Park Fees in Kenya’s National Parks and Reserves
Kenya is famous for its breathtaking wildlife and stunning landscapes, attracting visitors from all over the world. Whether you’re a Kenyan citizen, a resident, or an international tourist, understanding park fees is crucial for planning your safari adventure.
The fees vary depending on several factors, including residency status, season, and the specific park or reserve you plan to visit. Below is a detailed breakdown of park entry fees for both non-residents, residents, and Kenyan citizens.
General Park Fees Structure
Park fees in Kenya are categorized based on the visitor’s residency status:
- Non-Residents: Tourists from outside the East African Community (EAC).
- Residents: Foreigners residing in Kenya or other EAC countries with valid proof.
- Citizens: Kenyan nationals with valid identification (ID or passport).
Additionally, fees are structured based on age groups:
- Adults: 18 years and above.
- Children: 3 to 17 years.
- Infants: Below 3 years (usually free of charge).
Park Fees for Major Parks and Reserves in Kenya (2024-2025)
1. Masai Mara National Reserve
One of Kenya’s most popular wildlife reserves, especially during the Great Migration.
| Visitor Category | 1 January – 30 June 2026 | 1 July – 31 December 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Resident Adult | USD 100 | USD 200 |
| Non-Resident Child (9–17 years) | USD 50 | USD 50 |
| Kenyan Citizen Adult | KES 1,500 | KES 3,000 |
| Kenyan Citizen Child (9–17 years) | KES 300 | KES 500 |
| East African Resident Adult | KES 2,500 | KES 5,000 |
| East African Resident Child (9–17 years) | KES 1,000 | KES 2,000 |
2. Nairobi National Park
A unique park located just outside Nairobi city, home to lions, rhinos, and more.
| Visitor Category | Fee per Person per Day |
|---|---|
| East African Citizen Adult | KES 1,000 |
| East African Citizen Child/Student | KES 500 |
| Kenya Resident Adult | KES 1,350 |
| Kenya Resident Child/Student | KES 675 |
| African Citizen Adult | USD 40 |
| African Citizen Child/Student | USD 20 |
| Non-Resident Adult | USD 80 |
| Non-Resident Child/Student | USD 40 |
Note: Fees are per person per day.
3. Amboseli National Park
Famous for large elephant herds and views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
| Visitor Category | Fee per Person per Day |
|---|---|
| East African Citizen Adult | KES 1,500 |
| East African Citizen Child/Student | KES 750 |
| Kenya Resident Adult | KES 2,025 |
| Kenya Resident Child/Student | KES 1,050 |
| African Citizen Adult | USD 50 |
| African Citizen Child/Student | USD 25 |
| Non-Resident Adult | USD 90 |
| Non-Resident Child/Student | USD 45 |
Note: Fees are per person per day.
4. Lake Nakuru National Park
A paradise for bird lovers, famous for flamingos and rhinos.
| Visitor Category | Fee per Person per Day |
|---|---|
| East African Citizen Adult | KES 1,500 |
| East African Citizen Child/Student | KES 750 |
| Kenya Resident Adult | KES 2,025 |
| Kenya Resident Child/Student | KES 1,050 |
| African Citizen Adult | USD 50 |
| African Citizen Child/Student | USD 25 |
| Non-Resident Adult | USD 90 |
| Non-Resident Child/Student | USD 45 |
Note: Fees are per person per day.
5. Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks
Kenya’s largest national parks, known for vast landscapes and abundant wildlife.
| Visitor Category | Fee per Person per Day |
|---|---|
| East African Citizen Adult | KES 1,000 |
| East African Citizen Child/Student | KES 500 |
| Kenya Resident Adult | KES 1,350 |
| Kenya Resident Child/Student | KES 675 |
| African Citizen Adult | USD 40 |
| African Citizen Child/Student | USD 20 |
| Non-Resident Adult | USD 80 |
| Non-Resident Child/Student | USD 40 |
Note: Fees are per person per day.
