Is it expensive to holiday in Tanzania?
Tanzania is not a cheap travel destination, and it is the most costly of all the countries in which we operate. The park entrance fees are relatively high, making safari pricey, particularly in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro craters.
Best way to handle money when traveling to Tanzania
The majority of restaurants, cabins, and campgrounds do not accept international debit cards. At the most upscale hotels and restaurants, foreign credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted. ATMs are generally distributed in all major provincial towns around the country. Stanbic Bank, Standard Chartered, Barclays, and CRDB are the most trustworthy banks, and they accept Maestro, MasterCard, and Visa. Bring extra cards, as daily withdrawals with a foreign card are limited at ATMs. Furthermore, these banks are few along the coast and in the interior.
Tanzania is a cash economy. We strongly recommend that you bring extra Euros or US Dollars in cash in case of unforeseen circumstances. This can be easily changed to Tanzanian shillings at the foreign exchange offices in most provincial cities.
Average costs for hotels, food, and drinks in Tanzania
A three-course lunch at a more upscale restaurant or resort costs roughly $15-20 per person. Prices are far cheaper in more local restaurants, and eating out in Tanzania is inexpensive. A 10% tip is considered generous but is gratefully accepted. Please be generous if you are pleased with the service. Most establishments distribute tips evenly across all staff
When staying at a lodge within a national park or conservancy, the cost is essentially as follows:
- Budget: up to USD 150 for a double room (BB)
- Mid-range: up to USD 400 for a double room (BB)
- High-end: beyond USD 400 (Full Board)
Outside of the national parks, there are lots of cheap and mid-range guesthouses and hotels at substantially reduced rates.