Park Fees in 2026 are an important part of planning a safari in Kenya. Kenya is a premier safari destination, home to 23 national parks, 28 national reserves, four marine national parks, six marine reserves, four national sanctuaries, and more than 140 private conservancies.
These protected areas are managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), county governments, and private conservancies, offering visitors diverse landscapes and opportunities to see the Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino.
Understanding park fees in 2026 can help you plan your safari budget more accurately. Entrance fees vary depending on the park or reserve, visitor residency status, age, and applicable seasonal rates. This guide provides an overview of Kenya park fees in 2026, presented in easy-to-follow tables, along with practical tips to help you budget for your Kenyan safari.
Understanding Kenya’s Park Fees in 2026 Structure
Park entrance fees in Kenya are structured based on several factors:
1. Residency Status
- Citizens: Kenyan nationals and East African Community (EAC) citizens (Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan) with valid IDs or passports.
- Residents: Non-citizens living in Kenya with valid work permits or official documentation.
- Non-Residents: International visitors who do not live in Kenya.
2. Park Classification
- Premium Parks: High-demand destinations like Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Lake Nakuru.
- Urban Parks: Located near cities (e.g., Nairobi National Park) with lower fees to encourage domestic tourism.
- Wilderness Parks: Remote, less-visited areas like Tsavo and Sibiloi.
- Marine Parks: Coastal parks such as Watamu and Kisite Mpunguti with unique rates.
- Mountain Parks: Located around or near mountain such as Mt. Kenya National Park
3. Season
- High Season (July–February): Peak tourist demand, higher rates.
- Low Season (March–June): Discounted fees in some parks.
4. Age Category
- Children: Reduced rates, typically ages 3–11, 3–17 or 5-17 depending on the park.
- Students: Discounts up to 23 years old with prior arrangement.
- Under 3: Free entry in most parks.
Kenya National Park Fees 2026
Below are updated park fees in 2026 rates for some of Kenya’s most popular parks and reserves. Fees are per person per day unless otherwise stated.
Masai Mara National Reserve
Managed by Narok County Council, famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration (July–October).
Since July 2023, tickets have been valid for 12 hours, so multi-day stays require multiple tickets.
| Residency Status | Season | Adult Fee (USD/KSH) | Child Fee (USD/KSH) | Validity |
| Non-Resident | Peak (Jul–Dec) | USD 200 | USD 100 (9–17) | 12 hours |
| Non-Resident | Off-Peak (Jan–Jun) | USD 100 | USD 50 (9–17) | 12 hours |
| EAC Resident | Peak (Jul–Dec) | KSH 5,000 | KSH 2,000 | 12 hours |
| EAC Resident | Off-Peak (Jan–Jun) | KSH 2,500 | KSH 1,000 | 12 hours |
| Kenyan Citizen | Peak (Jul–Dec) | KSH 3,000 | KSH 500 | 12 hours |
| Kenyan Citizen | Off-Peak (Jan–Jun) | KSH 1,500 | KSH 300 | 12 hours |
Nairobi National Park
Located near Nairobi’s city center, this urban park offers a unique safari experience.
| Residency Status | Season | Adult Fee (USD/KSH) | Child Fee (USD/KSH) | Validity |
| Non-Resident | All Seasons | USD 80 | USD 40 (5–17) | 24 hours |
| Kenyan Resident | All Seasons | KSH1350 | KSH 675 (5–17) | 24 hours |
| EAC Citizen | All Seasons | KSH 1000 | KSH 500 | 24 hours |
Notes: Payment via Mpesa, Visa, Mastercard, or direct deposits to KWS accounts (no cash). Visitors to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Nursery must pay park fees (USD 100 per person).
Amboseli National Park
Known for its elephant herds and Mount Kilimanjaro views, Amboseli is a premium park managed by KWS.
| Residency Status | Season | Adult Fee (USD/KSH) | Child Fee (USD/KSH) | Validity |
| Non-Resident | High (Jul–Feb) | USD 90 | USD 45 (5–17) | 24 hours |
| Non-Resident | Low (Mar–Jun) | USD 90 | USD 45 (5–17) | 24 hours |
| EAC Citizen | All Seasons | KSH 1,500 | KSH 750 | 24 hours |
| Kenyan Resident | All Seasons | KSH 2,025 | KSH 1,050 | 24 hours |
Notes: Payment via Mpesa, Visa, Mastercard (no cash). Vehicle fees apply (e.g., USD 10–50 based on vehicle type).
Lake Nakuru National Park
Famous for flamingos and diverse birdlife, this premium park has fees similar to Amboseli.
| Residency Status | Season | Adult Fee (USD/KSH) | Child Fee (USD/KSH) | Validity |
| Non-Resident | All Seasons | USD 90 | USD 45 (3–11) | 24 hours |
| African Citizen | All Seasons | USD 50 | USD 25 (3–11) | 24 hours |
| EAC Citizen | All Seasons | KSH 1,500 | KSH 750 | 24 hours |
| Kenyan Resident | All Seasons | KSH 2,025 | KSH 1,050 | 24 hours |
Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks
These wilderness parks offer vast landscapes and similar fee structures.
