Things To Consider When Planning A Tanzania Safari On A Budget : Tanzania can seem to be a cost-prohibitive safari destination because of the well-known attractions it has, including Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which is home to the largest crater in the world, the Lake Manyara National Park, and others. However, if you carefully plan your safari tour, Tanzania can be visited and explored on any budget even a modest one.
Nothing is more enjoyable than going on once-in-a-lifetime safari and still having money in your bank account and wallet. All of this is made possible if you let Focus East Africa Tours take care of every detail of setting up and planning your safari vacation in Tanzania. You don’t need to worry if you don’t have a lot of money to explore Tanzania when you book with Focus East Africa Tour, a local tour operator in Tanzania. Tanzania has a lot to offer tourists on a tight budget. Here are some tips and ideas for making the most of your Tanzanian safari, beach, and trekking experiences on a budget:
Travel.
You can save a tonne of money and meet a lot more people if you’re willing to travel more slowly. Flying is far more expensive than taking a bus. That is indeed possible. There are plenty of services to choose from, and it’s never been easier or less expensive to travel to, from, and within Tanzania. For example, the Kilimanjaro Express offers reasonable prices, the convenience of booking online, and a comfortable journey. Additionally, you get to see the country up close, which will improve your experiences. There are carriers that charge as little as $25 for intercity travel. Your itinerary can include Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Nairobi, Moshi, Morogoro, Mwanza, Tanga, Iringa, and many other locations.
If you’re in the city, take the “dala- dala” like the locals do to get around quickly. Dala dalas are a unique kind of experience. You’ll be packed in with everyone else, so just make sure you tell the fare collector where you want to get off. You can stop at any point during the journey. We recommend being cautious and not taking the dala-dala at night.
Accommodation.
For every five-star hotel, there are a dozen more reasonably priced, safe options. If you want to socialize, there are a number of guesthouses and bed and breakfasts with hospitable owners, delicious meals, and amenities like Wi-Fi. Some even have outdoor pools. Some guesthouses, like Arusha Backpackers, offer free use of their common kitchens, and others have campsites. Hostels are usually a reasonably priced option where you can meet and converse with other travelers. It’s a great opportunity to collaborate for some experience and exchange advice.
For those of you who prefer a little privacy and want to set up a home, self-catering is another option; there are plenty of town and beach apartments available. There are some that are near the beach, some that are yards from the city’s action, and some that are only a short walk from Tanzania’s breathtaking countryside. Whatever kind of Tanzanian holiday you’d like, you can find affordable, safe, and clean accommodations.
Eating.
The trick to saving money on dining out is to cook or eat locally. Ensure that it is cooked or, in the case of fruit, that it is easily peeled. Local cuisine is usually delicious, healthful, and reasonably priced. If you’re staying in self-catering accommodations and are happy to cook for yourself, you’ll love scavenging for your dinner from the lively and bustling markets that offer a variety of delicious fruits and all types of vegetables, as well as rice and pulses.
Excursions.
While taking a hot air balloon safari or going on a game drive to witness the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti is a popular activity in Tanzania, there are plenty of other thrilling things to do that don’t involve a six-day mountain hike. A low-cost safari to one of Tanzania’s smaller national parks, such as Arusha National Park, Tarangire National Park, or Lake Manyara National Park, is the best way to take in the natural wonders of the country. These parks are even more alluring because they are not as well-known as the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti.
Despite its small size, Arusha National Park boasts three distinct landscapes, each abundant with its own flora and fauna. Mount Meru, Kilimanjaro’s younger sibling, is among them. You can see zebra, giraffes, Cape buffalo, warthogs, and a variety of forest birds. Millions of flamingos shimmer in Lake Manyara during the rainy season, and if you’re lucky, you might spot the lions that are known for climbing trees.
Consider going on a three-day walk from Lushoto to Mambo across the Usambara Mountains if you’re an avid hiker. It’s a beautiful route that passes by Mtae, a community perched on a cliff with stunning views, and lets you take in the verdant, wooded surroundings.
