The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) manages about 8 percent of Kenya’s total landmass, covering 22 national parks, 28 national reserves and 5 national sanctuaries. The parks and reserves are open every day of the week. Fees now depend on the type of park you visit and on who you are: an East African citizen, a Kenya resident, a non-resident or an African citizen. Children pay roughly half the adult rate.
How the fee categories work
- East African Citizens: citizens of the East African Community, which includes Kenyans.
- Kenya Residents: foreigners legally living in Kenya.
- Non-Residents: international visitors, who pay in US dollars.
- African Citizens: citizens of other African countries, who also pay in US dollars.
Bring proof of identification, because it is required before you enter any KWS-managed park, reserve or sanctuary.
Park entry fees (adult / child)
| Park type | East African | Resident | Non-resident | African citizen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium: Amboseli, Lake Nakuru | Ksh 1,500 / 750 | Ksh 2,025 / 1,050 | $90 / $45 | $50 / $25 |
| Urban: Nairobi National Park | Ksh 1,000 / 500 | Ksh 1,350 / 675 | $80 / $40 | $40 / $20 |
| Nairobi Package: park, Animal Orphanage, Safari Walk | Ksh 1,300 / 700 | Ksh 1,750 / 950 | $105 / $55 | $55 / $20 |
| Wilderness: Tsavo East, Tsavo West | Ksh 1,000 / 500 | Ksh 1,350 / 675 | $80 / $40 | $40 / $20 |
| Wilderness: Meru, Kora, Aberdare | Ksh 800 / 500 | Ksh 1,100 / 675 | $70 / $40 | $40 / $20 |
| Tsavo West + Amboseli package | Ksh 2,200 / 1,100 | Ksh 2,900 / 1,550 | $150 / $80 | $80 / $45 |
| Tsavo East + Tsavo West + Amboseli package | Ksh 3,000 / 1,500 | Ksh 4,000 / 2,150 | $215 / $115 | $115 / $60 |
| Mountain: Mount Kenya | Ksh 800 / 400 | Ksh 1,100 / 550 | $70 / $35 | $30 / $15 |
| Scenic: Hell’s Gate, Mt Longonot, Mt Elgon, Ol Donyo Sabuk, Lake Elementaita, Shimba Hills, Kakamega | Ksh 500 / 250 | Ksh 675 / 350 | $50 / $25 | $20 / $10 |
| Special interest: Mwea, Ruma, Saiwa Swamp, South Turkana, Sibiloi, Central Island, South Island, Ndere Island, Malka Mari, Chyulu Hills, Marsabit, Tana River Primate Reserve | Ksh 500 / 250 | Ksh 675 / 350 | $40 / $20 | $20 / $10 |
| Sanctuaries: Nairobi Animal Orphanage, Nairobi Safari Walk, Kisumu Impala Sanctuary | Ksh 300 / 200 | Ksh 405 / 300 | $25 / $15 | $15 / $10 |
| Nairobi Sanctuary Package: Orphanage + Safari Walk | Ksh 500 / 300 | Ksh 675 / 500 | $40 / $20 | $25 / $15 |
| Marine: Kisite Mpunguti, Watamu, Mombasa, Malindi, Kiunga, Diani Chale | Ksh 500 / 250 | Ksh 675 / 350 | $25 / $15 | $15 / $10 |
Camping fees (adult / child)
Special campsites
| Location | East African | Resident | Non-resident | African citizen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amboseli, Lake Nakuru | Ksh 500 / 250 | Ksh 700 / 350 | $50 / $25 | $25 / $15 |
| All other parks | Ksh 250 / 200 | Ksh 350 / 250 | $35 / $20 | $20 / $10 |
Special campsites also carry a non-refundable reservation fee of Ksh 10,000 per week.
Public campsites
| Location | East African | Resident | Non-resident | African citizen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amboseli, Lake Nakuru | Ksh 250 / 200 | Ksh 350 / 250 | $30 / $25 | $15 / $13 |
| All other parks | Ksh 200 / 150 | Ksh 300 / 200 | $20 / $15 | $10 / $8 |
Money-saving tips
- Use the packages. Combining Tsavo East, Tsavo West and Amboseli costs less than paying for each park separately, which suits a longer southern circuit.
- Pick the Nairobi package if you want the Animal Orphanage and Safari Walk as well as the park.
- Consider scenic parks. Hell’s Gate, Mt Longonot and Shimba Hills cost far less than the premium parks, and non-residents pay $50 against $90 at Amboseli.
- Camp. A public campsite adds only a modest amount to your entry fee and can cut accommodation costs sharply.
- Bring children. Child rates are about half the adult fee in most categories.
Final word
The structure is simple once you know your category and the park type. Always confirm current rates with KWS before you travel, since tariffs can change.
