Most Tanzania safari quotes look straightforward until you reach the fine print. Park fees, park fees, park fees — they appear again and again, and no two operators seem to calculate them the same way. This page gives you the exact 2026 numbers so you can compare quotes honestly and budget accurately.
Park Entrance Fees — Per Person Per Day (2026)
Tanzania National Parks charge all visitors these fees in USD, collected at the gate. Children aged 5–15 pay a discounted rate. These are set by Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) and apply to all tour operators — no one can discount them.
| Park | Adult (USD/day) | Child 5–15 (USD/day) |
|---|---|---|
| Serengeti National Park | $82 | $25 |
| Ngorongoro Crater | $85 | $25 |
| Tarangire National Park | $52 | $15 |
| Lake Manyara National Park | $50 | $15 |
| Arusha National Park | $45 | $15 |
| Nyerere (Selous) National Park | $40 | $15 |
| Katavi National Park | $35 | $15 |
Source: TANAPA 2026 fee schedule. All fees in USD, payable at park gate. Fees are subject to change — confirm with your operator before travel.
What a 5-Day Safari Actually Costs in Park Fees
Here is a concrete example for a 5-day northern circuit safari visiting Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro — the most common itinerary for first-time visitors.
| Day | Park | Adult Fee | × 2 Adults |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Tarangire | $52 | $104 |
| Day 2 | Serengeti | $82 | $164 |
| Day 3 | Serengeti | $82 | $164 |
| Day 4 | Ngorongoro Crater | $85 | $170 |
| Day 5 | Lake Manyara | $50 | $100 |
| 5-Day Park Fee Total (2 adults) | — | $702 | |
Park fees alone for a couple on a 5-day northern circuit add up to $702 — before any operator mark-up, transport, accommodation, or food. Any quote that does not show park fees as a separate line item is either absorbing them into the price (which is fine) or omitting them (which is a problem when you arrive at the gate).
Guide and Driver Tips — What Is Normal
Tips are not included in safari prices and are paid directly in cash at the end of your safari. There are two people to consider: your safari guide (the wildlife expert in the vehicle) and the driver (often the same person on a private safari, or two people on a group safari). Some operators also use a spotter or a camp manager who may receive a tip.
Private Safari (your own vehicle)
$15–$25 / day
Per person if shared; $20–$40 per day total if solo. Tip your guide directly — they are the reason you see the wildlife.
Group Safari (joined with others)
$10–$15 / day
Per person, collected and split by the operator. Ask your operator how they handle group tips before you book.
For a 5-day private safari for two, a tip of $20 per day to your guide is appropriate — totaling around $100 over the safari. If your guide exceeded expectations (found leopard, explained the ecosystem in depth, made unscheduled stops for a family of elephants), tip toward the higher end. If the experience was average, the lower end is still acceptable.
Visa Fees
Most visitors to Tanzania need a tourist visa. There are two types relevant to safari travellers:
- Tourist Visa (single entry): $50 for most nationalities (US, UK, EU, AU, CA). Applied for online before departure via Tanzania's e-visa portal or obtained on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- US Citizens: $100 (special rate). Canadian Citizens: $100.
- East Africa Tourist Visa: $100 — covers Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania for multiple entries within 90 days. Only useful if your safari crosses into Kenya (Masai Mara add-on) or Uganda (gorilla extension).
Our recommendation: Apply for the e-visa at least 2 weeks before departure. The online application takes 20 minutes and avoids queuing at the airport. Keep a printed copy of your approval letter alongside your passport.
Vaccinations and Health Costs
Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from a yellow fever country (including some East African nations). It is not required for travellers coming directly from Europe, North America, Australia, or most of Asia — but always check the current requirements with your doctor or a travel clinic.
| Item | Notes | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Fever Vaccine | Required if arriving from at-risk country; recommended regardless | $0–$120 |
| Malaria Prophylaxis | Prescription required; generic doxycycline is inexpensive | $20–$80 |
| Typhoid Vaccine | Recommended for travellers spending time in rural areas | $30–$80 |
| Hepatitis A | Standard recommendation for most travellers | $50–$150 |
| Travel Insurance (with safari evacuation) | Mandatory for Kilimanjaro climbs; strongly recommended for safaris | $80–$200 / trip |
Critical: Standard travel insurance does not always cover safari activities or medical evacuation by helicopter. Verify that your policy explicitly covers game drives and emergency evacuation from remote parks before departure.
Optional Add-Ons Worth Considering
Ngorongoro Crater Conservancy Fee
Separate from park entrance; charged by the conservancy authority
$35–$70 per person (varies by nationality)
Serengeti Balloon Safari
45–60 minute sunrise flight; lands with champagne breakfast
$550–$599 per person
Walking Safari (with armed ranger)
Available in Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and some private conservancies
$30–$60 per person
Cultural Visit (Maasai Village)
Community-run visits near Ngorongoro and Serengeti
$20–$40 per person
Airport Transfers
From Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha or Moshi
$50–$100 each way (varies by vehicle and group size)
7-Day Safari Budget Summary for Two
Here is a realistic total budget for a 7-day private safari (2 adults) on the northern circuit — the most common premium itinerary. This assumes mid-range accommodation ($180–$350 per night for a double tent), a 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-top, and an experienced English-speaking guide.
| Budget Item | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Safari package (operator fee, 7 days) | $3,200–$4,500 |
| Park fees (7 days, 2 adults) | $1,000–$1,200 |
| Tips to guide ($20/day × 7) | $140 |
| Visa (×2 adults, most nationalities) | $100 |
| Vaccinations and medications | $50–$200 |
| Travel insurance with evacuation | $120–$200 |
| Flights to/from Kilimanjaro | $400–$1,200 |
| Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks) | $100–$300 |
| Estimated Total (2 adults) | $5,110–$7,840 |
That is $2,555–$3,920 per person for a 7-day northern circuit safari at mid-range. At the lower end of that range, accommodation is simpler but the wildlife experience is identical — you see the same animals in the same parks. At the upper end, you are paying for a lodge with a view, premium wine lists, and air conditioning.
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Get My PriceFrequently Asked Questions
Are park fees included in my safari quote?+
It depends on the operator. We always list park fees separately so you know exactly what you are paying for. Some operators bundle them into the total price — which is not dishonest, but can make comparison difficult. Always ask for a breakdown before booking.
Can I pay park fees with a credit card?+
Most park gates accept Visa and Mastercard, but cash (USD) is more reliable. Some smaller parks (Katavi, Nyerere) may only accept cash. Carry USD in small denominations for park fees and tips.
Is $100 per day enough for a Tanzania safari?+
Yes, a budget of $100–$150 per person per day covers park fees, mid-range accommodation, transport, and meals. At this level you will stay in comfortable tented camps rather than luxury lodges — but the game viewing is the same. Our 5-day northern circuit itineraries start at $1,400 per person.
When is the cheapest time to go on safari in Tanzania?+
April and May are the lowest-season months — the long rains make some roads muddy and grass tall, but wildlife is still excellent and prices drop significantly. November (short rains) is also quieter. Peak season (July–August and December–January) commands premium prices.
What happens if I need to cancel my safari?+
Cancellation policies vary by operator. We require a 20% deposit at booking and the balance 30 days before departure. Cancellations more than 30 days before departure receive a full refund minus a $100 admin fee. Travel insurance with cancellation cover is strongly recommended.
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