Understanding Tanzania National Park Fees & Permits is the first step toward a seamless African adventure. While the wildlife is the main attraction, the logistics of entry fees, conservation taxes, and vehicle permits can be a bit of a maze for first-time travelers.
In 2026, the Tanzanian government continues to prioritize conservation through a structured fee system. These funds go directly toward anti-poaching efforts, road maintenance, and protecting the habitat of the “Big Five.” Whether you are trekking up Mount Kilimanjaro or chasing the Great Migration in the Serengeti, this guide breaks down exactly what you need to pay and how to do it.
Quick Reference: 2026 Entry Fees by Park
Tanzania’s parks are managed primarily by two bodies: TANAPA (Tanzania National Parks) and the NCAA (Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority). Fees vary based on the park’s popularity and your residency status.
| Park Category | Adult (16+) | Child (5-15) | Notable Parks |
| Primate Premium | $118.00 | $23.60 | Gombe Stream |
| Primate Standard | $94.40 | $23.60 | Mahale Mountains |
| Premium Parks | $82.60 | $23.60 | Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Nyerere |
| Select Parks | $59.00 | $17.70 | Tarangire, Manyara, Arusha |
| Standard Parks | $35.40 | $11.80 | Katavi, Ruaha, Mikumi, Mkomazi |
| Island/Marine | $35.40 | $11.80 | Rubondo Island, Saadani |
Note: All prices above include the mandatory 18% VAT.
Why is Gombe Stream so Expensive?
You might notice that Gombe Stream National Park has the highest entry fee in the country. This is because Gombe is a fragile ecosystem with a very high “conservation value.”
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Chimpanzee Trekking: Your permit covers entry, but trekking with the chimps is the primary activity.
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Limited Access: The park is small, and limiting visitors through higher fees helps reduce human impact on the primate populations.
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Research Support: A portion of your Tanzania National Park Fees & Permits for Gombe directly funds the ongoing research started by Dr. Jane Goodall.
The Remote West: Katavi & Mahale
If you are heading to the Western Circuit, your budget for Tanzania National Park Fees & Permits will look a bit different.
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Mahale Mountains ($94.40): Like Gombe, this is a chimpanzee haven. Access is almost exclusively by boat or bush plane.
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Katavi National Park ($35.40): Despite being one of the wildest and most game-rich parks in Africa, its remote location keeps the entry fee lower to encourage intrepid travelers to visit.
Deep Dive: How the Permit System Works
A permit is more than just a receipt; it is your official authorization to be inside a protected area. Here is what you need to know about the different types of Tanzania National Park Fees & Permits.
1. Conservation (Entry) Fees
This is the standard daily “ticket” per person. For most parks, this permit is valid for 24 hours if you are staying inside the park, or for a single entry if you are staying outside the park.
2. Vehicle Entry Fees
Your safari vehicle must also have a permit. For a standard 4×4 Land Cruiser registered in Tanzania, the fee is approximately $20 USD per day. If you are doing a self-drive in a foreign-registered vehicle, expect to pay significantly more (up to $150 USD).
3. Concession Fees
If you stay at a luxury lodge or a permanent tented camp located inside the park, you must pay a “Concession Fee.” This is essentially a “bed night” tax paid to the park authorities.
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Serengeti/Ngorongoro: $59.00 USD per person/night.
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Tarangire/Manyara: $47.20 USD per person/night.
4. Special Activity Permits
Want to do something extra? Certain activities require separate permits:
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Ngorongoro Crater Descent: $295 USD per vehicle (per descent).
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Walking Safari: ~$23.60 USD per person.
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Night Game Drive: ~$59.00 USD per person.
RELATED ARTICLE: THE 15 BEST Tanzania Safari Experience
How to Pay for Your Permits
The payment process for Tanzania National Park Fees & Permits has gone fully digital. Cash is no longer accepted at park gates.
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GePG Portal: Most payments are processed through the Government electronic Payment Gateway. You receive a “Control Number” which allows you to pay via bank transfer or mobile money.
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Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard are accepted at the main entry gates (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara), but network connectivity can sometimes be spotty in the bush.
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The Stress-Free Way: Most travelers choose to have their tour operator handle everything. When you book your journey, your operator calculates all fees and includes them in your package price.
Pro-Tips for Managing Your Safari Budget
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Check the Age: Children under 5 are free. The “child rate” applies from age 5 up to 15. Once a traveler turns 16, they are considered an adult for all fee purposes.
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VAT is Vital: Many online price lists show “Excl. VAT.” Always add 18% to those numbers to get the final price you will actually pay at the gate.
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Keep Your Paperwork: Always keep a digital or physical copy of your permit during your stay. Rangers may ask to see it at checkpoints or when you exit the park.
RELATED ARTICLE: How to Get a Free Tanzania Safari Quotation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does the Ngorongoro fee cover the Serengeti?
No. Even though you must drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to reach the Serengeti, they are managed by different authorities. You will need separate permits for both.
Can I pay for my permits at the gate?
Yes, you can pay via credit card at the gate, but it is highly recommended to have a pre-paid Control Number to avoid long delays at the entrance.
Are fees lower in the “Low Season”?
While some lodges offer huge discounts during the rainy season (April-May), the Tanzania National Park Fees & Permits usually remain the same year-round.
Experience Tanzania Without the Paperwork
Navigating the technicalities of park regulations shouldn’t take away from the magic of your first lion sighting. The easiest way to handle the costs of the Serengeti and beyond is to work with experts who live and breathe these trails.
Plan your dream safari with Tanzania Safari Experience today. We handle all the Tanzania National Park Fees & Permits on your behalf, ensuring that the only thing you have to worry about is having enough space on your camera’s memory card.