What’s Generally Included in a Safari Package? – Complete Guide for Travelers

When planning your dream African adventure, one of the first questions you’ll likely ask is: What’s generally included in a safari package? This is a crucial question because knowing exactly what’s included helps you budget, avoid hidden surprises, and fully enjoy your safari experience. Whether you are booking a Tanzania safari in Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or Tarangire, the details of a safari package can vary from one tour operator to another.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down what’s generally included in a safari package, explain optional extras, and share tips to make the most out of your trip.

Why Understanding Inclusions Matters

Many travelers get excited about breathtaking wildlife encounters but overlook the fine print in their safari booking. Not knowing what’s generally included in a safari package can lead to unexpected costs. The inclusions determine your overall experience — from meals and accommodations to park entry fees and guided activities.

Being clear about inclusions helps you:

• Budget accurately for your trip.

• Avoid paying extra for essential services.

• Understand what comfort level to expect.

• Plan any additional activities in advance.

What’s Generally Included in a Safari Package? – The Core Elements

While packages differ by destination, season, and operator, most safari packages include these essential components:

1. Accommodation

Your safari package will include lodging for the duration of the trip. Accommodation types vary depending on the style of safari you choose:

• Luxury lodges – High-end amenities, fine dining, en-suite bathrooms, and sometimes pools or spas.

• Mid-range lodges/tented camps – Comfortable, well-furnished rooms or large tents with private facilities.

• Budget camping – Dome tents, shared bathrooms, and basic facilities; ideal for adventurous travelers.

💡 Tip: Always confirm if accommodation is on a full board basis (all meals) or half board (breakfast and dinner only).

2. Meals

Most safari packages include meals, usually described as:

• Full board (FB): Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

• Half board (HB): Breakfast and dinner.

• All-inclusive: All meals plus selected beverages.

Meals are often freshly prepared using local ingredients, and lunch can be served picnic-style during game drives.

3. Park Entry Fees

National parks and conservation areas in Tanzania, like Serengeti and Ngorongoro, require daily conservation fees. In most cases, park entry fees are already included in your safari package price. These fees help maintain the parks and fund wildlife conservation projects.

4. Guided Game Drives

The heart of any safari is the game drive — exploring the parks in a specially adapted 4×4 vehicle to see wildlife in their natural habitat.

What’s generally included:

• Professional safari guide/driver

• Daily game drives (often morning and afternoon)

• Unlimited mileage in some packages (important for full exploration)

5. Transport

Transport to and from the parks is usually included, starting from your arrival city (e.g., Arusha, Moshi, or Zanzibar for extensions). Depending on the itinerary, this may include:

• Airport transfers (pick-up and drop-off)

• Road transport between destinations in a 4×4 safari vehicle

• Domestic flights for fly-in safaris (if specified)

6. Professional Safari Guide

A knowledgeable, licensed guide is one of the most valuable inclusions in any safari package. Your guide’s expertise in tracking animals, explaining behaviors, and sharing conservation insights greatly enhances the experience.

7. Drinking Water During Game Drives

Most safari packages provide bottled water during game drives. However, it’s best to confirm, as you may need to purchase additional water for your lodge or camp stay.