Best Guide to Nairobi National Park Entrance Fees for 2025

Nairobi National Park, located just 7 kilometers from Nairobi’s bustling Central Business District, is a unique gem—the world’s only national park within a capital city. Spanning 117 square kilometers, it offers an extraordinary safari experience, where visitors can spot lions, black rhinos, giraffes, and over 400 bird species against the backdrop of Nairobi’s skyline.

Managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the park’s entrance fees are a critical component of its conservation funding, supporting wildlife protection and infrastructure upgrades.

Overview of Nairobi National Park Entrance Fees

Nairobi National Park’s fee structure is designed to balance accessibility with the financial needs of conservation, reflecting its status as a premium urban safari destination. Fees vary based on residency status—non-residents, EAC citizens/residents, and students/children—and the time of year, with high season (July to March) and low season (April to June) rates.

In 2023, the KWS proposed a significant fee hike, tripling costs for EAC citizens (e.g., from KSh 430 to KSh 2,000 for adults) and increasing non-resident fees to $100. However, a High Court ruling in early 2024 blocked these changes due to public outcry, citing the need to keep the park affordable for Kenyans and promote domestic tourism. As a result, the 2023/24 fee structure remains in place for 2025, ensuring affordability for all visitors.

The park operates from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, with entry tickets valid for 24 hours. Visitors staying inside the park (e.g., at private lodges) can remain for the full period, while those outside must exit by dusk or re-enter with a new ticket.

Fees are paid via cashless methods (M-Pesa, Visa, Mastercard, or KWS bank deposits) through the eCitizen portal (kws.ecitizen.go.ke) or at entry gates like Main Gate, Lang’ata, or Maasai Gate.

Detailed Entrance Fee Structure for 2025

The table below outlines the Nairobi National Park entrance fees for 2025, categorized by residency, age, and season, as confirmed by KWS and recent sources. Non-resident fees are in USD, while EAC citizen/resident fees are in KSh.

Key Notes:

• Non-Residents: International tourists without Kenyan residency documentation (e.g., work permits) pay in USD. A $1 convenience fee applies per eCitizen transaction.
• EAC Citizens/Residents: Must present a valid National ID (Kenyan citizens) or passport with work permits/visas (EAC residents) to qualify for lower rates. Without documentation, non-resident rates apply.
• Students: Eligible only for those under 23, sponsored by a recognized institution, visiting for conservation research or school trips. KWS authorization is required.
• Seasons: High season aligns with peak tourism and dry months, while low season reflects wetter months with fewer visitors.
• Proposed Hike (Blocked): The rejected 2024/25 proposal would have raised non-resident adult fees to $100 and EAC adult fees to KSh 2,000, a 360% increase for locals, sparking debates on X about affordability.

Additional Fees and Packages

Beyond entrance fees, visitors may incur other costs, depending on activities, transport, or accommodation. These include:

Vehicle Fees

Charged per vehicle per day, based on seating capacity:

• 5 seats or less: KSh 300 ($2.30).
• 6–12 seats: KSh 1,030 ($7.90).
• 13–24 seats: KSh 2,585 ($19.90).
• 25–44 seats: KSh 4,050 ($31.15).
• Essential for game drives, as walking is restricted outside designated areas like the Safari Walk.

Camping Fees

• Public Campsites: $20 per adult, $10 per child (non-residents); KSh 250 (adults), KSh 200 (children) for EAC citizens.
• Special Campsites: $35 per adult, $25 per child (non-residents); KSh 1,000 (adults), KSh 500 (children) for EAC citizens. Non-refundable reservation fee: $75 (non-residents), KSh 7,500 (EAC).
• Private campsites require hiring two KWS rangers for nighttime security ($30 total).

Nairobi Package

Combines Nairobi National Park, Nairobi Safari Walk, and Nairobi Animal Orphanage for a single fee:

• High Season: $125 (adult), $50 (child) for non-residents; KSh 2,250 (adult), KSh 650 (child) for EAC citizens.
• Low Season: $100 (adult), $20 (child) for non-residents; KSh 2,000 (adult), KSh 500 (child) for EAC citizens.

