The cost effective Tanzania self drive adventure
When discussing safaris in Tanzania, travelers who are on a tight budget may be deterred from traveling there since they envision themselves spending thousands of dollars. You might be surprised to learn that a Tanzanian safari can be had for as little as $250 per day. It all depends on the type of trip you decide to take, but it is doable. We will attempt to address the majority of the issues that travelers have regarding low-cost safaris in order to ensure that your trip runs as smoothly as possible.
What is a budget camping self drive safari?
A budget self drive camping safari is a journey designed for anyone who wishes to see Tanzanian nature while spending as little money as possible while driving on their own (You will be in control of your itinerary). Like a tourist on a luxury safari, you will still be able to visit the various locations; the only differences is that you will majorly be carrying out a camping safari experience. The designated tour guide will ensure your comfort during your entire stay in the country, but keep in mind that you will be traveling in a vehicle with other tourists and that you must adhere to the prearranged itinerary without altering it.
What does a budget camping self drive safari include?
Public camping, self made flexible itinerary, and the and the desire to discover on your own are the factors that distinguish a luxury lodging guided safari from a cheap camping self drive safari. The inclusion of the Tanzania camping self drive safari are:
- rooftop tent
- sleeping bag
- kitchen utensils
- fridge
- cooking gas
- pillow
- mattress
- solar lamp
- camping chairs
- camping tables
- among others
How much does a budget self drive camping safari cost in Tanzania?
Because different tour operators charge varying prices for the chosen car and itinerary, this is a very difficult topic to answer. Once you take into account the various aspects that can impact the cost of your budget safari, you will be able to enjoy a safari in Tanzania on a shoestring. Here are some of the factors to consider
where are you planning to stay?
You budget will highly be influenced with the area where you are planning to camp. whereas, you can find a campsite at the price as low as 25$ outside national parks, the price camping in public campsite within national parks is slightly higher but you will also be assured of the benefits that come with it. camping at public campsite in Serengeti will cost 50$ per night including the taxes, where as camping at Ngorongoro public campsite like Simba campsite will cost you 35$ including taxes. all national parks in Tanzania will offer the camping option and the good news is that you wont need to book these campsites in advance.
The number of travel partners
some of the cost during the self drive safari in Tanzania are constant and can be shared among different individuals. for instance the 5 seater car hire price will be the same regardless of whether you are a sole traveler or sharing the car with 5 different individuals. the same apply to the Ngorongoro crater which is charged per trip rather than per individual which implies that the 300$ crater fee will be paid in full by a sole traveler but be shared if you are moving in the group of 7 people. Therefore, 7 people will end up paying about 42 dollars per person for this trip.
Duration of your self drive safari experience
The length of you self drive safari will definitely impact your overall budget as you definitely have to pay for extra activities, more accommodations, more park entry fees, more car rental fees, more fuel among other. therefore, the longer safaris always tend to cost higher than the short ones. depending on your budget, you can consider doing a 5 day self safari that will b enough to offer you a proper experience without having to go overboard.
Season of your travel
The two primary seasons for Tanzanian safaris are the rainy and dry seasons. The peak season, sometimes referred to as the dry season (June to October), is when safari prices are highest because of the large number of visitors. The greatest time of year for travelers on a tight budget is during the rainy season, sometimes referred to as the green season or low season (November to April).
When planning a low-budget safari, you need also take into account other expenses, such as:
- Tips are a token of gratitude to the people providing you with the services and are practically required. The guide’s tip can range from at least $10 per day to $50 per day for the chef, but it really depends on your resources.
- Park fees. These one vary from one park to another and will also be influenced by where you are planning to spend your night whether in the park or outside the park.
- You should bring extra cash with you when you go shopping so you can purchase locally produced goods to bring home.
Where can you go on your self drive safari experience in Tanzania?
You will visit a number of locations on your low-cost self drive safari; some are located in Tanzania’s northern circuit, while others are located in the southern circuit. The Selous Game Reserve is the most well-known safari destination in Tanzania’s southern circuit, which is also regarded as the most affordable. You can incorporate the following additional Northern Circuit parks in your low-budget safari:
- The country’s largest population of elephants can be found in Tarangire National Park.
