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Tarangire Concession Fees & Park Charges
Tarangire Concession Fees & Park Charges, Tarangire National Park is one of Tanzania’s premier wildlife destinations, renowned for its extraordinary elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and prolific birdlife. Located in the Manyara Region of northern Tanzania, approximately 118 kilometres southwest of Arusha, the park covers an area of around 2,850 square kilometres and forms a critical part of the Northern Safari Circuit — Tanzania’s most visited tourism corridor, which also encompasses Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Lake Manyara National Park.
The Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) is the government body mandated to manage, regulate, and protect Tanzania’s national parks, including Tarangire. TANAPA sets and periodically revises all fees applicable to visitors — from basic entry charges to concession fees for overnight accommodation, guided activities, filming, and aircraft landings.
Among the most important cost components for travellers staying inside the park is the hotel concession fee (also referred to as a special campsite fee for camping visitors). This fee is paid per person per night and applies to every guest residing at any tented camp or lodge located within the park boundaries. Understanding concession fees, how they are calculated, and how they interact with other park charges is essential for travelers, tour operators, and lodge managers alike.
What Are Concession Fees?
Concession fees in the context of Tarangire National Park refer to charges levied by TANAPA on every guest who spends one or more nights within the park’s boundaries. These fees are distinct from the standard daily park entry (conservation) fees, which cover daytime access.
Concession fees serve several critical purposes:
- Revenue generation for TANAPA to fund park management, anti-poaching operations, and infrastructure.
- Conservation financing — a direct mechanism by which overnight visitors contribute to the long-term sustainability of the ecosystem.
- Regulation of tourism density by ensuring that staying inside the park carries a financial commitment proportional to the environmental footprint.
- Compensation to TANAPA for granting private operators the right to build and run commercial lodges, camps, and tented accommodations on protected public land.
In practical terms, these fees are typically charged per person per night and are often — though not always — included in the rates quoted by lodges and camps. Travellers should always confirm with their accommodation provider whether concession fees are bundled into the nightly tariff or payable separately at the park gate.
| ⚠ | As of 1 July 2024, TANAPA transitioned to collecting all fees in Tanzanian Shillings (TZS), converted from USD using the Bank of Tanzania daily exchange rate. Check the prevailing rate on the day of payment. |
Hotel Concession Fees (Lodge & Tented Camp Stays)
Hotel concession fees apply to all guests residing overnight in any lodge, permanent tented camp, or similar fixed accommodation facility within Tarangire National Park. The fee is charged in addition to the daily conservation/entry fee and applies for every night of stay.
Fee Schedule (Per Person Per Night)
The following rates apply uniformly throughout the year (July – June), regardless of whether it is peak or low season:
| Category | East African Citizen (TZS) | Non-EA Resident / Expatriate (USD) | Foreign Non-Resident (USD) |
| Adult (16 years and above) | 30,000 TZS | 40 USD | 40 USD |
| Child (5 – 15 years) | 10,000 TZS | 10 USD | 10 USD |
| Child (below 5 years) | Free | Free | Free |
| ℹ | Hotel concession fees at Tarangire are charged at a flat all-year rate of USD 47.80 per person per night (non-residents) when calculated in the broader TANAPA system. Always confirm the exact rate with your lodge or at the park gate, as TANAPA may update tariffs. |
Who Pays Hotel Concession Fees?
Concession fees apply to:
- All guests aged 5 years and above occupying rooms, tents, or beds in any lodge or tented camp within the park.
- Both tourists and expatriate residents visiting the park on a commercial basis.
- East African nationals, though at a significantly discounted rate in Tanzanian Shillings.
Hotel concession fees do NOT typically apply to:
- Day visitors who do not remain overnight in the park.
- Children under five years of age, who are admitted free of charge.
- Park staff and TANAPA employees on official duty.
Are Concession Fees Included in Lodge Rates?
This varies by operator. Some lodges include the concession fee in their published rack rates or all-inclusive packages, while others list it as a separate “government levy” added to the accommodation cost. It is strongly recommended to:
- Ask your lodge or tour operator explicitly whether hotel concession fees are included in the quoted price.
- Request a written breakdown of all fees before confirming a booking.
- If travelling independently, be prepared to pay these fees at the park gate on arrival or departure.
