Planning your budget for a trip to Tanzania? In this guide, we share average prices for hotels, food, and drinks so you know what to expect and how to plan your daily spending. Tanzania is not a low-budget destination, but with smart choices and a bit of preperation, you can explore this stunning country without breaking the bank. Don’t miss our top tips for Tanzania on a budget!
Fuel prices
Petrol prices in Tanzania change often. The easiest way to check the current rate is with a quick Google search before you hit the road.
Food & tips
Eating out in Tanzania is affordable. Outside the parks, you’ll find tasty local meals for just a few bucks. Inside the parks, a three-course meal at a lodge usually costs around USD 15 - 25 per person. A 10% tip is generous and always appreciated. Most places share tips among all staff, so if the service made you smile, don’t hold back.
Lodge prices (inside the parks)
Here's a rough guide to what you can expect to pay for a double room (bed & breakfast):
Budget: up to USD 150
Mid-range: up to USD 400
High-end: USD 400+ (usually full board)
Looking to save money?
Accommodation outside the parks is much cheaper. You’ll find plenty of guesthouses and mid-range hotels at lower rates, without sacrificing comfort.
Park fees
For a full overview of entrance fees for Tanzania's National Parks, head to the National Parks guide on our website.
Heads-up: Tanzania is a cash-based economy
While you can pay park entrance fees by credit card, almost everything else – food, local shops – is cash only. Fuel stations also don’t accept cards. We recommend bringing some Euros or US Dollars in cash for the unexpected. You can exchange them easily at a Forex Bureau in most towns. Only notes printed after 2009 are accepted.
Cards & payments
Most lodges, campsites, and restaurants don’t accept foreign debit cards. Credit cards (Visa or Mastercard) might work at high-end places, but don’t count on it everywhere.
ATMs & banks
You’ll find ATMs in larger towns. The most reliable banks are Stanbic, Standard Chartered, Barclays, and CRDB – they accept Maestro, Visa, and Mastercard. Pro tip: Daily withdrawal limits apply, so it’s smart to carry more than one card.
It’s easy to spend thousands of dollars when travelling to Tanzania. But did you know that the country is easy to visit on a budget as well? With some planning and preparation, you can have a fun and comfortable road trip while limiting your spending. Here are our top money-saving tips for visiting Tanzania on a budget.
Budget tip #1. Go camping in Tanzania
Camping is a great way to save on accommodation costs. If you stay at a campground outside of the protected areas, it can cost as little as $5/night. Almost every campsite is plotted and reviewed in the free app iOverlander.
Budget tip #2. Rent a Suzuki
Renting a Suzuki is much cheaper than renting a Land Cruiser. Do note that the Suzuki is not geared to travel to every terrain in Tanzania. For more information, you can check out our car rental page here.
Budget tip #3. Don't visit too many national parks
Visiting multiple national parks in Tanzania can significantly increase your travel expenses due to entrance fees. However, there is more natural beauty to discover in Tanzania beyond the well-known safari parks. The Usambara and Udzungwa Mountains are very scenic and great low-budget destinations. Also, travelling along the Tanzanian coastline is cheaper than staying in Zanzibar.
Budget tip #4. Skip the Ngorongoro Crater
Gasp! Did we really just say that? It might sound crazy, but yes, it’s okay to skip the Ngorongoro Crater. Many other top premier parks in Tanzania, such as Tarangire National Park, also offer superb wildlife viewing.
Budget tip #5. Eat local
Eating in at your upmarket lodge or beach resort is considerably more expensive than eating out at a (local) restaurant. If you plan to cook for yourself on your camping trip in Tanzania, remember to buy your groceries at the market instead of going to the Western supermarket, where prices can be even higher than back home.
Budget tip # 6. Visit Tanzania in the low season
Consider visiting Tanzania in the low season! From March to May, hotel rates drop 25-50%, and Roadtrip Africa's car rental rates are also lower.
