Cheapest Countries to Visit in Africa: Why Tanzania Is an Affordable Safari Destination (If You Plan It Right)
Africa is often perceived as an expensive travel destination, especially when safaris come to mind. Luxury lodges, private game drives, and iconic parks like the Serengeti can indeed carry a high price tag. However, Africa is also home to several budget-friendly countries where travelers can experience wildlife, culture, landscapes, and adventure at surprisingly affordable costs.
Among these destinations, Tanzania stands out as one of the cheapest countries to visit in Africa for safaris—if you know when to travel and which national parks to visit. With smart planning, Tanzania offers world-class wildlife experiences, fewer crowds, and excellent value for money, making it ideal for budget travelers, first-time safari goers, and long-stay visitors.
This guide explores:
- The cheapest countries to visit in Africa
- Why Tanzania is an affordable safari destination
- How to design a low-cost, low-crowd Tanzania safari itinerary
- Which parks to visit, how many days to spend, and when to go
- Frequently asked questions to help you plan confidently
Cheapest Countries to Visit in Africa (Overview)
Africa is a vast continent, and travel costs vary widely depending on region, infrastructure, and tourism demand. Generally, the cheapest African countries to visit fall into these categories:
- Countries with strong local tourism industries
- Destinations with affordable accommodation and transport
- Places where safaris and activities are operated by local companies
- Countries with diverse attractions beyond luxury tourism
Some of the most affordable African destinations include:
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Kenya (outside peak safari zones)
- Namibia (self-drive focused)
- Rwanda (budget travel beyond gorilla trekking)
- Zambia (outside Victoria Falls peak season)
Among these, Tanzania consistently offers the best balance between cost, wildlife quality, safety, and variety, especially for travelers who want a classic African safari without luxury prices.
Why Tanzania Is One of the Cheapest Countries to Visit in Africa
Tanzania is home to some of Africa’s most famous landscapes—Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Zanzibar beaches—but it also offers lesser-known national parks that are cheaper, quieter, and just as rewarding.
Key Reasons Tanzania Is Affordable
- Wide Range of National Parks
Tanzania has over 20 national parks, many of which are far cheaper than flagship destinations. - Local Safari Operators
Booking with licensed local companies significantly reduces costs compared to international middlemen. - Flexible Safari Styles
Tanzania offers budget camping safaris, lodge safaris, private or shared safaris, and short itineraries. - Affordable Off-Peak Travel
Traveling during shoulder or green seasons lowers accommodation and vehicle costs. - Short Driving Distances in Northern Circuit
Several parks are close to Arusha, reducing fuel and guide costs.
However, affordability in Tanzania depends heavily on timing and park selection.
Understanding Safari Costs in Tanzania
Safari costs in Tanzania are influenced by:
- Park entry fees
- Accommodation type
- Number of travel days
- Distance between parks
- Popularity of the destination
- Season of travel
Iconic parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are expensive, especially during peak season. But Tanzania also offers excellent alternatives that provide rich wildlife experiences at much lower costs.
This is where smart itinerary planning makes Tanzania one of the cheapest safari countries in Africa.
Best Budget Safari Itinerary in Tanzania (Low Cost, Low Crowds)
The following itinerary is designed to:
- Reduce park fees
- Avoid crowded areas
- Minimize driving distances
- Offer diverse wildlife and landscapes
- Keep safari costs affordable
- Mkomazi National Park – 2 Days (Hidden Gem Safari)
Why Mkomazi?
Mkomazi National Park is one of Tanzania’s most underrated and least crowded parks. Located in northeastern Tanzania near the Kenyan border, it offers open savannahs, mountain backdrops, and unique conservation projects.
Highlights:
- Black rhino sanctuary
- African wild dogs
- Elephants, giraffes, zebras, oryx
- Stunning views of the Pare and Usambara Mountains
Why it’s affordable:
- Low park fees compared to Serengeti
- Very few tourists
- Simple lodges and budget camps
- Ideal for short safaris
Recommended stay:
👉 2 days / 1 night
This park is perfect for travelers who want a true wilderness feel without crowds or high costs.
- Arusha National Park – 1 Day (Short & Scenic)
Why Arusha National Park?
Often overlooked, Arusha National Park is one of the most affordable and scenic parks in Tanzania. Located just outside Arusha city, it’s ideal for travelers with limited time or budget.
Highlights:
- Mount Meru views
- Giraffes, buffaloes, zebras
- Colobus monkeys
- Canoeing on Momella Lakes
- Walking safaris (unique experience)
Why it’s affordable:
- Low entry fees
- No long driving distances
- Can be done as a day trip
- No need for overnight stay
Recommended stay:
👉 1 day
Perfect as a soft introduction to safaris or as an add-on to a longer trip.
