Tanzania National Park Fees & Availability 2026

Quick Answer: Tanzania National Park Fees at a Glance

Tanzania's 22 national parks are managed by TANAPA (Tanzania National Parks Authority), with entry fees tiered by visitor status and park category. For international (non-resident) adults, daily entry fees range from $30–$118 USD per person per 24 hours, including 18% VAT. Children aged 5–15 pay 20–50% of the adult rate; children under 5 enter free. Vehicle fees, concession charges for lodge stays, and activity permits are charged separately. All payments at park gates are digital only—Visa and Mastercard only; cash is not accepted.

Tanzania National Park Entry Fees by Category (2026)

TANAPA groups parks into fee tiers based on conservation value and visitor demand. The table below shows non-resident (international tourist) rates, all inclusive of 18% VAT:

Park Tier & Examples	Adult (16+) per Day	Child (5–15) per Day	Under 5
Premium Tier Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Nyerere, Kilimanjaro	$82.60–$118.00	$23.60	Free
Primate Premium Gombe Stream (chimpanzee trekking)	$118.00	$23.60	Free
Primate Standard Mahale Mountains (chimpanzee trekking)	$94.40–$100.00	$20.00–$23.60	Free
Select Parks Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Arusha	$53.10–$59.00	$17.70–$18.00	Free
Standard Parks Katavi, Ruaha, Mikumi, Mkomazi	$30.00–$35.40	$10.00–$11.80	Free
Island/Marine Parks Rubondo Island, Saadani	$35.40	$11.80	Free

Note: All figures above include the mandatory 18% VAT and are valid for a single 24-hour entry permit. Rates apply year-round unless otherwise specified.

Serengeti National Park (2026)

Serengeti is Tanzania's flagship park and the most visited. Non-resident adults pay $83 USD per person per 24 hours, with children (5–15 years) at $24 USD per day. These rates are consistent across peak season (16 May–14 March) and low season (15 March–15 May). Visitors staying inside the park at a lodge or permanent camp pay an additional concession fee of $60 USD per adult per night (low season) to $70 USD (peak season).

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Ngorongoro is managed separately by the NCAA (Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority), not TANAPA. Non-resident entry is $70.80 USD per adult per 24 hours. A separate crater descent fee of $295 USD per vehicle (not per person) applies if you descend into the crater. This fee is charged once per descent trip, regardless of group size.

Kilimanjaro National Park (Mountain Climbing)

Kilimanjaro charges by the day and night, not as a single daily rate. For a typical 7-day climb, international visitors pay approximately:
• Conservation/entry fee: $70 USD per person per day (7 days = $490)
• Camping fee: $50 USD per person per night (6 nights = $300)
• Rescue fee: $20 USD (one-time, mandatory)
• Forest fee: $10 USD (one-time)
Total (before VAT): ~$820 USD per person; with 18% VAT applied, approximately $967.60 USD per person. Hut accommodation (Marangu route) costs $60 USD per night instead of camping. Most tour operators include park fees in their package prices.

Nyerere National Park (Formerly Selous)

Non-resident adults pay $50–$70 USD per 24 hours, depending on source. Concession fees for lodge stays are $30–$70.80 USD per adult per night. The park is accessible by 1-hour flight from Dar es Salaam.

Tarangire, Lake Manyara & Arusha National Parks

These three northern circuit parks share similar fee structures:
• Peak season (July–September, mid-May–June): $53.10–$59.00 USD per adult per day
• Low season (mid-March–mid-May): $45.00–$53.10 USD per adult per day
• Children (5–15): $5.90–$17.70 USD per day
Concession fees (lodge stays): $40–$47.20 USD per adult per night.

Vehicle Entry Fees

All vehicles entering Tanzania national parks must pay a separate vehicle fee based on tare weight (empty vehicle weight). This fee is in addition to per-person park entry fees:

Vehicle Tare Weight	Tanzania-Registered (TShs)	Foreign-Registered (USD)
Up to 2,000 kg	20,000	$40
2,001–3,000 kg	35,000	$150
3,001–7,000 kg	60,000	$200
7,001–10,000 kg	150,000	$300
Above 10,000 kg	300,000	$500

A standard 4×4 Land Cruiser registered in Tanzania costs approximately $20 USD per day. Foreign-registered vehicles cost significantly more; open vehicles are charged 50% extra. Most international visitors travel with licensed tour operators whose vehicles are Tanzania-registered, so the $20 daily rate typically applies.

Concession Fees (Lodge & Camp Stays)

If you stay overnight at a lodge, permanent tented camp, or hotel inside a national park, you must pay a concession fee in addition to the daily park entry fee. This "bed night" tax supports park maintenance and community projects. Typical rates for international visitors:

Park or Group	Adult per Night (USD)	Child (5–15) per Night (USD)
Serengeti & Nyerere	$50–$70	$10–$15
Tarangire, Manyara, Arusha	$40–$47.20	$10–$12
Ruaha, Katavi, Mahale, Gombe	$35–$59	$10–$30
Kilimanjaro (camping)	$50 per night	Not separately listed

Concession fees are not refundable if you change your accommodation plans, so confirm your booking before paying.

