The Tanzania e-Visa for safari travel is the same standard tourist e-Visa used for all Tanzania visits — the $50 single-entry tourist visa is sufficient for any safari trip, whether you're visiting the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Ruaha, or any other national park. This guide covers which visa to get, when to arrive, and everything unique to safari travelers.
Which Tanzania e-Visa Do Safari Travelers Need?
| Your Safari Itinerary | Recommended Visa |
|---|---|
| Tanzania-only safari | Tourist Single Entry ($50) |
| Tanzania + Zanzibar beach extension | Tourist Single Entry ($50) |
| Tanzania + Kenya (Masai Mara) + return to Tanzania | Tourist Multiple Entry ($100) |
| Tanzania + Uganda gorilla trek + return | Tourist Multiple Entry ($100) |
The $50 single-entry tourist e-Visa covers most safari itineraries. You only need the multiple-entry visa if your route crosses out of Tanzania and back in.
Tanzania's Top Safari Destinations
Your Tanzania e-Visa provides access to all of these:
Northern Tanzania (most popular circuit):
- Serengeti National Park — Africa's most famous wildlife reserve; Great Migration (July–October)
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area — World's largest intact volcanic caldera; densely populated with wildlife
- Tarangire National Park — Famous for elephant herds; dry season (June–October) is best
- Lake Manyara National Park — Tree-climbing lions; flamingos; day trip or overnight
- Amboseli (cross-border with Kenya) — For this, a multiple-entry Tanzania visa + Kenya e-Visa are required
Southern Tanzania (less crowded):
- Ruaha National Park — Tanzania's largest park; lions, elephants, wild dogs
- Nyerere National Park (Selous) — Boat safaris; walking safaris; UNESCO World Heritage Site
Western Tanzania:
- Mahale Mountains — Chimpanzee trekking; Lake Tanganyika
- Gombe Stream — Where Jane Goodall studied chimps
Island extension:
- Zanzibar — Covered by same Tanzania e-Visa; beaches, Stone Town, snorkeling
Tanzania National Park Fees
Your e-Visa grants entry into Tanzania — it does not cover national park fees. Parks are operated by Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA). Fees are paid separately, either by your safari operator or at park gates.
2026 approximate park entry fees (USD):
| Park | Non-resident fee per day |
|---|---|
| Serengeti | $70–$80 per adult per day |
| Ngorongoro Conservation Area | $70 per adult per day |
| Tarangire | $45–$55 per adult per day |
| Ruaha | $45–$55 per adult per day |
Most safari packages include park fees in the quoted price.
Best Time for Tanzania Safari
| Season | Description | Visa Timing |
|---|---|---|
| July–October | Long dry season; peak wildlife viewing; Great Migration (July–September Serengeti/Masai Mara) | Apply e-Visa May–June |
| December–March | Green season; Great Migration calving (Jan–Feb, south Serengeti); lower crowds | Apply October–November |
| April–June | Long rains; lush landscapes; lowest prices | Apply February–March |
Apply your Tanzania e-Visa 3–4 weeks before departure, and earlier during peak season (July–October) to allow for higher application volumes.
How to Plan Your Tanzania Safari e-Visa Application
Booking order recommendation:
- Book your safari operator first (reputable operators book up 6–12 months in advance for peak season)
- Use your safari confirmation as the accommodation proof on your e-Visa application
- Apply for your e-Visa once you have your flight booking and safari confirmation
- Book Zanzibar accommodation if adding a beach extension
Your safari operator can provide a letter confirming your booking — this is ideal accommodation proof for the e-Visa.
Safari Gate: DAR vs. JRO vs. ZNZ?
Entry through Kilimanjaro (JRO) — Arusha gateway
- Best for northern circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire)
- Arusha is the safari capital
- Most group safaris start and end in Arusha
Entry through Dar es Salaam (DAR)
- Best for southern circuit (Ruaha, Selous/Nyerere)
- Connecting flights to Zanzibar from DAR
Entry through Zanzibar (ZNZ)
- If starting with beach before safari
- Short flight from ZNZ to JRO or DAR to begin safari
On your e-Visa application, select the port of entry for your first arrival into Tanzania.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related guides: Requirements | Fees | Processing Time