- Tarangire National Park – 2 Days (Best Value for Wildlife)
Why Tarangire?
Tarangire National Park offers one of the best wildlife-to-cost ratios in Tanzania. Famous for its massive elephant herds and ancient baobab trees, Tarangire is often less crowded than Serengeti and more affordable.
Highlights:
- Large elephant populations
- Lions, leopards, cheetahs
- Seasonal river attracts wildlife year-round
- Beautiful landscapes
Why it’s affordable:
- Lower fees than Serengeti
- Excellent budget lodges and camps
- High wildlife density without peak-season prices
Recommended stay:
👉 2 days / 1 night
Tarangire is ideal for photographers and travelers seeking authentic safari experiences without premium pricing.
- Lake Manyara National Park – 1 Day (Compact & Diverse)
Why Lake Manyara?
Lake Manyara National Park is small but incredibly diverse. It’s perfect for a one-day safari, especially for budget travelers.
Highlights:
- Tree-climbing lions (seasonal)
- Flamingos and birdlife
- Forest, lake, and savannah ecosystems
- Elephants, hippos, giraffes
Why it’s affordable:
- Can be explored in one day
- Short driving distance
- Lower accommodation needs
- Good wildlife density for short visits
Recommended stay:
👉 1 day
This park adds ecological diversity to a budget itinerary without increasing costs significantly.
- Ngorongoro Crater – Optional Additional Day (Bucket List Only)
Why Ngorongoro Increases the Price
Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s most famous safari destinations—but it’s also one of the most expensive.
Additional costs include:
- High conservation fees
- Crater service fees
- Mandatory vehicle regulations
- Limited descent hours
- Heavy tourist traffic
When to include Ngorongoro:
- If it’s a bucket list destination
- If this is your first and possibly only safari in Africa
- If you specifically want to see the Big Five in one location
When to skip it:
- If you are on a strict budget
- If you prefer quieter parks
- If you want a more relaxed safari pace
Recommendation:
👉 Add only if budget allows and expectations are realistic
Why This Itinerary Is Cheaper and Less Crowded
This itinerary avoids:
- Long distances (fuel costs)
- Over-tourism hotspots
- Luxury-only parks
- Peak-season congestion
Instead, it focuses on:
- Underrated national parks
- Short travel times
- Flexible accommodation options
- Authentic wildlife experiences
This makes Tanzania one of the cheapest countries to visit in Africa for safaris, without sacrificing quality.
Best Time to Visit Tanzania on a Budget
To keep costs low, timing is critical.
Cheapest Months to Visit Tanzania
- March to May (Green Season)
- November (Short rains)
Advantages:
- Lower accommodation rates
- Fewer tourists
- Lush landscapes
- Excellent photography
Months to Avoid for Budget Travel
- July to October (Peak season)
- December holidays
Traveling during shoulder or green seasons can reduce safari costs by 20–40%.
FAQs: Cheapest Countries to Visit in Africa & Tanzania Safaris
- Is Tanzania really one of the cheapest countries to visit in Africa?
Yes, when planned correctly. Tanzania offers budget safaris, affordable parks, and local operators that make travel cost-effective.
- Why are some Tanzania safaris expensive?
Costs increase due to:
- High park fees in popular parks
- Luxury lodges
- Peak season travel
- Long itineraries
Choosing the right parks reduces expenses significantly.
- Which Tanzania parks are cheapest for safaris?
Mkomazi, Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire offer excellent value.
- Can I do a safari in Tanzania on a budget?
Absolutely. Budget camping safaris, short itineraries, and lesser-known parks make Tanzania accessible for many travelers.
- Is Ngorongoro worth the extra cost?
It’s worth it if it’s a bucket-list dream. Otherwise, similar wildlife can be seen in cheaper, less crowded parks.
- How many days are enough for a budget Tanzania safari?
5–7 days is ideal for a cost-effective and rewarding experience.
- Is Tanzania cheaper than Kenya for safaris?
Tanzania can be cheaper if you avoid premium parks and book with local operators.
- Are safaris in Tanzania safe for budget travelers?
Yes. Tanzania is politically stable, safari tourism is well-regulated, and licensed operators follow strict safety standards.
Conclusion: Tanzania Proves Africa Can Be Affordable
When travelers search for the cheapest countries to visit in Africa, Tanzania deserves a top spot—especially for safaris. With smart timing, the right national parks, and realistic expectations, Tanzania delivers unforgettable wildlife experiences without luxury prices.
By focusing on Mkomazi, Arusha National Park, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara, and adding Ngorongoro only when truly desired, travelers can enjoy low-cost, low-crowd safaris that feel authentic and rewarding.
Tanzania proves that Africa doesn’t have to be expensive—it just needs to be planned wisely.
