8 Ways to Explore Tanzania on a Budget

Tanzania offers exceptional wildlife viewing, but it doesn't come at a low price.

When you factor in travel to wildlife regions, staying in remote lodges, and paying for national park access, costs can escalate quickly. If you add in a trek up Mt Kilimanjaro or a week on Zanzibar, your expenses will rise even further.

However, if you're open to adapting your itinerary and can handle a bit of discomfort, traveling in Tanzania can be surprisingly affordable. You can save significantly by choosing trains or buses instead of flights for transport and opting for hostels or basic guesthouses over luxury lodges. Eating like a local is another effective way to cut costs, and wildlife safaris can be made more budget-friendly by visiting lesser-known national parks, traveling during the low season, and camping instead of lodging.

Here’s a breakdown of daily expenses in Tanzania, along with handy tips to help you save money during your trip.

Daily Expenses in Tanzania

• Dormitory bed in a hostel: US$10–20

• Basic room for two: US$30–65

• Double room at a mid-range hotel: US$200+

• Wildlife safari per person per day, covering meals, transport, and game drives: US$150–800+

• Bus ticket from Dar es Salaam to Arusha: US$15–25

• Short taxi ride: starting at US$5

• Meal at a local restaurant: US$3–5

• Dinner for two at a restaurant: US$15–25

• Bottle of Kilimanjaro beer: US$2

Average daily expense: US$50–300+

1. Stay flexible with your travel schedule

Costs for international flights and specific park fees are often lower during the low (rainy) season from March to May. While some lodges may close, and hiking trails can be muddy, the lush green landscapes, excellent birdwatching, and absence of crowds make this a beautiful time to visit. Additionally, accommodations are typically cheaper during the shoulder months of November to early December, February, and late May to early June.

2. Opt for camping or budget accommodations

You can greatly reduce your lodging expenses by choosing to camp or stay in hostels and budget hotels for part of your journey. Many safari and trek operators offer affordable rental equipment, so you won’t need to bring your own. On the mainland, hostels and local budget hotels are often simple yet comfortable, providing various dormitory and private room options.

3. Eat like a local

Dining local-style in Tanzania is a delight, featuring an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, freshly caught seafood along the coast, and hearty dishes like rice with beans or ugali (cornmeal porridge) with sauce, all for just a few dollars. By opting for local meals, you can easily keep your food expenses under US$10 per day.

4. Use local buses, trains, and ferries

Traveling by bus can save you a lot compared to domestic flights or car rentals (unless you’re in a group), plus it offers a great glimpse into local life. To ensure a smooth journey, book a few days in advance for popular routes, aim for an early departure, and consider paying a little extra for 'luxury' service.

Traveling by train is quite economical, though it can be slow. One of Tanzania's main railway lines is undergoing upgrades, but the Tazara line continues to operate regularly between Dar es Salaam and New Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia. This route provides a glimpse into local life as it meanders through parts of Nyerere National Park and into the picturesque Southern Highlands. For journeys between the mainland and Zanzibar, ferries run multiple times daily and are more affordable than flights.

5. Strategically plan your safari

By choosing smaller or lesser-known parks, camping outside park boundaries, traveling during the low season, and teaming up with others if you're alone, you can significantly reduce daily safari expenses. For instance, entry fees at Ruaha National Park, which boasts excellent wildlife viewing, are just US$30 per person per day, whereas Serengeti National Park charges US$70 per day. Additionally, the location of your accommodations matters; staying outside park boundaries is typically cheaper, and camps or lodges near less-visited parks tend to be more affordable than those near popular northern circuit attractions.

By joining a group, you can share transport costs for both reaching the parks and moving around within them, leading to significant savings. Ideally, aim for four to five people in the group: be sure to check the vehicle's seating layout and consider whether anyone might end up in a middle seat with limited views of the wildlife.

6. Skip the safari and explore the south

The northern safari circuit of Tanzania, including Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, attracts the most visitors, resulting in higher prices for nearby services. To save money while enjoying a rich Tanzanian cultural experience, consider visiting the southeastern coast, including Kilwa, Lindi, and Mikindani, or head southwest from Iringa towards Mbeya and Lake Nyasa. The far west, around Tabora, Kigoma, and Kipili on Lake Tanganyika, is also much more affordable and offers a wonderful insight into Tanzanian life and culture. For beach vacations, the mainland coast is often cheaper than Zanzibar, and you'll enjoy the stunning beaches without the crowds found on Zanzibar.

7. Opt for hiking instead of trekking

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a remarkable adventure, but the lower slopes of the mountain offer just as much intrigue. Instead of paying nearly US$2000 for a trek to the summit, consider a day hike on Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes, where you can visit a coffee plantation and engage with the local Chagga community. Alternatives include trekking on Mt Meru in Arusha National Park or hiking village-to-village in the Usambara range in northeastern Tanzania.

8. Utilize ride-sharing apps for transportation

Dalla-dallas (shared minivans) and boda-boda (motorcycle taxis) offer the most affordable transport options, with fares typically under US$1. However, accidents are frequent, especially with boda-boda. A safer choice is to opt for ride-sharing apps available in larger cities and towns. Private taxi fares are also quite reasonable, starting at around US$5 or less for a short trip; it's advisable to get a reliable driver’s contact from your hotel.