Local and international tourists planning on visiting Kenya next year will dig deeper into their pockets in light of the new KWS park fees 2024. The Kenya Wildlife Service announced a review of park entry fees for 2024, and it has more than doubled for East African residents.
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How Much is KWS Park Fees 2024?
KWS increased park entry fees by $13.93 (Sh2,000) starting January 2024. According to a cost schedule now available for public comment, parks that are popular with city visitors, like Nairobi National Park, will charge the highest entry fee.
Lake Nakuru National Park entrance. Photo/Lake Nakuru National Park
Adults from the East African Community (EAC) and residents will now pay $13.93 (Sh2,000) instead of Sh430 ($2.99) to enter the park during the high season, which runs from July to March. Further, adults travelling from other parts of Africa and outside will pay $50 (Sh7,167) and $100 (Sh14,335) during the peak season, according to the suggested rates.
International tourists will spend between $20 (Sh2,867) and $100 (Sh14,335). Children who have been paying $1.50 (Sh215) will now pay $22 (Sh3,153) including students. Non-resident adults pay $43 (6,164). EAC and resident adults will pay $6.96 (Sh1,000) during the peak season at Amboseli National Park and Lake Nakuru National Park, categorized as premium facilities. Then, adults travelling internationally or from the rest of Africa will pay $50 (Sh7,167) and $100 (Sh14,335), respectively for the same.
Adult residents and EAC will be charged Sh800 to access the park during the low season, which runs from April to June. During the off-season, adults from Africa and the rest of the world will pay $35 (Sh5,017) and $80 (Sh11,468), respectively. Kenyans are being charged Sh860 for adults and Sh215 for children by KWS. Adults from outside Kenya pay $60 (Sh8,601), while kids contribute $35 (Sh5,017).
How Much is Park Fees In Kenya 2023?
Before KWS park fees 2024 take effect, Kenyan tourists are currently paying $ 3.48 (Sh500), while East African residents are paying $6.96 (Sh1000). Non-residents are paying $70 and the child non-resident is paying $40.
What are the Current Charges at Nairobi National Park?
Here is a breakdown of the current charges at Nairobi National Park subject to change in the KWS park fees 2024
- Adults (18 years and above): Sh 400 per day (low season) and Sh 600 per day (high season)
- Children (3 to 17 years): Sh 215 per day (low season) and Sh 200 per day (high season)
- Students (with valid identification): Sh 215 per day (low season) and Sh200 per day (high season)
- Senior citizens (above 65 years): Sh215 per day (low season) and Sh 200 per day (high season)
- Citizens of Kenya: Sh400 per day (low season) and Sh 600 per day (high season)
- Residents of Kenya: Sh 400 per day (low season) and Sh 600 per day (high season)
How Much Is The Game Drive Charges At KWS?
Tsavo National Park. Photo/Tsavo National Park
The game drive charges at KWS depend on the type of vehicle you choose and the number of people in your party. Here are the current charges (in Kenyan Shillings):
- Self-drive: Kshs. 1,000 per vehicle per day (low season) and Kshs. 1,200 per vehicle per day (high season)
- Guided game drive: Kshs. 1,500 per vehicle per day (low season) and Kshs. 1,800 per vehicle per day (high season)
- Private game drive: Kshs. 4,500 per vehicle per day (low season) and Kshs. 5,400 per vehicle per day (high season)
How Much Is The Entry Fee For The Giraffe Centre 2023?
The Giraffe Centre is a conservation and breeding centre for Rothschild giraffes, which are critically endangered species.  Located in Nairobi, Kenya, and it is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily. This centre will not be affected by the KWS park fees 2024. The entry fee helps to support the centre’s work in protecting and breeding giraffes.
The entry fee for the Giraffe Centre in 2023 is as follows:
- Non-Resident Adults: Sh1,500 (approx. $11.00)
- Non-Resident Children: Sh750 (approx. $5.22)
- Resident Adults: Sh400 ($2.79)
- Resident Children: Sh200 ($1.39)
- Free for Children under 3 yrs of age
Conclusion
The proposed KWS park fees 2024 is a significant increase over the current fees. Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) defends this increase in fees citing the necessity to raise funds for the conservation and management of the parks. The service is facing many challenges, including poaching, habitat loss, and climate change. Therefore, this increase in fees is intended to help address these challenges and protect Kenya’s wildlife for future generations.
Nevertheless, the proposed increase in fees sparked mixed reactions some people support the increase while others discount it saying it is draconian. Those opposing it say the increase will make it too expensive for people to visit the parks.
