Tourists Grapple with Increased Park Entry Fees
Starting January 2024, explorers of Kenya’s national parks will encounter a significant surge in entrance fees, courtesy of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). The most notable increase affects Nairobi National Park, a favourite among locals and international tourists alike. However, the decision to triple entry fees has raised concerns among tourism industry representatives who fear potential business losses.
Mohammed Hersi, Chairman of the Diani Hospitality Owners Association, expressed apprehension that the heightened park fees and the added complexity of on-site payments might discourage tour operators from promoting packages that include visits to national and marine parks. Hersi highlighted the risk of diverting tourists to neighboring competitors like Tanzania, Rwanda, and South Africa, where similar packages are available at more affordable rates.
KWS defends the fee hike, citing a comprehensive analysis of feedback gathered during forums conducted between January 30 and February 23, 2023. The revised charges encompass camping, conference facilities, and vehicle entry across KWS’s extensive portfolio, which includes 25 terrestrial national parks, 29 terrestrial national reserves, four marine national parks, six marine national reserves, six national wildlife sanctuaries, and three captive wildlife management facilities.
During the high season from July to March, East African Community (EAC) and resident adults will face a substantial fee increase, now set at Sh2,000 compared to the previous Sh430 for Nairobi National Park. International visitors during this period will incur charges of $50 (Sh7,167) for visitors from Africa and $100 (Sh14,335) for those from other international destinations.
Even in the low season from April to June, fees for EAC and resident adults will remain at Sh2,000 for Nairobi National Park. However, international visitors will experience a noticeable increase, paying $20 (Sh2,867) for visitors from Africa and $100 (Sh14,335) for those from other international destinations.
At premium facilities such as Amboseli and Lake Nakuru National Park, fees for EAC and resident adults will be Sh1,000 during the high season, with visitors from Africa and international destinations paying $50 (Sh7,167) and $100 (Sh14,335) respectively. During the low season, EAC and resident adults will be charged Sh800, while visitors from Africa and the rest of the world will pay $35 (Sh5,017) and $80 (Sh11,468) respectively.
Comparatively, KWS previously charged Kenyan adults Sh430 and children Sh215 for park visits. Non-Kenyan adults paid $43 (Sh6,164), and children/students paid $22 (Sh3,153).
In addition to the park fee adjustments, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) fare adjustment extends to all passengers using using other railway services.
