The Hidden Costs of a Tanzania Safari for East African Residents. Tanzania, located in East Africa, is renowned for its iconic landmarks such as Mount Kilimanjaro tallest mountain in Africa-and its vast savannah wilderness for safari in East Africa, which includes Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park, and the idyllic islands of Zanzibar. The country is also home to the Olduvai Gorge, a significant archaeological site where some of the earliest human remains were discovered.
While Tanzania is a popular safari destination, East African residents should be aware of some hidden or lesser-known costs when planning a visit-especially when it comes to visa requirements and park entrance fees.
East African Tourist Visa
The East African Tourist Visa is a joint visa that allows travellers to visit Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda for tourism purposes. It is valid for 90 days and permits multiple entries within those three countries. However, it does not cover entry into Tanzania. Travellers planning to visit Tanzanian national parks must follow a different visa process.
It’s important to note that this visa is strictly for tourism and does not allow employment. Additionally, it is not renewable once it expires or once the traveller exits the visa bloc (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda).
Visa Requirements and Fees for East African Residents
If you are a resident or citizen of an East African Community (EAC) country-such as Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, or Burundi-you may enjoy visa exemptions when entering Tanzania, thanks to regional agreements promoting free movement.
For instance:
Ugandan citizens travelling to Tanzania not on a tourist visa (entering for general purposes) do not require a visa, in line with the EAC agreement.
However, when travelling for tourism purposes-especially when entering national parks-additional visa fees may apply depending on your residency and travel documentation.
Here is a breakdown of common visa fees for Tanzania:
Ordinary Visa (Single Entry): $50 USD
Tourism Visa (Single Entry): $100 USD
Multiple Entry Visa: $100 USD
Business Visa: $250 USD
Transit Visa: $30 USD
Important Tips for East African Travellers:
Always check with the Tanzanian immigration office or embassy for the most current visa requirements.
Carry valid identification to confirm your EAC residency status when crossing borders.
Park entrance fees may vary depending on residency, type of visa, and nationality-double-check with TANAPA (Tanzania National Parks Authority) for updated rates.
Planning ahead and understanding these hidden costs can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable safari experience in Tanzania.
