A day after Kenyans enjoyed free access to national parks in celebration of World Tourism Day, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has dropped a bombshell — entry charges to national parks, reserves and sanctuaries will rise sharply beginning Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
Under the new rules, Kenyans will now part with between Sh200 and Sh3,000 to enjoy the country’s world-famous wildlife destinations. For example, entry into Amboseli and Lake Nakuru National Parks has jumped to Sh2,025 per person, while a visit to the Nairobi National Park will now cost Sh1,350, more than triple the previous Sh430 fee.
To sweeten the deal, KWS has introduced bundled packages, including a Sh1,750 Nairobi package that allows Kenyans to tour the Nairobi National Park, Animal Orphanage and Safari Walk. East African citizens will pay Sh1,300 for the same deal.
Other changes include:
•Tsavo East & Tsavo West – Sh1,350 for Kenyans, Sh1,000 for East Africans.
•Meru, Kora & Aberdare – Sh1,100 for Kenyans, Sh800 for East Africans.
•Mt Kenya National Park – Sh1,100 for Kenyans.
•Hell’s Gate, Mt Longonot, Mt Elgon, Kakamega, Shimba Hills & Ol Donyo Sabuk – Sh675.
For children and students, fees will also rise significantly, with Amboseli and Nakuru now costing Sh1,050, while Nairobi National Park will charge Sh675.
The revised fees follow the passing of The Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access, Entry and Conservation) (Fees) Regulations 2025 by Parliament on September 25.
KWS Director General Prof. Erustus Kanga defended the move, saying it was necessary to secure the financial sustainability of conservation efforts.
“The last comprehensive review of conservation fees was done 18 years ago. Since then, the cost of managing parks has risen tremendously alongside the growth of tourism and wildlife conservation demands,” he stated.
He added that all bookings made and paid for via e-Citizen before October 1 would not be affected.
Foreign tourists will pay between $4 and $215, while camping fees have been set between Sh200 and Sh700.
Exemptions will apply to children under five, Kenyans aged 70 and above, persons with disabilities, licensed guides, tour drivers and registered boat crews.
The move is expected to spark debate among Kenyans, some of whom fear domestic tourism may take a hit, even as KWS insists the new fees will improve visitor experience and safeguard wildlife conservation.
