Kenya has an extensive network of protected areas, including 23 National Parks, 28 National Reserves, 4 National Marine Parks, 6 National Marine Reserves, 4 National Sanctuaries, and over 140 Private Conservancies, all with different pricing structures. Most National Parks, Marine Parks, and Reserves are managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), while National Reserves such as Masai Mara and Samburu fall under the jurisdiction of local county councils.
Categories of Visitors
Park entry fees vary based on a visitor’s residency status:
- Citizen: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi nationals with valid identification.
- Resident: Non-citizens residing in Kenya with valid work permits or visas.
- Non-resident: Visitors of other nationalities who do not reside in Kenya.
Proof of identification is mandatory for entry.
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) National Parks
KWS manages entry fees, camping fees, and vehicle fees for several key National Parks and Reserves. These include:
Park Categories
- Premium Parks: Amboseli and Lake Nakuru National Parks.
- Wilderness Parks:
- Category A: Tsavo East, Tsavo West.
- Category B: Meru, Kora, Aberdare, Mt. Kenya.
- Urban Safari Park: Nairobi National Park.
- Sanctuaries: Nairobi Animal Orphanage, Kisumu Impala, Nairobi Safari Walk.
- Marine Parks: Kisite Mpunguti, Malindi, Watamu, Mombasa, Kiunga Marine National Parks.
- Scenic/Special Interest:
- Category A: Hell’s Gate, Mt. Elgon, Mt. Longonot, Ol Donyo Sabuk.
- Category B: Marsabit, Mwea, Arabuko Sokoke, Ruma, Saiwa Swamp, Sibiloi, South Turkana, and others.
Park Entry Fees Overview
Samburu National Reserve
| Category | Non-resident | East African Resident | Kenyan Citizen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | USD 70 | Ksh 1,000 | Ksh 500 |
| Child (3-11 years) | USD 40 | – | – |
Camping Fees
| Category | Non-resident | East African Resident | Kenyan Citizen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | USD 30 | Ksh 500 | – |
| Child | USD 20 | – | – |
Vehicle Entry Fees
- Less than 6 seats: Ksh 400
- 6–12 seats: Ksh 1,000
Masai Mara National Reserve
Entry Fees depend on property location (inside/outside reserve).
| Category | Non-resident | East African Resident | Kenyan Citizen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult (Inside) | USD 100-200 | Ksh 1,200 | Ksh 1,000 |
| Adult (Outside) | – | – | |
| Child (3-11 years) | USD 40–45 | Ksh 500 | Ksh 300 |
Camping Fees
| Category | Non-resident | Public Campsite | Private Campsite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | USD 30–40 | Ksh 1,000 | Ksh 1,500 |
| Child | USD 20 | Ksh 200 | Ksh 500 |
Vehicle Entry Fees
- Less than 6 seats: Ksh 400
- 6–12 seats: Ksh 1,000
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Entry Fees (from August 2023):
| Category | Non-resident | East African Resident | Kenyan Citizen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | USD 110 | Ksh 3,500 | Ksh 2,000 |
| Child | USD 55 | Ksh 1,750 | Ksh 1,000 |
Vehicle Entry Fees
- Less than 6 seats: Ksh 1,000
- 6–14 seats: Ksh 5,000
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Entry Fees:
- Non-resident Day Trippers: USD 198 per adult
- Overnight: USD 126 per adult
- Kenyan Residents: Ksh 8,074 (Day) / Ksh 2,800 (Overnight)
Children (6–12 years): 50% of adult rates.
Mara Conservancy (Mara Triangle)
| Category | Non-resident | East African Resident | Kenyan Citizen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | USD 70–80 | Ksh 1,200 | Ksh 1,000 |
| Child | USD 40–45 | Ksh 500 | Ksh 300 |
Camping Fees
- Public Campsites: USD 30 per adult
- Private Campsites: USD 40 per adult
Park Rules and Guidelines
- Respect wildlife; this is their habitat.
- Stay quiet and avoid disturbing animals or visitors.
- Stay in vehicles except in designated areas.
- Do not litter, drive off-road, or exceed 40 kph speed limits.
- Leave parks before 6:00 PM unless camping overnight.
- Follow all ranger instructions to ensure safety.
By following these regulations and understanding fee structures, visitors can enjoy Kenya’s incredible wildlife while contributing to conservation efforts.