🌍 1. Introduction – Understanding Park Fees in Tanzania
Every visitor entering a Tanzanian national park is required to pay a Conservation Fee, which directly funds wildlife protection, ranger operations, road maintenance, and community conservation projects.
Lake Manyara National Park, managed by the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), uses a standardized fee structure for 2023–2024 (effective July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024) that applies to all travelers.
Fees differ by:
- Visitor category: East African citizens, Tanzanian residents/expatriates, and non-resident foreigners
- Age group: Adults (16+), children (5–15), and under-5 (free)
- Season: Peak (16 May–14 March) and Low (15 March–15 May)
💵 2. Conservation Entry Fees – Lake Manyara National Park
| Visitor Category | Age | Peak Season (USD) | Low Season (USD) | EAC Citizen (TShs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-EA Citizen (Tourist) | 16 years and above | $50 | $45 | 10,000 |
| Non-EA Child | 5–15 years | $15 | $15 | 2,000 |
| Expatriate / Tanzanian Resident | 16 years and above | $25 | $22.50 | 10,000 |
| Expatriate / Resident Child | 5–15 years | $7.50 | $7.50 | 2,000 |
| Children under 5 years | – | Free | Free | Free |
Notes:
- Fees are per person per 24-hour period.
- Park entry is valid for multiple entries within 24 hours.
- Proof of identity (passport or resident permit) is required at the gate.
- All fees are exclusive of 18% VAT and payable by credit/debit card only at TANAPA gates (no cash).
🚗 3. Vehicle Entry Fees
Every vehicle entering the park must pay an entry charge based on tare weight (empty weight of vehicle).
| Vehicle Weight | EAC/Tanzanian Registered | Foreign-Registered/Commercial |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 2,000 kg | 20,000 TSh | $40 |
| 2,001–3,000 kg | 35,000 TSh | $150 |
| 3,001–7,000 kg | 60,000 TSh | $200 |
| 7,001–10,000 kg | 150,000 TSh | $300 |
| Above 10 tons | 300,000 TSh | $500 |
Additional Notes:
- Open safari vehicles pay 50% extra.
- Fees are valid for 24 hours and cover multiple re-entries within that period.
- Vehicles carrying tourists must also pay crew fees for Tanzanian driver-guides.
🧑✈️ 4. Guide and Crew Fees
Tanzanian guides, cooks, and drivers accompanying tourists pay a nominal Crew Fee that includes conservation and camping charges.
- Lake Manyara Crew Fee: TSh 3,500 per person per day (includes conservation + camping).
- Student groups: TSh 2,000–5,000 depending on level (primary to university).
⛺ 5. Camping and Accommodation Fees (Inside the Park)
Public Campsites
- Adults (Non-EA): $30 per person per night
- Children (5–15 years): $5
- EAC Citizens: 5,000 TSh adults / 2,500 TSh children
Special/Seasonal Campsites (Advance booking required)
| Season | Adult (USD) | Child (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Peak (July–Sept) | $60 | $5 |
| Low (Oct–June) | $50 | $10 |
Special Campsite Examples: Endala, Msasa, and Bagayo within the park.
Note: Campsites require prior reservation through TANAPA’s Online Booking Portal.
🛏️ 6. TANAPA Lodging and Hostel Fees
Lake Manyara offers a few TANAPA-operated cottages and hostels, mainly for educational groups or local visitors.
| Facility Type | Non-EA Citizen (USD) | Expat/Resident (USD) | EA Citizen (TShs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manyara Cottages (old) | $30 | $30 | 15,000 |
| TANAPA Hostels | $10 | $10 | 5,000 |
For more upscale lodging (Serena, &Beyond Tree Lodge, Sangaiwe Tented Lodge), visitors pay concession fees (below).
🏨 7. Hotel Concession Fees
Concession fees apply per person per night for guests staying at lodges or camps inside the park boundaries.
| Visitor Category | Adult (16+) | Child (5–15 yrs) |
|---|---|---|
| Non-EA / Resident | $40 | $10 |
| EA Citizen | 30,000 TSh | 10,000 TSh |
Collected directly by lodges and remitted to TANAPA, these fees support park maintenance and community initiatives.
🌅 8. Activity Fees in Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara offers several TANAPA-regulated activities with separate charges (on top of entry fees).
| Activity | Non-EA Citizen (USD) | EA Citizen (TShs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Night Game Drive | $50 (adult) / $25 (child) | 10,000 / 5,000 | Requires TANAPA approval |
| Walking Safari (1–4 hrs) | $20 | 5,000 | Accompanied by armed ranger |
| Long Walking Safari (4+ hrs) | $25 | 10,000 | Recommended for experienced trekkers |
| Canoeing (2 hrs) | $20 | 5,000 | Lake Manyara, weather permitting |
| Canopy Walkway (1 hr) | $20 | 10,000 | Near park entrance, safe for ages 5+ |
| Bush Meals / Sundowners | $5 | 5,000 | Must be booked through a registered operator |
📸 9. Filming, Photography, and Drone Use
Professional filming requires a daily permit inclusive of entry and camping fees:
- Lake Manyara (Other Parks rate): $250 per person per day.
- Video shooting for private art/music: $100 per group per day.
- Drone usage requires prior approval from TCAA and TANAPA.
All commercial photographers must apply at info@tanzaniaparks.go.tz.
🎈 10. Balloon Safari Concession Fee
While hot air balloon flights are operated independently, TANAPA charges a per-person park fee:
| Park | Fee (USD per person per flight) |
|---|---|
| Lake Manyara | $40 |
| Serengeti & Nyerere | $50 |
| Other Parks | $25–$30 |
This covers the use of TANAPA airspace and landing areas.
🚙 11. Payment Methods and Entry Rules
- Payments: Made via TANAPA’s official Government Electronic Payment Gateway (GePG) at park gates or via registered tour operators.
- Accepted Methods: Visa/Mastercard, mobile money (for locals), and online booking.
- No cash transactions.
- Proof of ID required: Passport or resident permit for each visitor.
- Vehicle & park tickets must be displayed on request.
🧾 12. Validity, Refunds, and Multiple Entry
- Entry tickets are valid for 24 hours from the time of issue.
- Multiple entries within that period are allowed.
- Fees are non-refundable, even if the visitor exits early.
- Extensions require payment of a new 24-hour pass.
🧭 13. How Park Fees Compare Across Northern Tanzania
| National Park | Adult Entry Fee (USD) | Child Fee (USD) | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Manyara | $50 | $15 | Tree-climbing lions, flamingos, hot springs |
| Tarangire | $50 | $15 | Elephant herds, baobabs |
| Serengeti | $70 | $20 | Wildebeest migration |
| Ngorongoro (Crater fee) | $70 + $295 vehicle | $20 | Crater drive |
| Arusha NP | $50 | $15 | Mount Meru, walking safaris |
Lake Manyara remains the most affordable park for full safari experiences among Tanzania’s major northern circuit parks.
🌿 14. Conservation Impact
Your park fees contribute directly to:
- Anti-poaching patrols and wildlife protection
- Habitat restoration and fire management
- Local community development (Burunge & Mto wa Mbu)
- Research, monitoring, and sustainable tourism initiatives
By visiting responsibly, travelers ensure that Lake Manyara’s ecosystems continue to thrive.
📍 15. Contact Information (TANAPA Headquarters)
Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA)
Mwalimu Nyerere Conservation Centre, Dodoma Road
P.O. Box 3134, Arusha, Tanzania
📞 +255 27 297 0404 | ✉️ info@tanzaniaparks.go.tz
🌐 www.tanzaniaparks.go.tz