Special Activity & Permit Fees

Popular add-on activities carry separate fees beyond park entry:

Activity	Adult Rate (USD)	Notes
Chimpanzee Trekking (Mahale, Gombe)	$80–$118	Included in park entry; can be combined with walking safaris
Walking Safari	$23.60	Per person, guided by ranger
Night Game Drive	$59.00	Per person, nocturnal wildlife viewing
Boat/Canoe Safari	$23.60	Per person; available in select parks
Hot Air Balloon Safari (Serengeti)	$500–$599	Per person, shared balloon; includes bush breakfast. Children under 7 typically not permitted
Ngorongoro Crater Descent	$295	Per vehicle (not per person), one-time fee
Kilimanjaro/Meru Rescue Fee	$23.60	Emergency evacuation insurance; mandatory
Photography Permit (Ngorongoro)	$100	Per person per day; commercial/professional use

How to Pay: Digital Payment Only (No Cash)

TANAPA shifted to 100% digital payment at all major park gates in 2024. Cash is no longer accepted anywhere.

Payment Methods Accepted

• Visa and Mastercard: Accepted at all main park gates (Naabi Hill, Ndabaka, Fort Ikoma, Seronera in Serengeti; Ngorongoro gate; Tarangire main gate, etc.)
• TANAPA e-payment portal: Pay online in advance at https://www.tanzaniaparks.go.tz; recommended for groups and pre-arranged safaris
• Mobile money (M-Pesa, Airtel Money): Available at some gates; confirm with your operator
• Bank transfer: For large groups or tour operators; must be arranged in advance

Payment Tips

• Inform your tour operator in advance: Most licensed operators pay park fees on behalf of clients and include them in package costs. Confirm this before booking.
• Carry backup cards: Some card readers malfunction; carry two cards from different banks if possible.
• Pay online before arrival: Pre-paying via the TANAPA portal (where your permit is issued) avoids delays at the gate and is recommended during peak season.
• Request an invoice: All digital payments generate a receipt; keep it as proof of payment.
• Currency: Fees are quoted in USD; if paying via card, you'll be charged in USD or your local currency at the exchange rate set by your bank.

Park Availability, Permits & Advance Booking

Are Parks Open Year-Round?

Yes, all TANAPA parks are open 365 days a year. However, accessibility and wildlife viewing vary by season:

• Peak season (July–September, mid-May–June): Dry weather, best wildlife viewing, highest crowds and fees. Book 2–3 months in advance.
• Shoulder season (October–April, excluding December): Mixed conditions; moderate crowds and fees.
• Low/rainy season (mid-March–mid-May): Lush vegetation, fewer tourists, lower fees. Some roads may be impassable; not ideal for game drives.
• Green season (November–December): Short rains, calving season in southern Serengeti, moderate crowds.

Do I Need Permits in Advance?

Permits are not required in advance for general game drives in most parks; you pay at the gate upon arrival. However, special permits must be arranged beforehand:

• Chimpanzee trekking (Mahale, Gombe): Permits are limited to 6–8 people per guide per day. Book through a licensed operator 1–2 months ahead, especially in peak season.
• Kilimanjaro climbing: All climbers must be registered with TANAPA and book through a licensed operator. Permits are issued per route and date; book 1–3 months in advance.
• Crater descent (Ngorongoro): Not a permit but a paid service; book with your lodge or operator.
• Balloon safaris (Serengeti): Limited daily slots; book through your lodge or operator weeks in advance, especially July–October.

How to Book a Safari in Tanzania

Booking a multi-day safari online is straightforward. Most international travellers book through licensed Tanzanian tour operators or international safari companies. SafariFind allows you to compare safari packages and operators, which often include park fees in their quoted price.

Seasonal Pricing & Money-Saving Tips

Peak vs. Low Season Fees

Some parks (e.g., Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Arusha) have seasonal rate variations:

Park	Peak Season (USD/day)	Low Season (USD/day)
Tarangire, Manyara, Arusha	$53–$59	$45–$53
Serengeti, Nyerere	$70–$83	$50–$70

Premium parks (Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro) charge the same rate year-round.

Ways to Reduce Costs

• Visit in low season (mid-March–mid-May): Save 10–30% on park fees and accommodation. Trade-off: short rains and fewer animals.
• Book multi-day safaris: Per-day costs drop when you commit to 3+ days; compare all-inclusive safari packages to see total costs upfront.
• Skip premium parks temporarily: Visit Katavi, Ruaha, or Mikumi instead of Serengeti for similar wildlife at $30–$35/day instead of $83/day.
• Camp instead of lodge: Public campsites ($30–$35/night) cost far less than lodges ($100–$500+/night). Vehicle and park entry fees remain the same.
• Avoid peak season: July–September is most expensive and crowded. April–June offers better value.
• Book with a local operator: Local Tanzanian companies often charge less than international agencies, though verify licensing and reviews first.