| Residency Status | Season | Adult Fee (USD/KSH) | Child Fee (USD/KSH) | Validity |
| Non-Resident | All Seasons | USD 80 | USD 40 (3–17) | 24 hours |
| African Citizen | All Seasons | USD 40 | USD 20 (3–17) | 24 hours |
| EAC Citizen | All Seasons | KSH 1000 | KSH 500 | 24 hours |
| Kenyan Resident | All Seasons | KSH 1350 | KSH 675 | 24 hours |
Samburu National Reserve
Managed by the local county council, Samburu is known for unique species like the Grevy’s zebra.
| Residency Status | Season | Adult Fee (USD/KSH) | Child Fee (USD/KSH) | Validity |
| Non-Resident | All Seasons | USD 85 | USD 40 (3–11) | 24 hours |
| Kenyan Citizen | All Seasons | KSH 800 | KSH 500 | 24 hours |
| EAC Resident/Citizen | All Seasons | KSH 1,600 | KSH 800 | 24 hours |
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
A private conservancy with fees based on day trips or overnight stays.
| Residency Status | Visit Type | Adult Fee (USD/KSH) | Child Fee (USD/KSH) | Validity |
| Non-Resident | Day Trip | USD 198 | USD 99 (6–12) | Per visit |
| Non-Resident | Overnight | USD 126 | USD 63 (6–12) | 24 hours |
| Kenya Resident | Day Trip | KSH 8,074 | KSH 4,037 | Per visit |
| Kenya Resident | Overnight | KSH 2,800 | KSH 1,400 | 24 hours |
Other Parks (Hell’s Gate, Mount Longonot, Mount Elgon, Ol Donyo Sabuk)
| Residency Status | Season | Adult Fee (USD/KSH) | Child Fee (USD/KSH) | Validity |
| Non-Resident | All Seasons | USD 50 | USD 25 | 24 hours |
| African Citizen | All Seasons | USD 20 | USD 10 | 24 hours |
| Kenyan Citizen | All Seasons | KSH 500 | KSH 250 | 24 hours |
| EAC Resident | All Seasons | KSH 675 | KSH 350 | 24 hours |
Marine Parks
(e.g. Kisite Mpunguti, Watamu)
| Residency Status | Season | Adult Fee (USD/KSH) | Child Fee (USD/KSH) | Validity |
| Non-Resident | All Seasons | USD 15-25 | USD 10-15 | 24 hours |
| EAC Resident/Citizen | All Seasons | KSH 500-675 | KSH 250–350 | 24 hours |
Additional Safari Costs
- When budgeting, factor in:
- Vehicle Entry: USD 10–50 depending on size and park.
- Camping Fees: Public campsites (USD 20–50 for non-residents; KSH 500–2,000 for residents).
- Special Campsites: USD 30 (non-residents) or KSH 1,000 (citizens).
- Ranger Fees: USD 40/day in Masai Mara for private camping.
- Activity Fees: Guided walks, night drives, balloon rides (USD 30 landing fee in Masai Mara).
Accepted Payment Methods
- M-Pesa – Easiest for residents.
- Visa/Mastercard – Accepted but sometimes slow in remote areas.
- Bank Deposits – Pre-arranged payments for KWS parks.
- Cash – Still accepted in some county-managed reserves like Masai Mara.
Conservancies like Ol Pejeta require online permit purchases. Always carry proof of residency (e.g., passport, work permit, or national ID) to qualify for citizen/resident rates.
Park Rules and Tips
To ensure a safe and enjoyable safari, follow KWS park rules:
- Maintain a 20-meter distance from wildlife.
- Stay in your vehicle except at designated areas.
- Keep noise low and avoid feeding animals.
- Adhere to the 40 kph (25 mph) speed limit and avoid off-road driving.
- Respect local cultural heritage and leave no litter.
Budgeting Tips:
- Book in Advance: Parks like Ol Pejeta require online bookings.
- Visit in Low Season: Save on fees for premium parks like Amboseli.
- Combine Parks: Multi-park itineraries can reduce travel costs.
- Verify Fees: Check www.kws.go.ke or contact park offices for updates.
- Plan for Extras: Include vehicle, camping, and activity fees in your budget.
Recent Developments
Kenya Park Fees In 2026: Latest Updates
Kenya’s park entrance fees have undergone significant changes in recent years. In 2025, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) introduced revised conservation fees that were scheduled to take effect on 1 October 2025. The new rates increased entry charges for several national parks, with KWS stating that the changes were intended to support wildlife conservation, improve visitor facilities and strengthen the long-term financial sustainability of protected areas.
However, in October 2025, the High Court issued orders preventing KWS from enforcing the new rates pending further consideration of issues surrounding public participation and the fee review process. Park fees in 2026.
Why Fees Matter
- Conservation: Ranger patrols, anti-poaching, and habitat restoration.
- Infrastructure: Roads, visitor centers, and campsites.
- Community Support: Revenue-sharing and local conservation projects.
By paying these fees, you help preserve Kenya’s natural heritage.
Conclusion
Kenya’s national parks and reserves offer unforgettable wildlife encounters. Whether you’re a local visiting Nairobi National Park or a tourist chasing the Great Migration in Masai Mara, knowing the park fees in 2026 helps you plan your safari wisely. Carry proper documentation, follow park rules, and enjoy one of Africa’s most spectacular safari destinations. Plan your Kenyan safari today and experience Africa’s wildlife wonders!
