Tanzania National Park Fees Explained: How They Work
Park fees are a large part of any Tanzania safari price; understanding how they are charged helps you compare quotes and plan your route wisely.
If you have compared safari quotes, you may have noticed that park fees make up a big share of the total. In Tanzania, fees are a key source of funding for conservation, anti-poaching work and park management, and they apply to every visitor.
Fees are set by the authorities and can change, sometimes at short notice, so we do not list exact figures here. Instead, this guide explains how the system works, so you can understand any quote you receive.
Quick tips
- Check that every quote states clearly whether park fees and VAT are included.
- Compare the number of park days, not just the headline price.
- Send passport details to your operator early so fees can be paid on time.
- Ask how the route avoids unnecessary exits and re-entries.
- Check official authority websites if you want current tariffs.
Who sets the fees
Most national parks, including the Serengeti, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Arusha and Kilimanjaro, are managed by Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA). The Ngorongoro Conservation Area has its own authority and fee structure. Other protected areas, such as game reserves, may be managed by different bodies with their own rules.
Each authority publishes its official tariffs. Rates differ by park, by visitor category, such as non-resident, resident or citizen, and by age, with reduced rates for children.
Conservation fees: per person, per 24 hours
The main charge is the conservation or entry fee, paid per person for each 24-hour period you spend in a park. The clock generally starts when you enter, so staying two nights inside a park means paying for each 24-hour block you are there.
This is why routing matters. Exiting and re-entering a park, or passing through one park to reach another, can trigger extra fees. For example, the usual road route to the Serengeti from Arusha crosses the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which has its own charges. A good operator plans the route to avoid paying for time you do not need.
Concession, camping and other fees
On top of the conservation fee, several other charges may apply, depending on where you stay and what you do:
- Concession fees, charged per person per night when you stay at a lodge or camp inside a park.
- Camping fees for public or special campsites inside parks.
- Vehicle entry fees, which depend on the vehicle and registration.
- Guide or crew fees in some areas.
- Activity-specific fees, such as walking safaris, night drives or the Ngorongoro Crater descent.
VAT and how payment works
Value added tax applies to park fees in Tanzania and is added to the published tariffs, which is why the amounts on official lists and in quotes do not always look like round numbers. Always check whether a quote shows fees with VAT included.
Payments to the parks are made electronically, and gates generally do not accept cash. In practice, your safari operator pays park fees in advance on your behalf, using the details of each guest, including passport information. That is one reason operators ask for names and passport numbers before your safari.
What this means for you
When comparing quotes, check that all relevant fees are included rather than listed as extras, and that the number of park days matches your itinerary. A cheaper quote that excludes fees, or underestimates them, may cost more in the end.
Because tariffs can change after you book, some operators include a clause covering government fee increases. Read the terms, and ask us if you would like a breakdown of how fees are calculated for your route.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pay park fees in cash at the gate?
Generally no. Park fees are paid electronically, and on an organized safari your operator pays them in advance on your behalf.
Why are park fees in Tanzania so high?
Fees fund conservation, anti-poaching, research and park maintenance across very large protected areas. They are also part of a strategy to keep tourism lower impact and higher value.
Do children pay park fees?
Children usually pay reduced rates, and very young children are often exempt, depending on the authority's current rules. Your operator will calculate fees for each member of your family.