🌍 1. Overview – What TANAPA Fees Cover
All charges for visiting Arusha National Park are set by the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA).
Entry fees—known as Conservation Fees—help fund ranger patrols, habitat restoration, research, and community outreach.
Rates vary by citizenship category, age, and season, and all payments are made electronically through TANAPA’s Government Electronic Payment Gateway (GePG).
🎫 2. Conservation (Entry) Fees per Person per Day
(valid through 30 June 2026 under current TANAPA schedule)
| Visitor Category | Peak Season (16 May – 14 Mar) | Low Season (15 Mar – 15 May) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-EAC Citizen (Adult 16 +) | US $ 50 | US $ 45 | 24-hr permit, multiple entry within period |
| Non-EAC Child (5-15 yrs) | US $ 15 | US $ 15 | Children < 5 yrs free |
| EAC Citizen (Adult 16 +) | TZS 10,000 | TZS 10,000 | Nationals of Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, DRC |
| EAC Child (5-15 yrs) | TZS 2,000 | TZS 2,000 | |
| Tanzanian Resident / Expatriate Adult | US $ 25 | US $ 22.5 | Must show Resident Permit A/B/C or Exemption Certificate |
💡 Tip: Entry fees apply per calendar day or per 24 hours depending on ticket type. Plan early morning arrivals to maximize value.
🚙 3. Vehicle Entry Fees (per vehicle per day)
| Vehicle Weight Category | Tanzanian/EAC Registered | Foreign or Commercial Registered |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 2 tons | TZS 20,000 | US $ 40 |
| 2 – 3 tons | TZS 35,000 | US $ 150 |
| 3 – 7 tons | TZS 60,000 | US $ 200 |
| 7 – 10 tons | TZS 150,000 | US $ 300 |
🚐 Open-roof safari vehicles incur a 50 % surcharge.
⛽ Fuel is not sold inside the park—refuel in Arusha or Usa River.
🏕️ 4. Camping and Accommodation Fees (per person per night)
| Facility Type | Non-EAC Citizen | Resident / Expat | EAC Citizen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Campsite | US $ 30 | US $ 30 | TZS 5,000 |
| Special Campsite (peak) | US $ 60 | US $ 60 | TZS 10,000 |
| Special Campsite (low) | US $ 50 | US $ 50 | TZS 10,000 |
| Miriakamba / Saddle Huts (Mt Meru) | US $ 30 | US $ 30 | TZS 5,000 |
All camping requires prior booking through TANAPA Reservations or a licensed tour operator.
🧗♂️ 5. Mount Meru Trekking Permits and Rescue Fee
| Fee Type | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ranger Escort / Guide Fee (per group per day) | US $ 15 | Mandatory escort for all treks |
| Rescue Fee (per person per trip) | US $ 20 | Non-refundable; covers mountain rescue operations |
| Conservation + Accommodation (per day) | As above | Payable per night at Miriakamba and Saddle Huts |
| Porter & Crew Fee (TZ Citizens) | TZS 3,500/day | Includes park access for support staff |
Permits are issued at Momella Gate, where all climbers register, present payment receipts, and undergo safety briefing.
🎥 6. Filming & Drone Permits (Commercial Use)
| Activity | Fee (per person per day) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Filming/Photography (Arusha NP) | US $ 250 | Includes park entry and camping for crew |
| Video Shooting (Music/Art Projects) | US $ 100 | Applies to groups of 2–20 people |
| Drone Operation | Special Permit Required from TANAPA HQ | Unauthorized drones are strictly prohibited for security & wildlife protection |
🎬 Applicants must submit filming intent, equipment details, and insurance proof to TANAPA Arusha HQ at least 14 days in advance.
💳 7. Payment Methods – TANAPA Electronic Ticketing (GePG)
All TANAPA fees are cashless.
✅ Accepted Payment Options:
- Debit / Credit Cards (Visa or MasterCard)
- Mobile Money (Airtel Money, Tigo Pesa, M-Pesa within Tanzania)
- Bank Deposit via GePG Control Number (issued at gate or online booking)
Visitors receive a digital e-ticket with a QR code for scanning at entry gates.