Special Campsite Fees
Special campsite fees apply to travellers who set up camps at designated private or special campsites within the park — as distinct from standard public campsites. These fees are typically used by mobile camping safari operators and self-drive travellers who wish to camp in exclusive or remote locations.
Special Campsite Fee Schedule (Per Person Per Night)
| Category | EA Citizen (TZS) | Non-EA Resident (USD) | Season |
| Adult (16 years +) | 10,000 TZS | 60 USD | Peak (July – Sept) |
| Child (5 – 15 years) | 5,000 TZS | 5 USD | Peak (July – Sept) |
| Adult (16 years +) | 10,000 TZS | 50 USD | Low (October – June) |
| Child (5 – 15 years) | 5,000 TZS | 10 USD | Low (October – June) |
| Child (under 5 years) | Free | Free | All Year |
| ℹ | Special campsite fees are higher than standard public campsite fees and reflect the exclusivity of using a private campsite site, often with no other visitors nearby. The fee grants use of the site for one night. |
Seasonal (Public) Camping Fees
Public or seasonal campsites are the most budget-friendly overnight options within Tarangire. These are shared facilities available on a first-come, first-served basis and provide basic amenities.
| Category | EA Citizen (TZS) | Non-EA Resident (USD) | Season |
| Adult (16 years +) | 15,000 TZS | 60 USD | Peak (July – Sept) |
| Child (5 – 15 years) | 7,500 TZS | 10 USD | Peak (July – Sept) |
| Adult (16 years +) | 15,000 TZS | 50 USD | Low (October – June) |
| Child (5 – 15 years) | 7,500 TZS | 10 USD | Low (October – June) |
| Child (under 5 years) | Free | Free | All Year |
Park Entry / Conservation Fees
While not strictly concession fees, park entry fees are the foundational charge every visitor must pay upon entering Tarangire National Park. They are valid for 24 hours per entry. Concession fees are charged in addition to these entry fees for overnight visitors.
Peak Season Entry Fees (16 May – 14 March)
| Category | EA Citizen (TZS) | Expatriate/Resident (USD) | Non-Resident (USD) |
| Adult (16 years +) | 10,000 TZS | 25 USD | 50 USD |
| Child (5 – 15 years) | 2,000 TZS | 7.5 USD | 15 USD |
| Child (under 5 years) | Free | Free | Free |
Low Season Entry Fees (15 March – 15 May)
| Category | EA Citizen (TZS) | Expatriate/Resident (USD) | Non-Resident (USD) |
| Adult (16 years +) | 10,000 TZS | 22.50 USD | 45 USD |
| Child (5 – 15 years) | 2,000 TZS | 7.5 USD | 15 USD |
| Child (under 5 years) | Free | Free | Free |
Activity Fees
Beyond entry and overnight concession charges, Tarangire National Park offers a variety of guided and self-guided activities, each attracting its own fee schedule. These are payable at the park gate or to the ranger/guide at the time of the activity.
Walking Safari Permits
| Activity | EA Citizen (TZS) | Non-Resident / Expatriate (USD) |
| Short Walk (1–4 hours) – Adult | 5,000 TZS | 20 USD |
| Short Walk (1–4 hours) – Child (12+ years) | 2,500 TZS | 10 USD |
| Long Walk (above 4 hours) – Adult | 10,000 TZS | 25 USD |
| Long Walk (above 4 hours) – Child (12+ years) | 5,000 TZS | 15 USD |
Guide / Ranger Fees
| Service | EA Citizen (TZS) | Non-Resident / Expatriate (USD) |
| Ranger fee (per group, per day) | 5,000 TZS | 20 USD |
Night Nature Walks
| Category | EA Citizen (TZS) | Non-Resident / Expatriate (USD) |
| Adult (16 years +) | 5,000 TZS | 10 USD |
Sundowner at Designated Park Areas
| Category | EA Citizen (TZS) | Non-Resident / Expatriate (USD) |
| Adult (16 years +) | 5,000 TZS | 5 USD |
| Child (5 – 15 years) | 2,000 TZS | 2 USD |
| Child (under 5 years) | Free | Free |
Bush Meals
| Category | EA Citizen (TZS) | Non-Resident / Expatriate (USD) |
| Per person per day | 5,000 TZS | 5 USD |
Vehicle Entry Fees
All vehicles entering Tarangire National Park are subject to an entry fee based on tare weight and country of registration. Open-top safari vehicles (used on game drives with the roof open) incur an additional 50% surcharge on top of the standard vehicle fee.
