Kenya revision increase of national parks fees 2024/25

Amboseli National Park

KWS National Park Fees 2024

Hey guys! So, starting in 2024, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is changing up their entry fees for national parks. They’re doing this to help cover their costs and make sure visitors have a great experience. The fees for East African Citizens and Residents will go up by about 16-20%, while international visitors will see an increase of 25-30%. Some of the most popular parks, like Nairobi National Park and Amboseli National Park, will have bigger increases. The goal is to help protect wildlife and make sure people can still afford to visit, especially with discounts during the off-peak season. This guide will give you all the details on the new fees for 2024 and how they compare to the old rates from 2022.

KWS Park Fees 2024 for Kenya’s National Parks:

KWS Park Entry Fees for Amboseli & Lake Nakuru National Park

  • Description: Amboseli is known for its large elephant herds and views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Lake Nakuru is famous for its flamingo populations and diverse bird species.
  • High Season Pricing (July to March):
    • EAC Citizen/Resident: Kshs 1,000 (Adult), Kshs 500 (Child/Student)
    • Rest of Africa: $50 (Adult), $20 (Child/Student)
    • International Visitors: $100 (Adult), $35 (Child/Student)
  • Low Season Pricing (March to June):
    • EAC Citizen/Resident: Kshs 800 (Adult), Kshs 250 (Child/Student)
    • Rest of Africa: $35 (Adult), $10 (Child/Student)
    • International Visitors: $80 (Adult), $20 (Child/Student)
  • Analysis of fee change in 2024/25 fees compared to 2022/23 fees:
    • Increase in High Season: The adult fee increased by approximately 16.3% from Kshs 860 to Kshs 1,000. The child/student fee more than doubled from Kshs 215 to Kshs 500. This significant rise may reflect enhanced park services or infrastructure improvements.
    • Increase in Low Season: While the adult fee saw a modest decrease of about 7%, the child/student fee increased by 16.3%. This suggests a strategic pricing adjustment to attract more families during the low season.

Nairobi National Park Entry Fees:

  • Description: Located just outside Nairobi’s central business district, it offers a unique opportunity to see wildlife against a backdrop of city skyscrapers.
  • High Season Pricing (July to March):
    • EAC Citizen/Resident: Kshs 2,000 (Adult), Kshs 500 (Child/Student)
    • Rest of Africa: $50 (Adult), $20 (Child/Student)
    • International Visitors: $100 (Adult), $35 (Child/Student)
  • Low Season Pricing (March to June):
    • EAC Citizen/Resident: Kshs 2,000 (Adult), Kshs 500 (Child/Student)
    • Rest of Africa: $25 (Adult), $10 (Child/Student)
    • International Visitors: $100 (Adult), $20 (Child/Student)
  • Analysis of fee change in 2024/25 fees compared to 2022/23 fees:
    • Increase in Both Seasons: The adult fee increased by over 360%, from Kshs 430 to Kshs 2,000. The child/student fee more than doubled from Kshs 215 to Kshs 500. This substantial increase likely reflects the urban park’s unique offering of wildlife experiences within a city setting, justifying a premium charge.

Nairobi Package (Nairobi National Park, Nairobi Animal Orphanage, Nairobi Safari Walk)

  • High Season Pricing (July to March):
    • EAC Citizen/Resident: Kshs 2,250 (Adult), Kshs 650 (Child/Student)
    • Rest of Africa: $65 (Adult), $30 (Child/Student)
    • International Visitors: $125 (Adult), $50 (Child/Student)

Nairobi Sanctuary Package (Nairobi Orphanage, Nairobi Safari Walk)

  • High Season Pricing (July to March):
    • EAC Citizen/Resident: Kshs 400 (Adult), Kshs 250 (Child/Student)
    • Rest of Africa: $24 (Adult), $15 (Child/Student)
    • International Visitors: $40 (Adult), $25 (Child/Student)