Other Current KWS Park Fees – 2026
Meru, Kora & Aberdare National Parks
| Visitor Category | Adult | Child/Student |
|---|---|---|
| East African Citizen | KES 800 | KES 500 |
| Kenya Resident | KES 1,100 | KES 675 |
| African Citizen | USD 40 | USD 20 |
| Non-Resident | USD 70 | USD 40 |
Mount Kenya National Park
| Visitor Category | Adult | Child/Student |
|---|---|---|
| East African Citizen | KES 800 | KES 400 |
| Kenya Resident | KES 1,100 | KES 550 |
| African Citizen | USD 40 | USD 20 |
| Non-Resident | USD 70 | USD 35 |
Hell’s Gate, Mount Longonot, Mount Elgon, Ol Donyo Sabuk, Shimba Hills & Lake Elementaita
| Visitor Category | Adult | Child/Student |
|---|---|---|
| East African Citizen | KES 500 | KES 250 |
| Kenya Resident | KES 675 | KES 350 |
| African Citizen | USD 30 | USD 15 |
| Non-Resident | USD 50 | USD 25 |
Mwea, Ruma, Saiwa Swamp, South Turkana, Sibiloi, Central Island, South Island, Ndere Island, Malka Mari, Chyulu Hills, Marsabit & Tana River Primate National Reserves
| Visitor Category | Adult | Child/Student |
|---|---|---|
| East African Citizen | KES 500 | KES 250 |
| Kenya Resident | KES 675 | KES 350 |
| African Citizen | USD 30 | USD 15 |
| Non-Resident | USD 40 | USD 20 |
Note: Fees are subject to change; it’s advisable to consult the [Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) website]
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Kenya’s national parks depends on what you want to experience:
- July to October: Peak season due to the Great Migration in Masai Mara.
- November to June: Low season with fewer tourists and discounted rates.
- January to February: Excellent for bird watching.
Conclusion
Kenya’s national parks and reserves offer incredible safari experiences, but it’s essential to understand the park fees before planning your trip. Whether you are a non-resident, resident, or citizen, knowing the seasonal pricing, additional costs, and best visiting times can help you budget wisely and enjoy a memorable wildlife adventure.
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FAQs
1. How much is the entrance fee for Kenya’s national parks?
The cost depends on the park and visitor category. For example, in 2026, Amboseli and Lake Nakuru charge USD 90 per non-resident adult and USD 45 per non-resident child/student, while Nairobi National Park charges USD 80 per non-resident adult and USD 40 per non-resident child/student.
The Masai Mara has a separate seasonal structure, charging USD 100 per non-resident adult from January to June and USD 200 from July to December 2026.
2. Are park fees charged per person or per vehicle?
Park entry fees are charged per person. Safari vehicles are subject to separate vehicle charges in KWS-managed parks.
3. How much is a safari vehicle entry fee in Kenya’s KWS parks?
Current KWS vehicle charges range from KES 600 for vehicles with fewer than six seats to KES 5,000 for vehicles with 45 seats or more.
4. How much does it cost to enter the Masai Mara in 2026?
For 2026, non-resident adults pay USD 100 from January to June and USD 200 from July to December. Children aged 9–17 pay USD 50 throughout 2026.
5. Do children pay the same park entry fees as adults?
No. Children and students generally pay lower rates at KWS-managed parks. At the Masai Mara, children aged 9–17 have a separate rate, while children aged 8 and below are generally admitted free.
6. How much does it cost to visit Amboseli National Park?
In 2026, Amboseli charges KES 1,500 for East African citizen adults, KES 2,025 for Kenya resident adults and USD 90 for non-resident adults. Child/student rates are KES 750, KES 1,050 and USD 45 respectively.
7. Are KWS park fees valid for multiple days?
Park entry charges are generally calculated on a daily basis. Visitors should confirm the applicable ticket validity and rules for the specific park before travelling. Do not use the old blanket statement that every Kenyan park ticket is automatically valid for 24 hours, because different parks and reserves can have different ticketing arrangements.
The Masai Mara, in particular, currently operates under a different system, with 12-hour ticket validity applying in relevant circumstances.
8. Can I pay park fees using M-Pesa or a card?
Yes. KWS states that park entry fees can be paid through its electronic payment system using M-Pesa, Visa Card or direct bank transfer.
9. Are there discounts for groups, residents or citizens?
Different visitor categories have different rates. KWS also provides group rates for qualifying meetings, incentives, conferences and events, with discounts depending on group size.
10. Where can I check updated park fees before my visit?
For KWS-managed parks, check the latest Kenya Wildlife Service conservation fee schedule. For the Masai Mara National Reserve, check the applicable Narok County/Masai Mara fee schedule because the reserve is managed separately from KWS.