Attention all safari enthusiasts and travel planners! The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has implemented a new fee structure for all national parks and reserves, effective October 1st, 2025. This is the first major review in 18 years and brings significant changes to how you budget for your Kenyan adventure.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from park entry and vehicle costs to camping and special activities—all in one place.
Why the Change?
The revised fees are the result of a year-long consultation with stakeholders. The goal is to:
Strengthen Financial Sustainability: Higher costs of conservation and park management necessitate increased revenue.
Enhance Visitor Experience: Funds will go towards better road maintenance, facilities, and security.
Ensure Global Competitiveness: Keeping Kenya’s parks world-class while protecting its wildlife heritage.
Good to Know: KWS honored all payments made on the eCitizen platform before September 29th, 2025. The new fees apply only to bookings made for entry on or after October 1st.
Summary of New KWS Fees
Here is a complete breakdown of the new costs to help you plan your safari.
1. Daily Park Entry Fees (Per Adult)
| Park / Reserve | East African Citizen (KSh) | Resident (KSh) | Non-Resident (USD) | African Citizen (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amboseli & Lake Nakuru | 1,500 | 2,025 | 90 | 50 |
| Nairobi National Park | 1,000 | 1,350 | 80 | 40 |
| Tsavo East & Tsavo West | 1,000 | 1,350 | 80 | 40 |
| Meru, Kora & Aberdare | 800 | 1,100 | 70 | 40 |
| Mt. Kenya National Park | 800 | 1,100 | 70 | 30 |
| Hell’s Gate, Mt. Longonot, Kakamega NR | 500 | 675 | 50 | 20 |
| Ruma, Sibiloi, Ndere Island | 500 | 675 | 40 | 20 |
| Marine Parks (Kisite, Watamu, etc.) | 500 | 675 | 25 | 15 |
| Kisumu Impala Sanctuary | 300 | 405 | 25 | 15 |
Note: Reduced fees apply for children and students. Special park packages (e.g., Nairobi Package, Tsavo-Amboseli Package) are also available at different rates.
2. Vehicle Entry Charges (Per Day)
| Vehicle Type | Fee (KSh) |
|---|---|
| Less than 6 seats | 600 |
| 6 – 12 seats | 1,500 |
| 13 – 24 seats | 3,000 |
| 25 – 44 seats | 4,500 |
| 45 seats and above | 5,000 |
| Motorcycles (in selected parks) | 500 |
| Trucks (1-3 tons) | 1,000 |
3. Camping Fees (Per Adult, Per Night)
| Camping Type | East African Citizen (KSh) | Resident (KSh) | Non-Resident (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Campsite (Amboseli/Nakuru) | 500 | 700 | 50 |
| Private Campsite (All Other Parks) | 250 | 350 | 35 |
| Public Campsite (Amboseli/Nakuru) | 250 | 350 | 30 |
| Public Campsite (All Other Parks) | 200 | 300 | 20 |
*Child rates are 50% of the adult fee. Reservation fees for special campsites are KSh 10,000 per week (non-refundable).*
4. Popular Activity Fees
| Activity | East African Citizen/Resident (KSh) | Non-Resident/African Citizen (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Night Game Drive (per person) | 3,000 | 50 |
| Guided Walking Safari (per person) | 3,000 | 50 |
| Animal Tracking (per person) | 2,000 | 20 |
| Lake Boating (per person per hour) | 1,500 | 15 |
| Balloon Safari (per person) | – | 80 (Adult) / 40 (Child) |
| Cycling (per day, park fee separate) | 300 | 10 |
| Horse Riding (private horse per day) | 1,500 | 15 |
| Photo Sessions (e.g., weddings, per group) | 20,000 | 300 |
5. Other Important Fees
Annual Passes (For Citizens/Residents):
Adult: KSh 45,000
Family (2 adults + 5 children): KSh 130,000
Corporate: KSh 120,000
Aircraft Landing: Starts at $10 for small planes.
Drones: KSh 5,000 per day (Citizens/Residents) or $300 (Non-Residents).
Vehicle Recovery: KSh 10,500.
What This Means for Your Safari
While the cost of a safari has increased, this investment is vital for conserving Kenya’s iconic wildlife. The new, transparent fee structure makes it easier to budget for every aspect of your trip.
Pro Tip for Western Kenya Travelers: This is a perfect time to explore the stunning and often more affordable parks in this region, like Kakamega Rainforest, Hell’s Gate (perfect for cycling and hiking), and the serene Kisumu Impala Sanctuary.
Let Afrivibe Rentals Be Your Safari Gateway
Navigating these new fees and planning your transport can be complex. Let us simplify it for you. Afrivibe Rentals offers the perfect safari-ready vehicles for your adventure, whether it’s a day trip to Kakamega or a multi-day tour of the Great Rift Valley lakes.
Book your reliable, comfortable safari vehicle today and explore Kenya’s wilderness with confidence!
Call or WhatsApp: +254 710 899 460
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