KWS Park Entry Fees for Tsavo East & Tsavo West National Park

  • Description: Known for their vast landscapes and rich biodiversity, including the famous “red elephants.”
  • High Season Pricing (July to March):
    • EAC Citizen/Resident: Kshs 500 (Adult), Kshs 250 (Child/Student)
    • Rest of Africa: $30 (Adult), $20 (Child/Student)
    • International Visitors: $80 (Adult), $35 (Child/Student)
  • Low Season Pricing (March to June):
    • EAC Citizen/Resident: Kshs 300 (Adult), Kshs 250 (Child/Student)
    • Rest of Africa: $18 (Adult), $10 (Child/Student)
    • International Visitors: $35 (Adult), $20 (Child/Student)
  • Analysis of fee change in 2024/25 fees compared to 2022/23 fees:
    • Increase in High Season: The adult fee increased by 16.3%, and the child/student fee increased by the same percentage. This moderate increase suggests a focus on maintaining affordability while addressing rising operational costs.
    • Low Season: The adult fee saw a 30% decrease, indicating an effort to boost off-peak visitation, while the child/student fee remained constant.

KWS Park Entry Fees for Meru, Kora & Aberdare National Park

  • Description: These parks offer diverse wildlife and scenic landscapes, including lush forests and rugged terrains.
  • High Season Pricing (July to March):
    • EAC Citizen/Resident: Kshs 500 (Adult), Kshs 250 (Child/Student)
    • Rest of Africa: $30 (Adult), $20 (Child/Student)
    • International Visitors: $60 (Adult), $35 (Child/Student)
  • Low Season Pricing (March to June):
    • EAC Citizen/Resident: Kshs 300 (Adult), Kshs 250 (Child/Student)
    • Rest of Africa: $18 (Adult), $10 (Child/Student)
    • International Visitors: $35 (Adult), $20 (Child/Student)
  • Analysis of fee change in 2024/25 fees compared to 2022/23 fees:
    • Increase in High Season: Similar to Tsavo parks, the fees increased by 16.3% for adults and children/students. The consistent increase across similar parks indicates a uniform policy adjustment.
    • Low Season: The adult fee decreased by 30%, aiming to attract visitors during less busy times, while maintaining a steady rate for children/students.

KWS Park Entry Fees for Mountain Climbing

Mount Kenya Day Trip

  • Description: A single-day excursion to explore the scenic trails and views of Mount Kenya.
  • High Season Pricing (July to March):
    • EAC Citizen/Resident: Kshs 500 (Adult), Kshs 250 (Child/Student)
    • Rest of Africa: $30 (Adult), $20 (Child/Student)
    • International Visitors: $60 (Adult), $20 (Child/Student)
  • Low Season Pricing (March to June):
    • EAC Citizen/Resident: Kshs 250 (Adult), Kshs 250 (Child/Student)
    • Rest of Africa: $15 (Adult), $10 (Child/Student)
    • International Visitors: $30 (Adult), $20 (Child/Student)
  • Analysis of fee change in 2024/25 fees compared to 2022/23 fees:
    • Increase in High Season: The adult fee increased by 16.3%, and the child/student fee increased by the same percentage. The increase supports enhanced facilities or conservation efforts.
    • Low Season: The adult fee decreased significantly by 41.9%, suggesting a strategy to increase visitation during off-peak months, while the child/student fee remained unchanged.

Mount Kenya Multi-Day Packages (2-6 Days)

  • Description: Multi-day climbing packages inclusive of camping, offering a comprehensive experience of Mount Kenya’s landscapes.
  • Pricing (Varies by the number of days and season):
    • 2-Day Package:
      • High Season: Kshs 1,200 (Adult), $70 (Rest of Africa), $140 (International)
      • Low Season: Kshs 700 (Adult), $40 (Rest of Africa), $80 (International)
    • 3-Day Package:
      • High Season: Kshs 1,900 (Adult), $110 (Rest of Africa), $220 (International)
      • Low Season: Kshs 1,150 (Adult), $65 (Rest of Africa), $130 (International)
    • 4-Day Package:
      • High Season: Kshs 2,600 (Adult), $150 (Rest of Africa), $300 (International)
      • Low Season: Kshs 1,600 (Adult), $90 (Rest of Africa), $180 (International)
    • 5-Day Package:
      • High Season: Kshs 3,100 (Adult), $180 (Rest of Africa), $360 (International)
      • Low Season: Kshs 1,850 (Adult), $105 (Rest of Africa), $210 (International)
    • 6-Day Package:
      • High Season: Kshs 3,800 (Adult), $220 (Rest of Africa), $440 (International)
      • Low Season: Kshs 2,300 (Adult), $130 (Rest of Africa), $260 (International)
    • Analysis of fee change in 2024/25 fees compared to 2022/23 fees:
      • Increase in High Season: The adult fee increased by 10.5%, and the child/student fee increased by 22.1%. These increases reflect inflationary adjustments and possibly improved services.
      • Low Season: The adult fee decreased by 33.1%, aimed at encouraging more climbers during off-peak months, while the child/student fee remained unchanged.

