Kenya Wildlife Service Plans to Increase Park Entry Fees

The Kenya Wildlife Service is seeking to raise park entry fees for the first time in 18 years to address a Sh12 billion annual budget deficit.

Under the proposed 2025 regulations, entry into premium parks like Amboseli and Lake Nakuru will rise to Sh1,500 for locals and Sh11,660 for foreigners.

Nairobi National Park fees will more than double to Sh1,000 for locals and Sh10,360 for tourists. Charges for minors and access to other parks like Tsavo, Meru, and scenic reserves will also increase significantly.

KWS says over 90 percent of its revenue comes from tourism, yet 78% of its budget goes to security. A pricing study shows most visitors would accept higher fees if tied to better services. Despite fears of reduced appeal, KWS projects that revenue will rise to Sh16.58 billion by year four.

Proposed park entry fee hike

NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK
Locals: Sh430 → Sh1,000
Foreigners: $43 (Sh5,570) → $80 (Sh10,360)

TSAVO EAST & WEST
Locals: Sh515 → Sh1,000
Foreigners: $52 (Sh6,700) → $80 (Sh10,360)

MERU, KORA, ABERDARE PARKS
Locals: Sh300 → Sh800
Foreigners: $52 (Sh6,724) → $70 (Sh9,070)

SCENIC PARKS (HELL’S GATE, LONGONOT, ETC.)
Locals: Sh300 → Sh500