The cost of visiting Serengeti national park
The cost of visiting Serengeti national park : Serengeti national park is a great African safari destination famous for best one of the best wildlife destinations in the world, the park is famously known for the great wildebeest migration which is the world’s largest movement of animals. The frequently asked by tourists visiting Tanzania’s Serengeti national park is the cost of visiting Serengeti national park, below are the factors making up the total cost of visiting Serengeti national park and this article will help you plan well within your budget as you visiting the park.
Factors determining the cost of visiting Serengeti national park
- Park fees
Parks is among the major factors determining the price of visiting Serengeti national park, according to the rules and regulations of TANAPA an administrative body responsible for all national parks in Tanzania including Serengeti national park. Every individual (tourist) entering Serengeti national park on a Tanzania safari a certain amount of money referred to as park fees is paid at the park’s offices, Serengeti national park fees are charged depending on the status of the tourist and they make up to the cost of visiting Serengeti national park. Park fees in Serengeti national park are paid on a daily basis and they are valid for only 24 hours.
Categories based on when charging Serengeti park fees are E.A citizens, Non-EA citizens, Expatriates and age (adult and child).
E.A citizens – are tourists who are citizens of Tanzania and any other country belonging to the East African Community including Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and South Sudan.
Non-E.A Citizens – these are tourists with no citizenship and residence in Tanzania or any E.A community countries.
Expatriates – these are tourists living and working in Tanzania and are in possession of proper and valid documentation from Tanzania government.
Serengeti national park fees
| AGE | EA Citizens (Tshs) | Non – EA Citizens (US$) | Expatriates /residents in Tanzania (US$) |
| Of or above the age of 16 years | 10,000 | 60 | 30 |
| Between the age of 5 and 15 years | 2,000 | 20 | 10 |
| Children below the age of 5 years | Free | Free | Free |
- Concession fees
In additional to park fees, there are also concession fees which are charged to each and every tourist on a Tanzania safari in Serengeti national park. Concession fees are only charged to tourists staying in accommodation (safari lodges and safari camps) situated inside Serengeti national park.
Note: Concession fees in Serengeti national park are paid upon entry into the park and they are valid for 24 hours while in the park.
- Accommodation
Accommodation is a necessity while on a safari and a great factor totaling to the cost of visiting Serengeti national park, there are 3 categories of accommodation in Serengeti national park that is luxury, mid-range and budget. These safari lodges and safari camps vary in prices and the number of nights you are to spend while on your Tanzania safari makes up the total of visiting Serengeti national park.
Luxury accommodation: Luxury accommodation (safari lodges and camps) in Serengeti national park are top notch accommodation, mostly rated as 5 stars or 4 stars and they are expensive in price. Luxury safari lodges and camps offer luxurious facilities and services and in Serengeti national park, they are mostly situated inside the park in Seronera and Ndutu plains. Luxury safari lodges and safari camps in Serengeti national park include Serengeti Serena safari lodge, Seronera wildlife lodge, Four Seasons Safari lodge and many more.
Midrange accommodation: Midrange accommodation (safari lodges and camps) in Serengeti national park are affordable lodges and safari camps fit for moderate income earners, these safari lodges and camps offer amazing services and facilities and they are usually rated as 3 and 2 stars. Midrange safari lodges and camps in Serengeti national park include
Budget accommodation: these are the most affordable accommodation facilities ideal for low income tourists on a Tanzania safari in Serengeti national park, though they are not on the same prices as luxury and midrange, they offer comfortable rooms and necessary services.
Note: The season plays a great role in determining the price of accommodation in Serengeti national park, in peak season the prices are high and in low seasons the prices are low.
Safari activities
Serengeti national park offers many amazing and adventurous safari activities which you can participate in while in your Tanzania safari, these safari activities include game drives, hot air balloon, night game drives, Maasai cultural experiences, walking safaris and visiting the Olduvai Gorge. These safari activities apart from game drives which is include on the park entry fees are charged as of park activity fees drafted by the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA). Safari activities you are to participate in while in Serengeti national park totals up to the cost of visiting Serengeti national park.
The duration (days) of your safari
The duration of your safari in Serengeti national park plays a role in the cost of visiting Serengeti national park as each of your safari includes an expenditure which include accommodation, transportation, meals and park and fees. The total multiplied by the number of days you are to stay on your safari totals up to the cost of visiting Serengeti national park.
Meals
Meals and where to get them is a crucial factor while on a Tanzania safari in Serengeti national park, as a tour consultant it is very advisable to get your meals from your accommodation you are staying at. Meals plans that are full board and half board are offered at your safari lodges and camps and it is up to the tourist to chose the right befitting meal package, full board package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner and half board package includes breakfast and dinner. The cost of the meals while on your safari totals to the cost of visiting Serengeti national park.
Tips
It is highly recommended to tip services providers while your safari in Tanzania including waiters and waitresses, safari guides and drivers as a form of appreciation for the service rendered the recommended tip in Serengeti national park is US$ 10.
Transport
Transport is another aspect totaling up to the cost of visiting Serengeti national park, while on your Tanzania safari in Tanzania it is highly recommended to use a 4X4 wheel vehicle with a popup roof for easy navigation through slippery trails and for easy sighting of wildlife. There are two kind of normally used vehicles such as that are safari vans and land cruisers, these cars are charged per day which brings about the total cost of visiting of Serengeti national park.