KWS Park Entry Fees for Hell’s Gate, Mt. Longonot, Mt. Elgon, Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park

  • Description: These parks are known for their unique geological formations, hiking trails, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
  • High Season Pricing (July to March):
    • EAC Citizen/Resident: Kshs 400 (Adult), Kshs 250 (Child/Student)
    • Rest of Africa: $20 (Adult), $15 (Child/Student)
    • International Visitors: $30 (Adult), $20 (Child/Student)
  • Low Season Pricing (March to June):
    • EAC Citizen/Resident: Kshs 300 (Adult), Kshs 200 (Child/Student)
    • Rest of Africa: $15 (Adult), $10 (Child/Student)
    • International Visitors: $20 (Adult), $15 (Child/Student)
  • Analysis of fee change in 2024/25 fees compared to 2022/23 fees:
    • Increase/Decrease in High Season: The adult fee decreased by 7%, while the child/student fee increased by 16.3%. This mixed adjustment reflects a balancing act to maintain accessibility while ensuring financial sustainability.
    • Decrease in Low Season: The adult fee decreased by 30%, and the child/student fee decreased by 7%. This strategy aims to boost visitation during off-peak periods.

KWS Park Entry Fees for Special Interest Parks/Reserves/Sanctuary

Marsabit, Mwea, Ruma, Saiwa Swamp, South Turkana, Sibiloi, Central Island, South Island, Kakamega, Shimba Hills, Ndere Island, Malka Mari, Chyullu Hills, Nasalot, Tana River Primates and Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary

  • Description: These parks and reserves offer unique wildlife experiences and diverse ecosystems.
  • High Season Pricing (July to March):
    • EAC Citizen/Resident: Kshs 300 (Adult), Kshs 250 (Child/Student)
    • Rest of Africa: $20 (Adult), $15 (Child/Student)
    • International Visitors: $25 (Adult), $15 (Child/Student)
  • Low Season Pricing (March to June):
    • EAC Citizen/Resident: Kshs 250 (Adult), Kshs 200 (Child/Student)
    • Rest of Africa: $15 (Adult), $10 (Child/Student)
    • International Visitors: $20 (Adult), $15 (Child/Student)
  • Analysis of fee change in 2024/25 fees compared to 2022/23 fees:
    • Increase in High Season: The adult fee increased by 39.5%, and the child/student fee doubled. These significant increases likely reflect substantial improvements or higher conservation costs.
    • Increase in Low Season: The adult fee increased by 16.3%, while the child/student fee increased by 60%, indicating a need to cover rising operational costs year-round.

Entry Fees for Nairobi Animal Orphanage, Nairobi Safari Walk, Kisumu Impala Sanctuary

  • Description: These sanctuaries are dedicated to the rehabilitation and care of orphaned or injured animals.
  • High Season Pricing (July to March):
    • EAC Citizen/Resident: Kshs 250 (Adult), Kshs 150 (Child/Student)
    • Rest of Africa: $15 (Adult), $10 (Child/Student)
    • International Visitors: $25 (Adult), $15 (Child/Student)
  • Low Season Pricing (March to June):
    • EAC Citizen/Resident: Kshs 200 (Adult), Kshs 150 (Child/Student)
    • Rest of Africa: $15 (Adult), $10 (Child/Student)
    • International Visitors: $20 (Adult), $15 (Child/Student)
  • Analysis of fee change in 2024/25 fees compared to 2022/23 fees:
    • Increase in High Season: The adult fee increased by 16.3%, and the child/student fee increased by 20%. These moderate increases support ongoing care and rehabilitation efforts.
    • Low Season: The adult fee decreased by 7%, making it more accessible during off-peak months, while the child/student fee remained constant.

