Park fees are the biggest single cost of a Tanzania safari, and the easiest thing to miss when comparing quotes. Here is what foreign visitors pay in the northern circuit (US dollars, 18% VAT included, per 24 hours unless noted). Always confirm the current tariff before you travel.
National parks (TANAPA)
- Serengeti: $82.60 per person
- Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Arusha: $59 per person
- Vehicle fee: about $14 per vehicle per day
- Serengeti concession fee: $35.40 (campsite) to $70.80 (lodge) per person per night
Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCAA)
- Conservation fee: $70.80 per person
- Crater service fee: $295 per vehicle for each descent
- Vehicle permit: about $16 per vehicle per entry
The road-safari rule most people miss
The only road from Arusha to the Serengeti runs through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. So a driving safari pays the Ngorongoro fee on the way in, and again on the way out. Only fly-in safaris avoid this. On our 4-day Classic Safari this works out to about $513 per person in fees for two travellers before any lodging.
Compulsory inbound travel insurance
From 1 October 2026 every visitor needs Tanzania’s inbound insurance (about $44 per person, valid 92 days). We buy it for you on our packages.
How to save without cutting corners
- Travel with friends: the vehicle and crater fee are shared.
- Add culture days around Kilimanjaro – they have no park fees at all.
- Choose a 2-day Tarangire & Ngorongoro trip if the Serengeti is out of budget.