It will cost you more to visit some of the country's leading parks, including the Nairobi National Park, beginning January 2024, as part of the proposed changes by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
The new fees, currently in the public participation phase, will see domestic and international tourists pay higher prices to visit national parks, even as the Ministry of Tourism continues to ramp up efforts to promote domestic tourism.
The park rates are based on two factors; the type of season and categories of tourists, who are divided into East African Community (EAC) citizens, tourists from the rest of Africa, and international visitors.
If approved, the new rates will take effect in January 2024 and will be in force through to December 2025.
East African Community (EAC) citizens seeking to visit Nairobi National Park during the peak season will face an adjusted entrance fee of Ksh2,000, a notable increase from the previous Ksh430. Likewise, the admission fee for children has been raised to Ksh500 per child, up from the initial Ksh215.
Conversely, adults from the all other African countries outside EAC will be charged Ksh7,165, and each accompanying child will be charged Ksh2,866.
For international visitors, the charges will be Ksh14,330 for adults and Ksh5,015 for children.
Nairobi National Park, famously known as the World's Only Wildlife Capital, is home to a diverse range of wildlife species. Among them are the endangered black rhinos, leopards, gazelles, a variety of bird species, cheetahs, among others.
The park encompasses three campsites and features walking trails, inviting enthusiasts to embark on hiking expeditions.
The fee for EAC citizens looking to visit the parks during the low season will remain the same. However, adults from other African countries, will pay a reduced fee of Ksh3,582, while children will be charged Ksh1,433.
For international visitors, the fee will remain the same at Ksh14,330, but there will be a reduction in the cost for children from Ksh5,015 to Ksh2,866.
For scenic parks such as Hells Gate, Mt Longonot, and Mt Elgon, EAC residents will be charged Ksh400. Continental and international tourists, will pay Ksh2,866 and Ksh4,299 respectively during the high season.
During the off-peak season, the park's entry fees for East African residents and adults will be Ksh300. Meanwhile, continental tourists defined as those coming from outside EAC will be charged Ksh2,149. International tourists will be charged Ksh2,866.
For visitors interested in guided short walks and birdwatching within the park's premises, the fees will remain the same. EAC citizens will pay Ksh300, while international visitors will be charged Ksh2,149.
For those seeking to capture memorable moments through photo sessions for occasions like weddings, graduations, and personal events, the cost remains at Ksh3,000 per group. Notably, this fee does not cover the park entrance fees. However, foreigners will pay Ksh4,299.
Conversely, the charges for commercial photography and videography such as feature films, advertisements, music videos, and short films have been adjusted.
The new rate is Ksh10,000 per day, reflecting an increase from the previous Ksh5,000. Similarly, foreign commercial photography and videography rates have been increased from Ksh11,464 to Ksh14,330.