Entry Fees for Special Interest Marine Protected Areas

Kisite Mpunguti & Watamu Marine National Parks & Reserves

  • Description: These marine parks are renowned for their coral reefs, marine life, and opportunities for snorkeling and diving.
  • High Season Pricing (July to March):
    • EAC Citizen/Resident: Kshs 300 (Adult), Kshs 150 (Child/Student)
    • Rest of Africa: $15 (Adult), $5 (Child/Student)
    • International Visitors: $25 (Adult), $10 (Child/Student)
  • Low Season Pricing (March to June):
    • EAC Citizen/Resident: Kshs 200 (Adult), Kshs 150 (Child/Student)
    • Rest of Africa: $15 (Adult), $8 (Child/Student)
    • International Visitors: $20 (Adult), $10 (Child/Student)
  • Analysis of fee change in 2024/25 fees compared to 2022/23 fees:
    • Decrease in High Season: The adult fee decreased by 30.2%, while the child/student fee decreased by 30.2%. These reductions likely aim to attract more visitors and promote marine conservation awareness.
    • Decrease in Low Season: The adult fee decreased by 53.5%, suggesting a significant effort to increase off-peak visitation, while the child/student fee remained constant.

Entrance Fees for Other Marine Protected Areas

Mombasa, Malindi and Kiunga Marine National Parks & Reserves

  • Description: These parks offer rich marine biodiversity and scenic coastal landscapes.
  • High Season Pricing (July to March):
    • EAC Citizen/Resident: Kshs 200 (Adult), Kshs 150 (Child/Student)
    • Rest of Africa: $15 (Adult), $5 (Child/Student)
    • International Visitors: $20 (Adult), $10 (Child/Student)
  • Low Season Pricing (March to June):
    • EAC Citizen/Resident: Kshs 150 (Adult), Kshs 150 (Child/Student)
    • Rest of Africa: $15 (Adult), $8 (Child/Student)
    • International Visitors: $15 (Adult), $10 (Child/Student)
  • Analysis of fee change in 2024/25 fees compared to 2022/23 fees::
    • Decrease in High Season: The adult fee decreased by 53.5%, and the child/student fee decreased by 30.2%. These significant reductions aim to boost visitor numbers and support marine conservation initiatives.
    • Decrease in Low Season: The adult fee decreased by 65.1%, further encouraging visitation during off-peak periods, while the child/student fee remained constant.

Camping Fees for KWS Parks (2024/25)

Special Campsites

Premium Parks (Amboseli and Lake Nakuru)

The proposed camping fees for special campsites in premium parks such as Amboseli and Lake Nakuru reflect their high demand and the enhanced facilities provided. These parks offer exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities and unique landscapes, justifying the premium charges.

  • EAC Citizen/Resident:
    • Adult: Kshs 500
    • Child/Student: Kshs 250
  • Rest of Africa:
    • Adult: $25
    • Child/Student: $15
  • International Visitors:
    • Adult: $50
    • Child/Student: $25

These fees ensure that local and international visitors contribute fairly to the maintenance and conservation of these popular destinations.

All Other Parks

Special campsites in all other parks offer a more budget-friendly option while still providing the essential amenities needed for a comfortable camping experience. These parks may not have the same level of infrastructure as premium parks but still offer rich natural environments and wildlife.

  • EAC Citizen/Resident:
    • Adult: Kshs 250
    • Child/Student: Kshs 200
  • Rest of Africa:
    • Adult: $20
    • Child/Student: $10
  • International Visitors:
    • Adult: $35
    • Child/Student: $20

The lower fees for these parks encourage wider access while still supporting conservation efforts.

Reservation and Cancellation Fees for Special Campsites

To secure a special campsite, visitors must pay a reservation fee, which is non-refundable. This fee helps manage demand and ensures that only serious bookings are made, reducing no-shows and improving resource management.