- Tree-climbing lions are a well-known feature of Lake Manyara National Park.
- The finest location to witness the calving month is Ngorongoro Crater, which is home to a significant variety of wildlife species.
- The yearly migration of wildebeests takes place in Serengeti National Park.
Do I need to buy my own food during the self drive safari in Tanzania?
Yes, you have to shop your food while planning a camping safari. always ensure to stock enough fresh food as you will not be able to restock during your stay in the parks. always create time for shopping before starting your safari experience in Tanzania.
How are the campsite in Tanzania?
Tanzania offers 3 classes of campsites and these are the public campsites, private campsites and special campsites.
- the public campsites are entirely managed by the park authority and you can book them while paying for your park entry fees. the price of public campsites varies from one park to another but they all provides the basic necessities like toilets, washrooms, among others
- privates campsites as the suggests are privately owned by the individuals outside the parks. they are usually cheaper than the public campsites but some do not provide the basics that the public campsites offer
- special campsites are seasonal campsites that are isolated in the bushes of the parks and are seasonal for people who would wish to visit seasonal activities like the calving season or those who want to follow the migration is Serengeti. these campsites are owned by tour operator and must be booked for in advance.
are all vehicle allowed for the self drive experience in parks?
No, not all vehicle can do self drive safaris through Tanzania national parks. the only vehicles that are allowed for such activities are the 4×4 vehicle capable of doing off road safaris. you should book your 4×4 Landcruiser with us for a greater safari experience in Tanzania from any city of your choice. you can book your self drive Landcruiser from Arusha, 4×4 self drive from Dar es salaam or a self drive car rental from Mwanza
A proposed 5 day Tanzania camping self drive safari
This low-cost camping safari in Tanzania will begin and finish in Arusha. We will be touring the Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park on this five-day trip around Tanzania’s northern circuit.
Cost $1250
Duration 5 days
Destination Arusha, Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro National park
Region Northern circuit Tanzania
Group size maximum of 7 people per vehicle
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Before we head to Tarangire National Park, we will begin our journey in Arusha with a little shopping for necessities. One of Tanzania’s most popular parks, Tarangire is renowned for housing the largest herd of elephants and is home to a diverse array of animals. During the drive, we will encounter a variety of wildlife, including giraffes, antelopes, cheetahs, lions, buffalos, hippos, and gazelles. Since animals congregate at the Tarangire River to escape the heat during the dry season (July to October), this is the greatest time to watch them. Game drives will be enjoyed throughout the day, and then dinner and an overnight stay at a campsite will follow.
Day 2: Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast, we shall have a brief drive around the Tarangire before traveling to Lake Manyara National Park. Nearly three-quarters of the park is encircled by soda lakes, and it is situated inside the Great Rift Valley. While traveling through the National Park, one can spot a variety of animals, including zebras, cheetahs, pink flamingos, buffalos, hippos, giraffes, tree climbing lions, and wildebeests. We will spend the night at the campsite, where dinner will be served.
Day 3: Lake Manyara to Ngorongoro crater
After breakfast, we will head to Ngorongoro Crater from Lake Manyara National Park. The world’s largest caldera, Ngorongoro Crater, was created when a now-extinct volcano collapsed. During our afternoon drive, we will witness a variety of wildlife and bird species that call Ngorongoro home, including giraffes, zebras, lions, spotted hyenas, black jackals, buffalos, and antelopes. All breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be supplied throughout the overnight stay at the campsite.
Day 4: Ngorongoro crater to Mto Wa Mbu
Before descending the crater to witness the big five and other animals, we will eat breakfast at the camp. After lunch, we will travel to Mto Wa Mbu village, which is renowned as the greatest destination for visitors who like the calving season (January), after driving through the conservation area to observe the wildlife. After the chef prepares dinner, you will relax at the campsite.
Day 5: Mto Wa Mbu to Arusha
Before continuing on to Arusha, we will take you to a location where you can take quality pictures of the Great Rift Valley after breakfast at the Mto Wa Mbu. The low-cost self drive safari in Tanzania will come to an end when You arrive in Arusha, where you will either head straight to the airport or your hotel room, depending on your preferences.