Take a few days to explore Moshi, a bustling town on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. In addition to enjoying a picturesque mountain view, you can visit one of the many coffee plantations and grind your own coffee there. You’ll get to witness the farmers working peacefully. If you think living in a rural area sounds good, book a budget hotel in West Kilimanjaro. Nestled between Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro lies Simba Farm, a bustling farm and tranquil haven offering breathtaking views. You can explore the area on river treks, learn how to ride a horse, and take a dip in the streams. Choose to stay at the charming, friendly campground or at the inn. You will also have the opportunity to visit a Maasai hamlet. It is a mini-holiday on its own.
Kilimanjaro is only one part of Tanzania; you don’t have to skip seeing the other parts of this amazing nation just because you’re on a tight budget. Give the Focus East Africa Tours staff a call, and we’d be happy to recommend additional reasonably priced treks and lodging options as well as arrange beach and national park vacations.
Budget Safaris In Tanzania For Backpacking.
East African nation of Tanzania is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. It is well known for having a large amount of wilderness, which makes it the perfect place to go backpacking. Tanzania doesn’t cost a lot, but if you truly want to “do everything” and “see everything,” you might have to budget a little bit more than you had anticipated. However, you don’t have to return from a backpacking trip penniless. If you want to make the most of your trip and are on a tight budget, but still want to see Tanzania’s vast plains, use the advice below.
The Ngorongoro Crater.
A one-day safari trip to the Ngorongoro Crater costs at least $700. These expenses can vary based on the number of guests (2 guests = $410 per person, 4 guests = $250 per person). During this trip, you will have the opportunity to take a tour of the Ngorongoro crater, where you can take in the amazing views of the surrounding area and wildlife, which includes lions, warthogs, hippos, elephants, and black rhinos. This is a truly unique place, so if you can afford to spend over $100 per night at the luxury camps, by all means spoil yourself to the extreme.
Zanzibar Island.
The Tanzanian mainland is not the same as the archipelago of Zanzibar, which is located off the coast of East Africa. The stunning scenery of the island will enchant you if you steer clear of the five-star hotels and resorts. You have never seen a place with bluer water than this one. You can also go to the full moon party if you want to have some fun with your family. There are tonnes of food markets to pique your interest and enormous tortoises to photograph. The Old Fort, Palace Museum, and Forodhani Gardens can all be toured for no more than $5, and the prices are fair.
Kilimanjaro.
Backpacking to the famous “snow-capped” peak of Mount Kilimanjaro is just another amazing adventure you can enjoy while in Tanzania. It’s possible to ascend to the summit and witness the renowned snow cap; the setting is breathtaking. But you should only walk Kilimanjaro if you are extremely wealthy. Why? Due to the limited visibility caused by global warming in the snow cap, park admission fees have increased dramatically. This can be anywhere between $900 and $5000, depending on your bartering skills.
Tanzania Safari Cost Quick Facts.
A $50 visa is available upon arrival by air or land ($100 for Irish passport holders).
Exchange rate: $2200 Tanzanian Shillings is worth $1 USD. Foreign ATMs can be found in most major cities and towns.
Most large cities and towns have foreign ATMs.
People in Tanzania are incredibly kind and hospitable. People will give you a warm “Karibu” (which means welcome) and do their best to assist you.
Transportation: $1 per hour for buses (10 hours = $10).
Transportation: Bus fares are $1 per hour (10 hours = $10).
Food costs between $2 and $5 at a halfway acceptable café or restaurant, and about $1 for each meal at a street vendor.
Spend no less than $20 to $30 a day (not including safaris).
Budget: at least $20 to $30 per day (excluding safaris).
Accommodations are priced between $4 and $10 per person per night.
“So, now that you are aware of the aforementioned advice, traveling on a budget in Tanzania won’t be a problem”
