Aberdare National Park Entrance Fees: Updated Prices 2025/6

Aberdare National Park Entrance Fees: Nestled in the heart of Kenya’s Central Highlands, Aberdare National Park stands as a breathtaking testament to the country’s diverse natural heritage.

Spanning approximately 766 square kilometers, the park is part of the Aberdare Range, an isolated volcanic chain that forms the eastern wall of the Great Rift Valley.

Established in 1950, it was created to safeguard the region’s unique ecosystems, from mist-shrouded moorlands and dense rainforests to dramatic waterfalls and deep ravines.

Unlike the vast savannahs of Masai Mara or Amboseli, Aberdare offers a cooler, more forested safari experience, where wildlife emerges unexpectedly from the thick vegetation.

The park’s allure extends beyond its landscapes. It holds historical significance as the site where a young Princess Elizabeth learned of her father’s death in 1952 while staying at the iconic Treetops Lodge, transforming her into Queen Elizabeth II.

Today, Aberdare attracts adventurers, nature lovers, and photographers seeking a quieter alternative to Kenya’s busier reserves.

With elevations ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 meters, the air is crisp and invigorating, often cloaked in ethereal mist that adds to the park’s mystical charm.

For visitors planning a trip in 2025, understanding the Aberdare National Park Entrance Fees and logistics is crucial to unlocking this highland paradise. This article delves into everything you need to know, from costs to practical tips, ensuring your visit is seamless and memorable.

Current Aberdare National Park Entrance Fees for 2025

As of 2025, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), which manages Aberdare National Park, has maintained its conservation fees at 2024 levels due to an ongoing court injunction that halted proposed increases.

This decision provides relief for budget-conscious travelers, keeping access affordable while supporting vital conservation efforts.

Fees are categorized by visitor type—Kenyan citizens, East African (EA) residents (including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi), and non-residents—and apply on a per-person, per-day basis.

Children under 12 or students (up to age 23 with proof of enrollment) receive discounted rates. All fees must be paid in advance via the KWS eCitizen platform, a mandatory online system introduced to streamline payments and enhance accountability.

Vehicle fees add another layer, charged daily based on seating capacity and type, reflecting the park’s rugged terrain that demands sturdy 4x4s. Aircraft landing fees apply for fly-in safaris.

Additional charges cover camping, trout fishing, and filming. Peak season (June to October and December to February) sees no surcharges, but off-peak discounts may apply for residents. Always verify rates on the KWS website, as minor adjustments could occur.

To illustrate, here’s a comprehensive table of the Aberdare National Park Entrance Fees 2025:

Category	Kenyan Citizens (KSh)	EA Residents (KSh)	Non-Residents (USD)	Notes
Adult Entrance (per day)	1,000	2,000	52	Valid for 24 hours; proof of residency required.
Child/Student Entrance (per day)	500	1,000	26	Students must show ID/enrollment letter.
Vehicle (up to 6 seats)	600	600	70	Per day; 4×4 recommended.
Vehicle (7-14 seats)	1,800	1,800	110	Minibus/tour van rate.
Truck/Delivery Vehicle (per ton)	200	200	N/A	Goods transport only.
Public Campsite (per night)	500/person	500/person	20/person	Basic sites; no facilities.
Special Campsite (per night)	2,000/person	2,000/person	50/person	Private; permit required.
Trout Fishing License (per day)	500	500	20	Seasonal; rivers stocked historically.
Filming/Photography Permit	10,000	10,000	500	Commercial use; advance application.

These rates ensure equitable access while funding anti-poaching patrols and habitat restoration, including the 388km electric fence that minimizes human-wildlife conflicts. For a family of four in a 6-seater vehicle, expect around USD 252 for a full day, excluding accommodation.

How to Pay and Access the Park

Entering Aberdare National Park requires preparation, especially with KWS’s digital-first approach. All payments are processed through the eCitizen portal (ecitizen.go.ke), where you’ll create an account, select “Aberdare National Park,” and generate a downloadable gate pass—essential for rangers at entry points.Cash is no longer accepted at gates to curb corruption and improve efficiency. International cards work, but locals can use M-Pesa for convenience. Book at least 48 hours in advance during peak seasons to avoid delays.

