Planning a safari adventure to the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, or any of Kenya’s breathtaking national parks? Here’s important news you need to know before you book.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has officially announced that new conservation fees for entry into all National Parks, Reserves, and Sanctuaries will take effect on Wednesday, 1st October 2025.
What’s Changing and Why?
The updated fees are outlined in The Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access, Entry and Conservation) (Fees) Regulations 2025. This is the first comprehensive review of park entry charges in 18 years.
According to KWS, the increase is necessary to address the significantly higher costs of managing and protecting these vital ecosystems. The goal is to:
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Strengthen financial sustainability for wildlife conservation efforts.
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Enhance visitor experiences within the parks.
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Ensure Kenya’s protected areas remain globally competitive while safeguarding the country’s unique wildlife heritage for future generations.
Good News for Early Planners
If you’ve already planned your trip and made payments, don’t worry! The KWS Director General, Prof. Erustus Kanga, has confirmed that the service will honor all payments made through the eCitizen platform before the announcement on September 29th, 2025.
This means the new, revised fees will only apply to new bookings made for entry on or after October 1st, 2025.
What This Means for Your Safari
While specific fee structures for different parks and citizen categories (East African Citizens, Residents, Non-Residents) are detailed in the official legal notice, travellers should generally budget more for park entry fees starting in October.
This change underscores the ongoing investment required to preserve Kenya’s world-renowned wildlife and landscapes. The new funds will contribute to better road maintenance, enhanced anti-poaching patrols, and improved visitor facilities, ultimately making your safari experience safer and more enjoyable.
Plan Your Kisumu Adventure with Afrivibe
While the famous Maasai Mara often steals the spotlight, remember that the Kisumu region is your gateway to incredible and more affordable KWS parks! Consider exploring:
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Impressive Lake Nakuru National Park: Famous for its flamingos and rhino sanctuary.
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Vast Hell’s Gate National Park: Perfect for cycling, hiking, and rock climbing.
At Afrivibe Rentals, we’re not just your airport transfer service; we’re your travel partner. We can help you arrange a car hire for a self-drive safari or connect you with trusted tour operators for a seamless park experience.
Need a reliable ride to or from your safari tour departure point? Or looking to hire a car for your own adventure?
We’ve got you covered.
Call or WhatsApp Afrivibe Rentals: +254 710 899 460
Stay informed with the latest travel news and tips for exploring Western Kenya and beyond. For more updates, check out the rest of the Afrivibe Rentals Travel Blog.