Kenya's national parks: fees & how to obtain your permits
Planning a self-drive adventure in Kenya’s national parks? With over 23 national parks, 15 national reserves, and 140 private conservancies to explore, the options are endless. But where do you start when it comes to fees, permits, and practical details?
We’ve got you covered! We’ve compiled the most up-to-date and reliable information about Kenya’s most popular parks to make your planning smooth and stress-free. Dive in, enjoy the read and start planning your safari adventure.
P.S. This article focuses mainly on Kenya's parks' fees and permits. Want tips on activities, safaris and hidden gems? Check out our Kenya Travel Blog for more inspiration!
National park fees for KWS areas
Disclaimer
We do our best to keep all information on this website accurate and up to date. However, no rights can be guaranteed or derived from the content. Please verify any details and prices yourself before relying on them.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) manages most of Kenya's parks. Permits are single-entry for daytrippers and 24-hour for overnight stays. Gate hours are typically 6 AM—6 PM, but always check the notice board of the specific park for updates.
Amboseli & Lake Nakuru
- Adult: USD 90/day
- Child (3-17 years): USD 45/day
- Local driver-guide: KES 1500 (appr USD 11.60)
Nairobi National Park, Tsavo East & West
- Adult: USD 80/day
- Child (3-17 years): USD 40/day
- Local driver-guide: KES 1000 (appr USD 7.80)
Meru National Park, Mount Kenya
- Adult: USD 70/day
- Child (3-17 years): USD 40/day
- Local driver-guide: KES 800 (appr USD 6.18)
Hell's Gate
- Adult: USD 50/day
- Child (3-17 years): USD 25/day
- Local driver-guide: KES 500 (appr USD 3.86)
Vehicle entrance fees
- KES 1500 per car/per day (appr USD 11.60)
Camping fees
- Amboseli and Lake Nakuru: USD 30 per adult and USD 25 for children between 3 and 17 years old.
- All other KWS parks: USD 20 per adult and USD 15 for children.
For a full list of KWS parks and their fees, you can visit their official website.
Arranging your KWS permits
You can arrange your park permits through the KWS online portal.
There are no visitor limits in KWS parks, so you won’t have to worry about availability at the gate. To stay flexible, we recommend purchasing permits a day before you plan to visit a park. This way, you can adjust your itinerary if needed.
Booking your permits online might feel a bit tedious at first, but it saves time and hassle at the gate, giving you more time to enjoy your visit. Once your car rental or tour is confirmed, we’ll give you a quick step-by-step guide on how to obtain your KWS permits.
National park fees for the Masai Mara
Important update for self-drivers
Self-driving in the Masai Mara is no longer allowed by the park authorities.
At Roadtrip Africa, we work with knowledgeable and friendly driver-guides who can make your visit even more enjoyable. They’ll help you spot wildlife, share stories about the Masai Mara, and ensure everything runs smoothly.
If you only need a driver-guide for your Mara visit and not for your entire road trip in Kenya, we will arrange a ranger through our contact person at the Masai Mara Park office. This costs about USD 40 per day. Just let us know, and we’ll be happy to help.
Get in touch with us
Masai Mara fees & how to obtain your permits
For the Masai Mara, you can simply buy your permits upon arrival at the gate, payable by Visa and Mastercard or M-Pesa (mobile money).
The following fees apply:
- Low-season (January - June): USD 100
- High-season (July - December): USD 200
- Child (9-17 years): USD 50/day
- Children < 8 years: free of charge
- Camping fee: USD 30 per adult and USD 20 per child
- Vehicle entrance: KES 1000 per car/per day (USD 8)
If you’re staying outside the Reserve, your day permit is valid from 6 am to 6 pm., single entry. If you’re staying overnight inside the Reserve, you need to leave by 10 am. Leaving later than this incurs an extra charge.
Check the Masai Mara Reserve and Mara Triangle websites for the latest fees and rules.
For more tips and advice, check out our blog ‘Visiting the Masai Mara’.
National park Fees for Samburu National Reserve
For Samburu, permits can be purchased upon arrival at the gate. Accepted payment methods include Visa and Mastercard, M-Pesa mobile money, or cash in either US Dollars or Kenyan Shillings.
Permits are single-entry for daytrippers and 24-hour for overnight stays. Entry and exit times are between 6 AM and 6 PM daily.
The following fees apply:
- Adult: USD 85/day
- Child (3-11 years): USD 50/day
- Vehicle entrance: KES 1600 per car/per day (USD 12)
For the latest information on fees and activities, please visit their website here.
National park fees for Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Planning to visit Ol Pejeta Conservancy? Entrance tickets and optional activities for Ol Pejeta Conservancy must be arranged through their online portal, which you can access here.
Permits are single-entry for daytrippers and 24-hour for overnight stays. Entry and exit times through the Rongai and Serat gates are between 7 AM and 7 PM daily.
The following fees apply:
- Adult: USD110/day
- Child (3-11 years): USD 55 /day
- Vehicle entrance: 1000 KES/car/day (USD 7,80)
- Camping: KES 3,500 per adult and KES 1,750 per child per night (USD 27 and USD 14).
For the most up-to-date information on fees and activities, check out their user-friendly website here.
Ngare Ndare Forest
Ngare Ndare Forest is a wonderful hidden gem. If you want to visit, call them around two days ahead to make sure a ranger will be available at the gate to let you in. Contact details can be found on the Ngare Ndare Forest Trust website. Permits can be obtained at the gate.
- Adult: KES 4000/day
- Children (10-15 years): half of the adult rate. Children under 10 can enter free of charge.
- Vehicle entrance: KES 500 per car/per day
Visiting national parks in Tanzania
Planning to explore Tanzania’s national parks as part of your roadtrip? Keep in mind that Kenyan-registered vehicles are not allowed into Tanzanian parks and are usually turned away at the gate.
But no worries - we’ve got you covered. If you’re combining Kenya and Tanzania in one adventure, we can offer an easy vehicle swap. By using our rental fleet in both countries, we’ll ensure you have a smooth ride and reliable roadside support every step of the way.
Ready to plan your adventure in Kenya?
We’re here to help! From practical advice on permits to arranging driver guides or a 4x4, we’ll assist you in planning your ultimate Kenya roadtrip.
Explore our suggested tours, get in touch, or book your road trip now.
Happy travels!
