Park fees explained, and why they change

Who sets them

Tanzania’s national parks are managed by TANAPA, the Tanzania National Parks Authority. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is managed separately by its own authority. Both set their own fees, and both review them from time to time.

What you pay

• Conservation or entry fee. Charged per person, per day, and the largest part of the fee. It varies by park, and some parks have different rates for high and low season.
• Concession fee. Charged per person, per night, when you sleep inside a national park, whether at a lodge, tented camp or campsite.
• Crater service fee. Charged per vehicle, for each descent into the Ngorongoro Crater.
• Vehicle and guide fees. Charged per vehicle and per guide entering the park.
• VAT. Added to most park fees.

Children’s rates are lower, and resident rates are lower than non-resident rates.

The 24-hour rule

Fees in many parks are charged per 24-hour period from the time you enter, not per calendar day. Entering in the afternoon and leaving the next morning is one period. Entering in the morning and leaving the following afternoon is two. Good itineraries plan entry and exit times with this in mind.

Why fees change

Fee structures are revised by the authorities, sometimes with little notice, and VAT rules have changed in the past. When fees change, operators have to pass the change on, even on trips already booked.

Where the money goes

Park fees fund ranger patrols, anti-poaching, road maintenance, research and community programmes around the parks. They are one of the main sources of funding for conservation in Tanzania.