These are the crown jewels of Africa, offering some of the most diverse and thrilling safari experiences on the planet. From the endless plains of the Serengeti National Park, where the Great Migration unfolds, to the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, the remote wilderness of Ruaha, and the flamingo-filled shores of Lake Manyara, every park is a world of wonder waiting to be explored. With over 20 protected areas, Tanzania is home to the Big Five, countless bird species, and dramatic landscapes that range from savannahs to volcanic highlands. Whether you’re seeking a luxury safari lodge, a tented bush camp, or an off-the-beaten-path adventure, the national parks promise unforgettable encounters with wildlife, nature, and culture – making it the ultimate safari destination.
When visiting Tanzania’s wilderness, it’s important to understand how the parks are managed and how fees are structured. These fees are not hidden costs – they go directly towards protecting wildlife, conserving natural habitats, and supporting local communities.
TANAPA (Tanzania National Parks Authority)
TANAPA manages most of Tanzania’s national parks, including Serengeti, Tarangire, and many others. They set the regulations for game drives, gate entry and exit, and conservation practices. TANAPA is focused on wildlife protection and eco-tourism, ensuring that visitors enjoy the parks while safeguarding them for future generations.
NCA (Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority)
Unlike traditional parks, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is unique because wildlife and people share the land. Managed by NCA, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has special rules to balance conservation with local Maasai communities’ traditional lifestyles. Fees here cover both conservation and cultural preservation.
WMA (Wildlife Management Areas)
WMAs are community-managed lands that sit alongside the main national parks. They allow local communities to benefit directly from tourism while extending protected habitats for wildlife. Visitors pay a separate WMA fee to enter these areas, supporting conservation and community projects.
To make planning simpler, here’s how fees generally work across parks and areas:
Entrance Fees
A daily fee is required to enter each park. Rates vary for adults, children, and East African Community (EAC) residents. This fee covers your access to game drives and park areas.
Conservation Fees
If you stay overnight inside a park or reserve, you will also need to pay a per-night conservation fee. This applies to lodges, tented camps, and campsites within the park boundaries.
Wildlife Management Area Fees
When your safari includes a WMA (such as areas bordering Tarangire or Serengeti), a separate daily fee is charged. These funds go directly to the local community and conservation projects.
Gate & Game Drive Hours
Most Tanzania national parks managed by TANAPA are open for game drives from 06:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
In the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) gates open at 06:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM. Crater gates close earlier in some sectors (e.g. the Seneto Descent Gate closes at 4:00 PM) due to descent rules.
Entry & Exit Times
You must enter and exit through designated gates within the official opening times.
Exiting late (after gate closing hours) will likely incur extra charges or penalties. It is very important to plan your day so you are out of the park before gates close.
Night or Late Drives
After 6:00 PM, game drives are not permitted unless you have a special authorisation from park authorities (e.g. for a night drive or approved lodge / camp activity).
In Ngorongoro, the Crater descent roads (e.g. Seneto) have fixed rules: the Seneto Descent Gate must close by 4:00 PM.
Other Important Regulations
Stay on authorised roads and tracks. Off-road driving is generally prohibited unless specifically permitted.
A licensed guide must accompany you, especially in Ngorongoro Crater and in many areas of NCA.
Speed limits apply: in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, about 25 km/h, especially inside the crater and sensitive zones.
Respect wildlife: no feeding, touching or disturbing animals; maintain safe distances. Vehicles should not crowd animals (no more than 5 vehicles around an animal or kill).
Leave no trace: no littering, no removal of plants, rocks, animal products. Fires only in designated places; extinguish properly.
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