Currency & VAT

All TANAPA fees are quoted in USD and include 18% VAT. If paying with a credit card, your bank will convert USD to your home currency at their daily exchange rate. No refunds are issued if you cancel or shorten your stay; permits are valid for the date issued only.

Entry Requirements for International Travellers

Beyond park fees, you'll need:

• Valid passport: Minimum 6 months validity from your travel date
• Tanzania visa (most nationalities; US citizens, British citizens, and German citizens all require visas)
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if arriving from endemic countries; recommended for all travellers)
• Travel insurance (highly recommended)

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last checked July 2026 — always confirm with official sources before travelling. Park fees and exchange rates change annually. Contact TANAPA at info@tanzaniaparks.go.tz or visit https://www.tanzaniaparks.go.tz for the most current rates. This article is informational and not legal or financial advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter Serengeti National Park in 2026?

Non-resident international adults pay $83 USD per person per 24 hours, and children aged 5–15 pay $24 USD per day. These rates are the same in peak season (July–September, mid-May–June) and low season (mid-March–mid-May). All fees include 18% VAT. If you stay at a lodge or camp inside the park, you also pay a concession fee of $50–$70 USD per adult per night.

Do I need to book Tanzania national park permits in advance?

General game drive permits are not required in advance; you pay at the gate upon arrival. However, special permits must be booked ahead: chimpanzee trekking in Mahale or Gombe (1–2 months), Kilimanjaro climbing (1–3 months), and hot air balloon safaris (weeks in advance). Most tour operators handle permit bookings as part of their package.

Can I pay cash at Tanzania national park gates?

No. TANAPA parks accept digital payments only—Visa and Mastercard at all main gates. Mobile money (M-Pesa, Airtel Money) is available at some gates. You can also pre-pay online via the TANAPA e-payment portal before your visit. Cash is no longer accepted anywhere.

What is a concession fee, and do I have to pay it?

A concession fee is a per-night charge ("bed tax") paid only if you stay at a lodge, permanent camp, or hotel inside a national park. It's separate from the daily park entry fee and ranges from $30–$70 USD per adult per night depending on the park. If you camp outside the park or visit for the day only, you do not pay a concession fee.

How much is the Ngorongoro Crater descent fee?

The crater descent fee is $295 USD per vehicle (not per person), charged once per descent. This is in addition to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area entry fee of $70.80 USD per adult per 24 hours. The fee applies regardless of group size, so larger groups save per-person cost.

Are Tanzania national park fees cheaper in low season?

Some parks offer seasonal discounts. Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Arusha charge $45–$53 USD per adult in low season (mid-March–mid-May) versus $53–$59 USD in peak season—a savings of 5–15%. However, premium parks like Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, and Ngorongoro charge the same rate year-round. Low season also has fewer tourists and lush scenery but higher rainfall.

What is the vehicle fee, and who pays it?

Vehicle fees are charged separately from per-person park entry. A Tanzania-registered 4×4 Land Cruiser costs approximately $20 USD per day. Foreign-registered vehicles cost $40–$500 USD depending on tare weight. Tour operators typically pay this fee on behalf of clients and include it in package costs. Open vehicles are charged 50% extra.

How much does a hot air balloon safari cost in Serengeti?

A shared hot air balloon safari in Serengeti costs $500–$599 USD per person and includes a full bush breakfast at the landing site. Flights last 50–70 minutes and operate year-round from Seronera (Central Serengeti), July–October from the north, June–October from the west, and December–March from the south. Children under 7 are typically not permitted.

What is the chimpanzee trekking permit fee?

Chimpanzee trekking permits in Mahale Mountains cost $80–$100 USD per adult, and in Gombe Stream they cost $118 USD per adult. These fees are included in the park entry fee; they permit you to trek with a guide to locate and observe wild chimpanzees. Permits are limited to 6–8 people per guide per day and must be booked 1–2 months in advance through a licensed operator.

How much does Kilimanjaro climbing cost in park fees alone?

For a 7-day climb, park fees total approximately $820–$970 USD per person (before or including 18% VAT, depending on source). This includes: conservation/entry fee ($70/day × 7 days = $490), camping fee ($50/night × 6 nights = $300), rescue fee ($20), and forest fee ($10). Hut accommodation (Marangu route) costs $60/night instead of camping. Most tour operators include park fees in their quoted climb price.

Do children under 5 have to pay park entry fees?

No. Children under 5 years old enter all Tanzania national parks free of charge. Children aged 5–15 pay 20–50% of the adult rate depending on the park. Children under 7 are typically not permitted on hot air balloon safaris for safety reasons.

What happens if I cancel or shorten my safari?

Park entry permits and concession fees are non-refundable and valid for the specific date issued only. If you cancel or leave early, you forfeit the fee. This is why it's important to confirm your booking and travel dates before paying. Travel insurance can cover cancellations due to illness or emergency.