| Vehicle Tare Weight | Tanzania / Non-Commercial EA Registered (TZS) | Foreign Registered / Commercial EA (USD) |
| Up to 2,000 kg | 20,000 TZS | 40 USD |
| 2,001 – 3,000 kg | 35,000 TZS | 150 USD |
| 3,001 – 7,000 kg | 60,000 TZS | 200 USD |
| 7,001 – 10,000 kg | 150,000 TZS | 300 USD |
| Above 10,000 kg (10 tons) | 300,000 TZS | 500 USD |
| Open vehicles (surcharge) | +50% of above | +50% of above |
| ℹ | For self-drive travellers using locally registered vehicles, the entry fee for standard 4WDs (up to 2,000 kg tare weight) is TZS 20,000 per day and permits multiple entries on the same day. |
Filming & Media Fees
Professional filming and video production inside Tarangire National Park requires prior authorisation from TANAPA and payment of the applicable filming fees. These charges are in addition to the standard park entry and concession fees.
| Filming Activity | Rate |
| Professional filming (per person per day — includes entry, camping & filming) | 250 USD |
| Video shooting (per group of 2–20 persons, per day — on top of entry fees) | 100 USD (equivalent TZS for EA residents) |
Casual photography and video recording by individual tourists for personal use are generally permitted within the standard entry fee and do not require additional filming permits.
Aircraft Landing Fees
Tarangire National Park has designated airstrips that allow access via chartered or scheduled light aircraft. Aircraft landing fees are payable in addition to passenger entry fees and are charged per flight.
| Aircraft Capacity | Foreign Private (USD) | Foreign Commercial (USD) | Local Private (TZS) | Local Commercial (TZS) |
| Up to 4 seaters | 50 USD | 120 USD | 10,000 TZS | 15,000 TZS |
| 5 – 12 seaters | 120 USD | 170 USD | 15,000 TZS | 20,000 TZS |
| 13 – 20 seaters | 170 USD | 320 USD | 15,000 TZS | 20,000 TZS |
| Over 20 seaters | 170 USD | 320 USD | 15,000 TZS | 20,000 TZS |
Fines & Penalties
TANAPA enforces strict rules of conduct within the park. Visitors who breach these regulations are subject to financial penalties, in addition to any other legal consequences.
| Violation | Penalty |
| Causing an accident inside the park | 200,000 TZS |
| Exceeding the speed limit (max 50 km/h inside park) | 50,000 TZS |
| Non-commercial TZ vehicle (up to 2,000 kg) | 50,000 TZS |
| Non-commercial TZ vehicle (2,001 – 3,000 kg) | 100,000 TZS |
| Non-commercial TZ vehicle (7,001 – 10,000 kg) | 200,000 TZS |
| Tractors, trailers, boats | 50,000 TZS |
| Aircraft | 200,000 TZS |
Payment Methods & Currency
As of 1 July 2024, TANAPA moved all transactions to Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) as the primary collection currency. USD-denominated fees are converted at the Bank of Tanzania daily exchange rate at the time of payment.
Accepted Payment Methods
- Tanzanian Shillings (cash) — primary currency for all transactions.
- US Dollars (cash) — accepted and converted at Bank of Tanzania daily rate.
- Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) — accepted at most park gates via POS terminals.
- Mobile money (in some cases) — check with the park gate in advance.
| ⚠ | Tour operators and lodge guests who received control numbers denominated in USD before 1 July 2024 were required to settle in USD until 1 August 2024. All new transactions are now in TZS. Contact TANAPA’s Customer Service Desk at +255 (0)27 261 0100 for any payment inquiries. |
Residency Categories & Who Pays What
TANAPA applies a tiered pricing model based on the visitor’s residency status. Three principal categories apply:
Foreign Non-Residents
All international tourists who do not hold Tanzanian residency or East African Community citizenship. These visitors pay the highest fees, in USD (converted to TZS at the gate).
