Group Joining Safaris in Tanzania: How to Share a Safari and Save

How group joining safaris work in Tanzania

On a group joining safari, several travelers who do not know each other share a vehicle, a guide and an itinerary. Each pays part of the vehicle cost, so the price per person is lower. Departures usually depend on having enough people, and the route is set in advance.

How we arrange shared safaris

We run private safaris and do not publish fixed joining dates of our own. If you would like to share a safari, tell us your dates and which parks you would like to see, and we will ask trusted partner companies whether a suitable departure is available. We will tell you clearly what it costs and what is included before you decide.

We run private safaris, so you choose your dates and share the vehicle only with your own group. If you are traveling alone and would like company to share the cost, ask us and we will check whether a suitable shared departure is available with a trusted partner company.

The pros and cons of a shared safari

What you gain

Lower vehicle costs, and the chance to meet other travelers. It can be a very social way to travel, especially for those on their own.

What you give up

You cannot choose the schedule, and you may need to compromise on how long to stay at a sighting. A full vehicle has less room for cameras and bags. Dates can also depend on other bookings.

How much can you save on a shared safari?

Savings depend on the group and the level of lodging. As an example, our private 5-day safari starts from $4,190 per person for one traveler and falls to $2,485 per person for a group of six, at mid-range level. If you are traveling with friends or family, a private safari may cost less than you think.

Who should choose a shared safari?

A shared safari suits solo travelers and budget-minded couples who are flexible with dates. It is less suited to families with young children, serious photographers, or anyone who wants to set their own pace. For those travelers, a private safari is usually worth the difference.

Tips for solo travelers on safari

• Tell us your dates early, so there is time to look for other travelers.
• Be flexible by a day or two, if you can.
• Ask about single room costs, which can add more than you expect.
• Keep your bag small, as space is limited in a shared vehicle.

Your guide on a shared Tanzania safari

Your driver-guide is with you from the first morning to the last drive, and much of what you see depends on them. Our guides have worked on Tanzania tours for 7 years. They are graduates of the College of African Wildlife Management, Mweka, and the National College of Tourism, and they hold certification from those institutions.

Planning your shared Tanzania safari

June to October is the most reliable time for wildlife, and January to March brings calving in the south. See our best time guide and our packing list. See a travel clinic six to eight weeks before you leave. Malaria is a risk in the safari parks, so ask about tablets and bring repellent. Travel insurance is not included, and we strongly recommend a policy that covers medical care and evacuation.

Tips are not included in the price, and they are appreciated. Common guidance is about $15 to $25 per traveler per day for your guide, or about $40 to $50 per vehicle per day on a private safari, plus about $10 to $15 per guest per night for camp and lodge staff.

What it is really like to share a safari vehicle

Shared safaris bring together people who have never met, and that can be half the fun. Over a few days, you share sightings, meals and stories, and you may end up with friends for life. But you also share decisions. If one person wants to stay with the lions and another wants lunch, your guide has to balance them. Seats can rotate, so everyone gets a turn at the best views.

The best shared safaris go to travelers who are relaxed about these things. If you know that you will be frustrated by not choosing when to move on, consider saving up for a private trip, even if it is shorter.

Are shared safaris good for couples?

They can be, if the saving matters most. For two people, though, the difference between shared and private may be smaller than you expect, once you compare the same lodging and route. Ask us for both prices. You might decide that a shorter private safari suits you better than a longer shared one. Our private safari guide explains the difference in more detail.

What to check before you join a shared safari

1. Maximum people in the vehicle. Fewer is better, and window seats matter.
2. Who else is booked. Ages and interests can shape your trip.
3. Whether the departure is confirmed. Some depend on minimum numbers.
4. What is included. Check fees, meals and lodging, because low prices can leave things out.
5. Single room costs. These can add more than you think, unless you are happy to share.

Alternatives to a group joining safari

If a shared departure does not match your dates, you still have options. A shorter private safari, such as our 3-day trip, can cost about the same in total. You can also travel with friends, as the price per person falls quickly as your group grows. And a day trip from Moshi to Arusha National Park gives you a taste of wildlife at a much lower cost.

Which parks shared safaris usually visit

Most shared trips follow the same route as private ones, with Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Shorter departures often skip the Serengeti because of the distance. Our northern circuit guide explains how the parks fit together, and it will help you decide which departure to choose if you have options.

What to expect on your first day of a shared safari

Most shared safaris start with a morning pickup from your hotel, and you will meet your fellow travelers in the vehicle or at a briefing. It helps to be on time and to keep your bag small, because space is limited. Talk early on about seats, so that everyone gets time by a window, and tell the guide if you have a particular interest. Most groups settle quickly, and sharing a first lion sighting tends to break the ice.

Shared safari or private safari: a clear comparison

Is a shared safari safe for solo travelers?

Many people travel this way, including solo women, and most have a great time. Choose a licensed operator, and make sure that you know who is responsible for your trip and how to reach them. Ask for the company's TALA licence number and keep your emergency contacts handy. Lodging may be arranged in shared or single rooms, so check this before you pay, and make sure you are comfortable with what you are booking.

Which shared safari length should you choose?

Three to four days is a good length if you are on a tight budget and want a real experience without a big commitment. Five to seven days lets you see all the northern parks, and it gives you time to get to know the group, although it also means more time sharing decisions. If you are unsure, start by looking at our 4-day and 5-day routes, then ask us what is available for your dates.

How to be a good companion on a shared safari

Be on time in the mornings, keep your voice down at sightings and share the best seats. Tell the group if you need the guide to stop, and take turns at the roof with cameras. Keep your bag small, and be patient with people who want to stay longer at a sighting than you do. A little consideration makes the whole trip better for everyone, including you.

Shared Tanzania safaris: your questions answered

Should you share your safari?

If you are on your own and flexible, it is worth asking. Send us your dates, and we will check what is available.