Tanzania is renowned for world–class wildlife safaris, the snow-capped Kilimanjaro, and the idyllic beaches of Zanzibar. Travellers can experience everything from budget backpacking adventures to ultra-luxury lodge stays.
Plan the practical part
Tanzania Budget Guide 2026
Daily budget guide for Tanzania (prices in TZS)Updated
- BudgetTZS 132,205–TZS 317,293 / day
- Mid-rangeTZS 317,293–TZS 925,438 / day
- LuxuryTZS 925,438–TZS 1,388,158 / day
What a day in Tanzania costs
Budget
TZS 132,205–TZS 317,293 / day
≈ $50 USD
Hostels or guesthouses, street food and markets, public transport.
Mid-range
TZS 317,293–TZS 925,438 / day
≈ $120 USD
Comfortable hotels, sit-down restaurants, a few paid activities.
Luxury
TZS 925,438–TZS 1,388,158 / day
≈ $350 USD
Boutique or five-star stays, fine dining, private tours and transfers.
Estimates are per person, per day, in TZS. USD equivalents use open.er-api.com exchange rates from 3 Sep 2026.
Make it your trip
What could your trip cost?
Choose your pace and travel style. Start with the published daily estimate, then make room for the things you care about.
Estimated trip budget · TZS
7 days · 1 traveler · Mid-range
- Daily budget per person
- TZS 317,293–TZS 925,438
- Season adjustment
- ×1
An editorial estimate, not a booking quote. Daily budget × days × travelers × season adjustment. Add flights, insurance, and any costs outside the guide separately. Shared rooms and child rates may change your total.
Prices through the year
- Low×0.9
- High×1.2
- Shoulder×1
Stretch your budget
Ways to save
- Travel during low season for 50% accommodation savings
- Stay outside park gates rather than inside
- Join group safaris to share costs
- Use dala dalas for local transport
- Eat at local restaurants and street vendors
- Book flights early for better rates
Worth the splurge
- Hot air balloon safari over Serengeti ($600)
- Fly-in safari to remote parks
- Private game vehicle and guide
- Luxury tented camps with butler service
- Helicopter to Mount Kilimanjaro
- Private island experience in Zanzibar
Local discounts
- Better rates for safari groups
- Some discounts with ISIC card
- Significant discounts on park fees
Budget stays
- Cefa Hostel Dar es Salaam
- Eco-hostels in Arusha
- Budget camping safari options
- Local guesthouses
- Permanent tent camps
Luxury options
- Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
- Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
- Singita properties
- AndBeyond lodges
- Luxury beach resorts Zanzibar
Free things to do
- {"name": "Stone Town, Zanzibar", "tips": "Wander the narrow streets without a guide for a serendipitous adventure; look for the famous Zanzibari carved doors and feel free to step into art galleries along the way", "bestTime": "Evening for a cooler stroll when the call to prayer echoes and locals gather along the seafront", "description": "Historic quarter of Zanzibar City known for its labyrinthine alleys, Swahili architecture, and rich blend of cultures—a UNESCO site you can explore freely on foot"}
- {"name": "Forodhani Gardens Night Market", "tips": "You can enjoy the lively atmosphere and mouthwatering aromas even without buying food; if you do eat, try the Zanzibar pizza or sugar cane juice at local prices", "bestTime": "After sunset when the food market is in full swing and the park is brimming with locals and tourists alike", "description": "Evening food market by the waterfront in Stone Town where vendors set up grills and stands, creating a vibrant, free-to-enter event nightly with an array of local street foods"}
- {"name": "Coco Beach, Dar es Salaam", "tips": "On Sunday afternoons, catch live music or DJ sets for free at the beachside, as well as spontaneous soccer games; stick to daylight hours for safety", "bestTime": "Sunday late afternoon for a festive local scene, or weekdays around sunset for a quieter experience", "description": "Public beach on the Msasani Peninsula popular with locals for relaxation and entertainment, offering a genuine slice of Tanzanian coastal life without any entrance fee"}
Planning the trip? Read the full Tanzania guide.
Budget