Ideal for families or short-stay visitors seeking a comprehensive experience.

Special Activities

• Guided walking tours, birdwatching, or photography sessions may incur additional fees, typically $20–$50, arranged through KWS or tour operators.
• Annual passes are available for frequent visitors, with rates varying by category (e.g., $100–$200 for non-residents).

Payment Methods and Logistics

Payment: Only cashless payments are accepted to enhance efficiency and reduce COVID-19 risks. Options include:

• M-Pesa: Kenya’s mobile payment platform, widely used at gates.
• Visa/Mastercard: Accepted via eCitizen or at entry points.
• Bank Deposits: Direct transfers to KWS accounts, pre-arranged for large groups.
• Use the eCitizen portal (kws.ecitizen.go.ke) to purchase tickets in advance, avoiding gate delays. A $1 fee applies per transaction.

Documentation: Non-residents need a valid passport; EAC citizens/residents require a National ID or passport with work permits/visas. Students must present IDs and KWS authorization.

Access: Enter via Main Gate (Lang’ata Road), Maasai Gate, or others. Self-drive is allowed with a park map, but 4×4 vehicles are recommended in rainy seasons (April–May, October–November). Guided tours cost $80–$160 for a safari van.

Tour Operators: Many packages (e.g., viaHail Tours Tanzania) include fees, transport, and game drives, starting at $120 per person in a group.

Park Rules and Cost-Saving Tips

To maximize value and avoid extra costs, adhere to park rules and plan strategically:

Rules:

• Respect wildlife; maintain a 20-meter distance and avoid feeding animals.
• No littering; dispose of trash at designated points.
• Exit by 6:00 PM (day visitors) or face fines. Overnight visitors must stay in approved lodges or campsites.
• No hooting or speeding (max 40 km/h) to protect animals.

Tips:

• Visit in low season (April–June) to save $3–$2 per non-resident adult/child.
• Book through a tour operator for group discounts and included fees.
• Opt for the Nairobi Package ($100–$125) to combine multiple attractions.
• Self-drive in a rented 4×4 ($30–$100/day) to avoid tour van costs, but ensure a park map.
• Arrive early (6:00 AM) for optimal game viewing and to maximize your 24-hour ticket.

The Value of Nairobi National Park

At $43 (high season) or $40 (low season) for non-resident adults, Nairobi National Park offers exceptional value. Where else can you see four of the Big Five (lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo—no elephants) within a 20-minute drive from a capital city? The park’s proximity to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport makes it ideal for layover tourists, with half-day tours fitting 6:30 AM–1:00 PM schedules. Highlights include:

• Wildlife: Black rhinos, cheetahs, Nile crocodiles, and 400+ bird species.
• Scenic Spots: Ivory Burning Site, Hippo Pool, and Impala Picnic Site.
• Accessibility: No visitor limits, unlike gorilla trekking parks, ensuring flexibility.

The blocked fee hike sparked heated discussions on X, with users arguing that a KSh 2,000 EAC fee would deter local tourism, while KWS defended it for conservation funding. The court’s ruling ensures affordability, keeping the park accessible to all.

Why Visit with Us Today?

Affordable Packages: Starting at $120 per person (group of 6), including fees, 4×4 transport, and a professional guide.

Seamless Logistics: We handle eCitizen payments, permits, and pickups from Kigali or Nairobi, ideal for Rwanda–Kenya itineraries.

Expert Guides: Our English-speaking, KWS-trained guides enhance your game drive with wildlife insights.

Conservation Impact: Your fees support KWS’s anti-poaching and habitat restoration efforts, aligning with our ethical mission.

Custom Options: Combine with Nairobi Safari Walk, Giraffe Centre, or Rwanda hiking for a multi-destination adventure.

Call to Action: Don’t miss the world’s only urban safari! Book your Nairobi National Park tour with us today!