Many people dream of going on a safari. They’ve put it on their list of things to do before they die. Almost as many people believe that going on safari is cost prohibitive. This is simply not true. Going on safari is no more expensive than any other big vacation and actually can be less expensive.



The most expensive part of a safari is the airfare. Once you get to Tanzania you’ll be surprised about how inexpensive things really are. It is possible to do a five day safari for less than US $2,000 per person. Be sure to research reputable companies before you go. You will save yourself a lot of headache by booking a safari before you arrive in the country.

Some people travel to Tanzania and try to find a company once they’ve arrived. This is possible but not recommended. Many of the people you will encounter in Tanzania will promise you the moon and deliver very little. People on the street are desperate for your business and will say anything to get it; but then when you are out in the bush with no other option there will be countless additional fees that you didn’t even know enough to ask about before hand.


Wonderful mixture of wildlife

Whether you are prebooking or booking upon arrival there is a list of questions you should ask before you decide:

1. What type of vehicle will you be in?

2. How many hours will you be riding in the car every day?

3. Are park fees and car fees included?

4. Which meals are included?

5. Will you be sharing a vehicle with other people?

6. Does the driver have a working cell phone with credit?

7. Does the driver have a good reputation?

8. If camping, ask to see the tent and camping equipment.

9. Ask if there will be any additional fees.

Once you’ve decided on a company it is time to pick the parks you would like to visit. Serengeti is of course the major draw of Tanzania. If you are able to going during the great migration you are definitely in for a treat. If not, don’t worry the Serengeti is home to the “Big Five” of Africa along with cheetahs, gazelles, waterbucks, about 500 species of birds and many more animals. The Serengeti National Park is the oldest and largest park in Tanzania and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


There are two smaller parks in Tanzania that are definitely worth exploring; Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Park. In these parks, viewers are able to get up close and personable with troops of baboons, giraffes, large herds of elephants and Manyara’s world famous tree climbing lions.

The Ngorongoro Crater is the crown jewel of Tanzania. It is deemed the eighth wonder of the world and is the largest unbroken volcano caldera in the world. On the crater floor visitors may see the endangered black rhino and a huge flock of flamingos at the soda lakes.


Not forgetting the coast and Zanzibar

While you are out in the bush on safari there is no need to spend money. You are in the wild and other than a few craft shops along the way, you can spend the whole day without pulling out your wallet. While Many vacations entice you to make purchases all day, for drinks, souveniers, entrance fees, etc. You should have everything you need through your safari booking including bottled water. This is why you should ask so many questions about what is included. You don’t want to book a safari then get to the gate of a park and find out that your entrance fee is covered but the cost of the car is not and you have to pay the fee or not go into the park. These fees can be up to US $200 per car.

Going on safari doesn’t have to be just a dream. With careful planning and research Tanzania can provide you and your family with an economical yet once in a life time experience.

Getting there

The main airport of entry is Julius Nyerere International Airport in the capital of Dar es Salaam. The second, smaller international airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport.

For more information click on www.kibokosafaris.com or the Tanzania Tourist Board on http://www.tanzaniatouristboard.com/