💡 Tip: For groups and operators, advance payments via TANAPA Online Reservation Portal save time at the gate.
📜 8. Park Rules and Visitor Code of Conduct
TANAPA’s Code of Conduct applies to all visitors. Key rules include:
- Do not feed animals or approach wildlife closer than 25 m.
- Stay on designated roads and trails. Off-road driving is strictly prohibited.
- Observe speed limits: Maximum 50 km/h; fines for overspeeding (TZS 50,000).
- Do not litter or light fires outside authorized campsites.
- Drone use is banned without written authorization.
- No night driving without special permit (except authorized lodges).
- Quiet hours: 22:00 – 06:00 in camps and lodges.
- Proof of identity (passport or resident permit) is required at entry.
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by adults at all times.
- All payments are non-refundable.
Violations of park rules may result in fines or ejection from the park.
🦺 9. Ranger Escorts and Safety Measures
- Ranger escort mandatory for all walking safaris and mountain hikes.
- Rangers carry communication radios and firearms for wildlife safety.
- Emergency response teams based at Momella and Ngongongare Gates.
- Visitors must sign out before departing hiking trails or leaving camps.
- No swimming in lakes or rivers due to hippos and alkaline conditions.
- Medical evacuation insurance is strongly recommended for trekkers.
🕓 10. Park Operating Hours and Entry Validity
| Gate | Opening Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ngongongare Gate (Main) | 06:30 – 18:30 daily | For day visitors and game drives |
| Momella Gate | 06:30 – 18:30 daily | Trekking registration and exit point |
- Day-trip permits: valid for 12 hours (daylight only).
- Sleep-over permits: valid for 24 hours with multiple entries within that time.
- Night stays: only in designated lodges or huts with prior booking.
🧾 11. Summary of Key Fees at a Glance (USD Unless Stated)
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Park Entry – Adult (Non-Resident) | US $ 50 (peak) / 45 (low) |
| Child (5-15 yrs) | US $ 15 |
| Tanzanian Resident / Expat Adult | US $ 25 |
| EAC Citizen Adult | TZS 10,000 |
| Vehicle Fee (2 tons) | TZS 20,000 / US $ 40 |
| Mt Meru Ranger Escort (per group / day) | US $ 15 |
| Rescue Fee (per person / trip) | US $ 20 |
| Canoeing (2 hrs) | US $ 20 |
| Walking Safari (1–4 hrs) | US $ 20 |
| Filming Permit (Commercial) | US $ 250 |
| Drone Permit | By special approval only |
| Fine – Over-speeding | TZS 50,000 |
| Fine – Accident in Park | TZS 200,000 |
📚 12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I pay cash at the gate?
👉 No. TANAPA parks are cashless — pay by card or mobile money via GePG.
Q2: Are entry fees valid for multiple entries in a day?
👉 Yes. Day and 24-hour permits allow re-entry within their validity period.
Q3: Do children under five pay?
👉 No. Entry is free for children below 5 years.
Q4: Are park fees refundable if plans change?
👉 No. All TANAPA fees are non-refundable once paid.
Q5: Is a guide required for game drives?
👉 Not mandatory for self-drivers but recommended for better wildlife viewing and interpretation.
Q6: Can I fly a drone for personal videos?
👉 No. Private drone use is prohibited without written approval from TANAPA Head Office.
Q7: Are fees subject to VAT?
👉 Yes. All rates exclude VAT (18 %) where applicable.
🌿 13. Responsible Visiting – Why Fees Matter
Each payment you make supports the protection of Mount Meru’s forests, Momella wetlands, and wildlife such as giraffes, colobus monkeys, and flamingos.
By paying entry fees through TANAPA’s official system and adhering to park rules, visitors directly contribute to Tanzania’s long-term conservation efforts.
🏁 14. Final Reflection – Plan Ahead, Travel Responsibly
Arusha National Park is one of Tanzania’s best organized parks for independent or guided visitors.
Understanding its fee structure and TANAPA regulations ensures a smooth, ethical safari experience while helping preserve one of East Africa’s most diverse ecosystems.