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When planning a safari in Tanzania, it’s important to understand the park entry fees and conservation charges that are part of the total trip cost. These fees are not hidden costs they play a vital role in protecting the incredible wildlife and natural landscapes that make Tanzania a world-class safari destination.
Tanzania is home to some of the most famous national parks and conservation areas in Africa, including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara. Each of these areas is managed by different authorities and has its own fee structure, often depending on whether you’re a resident, East African citizen, or an international tourist.
Park fees are essential to the survival of Tanzania’s national parks and game reserves. They support anti-poaching patrols, wildlife conservation programs, park maintenance, community development, and ranger salaries. Without these fees, Tanzania’s parks would struggle to maintain the ecosystems that attract millions of visitors each year.
When you pay these fees, you’re not just gaining access to beautiful landscapes and animals you’re also helping preserve them for future generations.
There are two main organizations responsible for collecting and managing these charges:
TANAPA (Tanzania National Parks Authority) manages most national parks like Serengeti, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara.
NCAA (Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority) manages the Ngorongoro Crater and its surrounding conservation areas.
Each authority sets its own rates and rules. Fees are usually charged per person per 24 hours, and per vehicle in some cases.
Serengeti National Park: $83.10 per adult per 24 hours (VAT included)
Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Fee: $71 per adult per 24 hours (plus $295 crater service fee per vehicle per descent)
Tarangire & Lake Manyara National Parks: $59 per adult per 24 hours
Arusha National Park: $59 per adult per 24 hours
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park (for climbers): Approx. $83 per day, depending on the route and number of days
Children under 16 years old usually receive discounted rates, and East African citizens pay significantly lower fees.
Park entry and conservation fees typically cover:
Access to the park or conservation area
Ranger services and security
Maintenance of roads and facilities
Wildlife protection programs
They do not include accommodations, meals, or transportation — those are charged separately by your safari operator.
In the case of Ngorongoro Crater, the $295 crater service fee is a flat charge per vehicle (not per person), allowing descent into the crater for one game drive. This is in addition to the per-person conservation fee.
Absolutely. Tanzania’s parks are among the best in the world, offering unmatched wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes. The fees ensure that tourism remains sustainable and that local communities also benefit. A portion of the fees goes directly to supporting conservation and community outreach programs that reduce human-wildlife conflict and support education and healthcare near the parks.
In most cases, your safari operator handles all park entry payments as part of your package. This ensures everything is pre-booked and paid in advance to avoid delays at park gates. Reputable companies like Bush Lion Tours will include these charges transparently in your quote, so there are no surprises during the trip.
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