Here is a simple guide to the Tanzania National Parks, entrance fees, and permits. The National Parks of Tanzania are mainly found on the country’s 4 “safari circuits”. These safari circuits consist of an itinerary of destinations designed to minimize traveling time and maximize the experience.
Tanzania is a large and diverse country; thus, each circuit offers its unique magic, divergent scenery, and appealing wildlife encounters. The northern, southern, western, and eastern safari circuits encompass a selection of parks, wildlife reserves, conservation areas, and even, in the case of the eastern circuit, Indian Ocean islands, marine parks, and gorgeous beaches, that visitors can choose based on their interests.
National Parks On The Northern Circuit
The northern circuit parks are the most popular on this list of Tanzania parks. They include destinations that are the stuff of safari, travel, and film-making legend. If you’re a first-time visitor to Tanzania, the northern circuit is the best place to start. It has some of Tanzania’s best roads.
Every destination here is easily accessible. There are also a variety of accommodation options available for every budget, from basic campsites to some of Africa’s most luxurious lodges. The northern circuit starts from Lake Victoria in the west to Mount Kilimanjaro in the east, and it is bounded by the border of Kenya to the north and Tarangire Park to the south. It includes such iconic Africa safari destinations like Serengeti and Ngorongoro, and, more time should be spent exploring these places than others.
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area
- Lake Manyara National Park
- Tarangre National Park
- Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
- Arusha National Park and Mount Meru
- Mkomazi National Park
- Rubondo Island National Park, Lake Victoria
Read More: 10 of Tanzania’s Most Maginificent National Parks
National Parks On The Southern Circuit
Unlike the busy northern circuit, the Tanzania National Parks on the southern safari circuit are remote and wild. This region of Tanzania is known for its back-to-basics and authentic approach, where exploring on foot is an essential part of the experience and you can go for days without encountering another tourist. Much of this area is relatively arid compared to the luscious plains of the north but still incorporates areas with thriving swamps, verdant forests, and spectacular waterfalls.
- Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous)
- Ruaha National Park
- Mikumi National Park
- Udzungwa Mountains National Park
- Kitulo National Park
National Parks on The Western Circuit
Unlike the southern and northern Tanzania safari circuits, the western circuit breaks away somewhat from the more traditional African safari fare. It is a shorter and more specialised safari circuit and should be combined with aspects from the northern or southern circuit if resources and time allow.
- Gombe Stream National Park
- Mahale Mountains National Park
- Katavi National Park
- Kigosi National Park
Tanzania National Parks fees for TANAPA
In Tanzania, most protected areas, except for Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Lake Natron, are managed by TANAPA (Tanzania National Parks Authority).
The most popular TANAPA parks are Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Serengeti. If you’re on a self-drive safari in Tanzania, you don’t need to book your TANAPA permits beforehand. This changes only if you hire a local driver-guide or book your Tanzania safari through a tour operator.
TANAPA doesn’t set a limit on the number of visitors, so you don’t need to worry about being turned away at the gate. Simply use a Visa or Mastercard credit card to pay for permits at the entrance gate. Note that cash and debit cards are not accepted.
Current TANAPA conservation entry fees:
- USD 82.60 for Serengeti, Nyerere National Park and Kilimanjaro National Park
- USD 118 for Gombe Stream National Park
- USD 94.40 for Mahale Mountains National Park
- USD 59 for Arusha, Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks
- USD 35.40 for Mikumi, Ruaha, Rubondo Island, Saadani, Mkomazi, Udzungwa Mountains, Katavi
Please Note: Fees are quoted per person including VAT to make it easier for you. Tanzania charges VAT separately, so prices might appear different compared to what you see online. Children under 5 years can enter for free, while those between 5 and 15 years old pay an entry fee of US$15-20. A day pass remains valid for 12 hours, but if you stay within the park, the permit is valid for 24 hours.
current TANAPA hotel concession fees:
If you plan to stay overnight at a tented camp or lodge within TANAPA parks, you will have to pay an extra fee known as a “special campsite fee” or “hotel concession fee.” It’s best to ask your lodge if this fee is already included in their price quote or if you need to pay it separately when you arrive at the park gate.
- Serengeti and Nyerere National Parks: USD 70.80 pp / night
- Arusha, Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Kilimanjaro National Parks: USD 47.80 pp / night
- Mahale, Ruaha, Katavi and Gombe National Parks: USD 35.40 pp /night
- Mkomazi , Saadani, Mikumi and Udzungwa Mountains National Parks: USD 29.50 pp / night
Children of 5 years and under are free of charge, while children between 5 and 15 years pay a USD 11.80 concession fee.
Tanzania National Parks Vehicle entry fees:
The vehicle entry fee for your locally registered car is;
- 23,600 TSH (US$10) per day for an RAV4
- 41,300 TSH (US$20) per day for a Landcruiser
The fee is valid for multiple entries.
Tanzania National Parks Camping fees:
- Public campsites in Tanzania National Parks managed by TANAPA cost US$ 35.40 per person/night.
- Tanzania National Parks special campsites cost US$59 per person/night. ”Special” means that you are allowed to pitch your tent at a secluded wilderness spot with no other campers, and also no facilities.
- For children between 5-15 years, the camping fee is US$11,80.
- Children below 5 years are free of charge.
TANAPA fees for optional activities:
- Walking safaris: USD 23.60 per person
- Ranger fee USD 23.60
- Night game drives (Katavi, Ruaha, Mikumi, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Nyerere only): USD 59 per person
Ngorongoro Conservation Area fees
- Visitor entrance fee: USD 70.80 per person per 24 hours
- Vehicle entrance fee: approx. for a USD 20 for a Landcruiser.
- If you want to go down to Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive, you must pay the additional Crater Service Fee of USD 295 per vehicle per trip.
- Are you traveling through the Ngorongoro Crater (for example to visit the Serengeti) but don’t intend to explore? Then you will still have to pay the conservation fee each way.
- The only way to avoid paying the Ngorongoro Conservation Area fee twice is by exiting/entering the Serengeti National Park through Klein’s gate in the Northeast, on your way to/ from Lake Natron. Please note, that this requires paying the Lake Natron fees instead.
Tanzania Safaris and Tours
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We hope we have helped you on your way with our information about Tanzania national parks and fees. Any more questions about travelling in Tanzania? Get in touch with us. Our team at Tulambule is happy to help you create the Tanzania safari holiday of a lifetime!
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