memories you’ll carry home.

Our travel specialists are here to design tailor-made safari packages that fit your budget while ensuring the highest quality experience.

FAQS FOR “MONEY, TIPPING & TRAVEL BUDGET IN TANZANIA”

1. How much does a Tanzania safari cost?

The cost of a Tanzania safari varies depending on duration, type of safari, and accommodation. On average, prices range from $250 per person per day for budget camping safaris to $800+ per person per day for luxury lodges or fly-in safaris.

Both currencies are used. Safari packages, park fees, and accommodation are typically paid in USD, while local purchases like souvenirs, snacks, and cultural visits are usually paid in Tanzanian Shillings (TZS).

Safari guides usually receive $15–20 per group per day, while camp staff should be tipped $5 per guest per night. At restaurants, a 10% tip is customary.

For Kilimanjaro climbs, tipping is shared across the team. Guidelines suggest: Head Guide ($15–18/day), Assistant Guide ($12–15/day), Cook ($8–10/day), Waiter ($7–9/day), and Porters ($6–9/day).

Credit cards are accepted in large hotels, lodges, and some restaurants, but not always reliable in rural areas. It’s best to carry cash (TZS and USD) and keep a credit card for emergencies.

Most travelers need a tourist visa, which costs $50 USD and is valid for up to 90 days. You can apply online, at embassies, or on arrival at major airports.

Ready to experience Tanzania? Contact us today to begin planning your tailor-made safari.

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