Serengeti Park Fees - Payable at Ndabaka Gate?

Hi!
We will be travelling in Tanzania in July & August and would like to spend time in the Serengeti. Our plan is to enter from the Ndabaka Gate. We do not have any reservations made - we will be fully equipped in a camping vehicle. We would like to stay mostly at special campsites- and also public campsites. Will it be possible to book these and pay all parks fees at the Ndabaka Gate?
I have heard and read confusing reports of having to book and pay in Arusha etc - as we will be entering from the west, travelling via Arusha would make it a very long way around diversion.

I'd really appreciate any information on the current situation there please.

Thanks very much

I recommend getting a copy of the Serengeti National Park map which details most of the public camping sites and all of the lodges (although I am not sure if they are available outside of Tanzania - but you may be able to access an electronic copy). From my understanding you will be asked to nominate which camp site(s) you would like to use and the number of nights you intend to camp. Your entry permits are based on a 24 hour clock - so if you enter the park at 2.00 PM (14.00) your permit will expire at 2.00 PM (in other words you will need to be at the exit gate before that time). One issue - the park rangers will be checking where you camp and also checking on driving "off track" (that is off the regularly used tracks). Repeated (more than twice) off track driving may see your permits cancelled.

Sorry something I forgot - the entry fees are usually paid via a credit/debit card - not in cash. You may need to confirm what methods of payment are acceptable.

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