Nairobi National Park Entrance Fee for non Residents 2026

Nairobi National Park Entrance Fee: Planning a safari adventure in the heart of Kenya’s capital? If you’re searching for the latest Nairobi National Park entrance fee details, you’ve come to the right place.

This comprehensive guide covers the updated 2025 fees straight from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), tailored for tourists, local residents, families, and safari enthusiasts alike.

Nairobi National Park Entrance Fee vary based on visitor nationality, age, and even vehicle type, ensuring fair access to this unique urban wildlife haven where lions roam against a city skyline backdrop.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor from abroad dreaming of spotting the Big Five or a Nairobi local organizing a family outing, understanding these costs is key to budgeting your trip.

We’ll break down everything from basic entry prices to payment options, seasonal tips, and ways to maximize your experience without breaking the bank. Last updated: December 23, 2025 – fees are subject to change, so always verify with official sources for the most current information.

Nairobi National Park, established in 1946 as Kenya’s first national park, spans 117 square kilometers and offers an unparalleled blend of wilderness and urban proximity. Just a short drive from Nairobi’s bustling city center, it’s home to over 100 mammal species, including endangered black rhinos, and more than 400 bird varieties.

The park’s entrance fees support crucial conservation efforts, protecting this biodiversity hotspot amid growing urbanization pressures. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the pricing structure, what your ticket includes, and expert advice to enhance your visit.

Current Nairobi National Park Entrance Fees Table

The core of any search for Nairobi National Park entrance fees is the price list itself. According to the latest Kenya Wildlife Service regulations effective from October 2025, fees are categorized by visitor type and charged in either Kenyan Shillings (KES) or US Dollars (USD), depending on residency status.

This tiered system promotes accessibility for locals while generating revenue for international tourism to fund park maintenance and anti-poaching initiatives.

Here’s a clear breakdown in a table format for easy reference. We’ve included approximate conversions using the current exchange rate of about 1 USD = 129 KES (as of December 2025) for better global understanding. Note that children are typically aged 3-17, and students may need valid ID for discounts.

Visitor Category	Entrance Fee (KES / Approx. USD)	Notes
East African Citizen (Adult)	1,000 KES (~7.75 USD)	Includes Kenyan citizens and those from Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan. Proof of ID required.
East African Citizen (Child/Student)	500 KES (~3.88 USD)	For ages 3-17 or students with valid school ID.
Kenya Resident (Adult)	1,350 KES (~10.47 USD)	For non-East African residents living in Kenya with work permits or resident cards.
Kenya Resident (Child/Student)	675 KES (~5.23 USD)	As above, for children and students.
Non-Resident (Adult)	80 USD (~10,320 KES)	For international tourists outside Africa.
Non-Resident (Child/Student)	40 USD (~5,160 KES)	For international children/students.
African Citizen (Adult)	40 USD (~5,160 KES)	For citizens from other African countries not in East Africa.
African Citizen (Child/Student)	20 USD (~2,580 KES)	As above.

These are per-person daily fees for a standard game drive entry. Fees for special packages, like the Nairobi Package (combining the park with the Nairobi Animal Orphanage and Safari Walk), are higher: East African Adult 1,300 KES, Non-Resident Adult 105 USD, etc.

Vehicle fees are separate and mandatory if entering with a car, as the park is primarily explored via self-drive or guided tours. These are charged per vehicle per day in KES only:

Vehicle Type	Fee (KES / Approx. USD)
Less than 6 seats (e.g., sedan or small SUV)	600 KES (~4.65 USD)
6-12 seats (e.g., minivan)	1,500 KES (~11.63 USD)
13-24 seats (e.g., small bus)	3,000 KES (~23.26 USD)
25-44 seats (e.g., medium bus)	4,500 KES (~34.88 USD)
45 seats and above (e.g., large coach)	5,000 KES (~38.76 USD)

Motorcycles are generally not permitted in Nairobi National Park for safety reasons, but in select KWS parks, they incur 500 KES for East Africans or 10 USD for non-residents.

If you’re planning a group tour, additional charges like picnic fees (100 KES for locals, 10 USD for others) or event site rentals (starting at 20,000 KES) may apply.

These fees represent a significant increase from pre-2025 rates – for instance, non-resident adults jumped from about 43 USD to 80 USD – to bolster conservation amid rising operational costs. Always budget for potential extras like guided tours (2,000-4,000 KES per ranger group) or night game drives (3,000 KES/50 USD per person).

What’s Included in the Fee

Paying the Nairobi National Park entrance fee grants you more than just entry; it’s your ticket to a world-class wildlife experience. The fee covers unrestricted access to over 80 kilometers of game drive tracks, where you can self-navigate or join a tour to spot lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and the park’s famous black rhino population in the dedicated Rhino Sanctuary.

You’ll also enjoy picnic sites scattered throughout, perfect for a family lunch amid nature, and walking trails like the Ivory Burning Site, commemorating Kenya’s anti-poaching history. Birdwatching hotspots, such as the Hippo Pools, are included, offering views of over 500 resident and migratory species.

Importantly, your payment directly supports conservation: funds go toward ranger patrols, habitat restoration, and community programs that reduce human-wildlife conflict. Unlike some parks, there’s no time limit on your stay during operating hours (6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily), allowing flexible exploration. However, extras like boat rides (not available here) or camping (special fees apply) are separate.

