Kenya’s recent decision to hike park entry fees and introduce mandatory online payments is causing concerns among tour operators, and I can understand why. As a state corporation responsible for managing national parks, Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) tripled park entry fees and implemented a centralized online payment platform.
This move has been made to streamline processes and generate revenue for conservation efforts.
The revised park fee structure in Kenya introduces the following alterations:
- Starting January 2024, Kenyan and other East African Community (EAC) adults will be charged $14 for entry into urban parks like Nairobi National Park, while children’s fees will be $3.4.
- Foreign adults from other parts of Africa will face a fee of $20, while international tourists will incur a charge of approximately $100.
- Premium parks such as Amboseli and Lake Nakuru National Parks will implement a fee of $7 for adult visitors during the low season and $100 during the high season.
- The duration of entry fee validity has been shortened from 24 hours to 12 hours, requiring guests to hold a valid park ticket for each night spent in the Mara Reserve.
These adjustments stem from a thorough analysis of feedback gathered during forums held in January 2023. They aim to bolster conservation efforts, enhance infrastructure, safeguard biodiversity, and offer visitors a more immersive safari experience.
Below is a table breakdown summary
High Season Kenya National Park New Rates
| Kenyan Resident (Ksh) | Kenyan Resident (Ksh) | Rest of Africa (USD) | Rest of Africa (USD) | International (USD) | International (USD) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Adult | Child | Adult | Child | Adult | Child |
| Nairobi National Park | 2000 | 500 | 50 | 20 | 100 | 35 |
| Amboseli National Park | 1000 | 500 | 50 | 20 | 100 | 35 |
| Lake Nakuru National Park | 1000 | 500 | 50 | 20 | 100 | 35 |
| Tsavo East National Park | 500 | 250 | 30 | 20 | 80 | 35 |
| Tsavo West National Park | 500 | 250 | 30 | 20 | 80 | 35 |
| Meru National Park | 500 | 250 | 30 | 20 | 60 | 35 |
| Aberdare National Park | 500 | 250 | 30 | 20 | 60 | 35 |
Low Season Kenya National Park New Rates
Below are the new rates being charged for the low season in Kenyan national parks
| Kenyan Resident (Ksh) | Kenyan Resident (Ksh) | Rest of Africa (USD) | Rest of Africa (USD) | International (USD) | International (USD) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Adult | Child | Adult | Child | Adult | Child |
| Nairobi National Park | 2000 | 500 | 25 | 10 | 100 | 20 |
| Amboseli National Park | 800 | 250 | 35 | 10 | 80 | 20 |
| Lake Nakuru National Park | 800 | 250 | 35 | 10 | 80 | 20 |
| Tsavo East National Park | 300 | 250 | 18 | 10 | 35 | 20 |
| Tsavo West National Park | 300 | 250 | 18 | 10 | 35 | 25 |
| Meru National Park | 300 | 250 | 18 | 10 | 25 | 20 |
| Aberdare National Park | 300 | 250 | 18 | 10 | 25 | 20 |
Procedure of Payment of Kenya National Park Fees
KWS is no longer accepting cash payments for park fees to enable you enter its national park. All visitors will now have to pay for park fees through the eCitizen platform.
This new payment system aims to centralize government services and increase accountability while streamlining the payment process for visitors to Kenya’s national parks.
Masai Mara National Reserve New Park Fees
The new Masai Mara game reserve fees, effective from January 1, 2024, include the following changes:
- Non-resident adults will pay $100 per day from July 1, 2024, onwards
- Children visiting the Masai Mara National Park from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, will start paying $50 per day.
- The park fees for East African residents vary, with Kenyan citizens paying Ksh. 1,000 for adults and Ksh. 200 for children and students.
- The vehicle charges range from Ksh. 400 for vehicles with 5 seats or less to Ksh. 5,000 for vehicles with 45 seats and above per day.
- The park entry fees are valued for 24 hours from the time of entry, and guests must leave the park by 10:00 AM on the day of departure to avoid additional day fees.
How To Pay Park Fees At Masai Mara Game Reserve
To pay the Masai Mara park fees, international tourist payments will be paid by their tour operator or travel agent. If you want to pay yourself, you can use their credit cards either in Nairobi city or at the park gates of Oloololo gate, Purungat Bridget, or Serena Airstrip.
The park fees are valued for 24 hours from the time of entry, and rates can also be influenced by where one is staying during their trip in Masai Mara.
Guests staying at specific lodges like Mara Serena Lodge and Little Governor’s Camp receive a $10 discount on park entry fees.
East African residents need to present their national identity card or passport to prove their resident status at the park gate. Payment can be made in cash using US Dollars or Kenya Shillings at the entry gates, except for those paying for entry to the Mara Triangle.
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Effect of Increase in Park Fees in Kenya
There has been ongoing discussions of what the effect of the increase in park fees will have on Kenyan tourism at large compared to its competitor Tanzania. Here are some points raised, both pros and cons
Pros:
- Increased revenue: Higher park fees can generate additional revenue for Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS), which can be used for conservation efforts, infrastructure development, and biodiversity protection.
- Conservation funding: The additional funds raised from increased park fees can contribute to better management of national parks, including anti-poaching measures, habitat restoration, and wildlife monitoring.
- Improved visitor experience: With more resources available, national parks can enhance visitor facilities, such as improved trails, visitor centers, and amenities, leading to a better overall experience for tourists.
- Sustainable tourism: By charging higher park fees, Kenya can encourage more sustainable tourism practices, such as limiting visitor numbers and promoting eco-friendly activities, to minimize environmental impact.
Cons:
- Decreased affordability: Higher park fees may make it less affordable for local and regional visitors, limiting access to natural attractions for those who cannot afford the increased costs.
- Reduced competitiveness: Increased fees could make Kenya less competitive compared to other safari destinations in Africa, leading tourists to choose alternative destinations with lower costs.
- Impact on tourism industry: A significant hike in park fees may deter tourists, resulting in a decline in visitor numbers and revenue for the tourism industry as a whole, affecting businesses and livelihoods dependent on tourism.
- Negative perception: Some tourists may perceive the increased fees as exploitative or unjustified, potentially tarnishing Kenya’s image as a tourist-friendly destination and impacting its long-term tourism appeal.
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