Entree & Permits for National Parks in Tanzania
Tanzania is one of the most popular safari destinations in the world. When visiting its national parks, you need to take into account entrance regulations, permits, and various park fees. This overview will help you prepare for your safari without unexpected surprises.
How we help you with the permits
We can help you calculate these additional costs. Most of them are paid directly at the park entrance. The process is straightforward, which is why we prefer not to arrange these in advance for you. This also keeps you flexible during your trip. Only the permits for the Ngorongoro area are arranged in advance by us, as these are more complicated to pay on site.
Why Permits and Park Fees are important
All national parks in Tanzania are managed by different authorities. The majority fall under the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA). This organization is responsible for conservation, infrastructure, and safety in parks such as Serengeti, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara.
To enter these protected areas, all visitors must pay a conservation and entrance fee. These contributions support wildlife protection, park management, and the preservation of natural habitats.
How Permits work
- TANAPA Parks:
For most parks, you can purchase your entry permit directly at the gate. There is no daily visitor limit, and advance reservations are generally not required. Payment is usually made by credit card (Visa/Mastercard) at the entrance barrier; cash is often not accepted. - Ngorongoro Conservation Area:
This area has a separate management authority (Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority) and sometimes requires different procedures. Selfdrive4x4 arranges these permits in advance for you. - Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs):
Areas such as Lake Natron operate under different management systems and often have their own local permits and payments. These are typically handled at local offices near the entrance or directly through accommodations.
Entrance and Permit Costs
Fees vary per park and are usually calculated per person and per vehicle, either for 12 hours or 24 hours if staying overnight. Camping fees also apply. When staying overnight in a tented camp or lodge inside a national park, an additional surcharge is charged on top of the regular entrance fee. This additional charge is known as the “special campsite fee.”
Below you will find an indication of expected costs (in USD) for the main parks. Would you like information about other parks? Let us know.
Please note: The rates listed below are indicative for 2026. The Tanzanian government may adjust prices without prior notice.
1) Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCAA)
Entrance / Permit (per person per 24 hours)
- Adult (16+): US$ 70.80
- Children (5–15): US$ 23.60
- Under 5 years: Free
Vehicle Permit
- Toyota Land Cruiser: approx. US$ 17
Crater Service Fee (Crater descent)
- US$ 295 per vehicle per trip
Camping Fees (per person per night)
- Public campsite: US$ 35.40
- Special campsite: US$ 70.80
2) Serengeti & Nyerere National Park / Selous
Entrance / Conservation Fee (per person per 24 hours)
- High season: approx. US$ 82.60
Vehicle Entry Fee (per day)
- Approx. US$ 17
Camping Fees (per person per night)
- Public campsite: US$ 35.40
- Special / Seasonal campsite: US$ 59 – US$ 70.80
3) Arusha NP, Tarangire & Lake Manyara
Entrance / Conservation Fee (per person per day)
- High season: approx. US$ 59.00
(May vary by season)
Vehicle Entry Fee (per day)
- Approx. US$ 17
Camping Fees (per person per night)
- Public campsite: US$ 35.40
- Special campsite: US$ 59 – US$ 70.80
4) Lake Natron (WMA / Local Fees)
Entrance / Wildlife Fee (per person)
- US$ 11.80
Local Community Fees (per person)
- US$ 35 total
Vehicle Entry Fee
- Approx. US$ 17
Overnight Fee (per person per night)
- US$ 23.60 – 17.70 for camping or lodge respectively
Activity Surcharge (per person)
- US$ 20 for a guided walk along the shores of Lake Natron and a day hike to the Engaresero waterfalls
Important: don’t forget your Exit Stamp
Before heading out on your adventure, there is one essential thing to remember: when entering a national park, you must specify your planned exit date and pay the corresponding fee for that period.
Upon departure, it is your responsibility to ensure that you are officially checked out and receive an exit stamp. This applies to all national parks in Tanzania.
If no ranger is present at the gate, always proceed to the ranger post to register your departure.
If you fail to check out properly, the system may indicate that you are still inside the park. Rangers may then initiate a search operation, and fines can be issued for overstaying your permit.
