A section of Kenyans will benefit from free park entry offers in national parks, sanctuaries, and marine parks before the end of the year after the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) announced week-long entry offers.
In a notice issued on Friday, December 26, KWS said the offers will run until Wednesday, December 31, as part of special Boxing Day group promotions.
The service has, however, clarified that the offers will only apply to Kenyans, and terms and conditions will apply.
Under the promotion, a family of five visiting sanctuaries and marine parks will receive free entry for one child aged between 6 and 17 years.
Similarly, for every five passengers travelling in a five-seater vehicle, one child will be allowed in free, according to the service.
For groups arriving in a fully occupied 25-seater bus will also be given a free entry for two adults, while for groups travelling in a seven-seater van or an eight-seater land cruiser, a free entry for one adult.
Lastly, visitors who will stay in park accommodations for three nights will get the fourth night for free, according to KWS.
"As we unwrap the season’s wildest gift, gather your family and friends and enjoy special group offers across Kenya’s parks, sanctuaries, and marine parks," the service stated.
The announcement comes a week after the service announced the introduction of bus shuttle services at Nairobi National Park, Aberdare National Park, and Lake Nakuru National Park, which are operating during the festive season.
The bus services commenced operation on Tuesday, November 16, according to a notice from the service posted on Tuesday, November 16.
The shuttle services, which mainly run during the weekends and public holidays, allow tourists to access game drives without needing to use their own vehicle.
"Starting this weekend, 20th December, we’re bringing back the bus shuttle service on weekends and public holidays only through the festive season as part of the Jiachilie in Kenya Parks holiday campaign," KWS stated.
"Explore our parks with ease at: Nairobi National Park, Aberdare National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park. Affordable, convenient, and perfect for family adventures this holiday season," it added.
The Festive packages are also part of the service's concerted effort to boost tourism, coming just days after Deputy President Kithure Kindiki revealed the KWS would expand its in-park facilities to meet rising demand.
Part of the upgrades would involve expanding bed capacities within the parks from 1800 to 4000 in a move which would also subsequently create jobs and empower communities living in and around these facilities.