This value proposition makes the park an affordable gem compared to remote reserves like Maasai Mara, where fees can exceed 100 USD per day. Families especially benefit, as children’s rates encourage educational outings that foster environmental awareness from a young age.

Nairobi National Park Ticket Categories Explained

Understanding ticket categories ensures you pay the correct amount and avoid surprises at the gate. The system is designed to prioritize affordability for locals while attracting global visitors.

East African Citizens: This is the most affordable tier for nationals of the East African Community (EAC) countries. You’ll need a national ID, passport, or birth certificate to qualify. It’s ideal for Kenyans and neighbors wanting a quick escape from urban life.
Kenya Residents: For expatriates or non-EAC Africans living in Kenya with valid residency documents. This category bridges the gap, offering slightly higher but still reasonable rates compared to full international fees.
Non-Residents/International Visitors: Aimed at tourists from outside Africa, charged in USD for convenience. This helps stabilize revenue against currency fluctuations and funds international marketing efforts.
African Citizens: A newish category for visitors from other African nations, promoting pan-African tourism at half the non-resident rate.
Children, Students, and Seniors: Children under 3 enter free, while 3-17 pay reduced rates. Students up to 23 with valid IDs get child pricing, and seniors (65+) may qualify for discretion-based discounts at the gate. Always carry proof.
Vehicle and Motorcycle Fees: As detailed earlier, these are based on capacity to account for road wear and environmental impact. Electric vehicles might see future incentives, but currently, all pay standard rates.

Long-tail searches like “Nairobi National Park fee for East African residents” often lead here, as this breakdown clarifies eligibility. For groups, annual passes (e.g., 45,000 KES for adults) offer savings for frequent visitors.

How to Pay Your Entrance Fee

Convenience is key in 2025, with multiple payment options to suit modern travelers. The simplest is cash or card at the main gates (e.g., Main Gate off Langata Road), where M-Pesa mobile payments are widely accepted for seamless transactions.

For advance planning, use the KWS eCitizen portal (kwspay.ecitizen.go.ke) to book and pay online, receiving a QR code for quick entry. This is especially useful during peak times to skip lines.

Travel agents and safari operators often bundle fees into packages, handling payments on your behalf – perfect for guided tours. If booking through apps like TripAdvisor or local firms, confirm inclusion to avoid double-paying.

Note: USD payments are accepted at gates but at the day’s exchange rate; bring small bills for exact change. Refunds are rare, so double-check categories. For large groups, contact KWS in advance for MICE discounts up to 30%.

Best Time to Visit Nairobi National Park

Timing your visit maximizes wildlife sightings and value for your entrance fee. The dry seasons – January to February and June to October – are prime, with animals congregating around waterholes for easy viewing. July to October sees the Great Migration spillover, bringing herds of wildebeest and zebras.

Wet seasons (March-May, November-December) offer lush landscapes and fewer crowds, potentially lower indirect costs like accommodation. However, roads can be muddy, so 4×4 vehicles are recommended.

Early mornings (6-9 AM) yield the best light for photography and active predators, while evenings provide golden-hour vistas of the Nairobi skyline.

Avoid midday heat for comfort. Seasonality doesn’t directly affect fees, but low-season visits mean quieter experiences and better deals on tours.

Combining with events like the annual rhino charge or bird migration adds excitement. For families, school holidays align with drier weather, making it educational and fun.

Tips to Save on Entrance Fees

Budget-savvy? Here are proven ways to stretch your safari shillings:

Opt for Local Operators: Book with Kenyan-based companies that negotiate group rates or include fees in packages, often 10-20% cheaper than DIY.
Group Up: Share vehicle costs; a full minivan splits the 1,500 KES fee efficiently. MICE discounts apply for 10+ people.
Low-Season Travel: Fewer tourists mean potential promo deals from KWS or hotels bundling entries.
Annual Passes: If visiting multiple times or other parks, the 45,000 KES adult pass covers unlimited entries.
Combine Attractions: The Nairobi Package saves on multiple sites – ideal for a full-day adventure.
Student/Family Perks: Leverage child rates and free under-3s; pack picnics to avoid extra food costs.

These tips target “budget safari Nairobi” searches, helping you experience more for less.

Nairobi National Park Fees FAQs

What is the entrance fee for Nairobi National Park for international visitors?

Non-residents pay 80 USD per adult and 40 USD per child daily, plus vehicle fees starting at 600 KES.

Are children charged to enter Nairobi National Park?

Yes, ages 3-17 pay half rates; under 3 are free with adult supervision.

Do tour packages include the entrance fee?

Most do, but confirm with your operator to avoid surprises.

Can I pay the entrance fee online?

Absolutely, via the eCitizen portal for advance bookings.

Are vehicle fees separate from entrance fees?

Yes, they’re additional based on seating capacity.

From a Nairobi insider: Head to Kingfisher Picnic Site near the entrance for skyline views and easy wildlife spotting. Allow 4-6 hours for a full drive from city center. Early mornings reveal lions near the dam; pack binoculars for birds.

In conclusion, Nairobi National Park offers an unmatched safari experience right in the city – affordable, accessible, and awe-inspiring. Don’t miss this chance to connect with nature; book your adventure with Gorilla Nests Safaris today.

Our expert guides ensure safe, memorable trips tailored to your budget, from intimate family outings to thrilling group expeditions. With personalized itineraries including fees, transport, and insider spots, we’ll make your visit unforgettable.

Contact Gorilla Nests Safaris now and step into the wild – your Kenyan story awaits!