How Lake Manyara park fees work
You pay an entry fee per person, and a separate charge for the vehicle and for guide service. The fee depends on whether you count as a non-EAC visitor, a Tanzanian resident or expat, or a citizen of an East African Community country. Children between 5 and 15 pay a lower rate, and children under 5 enter free. EAC and resident rates need proof of status.
The tariff has changed over time. The most recent full price list is the 2023/24 tariff, and amounts for the 2026/27 season are set as well. Check the current amount before you book. If you book a package, ask whether the entry fee is already in the price. Many Lake Manyara safari offers include it, but not all.
Lake Manyara National Park entrance fee by group
The 2023/24 tariff, valid from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024, before 18 percent VAT.
| Group | Peak, 16 May to 14 March | Low, 15 March to 15 May |
|---|---|---|
| Non-EAC, 16 years and older | $50 | $45 |
| Non-EAC, 5 to 15 years | $15 | $15 |
| Tanzanian resident or expat, 16 and older | $25 | $22.50 |
| Tanzanian resident or expat, 5 to 15 years | $7.50 | $7.50 |
| EAC citizen, 16 and older | TZS 10,000 | TZS 10,000 |
| EAC citizen, 5 to 15 years | TZS 2,000 | TZS 2,000 |
| Under 5 years, all groups | Free | Free |
EAC means nationality, and resident means residence status. Starting your trip in East Africa does not change your group. In the 2023/24 tariff book, the 18 percent VAT was added on top. For 2026/27 the 18 percent may already be included in the amount, so ask how the total at your booking is calculated.
Set for the 2026/27 season
For the 2026/27 season, the following amounts are set per 24 hours: 127,750 TZS for a non-resident adult (valid 16 May 2026 to 14 March 2027), 38,325 TZS for a child, 63,875 TZS for a resident adult and 10,000 TZS for an EAC adult. Do not convert these into the dollar rates above. They are different lists, and the amount shown at checkout is the one that counts.
Our pick: planning for park fees
This three-day trip lists park fees as extra, so you can see how they sit on top of the tour price.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Lake Manyara safaris with entry fee options
Compare day trips and safaris, and see on each page what the price includes.
Vehicle and guide charges
The 2023/24 tariff, before VAT. These are park charges, not the price of a private safari guide.
| Vehicle weight (unladen) | Tanzanian or non-commercial EAC registered | Commercial EAC or foreign |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 2,000 kg | TZS 20,000 | $40 |
| 2,001–3,000 kg | TZS 35,000 | $150 |
| 3,001–7,000 kg | TZS 60,000 | $200 |
Open vehicles add 50 percent to the charge. Guide service from the park costs TZS 5,000 per group and day for EAC visitors, and $20 for non-EAC visitors and residents. A Tanzanian crew member costs TZS 3,500 per person and day, including the conservation and camping share, and needs an ID. Confirm the current amounts for 2026 with your operator.
Extras on top of the entry fee
Some activities are charged separately. In 2024 the treetop walkway cost TZS 10,000 for EAC visitors and $20 for non-EAC visitors and residents, for about one hour and from age 5. A night game drive for adults cost TZS 10,000 for EAC visitors and $50 for non-EAC visitors and residents, and a two-hour canoe trip TZS 5,000 and $20. These are 2024 figures, so check current prices and whether each activity is running. The activities page has the details.
How to pay and how long the permit lasts
Payment options and permit rules.
Payment options
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at the gate, along with mobile money, bank transfer for tour operators and online payment through the government payment system GePG. Do not rely on cash alone, and ask your operator which method they use.
Permit length
The permit lasts 24 hours from entry. The 2023/24 tariff book distinguishes a day permit, valid for 12 daylight hours, from an overnight permit of 24 hours. Both allow multiple entries. Ask which permit your booking uses so you know when you must leave.
Discounts
Children from 5 to 15 pay a reduced rate, and children under 5 are free. School groups can ask for a discount in advance. Ask before you travel whether students, seniors or visitors with disabilities have a reduced rate.
Booking ahead
Online payment exists, but day visitors do not generally have to book ahead. Your safari operator usually arranges the payment on the day.
Before you plan the rest of the trip, see Lake Manyara day trips for how the fee fits into a day from Arusha, and where to stay for overnight options near the gate. For other parks on your route, Tarangire park fees are separate, and a Manyara ticket does not cover other parks.
Lake Manyara park fees: frequently asked questions
How much does Lake Manyara cost for an adult?
The 2023/24 tariff set $50 for a non-EAC adult in peak season, $45 from 15 March to 15 May, plus 18 percent VAT. For the 2026/27 season, 127,750 TZS per non-resident adult per 24 hours is set. Check the current amount before you book.
Do children pay the entry fee?
Children from 5 to 15 pay a reduced rate, $15 for non-EAC visitors in the 2023/24 tariff. Children under 5 enter free.
Is the park fee included in my safari price?
It depends on the booking. Many packages include it, but not all. The booking page should say whether park fees, vehicle charges and guide service are part of the price.
Can I pay by card at the gate?
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at the gate, along with mobile money and online payment through GePG. Tour operators can also pay by bank transfer. Ask your operator how your visit is paid.
How long is the permit valid?
The permit lasts 24 hours from entry. The 2023/24 tariff book describes a day permit for 12 daylight hours and an overnight permit for 24 hours. Both allow multiple entries.
Is this site the official source for park fees?
No. This is an independent travel guide, not run by TANAPA or any authority. Amounts are shown with the year they apply to, and the park administration sets the current tariff.