How to Pay Park Entrance Fees in Tanzania
How to Pay Park Entrance Fees in Tanzania, Picture yourself in a serene country where natural wonders unfold before your eyes. The wildebeest migration, Mount Kilimanjaro, the Big Five, and the Ngorongoro Crater are just a few wonders to enjoy in Tanzania. Yet, the Maasai, the Hadzabe, the Datoga… all these elevate your Tanzania safari experience.
Tanzania has many protected areas, including 22 national parks, 32 game reserves, a conservation area, and so much more. While visiting these protected areas, you will have to pay certain fees charged for conservation purposes. How much do the fees cost, and how can you pay? We are here to help you with that. In this guide, we will cover common compulsory fees and recommend the best way to settle them. Let’s get right into it!
What is a park fee?
A park fee is the amount you pay to the authority when visiting a national park. It can be for entrance, concession, camping, or any other activity you embark on. The name may vary a little when visiting other protected areas, which are not designated as parks. For example, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, game reserves, and controlled areas.
Categories of park fees and how to pay for them.
These are levies that conservation authorities charge to tourists. The Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) issues all fees for 22 national parks, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) issues fees for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), and the Tanzania Wildlife Authority (TAWA) issues fees for all game reserves. All fees in this guide are VAT inclusive. If you have to pay other fees not included in this guide, make sure you confirm whether they are VAT-inclusive or not. Should you have any problems regarding fees, our expert safari planners are here to help.
1. Conservation fee
Conservation fee (mostly referred to as park entrance fee) is a fee you pay when you enter a protected area. In Tanzania, conservation fees vary from park to park and also depending on the season. These fees spike during the peak season (June to October) and drop in the low season (November to May).
These are updated conservation fees for different parks
Park | EA Citizen (TZS) | Non-EA citizens (USD) | Expatriates (USD) |
Serengeti, Nyerere, & Kilimanjaro | 11,800 | 82.60 | 41.30 |
Lake Manyara, Tarangire, and Arusha | 11,800 | 59.00 | 29.50 |
Katavi, Ruaha, Mikumi, Rubondo Island, Saadani, Mkomazi, Udzungwa Mountains, Burigi- Chato, Saanane Island, and Rumanyika-Karagwe | 5,900 | 35.40 | 17.70 |
Gombe | 11,800 | 118.00 | 59.00 |
Mahale Mountains | 5,900 | 94.40 | 47.20 |
Please note that the conservation fee is valid for 24 hours. Children below 5 years are exempt from any park fee, while those between 5 and 15 years have to pay.
Conservation fee for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is not under TANAPA; it’s under the NCAA (Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority). Therefore, it generates its own fees. And these are updated conservation fees:
Age | EA Citizen (TZS) | Expatriates (USD) | Non-EA citizens (USD) |
Of 16 years or above | 11,800 | 35.40 | 70.80 |
Children between 5 and 15 years | 2,360 | 11.80 | 23.60 |
Note: There’s an additional crater service fee of US$295 per vehicle per trip if you’re entering the Ngorongoro Crater.
Other fees in the NCA include:
Vehicle entry fee: A Suzuki Escudo (allowed in the crater) is charged US$10 while a Land Cruiser is charged US$20.
How to pay conservation fees
These fees are VAT inclusive. We normally include these fees in your safari package. Otherwise, we’ll tell you and confirm everything when you settle your deal.
Our safari expert can handle everything. You just have to pay for the package and let him do the rest. Alternatively, you can pay the fee at the entrance gate, though that may result in a queue.
Concession Fees
A concession fee is a fee you pay when you’re going to stay in a camp or lodge found in a protected area.
We can help you settle this fee on your behalf. What’s required is a confirmed lodge or camp booking before generating a control number for payment. Then again, your accommodation may cover the fee in their quotation. Make sure you contact them to confirm this.
TANAPA Concession Fees
Park | EA Citizen (TZS) | Non-EA citizens (USD) |
Serengeti & Nyerere | 35,400 | 70.80 |
Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Kilimanjaro, and Arusha | 35,400 | 47.20 |
Mahale Mountains, Ruaha, Katavi, Gombe, Rubondo Island, Mkomazi, Udzungwa Mountains, Burigi- Chato, and Saanane Island | 23,600 | 35.40 |
Mkomazi, Saadani, Mikumi, Udzungwa Mountains, and Kitulo | 23,600 | 29.50 |
Ngorongoro Conservation Area Concession Fees
Age | EA Citizen (TZS) | Non-EA citizens (USD) |
Of 16 years or above | 35,400 | 59.00 |
Children between 5 and 15 years | 11,800 | 11.80 |
Other additional fees
Depending on what you want to explore, there can be additional fees. These include camping fees, if you want to use a campsite, a ranger fee, and a walking safari fee. You can always pay for these activities in person. We recommend paying for them 24 hours before because spots may sell out early.
Additional tips
If you’re traveling on your own, understand that most parks do not accept cash. Some may accept, but only in Tanzanian shillings and US Dollars (issued after 2010 in good condition). Also, pay using a credit card, not a debit card, because parks accept it. The credit card payment fees are on you. In addition to that, the American Express circuit won’t work as well.
The bottom line
If you choose to travel with us, then don’t worry much about how you’ll pay the fee. After you tell us what you want to do during your safari, we’ll do the math and let you know the fees to pay before you arrive. Our guides will also be with you after every step and will sort out the fees for you if any. Are you ready for your adventure in Tanzania? We are here to help you explore this beautiful country.
