Serengeti National Park Tickets: Entrance fees, Game drive fee & more
Serengeti National tickets managed by the Tanzania National Park Authority are a must-pay by any adventurer planning to embrace the outdoor adventurous activities offered at this stunning, world-renowned wildlife destination in Tanzania.
These tickets are valid for 24 hours and are issued based on residency with different rates for East African citizens, foreign residents, and foreign non-residents.
Serengeti tickets are nontransferable and nonrefundable and allow you access to the only specified activity therefore they should be carefully chosen based on your interests.
Besides the nationality, Serengeti National Park tickets are also charged based on the age of the visitor for example the amount charged for children is different from that of adults.
Serengeti National Park ticket payments are often done electronically through credit cards and other mobile money transfer platforms as cash is rarely accepted.
Serengeti National Park fees include access to the grounds of the park to engage in a variety of activities it has to offer including thrilling game drives, witnessing the Great Migration, hot air balloon safaris, birdwatching, guided nature walks, cultural Maasai village tours, and photography of its stunning landscapes and wildlife.
Serengeti National Park Ticket Costs
As earlier mentioned, Serengeti National Park ticket prices vary depending on the visitor’s nationality and age. Below is an overview of the current rates:
Serengeti National Park Entrance Fees
Serengeti National Park entrance fees vary by residency with $70 charged per adult per day for foreignnon-residents, TZS 30,000 for residents, and TZS 11,800 for Tanzanian citizens. These fees are separate from Serengeti National Park activity costs like game drives, balloon safaris, or guided tours. Payments are made at the park entry gates or via online mobile money platform and they are accepted in Tanzania shillings or US dollars.
Below is a detailed table showing Serengeti National Park Entrance Fees;
| Category | Adults | Children (5-15 years) | Students (with valid ID) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Residents | $70 per person per day | $20 per person per day | $35 per person per day |
| Residents | TZS 30,000 per person per day | TZS 10,000 per person per day | N/A |
| Citizens | TZS 11,800 per person per day | TZS 2,360 per person per day | N/A |
The Serengeti National Park entrance fees are used to support wildlife conservation projects, park maintenance, and local community development projects.
Ensure that you carry your identification like a passport or national ID to confirm your residency so that you can be charged accordingly.
Serengeti National Park Activity Fess
Serengeti National Park offers a variety of outdoor adventurous activities each coming with specific fees depending on the visitor’s residency. Non-foreign residents pay higher fees compared to other residents, the residents, and East African citizens who enjoy reduced rates.
Serengeti National Park activities like guided nature walks, cultural tours, and night game drives are charged separately from the entrance fee. Activity fees can also be paid in US dollars and Tanzania Shiilings.
As a visitor, you are advised to confirm the fees of the activities you would wish to engage in while at the park and ensure that you the payments to official entities.
Below is a detailed table showing Serengeti National Park activity costs for different categories of visitors:
| Activity | Foreign Non-Residents (USD) | Foreign Residents (USD) | East African Citizens (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game Drive | Included in entrance fee | Included in entrance fee | Included in entrance fee |
| Hot Air Balloon Safari | $600 per person | $450 per person | $400 per person |
| Guided Walking Safari | $30 per person | $20 per person | $10 per person |
| Cultural Tour (Maasai) | $50 per person | $30 per person | $15 per person |
| Birdwatching Tour | $25 per person | $15 per person | $10 per person |
| Night Game Drive | $100 per person | $80 per person | $50 per person |
Serengeti National Park Vehicle Entrance Fees
Below is an organized table showing the Serengeti National Park vehicle Entrance Fees;
| Vehicle Type | Weight | Fee (USD per day) |
|---|---|---|
| Light Vehicles | Under 2,000 kg | $40 |
| Medium Vehicles | 2,000-3,500 kg | $150 |
| Heavy Vehicles | Over 3,500 kg | $300 |
Serengeti National Park Camping Fees
For those staying overnight in the park’s campsites, additional fees apply and they are as follows in the table below;
| Campsite Type | Non-residents | Residents |
|---|---|---|
| Public Campsite | $30 per person per night | TZS 15,000 per person per night |
| Special Campsite | $50 per person per night | TZS 25,000 per person per night |
Serengeti National Park Concession Fees
Concession fees are charged to every visitor staying in the lodges or tented camps found within the park premises. These are used to support the conservation of the park’s wildlife and its natural resources.
By paying these fees, you are contributing to the preservation of the park’s natural beauty and biodiversity for future generations. The Non-residents are charged $60 per person per night and residents, TZS 30,000 per person per night.
3. How to Purchase Serengeti National Park Tickets
Buying tickets for Serengeti National Park is straightforward, and several options are available including online booking, onsite purchases, and through licensed tour operators like Hail Tours Tanzania Safaris. Let us briefly have a look at them;
a. Online Booking
Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) provides an online portal for ticket purchases. Here’s how to use it:
- Visit the TANAPA website.
- Select Serengeti National Park and your preferred ticket type.
- Fill in your details and those of other travelers.
- Make a payment using a credit card or bank transfer.
- Receive a confirmation email with your e-ticket.
Benefits of Online Booking:
Online booking for Serengeti National Park safaris offers numerous advantages. It provides convenience by allowing you to skip long queues at the gate, ensuring a smoother entry.
Additionally, it saves time by enabling you to plan your itinerary in advance of your travel dates. With secure payment options, you can book confidently using trusted methods, making the entire process hassle-free.
b. On-Site Purchase
Tickets can also be purchased at Serengeti’s main entry gates, including Naabi Hill Gate (southern entrance), Ndabaka Gate (western entrance), and Klein’s Gate (northeastern entrance).
If you are planning to use this method, we advise you to arrive early to avoid delays and to carry cash in US dollars or Tanzania Shillings as some cards may not accept online card payments.
c. Through Tour Operators
Many tour operators like us include park entry fees in their safari packages therefore when booking a guided safari experience to this enchanting destination, confirm whether ticket costs are covered.
To protect Serengeti’s ecosystem and ensure visitor safety, strict rules apply. These include;
- Always carry your ticket; park officials may request it at any time.
- Enter and exit the park only through designated gates.
- Ensure your activities fit within the ticket’s validity period.
- Avoid prohibited behaviors which include littering the park, feeding or touching wildlife, and exceeding speed limits which must be maintained at 50 km/h.
- Maintain a safe distance from animals and follow your guide’s instructions.
5. Best Time to Visit Serengeti
Timing your visit can enhance your Serengeti experience: June to October are dry seasons and are Ideal for game drives and witnessing the Great Migration river crossings. November to May are wet months and are best for birdwatching, lush scenery, and calving season in the southern Serengeti.
6. Tips for a Hassle-Free Visit
- Book Early: Secure tickets and accommodation in advance, especially during peak seasons.
- Travel Documents: Carry identification for ticket verification.
- Stay Informed: Check TANAPA updates for any changes in fees or policies.
- Eco-Friendly Travel: Use reusable water bottles and follow park guidelines.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I pay for tickets in local currency?
Yes, Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) are accepted at most gates.
Q2: Are there discounts for groups?
Group discounts may apply for large parties. Check with TANAPA or tour operators.
Q3: Can tickets be transferred to another person?
No, tickets are non-transferable.
Q4: What happens if I exceed the 24-hour validity?
You will incur additional charges for overstaying.
Conclusion
A Serengeti safari to Tanzania is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and understanding the ticketing process ensures a stress-free visit. Whether you’re planning a self-drive trip or booking through a tour operator, familiarize yourself with ticket types, costs, and regulations. With careful planning, you can fully immerse yourself in the wonders of Serengeti National Park, creating memories to last a lifetime.