Required documentation: valid international passport.
Expatriates / Tanzania Residents
Foreign nationals holding a valid Tanzanian residency or work permit. These visitors pay an intermediate rate, typically around 50% of the non-resident fee.
Required documentation: valid residency permit or work permit.
East African Citizens
Citizens of Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (under EAC agreements) pay fees in Tanzanian Shillings at significantly reduced rates.
Required documentation: valid national identity card or passport.
| ℹ | Residency status must be verified at the park gate. Misrepresentation of residency status is a violation and can result in penalties. Always carry the appropriate documentation. |
Practical Tips for Budgeting Concession Fees
For travellers and tour operators planning visits to Tarangire, the following tips help ensure accurate budgeting and a smooth park experience:
- Always confirm with your lodge or camp whether hotel concession fees are included in the quoted nightly rate or billed separately.
- Factor in both the daily entry fee AND the nightly concession fee when calculating the total cost per person per night inside the park.
- Self-drive visitors should carry sufficient TZS cash or a card, as some remote gates may have intermittent card terminal connectivity.
- If travelling during peak season (July–September), expect higher special campsite fees and a busier park environment.
- Children under 5 years are exempt from all TANAPA fees — a meaningful saving for family travel.
- East African residents should carry valid national ID cards or passports to qualify for the reduced-rate fees.
- For group tours with filming requirements, secure the filming permit and pay fees in advance to avoid delays at the gate.
- TANAPA fees are subject to annual revision, typically at the start of each financial year (July). Always verify the current tariff schedule via the official TANAPA website or your tour operator before travel.
Conservation Value of Concession Fees
The concession fee system is far more than a transactional formality — it is a cornerstone of Tanzania’s conservation financing model. Tarangire National Park faces ongoing pressures from human-wildlife conflict, habitat encroachment, poaching, and the effects of climate change on the Tarangire River ecosystem.
Revenue collected through concession fees and park entry charges is channelled by TANAPA into:
- Anti-poaching patrols and ranger salaries across the park’s vast landscape.
- Maintenance of roads, bridges, and visitor facilities within the park.
- Funding of wildlife research and ecological monitoring programs.
- Community development projects in villages surrounding the park, fostering coexistence between local communities and wildlife.
- Habitat restoration and invasive species control along the Tarangire River corridor.
Every dollar — or shilling — paid in concession fees by a guest at Oliver’s Camp, Tarangire Treetops, Sanctuary Swala, or any other park accommodation directly funds these efforts. Responsible travellers can view concession fees not as a surcharge, but as a meaningful contribution to one of Africa’s most important wildlife sanctuaries.
Summary: All Fees at a Glance
| Fee Type | EA Citizen | Expatriate / Resident | Foreign Non-Resident |
| Park Entry – Adult (Peak) | 10,000 TZS/day | 25 USD/day | 50 USD/day |
| Park Entry – Adult (Low) | 10,000 TZS/day | 22.50 USD/day | 45 USD/day |
| Park Entry – Child 5–15 (Peak) | 2,000 TZS/day | 7.50 USD/day | 15 USD/day |
| Hotel Concession – Adult | 30,000 TZS/night | 40 USD/night | 40 USD/night |
| Hotel Concession – Child 5–15 | 10,000 TZS/night | 10 USD/night | 10 USD/night |
| Special Campsite – Adult (Peak) | 10,000 TZS/night | 60 USD/night | 60 USD/night |
| Special Campsite – Adult (Low) | 10,000 TZS/night | 50 USD/night | 50 USD/night |
| Seasonal Camp – Adult (Peak) | 15,000 TZS/night | 60 USD/night | 60 USD/night |
| Short Walking Safari – Adult | 5,000 TZS | 20 USD | 20 USD |
| Long Walking Safari – Adult | 10,000 TZS | 25 USD | 25 USD |
| Night Nature Walk – Adult | 5,000 TZS | 10 USD | 10 USD |
| Vehicle Entry (up to 2,000 kg) | 20,000 TZS | 40 USD (foreign reg) | 40 USD |
| Professional Filming (per person/day) | TZS equivalent | 250 USD | 250 USD |
| Bush Meal (per person) | 5,000 TZS | 5 USD | 5 USD |
