Serengeti National Park, one of the most famous wildlife reserves in the world, charges entry fees based on the residency status of visitors, with separate rates for East African citizens, expatriates/residents, and non-residents (foreign tourists). In addition to entry fees, there are concession fees for staying inside the park, as well as additional charges for activities such as camping and hot air balloon rides.
1. Entry Fees by Residency
The fees vary by season and residency status as shown below:
| Category | Non-Residents (Foreign Tourists) | Residents/Expatriates | East African Citizens (Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Season (May 16 – March 14) | USD 70 per adult/day, USD 20 per child/day | USD 35 per adult/day, USD 10 per child/day | TSH 10,000 per adult/day, TSH 2,000 per child/day |
| Low Season (March 15 – May 15) | USD 60 per adult/day, USD 20 per child/day | USD 35 per adult/day, USD 10 per child/day | TSH 10,000 per adult/day, TSH 2,000 per child/day |
| Children under 5 years | Free | Free | Free |
Note: All fees are subject to 18% VAT.
2. Concession Fees for Lodges and Camps
If you’re staying inside the Serengeti at one of the lodges or camps, you will also need to pay concession fees. These fees apply per person per night.
| Category | Non-Residents | Residents/Expatriates | East African Citizens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Season (July – September) | USD 60 per adult/day, USD 10 per child/day | USD 60 per adult/day, USD 10 per child/day | TSH 30,000 per adult/day, TSH 10,000 per child/day |
| Low Season (October – June) | USD 50 per adult/day, USD 10 per child/day | USD 60 per adult/day, USD 10 per child/day | TSH 30,000 per adult/day, TSH 10,000 per child/day |
3. Camping Fees
There are both public and private campsites within the Serengeti. The camping fees differ based on the campsite and residency status.
| Category | Non-Residents | Residents/Expatriates | East African Citizens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Campsites | USD 30 per adult/night | TSH 30,000 per adult/night | TSH 10,000 per adult/night |
| Private Campsites | USD 50 per adult/night | TSH 50,000 per adult/night | TSH 20,000 per adult/night |
4. Vehicle Entry Fees
If you’re driving into the park with a safari vehicle, the following charges apply based on the size of the vehicle:
| Vehicle Type | Fee (TSH) |
|---|---|
| Safari Vehicle (up to 6 seats) | 10,000 TSH |
| 6 – 12 Seats | 20,000 TSH |
| 13 – 24 Seats | 30,000 TSH |
| 24 – 44 Seats | 40,000 TSH |
| Trucks (1 – 3 tons) | 50,000 TSH |
5. Ranger and Security Fees for Campers
If you are camping, it’s common to hire a ranger for security, particularly at private campsites.
| Activity | Fee (TSH) |
|---|---|
| Game drive (6+ hours) | 30,000 TSH |
| Game drive (less than 6 hours) | 20,000 TSH |
| Full-night camp security | 50,000 TSH |
6. Hot Air Balloon and Other Activity Fees
For those interested in unique activities like hot air balloon rides or horseback riding, additional fees apply.
| Category | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Air Balloon Landing Fee | USD 50 | USD 20 |
| Horse Riding Fee (per horse/day) | KSH 1,500 | KSH 1,500 |
7. Summary of Costs for Foreign Tourists
Here is an example of how much a foreign tourist staying in the Serengeti during peak season would pay per day:
- Park Entry Fee: USD 70
- Concession Fee: USD 60
- 18% VAT: USD 23.40
- Total Per Day: USD 153.40
8. Payment Methods
- Accepted Methods: Payment can be made in cash (USD or Tanzanian Shillings) at the gates. Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are also widely accepted.
- Required Documents: East African citizens and residents need to provide valid identification (passport or national ID) to avail of discounted rates.
9. Important Park Rules
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience while protecting Serengeti’s fragile ecosystem, visitors must adhere to the following rules:
- Driving Hours: Allowed only between 6 am and 6 pm.
- Speed Limit: 50 km/h in general, 25 km/h within Serengeti National Park.
- Animal Interactions: Animals always have the right of way. Never feed them, and remain inside your vehicle within 200 meters of any game animal.
- Waste Disposal: Do not litter. Keep waste in your vehicle and dispose of it properly.
- No Smoking or Fires: Smoking is prohibited during game drives to prevent wildfires.
10. Where to Stay and How to Plan
Serengeti offers a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets. If you’re booking through a safari operator, confirm whether entry and concession fees are included in your package. Fly-in safaris typically require paying fees upon landing.
Plan ahead, follow the park’s rules, and respect the delicate balance of the Serengeti’s ecosystem to fully enjoy this world-renowned destination.