At Gorilla Nests Safaris, we elevate your Aberdare adventure by handling all KWS formalities seamlessly. Our expert team creates your eCitizen account, selects “Aberdare National Park,” processes payments, and secures your downloadable gate pass—delivered hassle-free before arrival.

The park is accessible via multiple gates: Shamata and Rhino from Nyahururu (north), Mutubio from Naivasha (south), and Ruhuruini or Wandare from Nyeri (east).

From Nairobi, it’s a 2.5-3 hour drive (160km) north on the A2 highway, turning at Maguma for the park’s eastern boundary.

Roads are tarmacked until the gates, but inside, expect rough, muddy tracks— a 4×4 is non-negotiable, particularly in the rainy seasons (March-May, October-November).

Fly-in options from Wilson Airport to Nanyuki Airstrip (90-minute transfer) suit time-strapped visitors, with landing fees around USD 100.

Gates open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, aligning with dawn and dusk game drives when animals are most active. Rangers at entry points verify passes and provide basic maps, though signage inside the park needs improvement—some visitors report faded posts and overgrown viewpoints. Hiring a local guide (KSh 5,000-10,000/day) is advisable for navigation and spotting elusive species.

Wildlife and Attractions: What to Expect

Aberdare’s biodiversity thrives in its varied habitats, offering sightings of the Big Five: elephants, buffaloes, leopards, lions, and rhinos. The park boasts Kenya’s second-largest black rhino population, alongside forest elephants that melt into the bamboo thickets.

Keep eyes peeled for the rare bongo antelope, giant forest hogs, and melanistic (black) leopards—true jackpot sightings. Primates like black-and-white colobus monkeys swing through the canopy, while olive baboons and Sykes’ monkeys add playful energy. Over 250 bird species, including Jackson’s francolins and sparrowhawks, make it a birdwatcher’s haven.

Beyond wildlife, the park’s geological wonders captivate. The Chania, Magura, Karuru, and Gura Falls plunge dramatically, with Queen Elizabeth Falls honoring the monarch’s visit. Hiking trails range from easy forest walks to strenuous moorland treks up to Ol Donyo Lesatima (3,999m peak).

The Salient area, a lower-altitude rainforest extension, hosts Treetops and The Ark lodges, where guests watch elephants and hyenas at salt licks from elevated platforms—no game drive needed.

Historical sites include Mau Mau caves used by freedom fighters in the 1950s, and the Kimathi Post Office tree, a fig under which Dedan Kimathi coordinated resistance.

Activities abound: guided game drives (early morning or late afternoon), trout fishing in rivers like the Chania, picnics at viewpoints, and camping under starry skies.

For thrill-seekers, the Aberdare Safari Walk offers foot safaris, though armed rangers are mandatory due to buffalo and elephant risks.

Practical Tips and Conservation Considerations

Visiting Aberdare demands respect for its fragility. Pack layers for cool days (15-20°C) and chilly nights (down to 5°C), plus rain gear for frequent mists.

Insect repellent combats tsetse flies, more prevalent than mosquitoes. Water purification tablets are wise, as streams may carry giardia. Mobile coverage is spotty—use safarilinks or Airtel for basics.

Sustainability is key: Stick to trails to prevent erosion, avoid single-use plastics (banned in Kenya), and support ethical operators.

The Rhino Ark Charitable Trust’s annual Rhino Charge event funds the park’s perimeter fence, curbing crop-raiding elephants and poaching. Opt for low-impact stays like public campsites over luxury lodges to minimize your footprint.

In summary, Aberdare National Park’s entrance fees remain accessible in 2025, opening doors to a realm of mist-veiled forests and hidden wonders. Whether hiking to thundering falls or spotting rhinos at dusk, this highland gem rewards the prepared traveler with unparalleled serenity and wildlife intimacy. Plan ahead, tread lightly, and let Aberdare’s magic unfold.