Starting January 2024, you’ll find yourself paying more to visit some of Kenya’s top parks, like Nairobi National Park. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is thinking about making changes to the fees, which are currently being discussed with the public. This means both local and international tourists might have to shell out extra money to explore these parks, even though the Ministry of Tourism is working to encourage local tourism.
The new fees depend on two things: when you visit (peak or low season) and where you’re from (East African Community citizens, other Africans, or international visitors). If these new fees get the green light, they’ll be in effect from January 2024 to December 2025.For instance, during the peak season, East African Community citizens wanting to enjoy Nairobi National Park will need to pay Ksh2,000 instead of the current Ksh430. Kids’ entry fees have also gone up to Ksh500 from Ksh215.
On the flip side, visitors from other African countries will be charged Ksh7,165, along with Ksh2,866 for each child. As for international tourists, they will need to pay Ksh14,330 for adults and Ksh5,015 for children.Nairobi National Park is famous for being the World’s Only Wildlife Capital, and it’s home to various animals like black rhinos, leopards, and cheetahs, plus numerous bird species. The park has campsites and walking trails for hiking lovers.
If you’re an East African Community resident visiting during the off-peak season, the fees will stay the same. But for adults from other African countries, the fee will be reduced to Ksh3,582, while kids will pay Ksh1,433.International visitors will still pay Ksh14,330 during the high season, but kids’ fees will drop from Ksh5,015 to Ksh2,866.For scenic parks like Hells Gate, Mt Longonot, and Mt Elgon, EAC residents will pay Ksh400 during the high season. International tourists, on the other hand, will pay Ksh2,866 and Ksh4,299 respectively.
During the off-peak season, the park’s entry fees for East African residents and adults will be Ksh300. Meanwhile, continental tourists (those not from EAC) will pay Ksh2,149, and international tourists will be charged Ksh2,866.If you’re into guided walks and birdwatching within the park, the fees won’t change. EAC citizens will pay Ksh300, while international visitors will be charged Ksh2,149.For special occasions like weddings or graduations, you can take photos in the park, but it’ll cost you Ksh3,000 per group. Just keep in mind, this doesn’t include the park entrance fees. Foreigners, however, will pay Ksh4,299.
Lastly, the charges for professional photography and videography (like films or commercials) have gone up. It’s now Ksh10,000 per day, compared to the previous Ksh5,000. Foreign commercial rates also increased from Ksh11,464 to Ksh14,330.