Tanzania park fees at a glance
These are the commonly quoted conservation fees for non-resident adults on the northern circuit. Children usually pay a reduced rate, and children under five are often free.
| Park or area | Fee | Charged | Managed by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serengeti National Park | About US$83 | Per person, per 24 hours | TANAPA |
| Ngorongoro Conservation Area | About US$70.80 | Per person, per 24 hours | NCAA |
| Ngorongoro Crater service fee | About US$295 | Per vehicle, per descent | NCAA |
| Tarangire National Park | About US$59 | Per person, per 24 hours | TANAPA |
| Lake Manyara National Park | About US$59 | Per person, per 24 hours | TANAPA |
| Arusha National Park | About US$59 | Per person, per 24 hours | TANAPA |
| Kilimanjaro National Park | About US$70 plus VAT | Per person, per day | TANAPA |
How Tanzania park fees work
Most Tanzania park fees follow three simple rules. Understanding them helps you read safari quotes and plan your route.
The 24-hour rule
Fees are valid for 24 hours from the time you enter, not per calendar day.
Per person
Conservation fees are paid for every traveler, so group size does not reduce them.
VAT is added
An 18% VAT applies to most fees. Check whether a quoted rate includes it.
Cashless payment
Gates use electronic payment. Your operator normally pays for you.
Because of the 24-hour rule, entry times matter. A guide who plans your entry and exit carefully can avoid paying for an extra day.
Ngorongoro fees explained
Ngorongoro surprises many travelers because it has two separate charges.
- Conservation Area entry: Paid per person for each 24 hours you are inside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You also pay it when you drive through on the way to or from the Serengeti.
- Crater service fee: Paid per vehicle each time you drive down to the crater floor. In a full vehicle, this cost is shared.
That is why a crater day costs more than most other park days. It is still worth it for most travelers. Read our Ngorongoro Crater day trip guide or see the Ngorongoro destination page.
A worked 7-day example
Here is how park fees add up on a common 7-day route for one adult, using the commonly quoted rates above. Your actual total depends on entry times and current tariffs.
| Stop | Fee | Approx. cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tarangire, 1 day | 1 × US$59 | US$59 |
| Ngorongoro transit to Serengeti | 1 × US$70.80 | US$71 |
| Serengeti, 3 days | 3 × US$83 | US$249 |
| Ngorongoro, return and crater day | 1 × US$70.80 | US$71 |
| Crater service fee, shared by 4 | US$295 ÷ 4 | About US$74 |
| Total | About US$524 |
Add concession or camping fees, which are often built into lodge rates. See this route in practice on our 7-day Arusha, Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti safari.
Other fees inside the parks
- Concession fees: Charged per person per night for staying inside a park. Lodges usually include them in their rate.
- Camping fees: Charged at public or special campsites.
- Vehicle fees: A daily entry fee for the safari vehicle.
- Guide fees: A small daily fee for your driver-guide.
- Activity fees: Walking safaris, night drives or balloon flights have their own charges. See our Serengeti balloon safari guide.
Will park fees change in 2027?
Tanzania reviews park fees from time to time, usually from the start of a new financial year in July. Reports in 2026 suggested that entry fees would be held steady for a period, but this should not be taken as a guarantee for your dates.
The safest approach is to ask your operator which tariff your quote uses, and whether the price changes if fees rise before you travel. Read our Tanzania safari cost guide to see how fees fit into the full price.
How to plan around park fees
- Plan entry times: Good timing avoids paying for an extra 24 hours.
- Fill the vehicle: The crater fee is per vehicle, so sharing lowers the cost.
- Mix parks: Tarangire and Manyara cost less than the Serengeti and offer great wildlife. See our Lake Manyara safari guide.
- Stay outside parks: Lodges just outside a gate avoid concession fees.
- Do not cut too much: Fewer days in the Serengeti saves fees but means less wildlife time.
Common questions
Are park fees included in a Tanzania safari price?
With most reputable operators, yes. Park entry, crater fees and vehicle fees are usually included. Always check the inclusions list in your quote.
How much is the Serengeti entrance fee?
It is commonly quoted at about US$83 per non-resident adult for each 24 hours, including VAT. Confirm the current rate for your travel dates.
How much is the Ngorongoro Crater fee?
There are two charges: about US$70.80 per person for Conservation Area entry and about US$295 per vehicle for each descent to the crater floor.
Do I pay Ngorongoro fees when driving to the Serengeti?
Yes. The main road to the Serengeti passes through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, so you pay the entry fee even if you do not visit the crater.
Can I pay Tanzania park fees in cash?
Generally no. Park gates use electronic payment, and your safari operator normally pays the fees for you as part of the trip.
Get a safari quote with fees included
Our quotes include all park fees at the rate valid for your dates, so you can compare clearly. Tell us your travel dates, group size and parks, and we will build a route that balances wildlife time and cost. Send your safari enquiry.
Sources and planning notes
Reviewed November 2026 for 2027 travel. Figures are commonly quoted rates for non-resident adults and may change. Always confirm the official tariff before booking.