  • Reservation Fee per Week (Non-Refundable):
    • EAC Citizen/Resident: Kshs 7,500
    • Rest of Africa: $75
    • International Visitors: $75

In the event of a cancellation, the same fee applies to cover the administrative costs and potential loss of income from other prospective campers.

  • Cancellation Fee per Week:
    • EAC Citizen/Resident: Kshs 7,500
    • Rest of Africa: $75
    • International Visitors: $75

Public Campsites

Premium Parks (Amboseli and Lake Nakuru)

Public campsites in premium parks are designed to be more affordable while still offering access to the rich wildlife and landscapes these parks are known for. The proposed fees for public campsites balance affordability with the need to support park infrastructure and conservation.

  • EAC Citizen/Resident:
    • Adult: Kshs 250
    • Child/Student: Kshs 200
  • Rest of Africa:
    • Adult: $15
    • Child/Student: $13
  • International Visitors:
    • Adult: $30
    • Child/Student: $25

This pricing ensures that a broader range of visitors can enjoy these premier parks without the higher costs associated with special campsites.

All Other Parks

Public campsites in all other parks provide the most economical option for visitors, making Kenya’s national parks accessible to a wide audience. These campsites offer basic amenities and are ideal for budget-conscious travelers.

  • EAC Citizen/Resident:
    • Adult: Kshs 200
    • Child/Student: Kshs 150
  • Rest of Africa:
    • Adult: $10
    • Child/Student: $8
  • International Visitors:
    • Adult: $20
    • Child/Student: $15

These lower fees encourage domestic tourism and allow more people to experience the natural beauty of Kenya’s less prominent parks.

KWS Camping Fees (2022/23 Rates Still in Effect)

Special Campsites

Premium Parks (Amboseli and Lake Nakuru) Special campsites in these high-demand parks provide excellent wildlife viewing and well-maintained facilities, reflected in the following rates:

  • EAC Citizen/Resident:
    • Adult: Kshs 500
    • Child/Student: Kshs 250
  • Rest of Africa:
    • Adult: $25
    • Child/Student: $15
  • International Visitors:
    • Adult: $50
    • Child/Student: $25

All Other Parks Special campsites in other parks offer essential amenities at a lower cost, making them accessible while still supporting conservation efforts:

  • EAC Citizen/Resident:
    • Adult: Kshs 250
    • Child/Student: Kshs 200
  • Rest of Africa:
    • Adult: $20
    • Child/Student: $10
  • International Visitors:
    • Adult: $35
    • Child/Student: $20

Reservation and Cancellation Fees To secure a special campsite, visitors must pay a non-refundable reservation fee. In case of cancellation, the same fee applies:

  • Reservation Fee per Week (Non-Refundable):
    • EAC Citizen/Resident: Kshs 7,500
    • Rest of Africa: $75
    • International Visitors: $75
  • Cancellation Fee per Week:
    • EAC Citizen/Resident: Kshs 7,500
    • Rest of Africa: $75
    • International Visitors: $75

Public Campsites

Premium Parks (Amboseli and Lake Nakuru) Public campsites in premium parks offer more affordable access to these popular destinations while maintaining necessary amenities:

  • EAC Citizen/Resident:
    • Adult: Kshs 250
    • Child/Student: Kshs 200
  • Rest of Africa:
    • Adult: $15
    • Child/Student: $13
  • International Visitors:
    • Adult: $30
    • Child/Student: $25

All Other Parks Public campsites in other parks are designed to be the most economical option, encouraging wider access and supporting local tourism:

  • EAC Citizen/Resident:
    • Adult: Kshs 200
    • Child/Student: Kshs 150
  • Rest of Africa:
    • Adult: $10
    • Child/Student: $8
  • International Visitors:
    • Adult: $20
    • Child/Student: $15

These rates ensure that visitors can continue to enjoy Kenya’s national parks affordably while supporting the ongoing conservation and maintenance efforts needed to preserve these natural treasures. The pending court case has halted the implementation of the 2024/25 proposed fees, keeping the 2022/23 rates in effect until further notice.

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