For a non-resident adult staying at a lodge inside the Serengeti, park fees come to about US$160 per day: an entry fee of about US$83, a concession fee of about US$60, plus 18% VAT. In the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the entry fee is US$70.80 per adult per 24 hours, and each vehicle pays a US$295 service fee to descend into the crater.
Fees are a significant part of any Tanzania safari budget. This guide explains how they work and what they add to a typical trip. For full trip costs, see our luxury Tanzania safari cost guide.
Last checked: September 2026, from published park and authority tariffs. Tanzania changes fees without much notice, so we always confirm current rates when we book.
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Serengeti National Park fees
| Fee | Non-resident adult | Child 5 to 15 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry fee (per 24 hours) | About US$83 | About US$24 | Under 5s free |
| Concession fee (per night, inside the park) | About US$60 | About US$12 | Charged when staying at a lodge or camp in the park |
| VAT | 18% | 18% | Added to the fees above |
| Typical daily total when staying inside | About US$160 | Entry fee plus concession fee plus VAT |
Fees are charged per 24-hour period, so the timing of your entry and exit matters. A good planner schedules your drives to avoid paying for an extra day.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area fees
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation fee, non-resident adult (per 24 hours) | US$70.80 | Each 24-hour permit allows one entry |
| Conservation fee, child 5 to 16 | US$23.60 | Under 5s free |
| Crater service fee | US$295 per vehicle, per descent | Shared among the passengers in the vehicle |
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area also covers Ndutu, where the herds calve in February. See our calving season guide.
Tip: because the crater fee is charged per vehicle, it costs less per person when a vehicle is full. On a private trip for two, it adds about US$150 per person for each descent.
Other parks
Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Arusha national parks are run by Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) and generally have lower daily fees than the Serengeti. Private reserves and wildlife management areas, such as the Grumeti Reserve or the Burunge area near Tarangire, charge their own conservation fees, which are usually included in the lodge rate.
For help choosing between two of these parks, see Tarangire vs Lake Manyara.
Example: fees on a 9-night safari
For two adults on a 9-night trip with 1 night in Arusha, 2 in Tarangire, 2 on the Ngorongoro rim with one crater descent, and 4 inside the Serengeti:
| Item | Approximate total for two |
|---|---|
| Serengeti (4 days at about US$160 per person) | About US$1,280 |
| Ngorongoro (2 days at US$70.80 per person, plus VAT if applicable) | About US$285 to US$335 |
| Crater service fee (1 descent) | US$295 |
| Tarangire (2 days) | A few hundred US dollars |
| Estimated park fees for the trip | About US$2,100 to US$2,300 |
These are estimates. Many luxury lodges include park fees in their rates, so check what your quote covers.
Are park fees included in luxury safari prices?
Often, yes. Many of the lodges we work with quote “fully inclusive” rates that cover park and concession fees. Others quote them separately. We always show which fees are included, so you can compare like with like. See what’s included in an all-inclusive safari.
FAQs
How much is the Serengeti entry fee?
About US$83 per non-resident adult per 24 hours, plus 18% VAT. Guests staying inside the park also pay a concession fee of about US$60 per night.
How much does it cost to go into the Ngorongoro Crater?
Each vehicle pays a US$295 crater service fee for each descent, on top of the US$70.80 per adult conservation fee for the day.
Can I pay park fees at the gate?
Fees are usually paid in advance by your safari company. Gates accept card payments, and cash in US dollars or Tanzanian shillings may be accepted, but it is simpler to have fees prepaid.
Do children pay park fees?
Children under 5 are free. Children from 5 to 15 (16 in the Ngorongoro area) pay reduced rates.
Plan with fees included
Our costed itineraries show park fees line by line. See our luxury Tanzania safari itineraries or ask us below.
