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Commencing January 2024, individuals exploring Kenya’s renowned parks will encounter substantial hikes in entrance fees, following the Kenya Wildlife Service’s (KWS) decision to increase park entry fees. Nairobi National Park, a favorite among both city residents and foreign tourists, will see the most significant fee increase.
In tandem, Kenya Railways has declared a 50% fare increase for passengers traveling from Nairobi to Mombasa via the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), effective from January 1, 2024. This means that individuals using the SGR to reach Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks will experience a twofold increase in expenses, aligning with the fare hike imposed by the SGR.
Kenya Railways management explained that passengers traveling from Nairobi to Mombasa will now pay Ksh1,500 – $9.95 (economy class) and Ksh4,500 – $29.86 (first class), up from the current Ksh1,000 – $6.64 (economy class) and Ksh3,000 – $19.91 (first class).
The fee adjustments also apply to passengers using other railway services, including the Nairobi commuter rail service and the Kisumu and Nanyuki safari trains. Children aged three to 11, traveling with adults, will pay half the price, while those above 11 will pay the full fare.
The tourism industry is expressing concern about the potential impact of these changes, with warnings that Kenya may lose business following the Kenya Wildlife Service’s decision to triple entry fees for parks. Mohammed Hersi, Chairman of the Diani Hospitality Owners Association, expressed worry that the increased park fees and the added complexity of paying at park entrances could dissuade tour operators from promoting packages that include visits to national and marine parks.
KWS, in justifying the fee increases, stated that they resulted from a comprehensive analysis of feedback gathered during forums conducted between January 30 and February 23, 2023. The charges encompass camping, conference facilities, and vehicles entering the parks. KWS oversees various national parks, reserves, marine parks, reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, and captive wildlife management facilities.
The fee adjustments vary based on the high and low seasons, impacting East African Community (EAC) and resident adults differently. For instance, during the high season from July to March, EAC and resident adults will face a substantial rise in fees, now set at Sh2,000, previously Sh430. International visitors during this period will encounter charges of $50 (Sh7,167) for visitors from Africa and $100 (Sh14,335) for those from other international destinations.
Even during the low season from April to June, the fees for EAC and resident adults will remain at Sh2,000 for Nairobi National Park. International visitors, however, will experience a noticeable increase, paying $20 (Sh2,867) for visitors from Africa and $100 (Sh14,335) for those from other international destinations. Premium facilities like Amboseli and Lake Nakuru National Park will also see adjustments in fees based on the season.
Previously, KWS charged Kenyan adults Sh430 and children Sh215 for park visits, while non-Kenyan adults paid $43 (Sh6,164), and children/students paid $22 (Sh3,153).
