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Nairobi National Park Entrance Fees 2025: All You Need to Know

Safari Land Cruiser at Nairobi National Park gate - Kenya wildlife tour vehicle
Ready for adventure! A rugged safari Land Cruiser parked in front of the iconic Nairobi National Park gate, perfectly poised for an unforgettable wildlife experience right on the city's doorstep.

Hello! Nice meeting you and welcome to Aj Kenya Safaris Ltd, which also owns NairobiNationalParkSafari.com. If you’re reading this, I assume you are planning a Nairobi National Park safari; one of the most unique wildlife experiences on the planet that lets you see animals against a city skyline. But the main question then is? How much does a Nairobi National Park Safari Cost? What is the Nairobi National Park Entrance Fees? 

My name is James Gatheru, a local safari guide, travel writer and safari consultant for Aj Kenya Safaris ltd. I have guided numerous Nairobi national park tours, and in this article, I will share all the Nairobi National Park entrance fees you need to consider when planning your visit. I will break it down for citizens, residents, and non-residents. I will give the rates for adults and children too as children pay lower amounts based on their age.

Just to mention, at Aj Kenya Safaris ltd, we offer all inclusive Nairobi National Park tours from airport pick to airport return. Our packages include everything from airport/hotel pick up, transfers, park entrance fees, game drives and return to your hotel. If you would like us to assist plan your trip, please give us a call via +254719222430. You can also email us via James@ajkenyasafaris.com or safarioffers@nairobinationalpark.co.ke 

The Official KWS Conservation Fees (Updated for July 2025)

First, note that Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) is the government body that manages and determines Nairobi National Park entry fees. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) charges entry fees based on the residency status of the visitor. Here’s the current applicable Nairobi National Park entrance fees for 2025/2026:

Visitor Category

High Season (Jul–Mar)

EAC Citizen/Resident (Adult)

Ksh 430

EAC Citizen/Resident (Child/Student)

Ksh 215

International Visitor (Adult)

USD 43

International Visitor (Child)

USD 23

A personal tip: Always have your ID ready when going for a Nairobi National Park safari. If you’re a resident, your Foreigner Certificate (Alien Card) or work permit is essential. For citizens, your National ID (or passport) is a must to get admitted to the park as a Kenyan citizen and hence pay the cheapest rates. 

Hint: KWS updates its rates occasionally and there were discussions and proposals for new fee structures in 2024/2025 but a High Court ruling has maintained the lower rates. We try to keep this page updated to reflect any new changes to the entrance fees by KWS. 

1. For Kenyan Citizens and Residents:

If you’re a Kenyan citizen or resident you get the best rates.

  • Adults: Kshs 430.
  • Children (3-17) / Students: Kshs 215.

Personal Note: I remember taking my niece and nephew here for their first safari and the child rates were a blessing. Seeing their faces light up when they saw a rhino against the city skyline was priceless. Knowing these fees go towards KWS conservation of these amazing animals makes the experience even more special. Note that East Africa Residents pay the same amount as International Travellers. 

2. For Non-Residents (International Visitors):

For our international guests, the Nairobi National Park conservation fees are quoted in US dollars. Note the seasonal variation here.

  • Adults: USD 43
  • Children (3-17) / Students: USD 22.

Vehicle Fees: The Cost of Your Safari Ride

This is a separate charge from your personal entry fee. Whether you’re in an SUV such as a Toyota Prado or a big tour van, you have to pay for the vehicle. These Nairobi National Park vehicle fees are standard for everyone only varying based on the vehicle type and carrying capacity. 

  • Vehicle with less than 6 seats (e.g., standard car such as Toyota Harrier, Subaro Forester, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Gwagon): KSh 300.
  • Vehicle with 6 to 12 seats (e.g., tour van, safari jeeps, or the 4×4 safari land cruiser with pop-up roof): KSh 1,030.
  • Vehicle with 13 seats or more (e.g., bus): KSh 2,060.

On my first self-drive Nairobi National Park safari, I was only budgeting for myself and the vehicle fee was a small surprise. Now you know!

tourist petting rhino nairobi national park wildlife conservation
An unforgettable encounter at Nairobi National Park! A visitor gently pets a magnificent rhino, highlighting Kenya's dedication to wildlife conservation.

How to Pay: Your Step-by-Step Guide to the Cashless System

You cannot pay the entry fees with cash. The park is 100% cashless to improve safety and efficiency. This rule applies whether you access the park through the Maina Gate, Lang’ata Gate or any other gate. Next, let me guide you on how to pay the Nairobi National Park Entry Charges. 

Here’s how to pay Nairobi National Park fees for both Citizen, Residents, and Internal Travellers: 

  1. Credit/Debit Card (Easiest for Visitors): Visa and MasterCard are universally accepted at all entry gates. Just insert your card in the PDQ machine provided by the park management at the gate and the money will be paid. However, sometimes the systems fail and you have to wait. In any case, I would recommend getting your entry ticket in advance. 
  2. M-Pesa (For those with a Kenyan SIM): If you have a local line, this is the standard. They will provide a Paybill business number and account number at the gate for you to make the payment.
  3. eCitizen Portal (My Recommended Method): This is the secret to a fast entry. Pay online before you even leave your hotel!
    • Step 1: Visit the official KWS eCitizen Portal. I often get calls from visitors confused about which is the official portal. Here it is: https://kws.ecitizen.go.ke/ 
    • Step 2: Create an account if you don’t have one.
    • Step 3: Select “Kenya Wildlife Service” and then “Park Entry.”
    • Step 4: Choose Nairobi National Park, enter your details and pay online.
    • Step 5: You’ll receive a digital ticket. Just show the QR code at the gate. It’s a breeze.

A Quick About Random Fees Changes: Fee structures can change at any time if KWS opts to do so. While this information is accurate for today, that is July of 2025, I always recommend a quick final check on the official Kenya Wildlife Service website before you go. You can find their official tariff page here.

Beyond the Gate: Other Costs to Budget For

The Nairobi National Park charges don’t always end with the entry and vehicle fees. To create a realistic budget, consider these:

  • Guide Fees: If you’re doing a self-drive, you can hire a KWS-certified guide at the gate. It costs about KSh 3,000.
  • Vehicle Hire: If you don’t have a car, you’ll need to book a safari tour Nairobi or rent a vehicle. A tour van with a driver/guide for a half-day can range from $180 to $350.
  • Snacks and Water: There are no shops inside the park. Pack everything you’ll need in reusable plastic bags. 

Planning Your Nairobi Wildlife Itinerary

Many visitors wonder if they should visit the main park or its neighbours. The good news, even if you have just a day in Nairobi, you can visit 3 or 4 destinations. Here is our list of the best Nairobi National Park day trip destinations: 

  • Nairobi National Park: Choose this for the authentic, wild safari experience. For the thrill of the search and the unbelievable feeling of seeing a rhino with skyscrapers behind it.
  • Nairobi Safari Walk: Choose this if you are very short on time or have young kids who want guaranteed animal sightings. The Nairobi Safari Walk fees are separate and much lower.
  • Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (Elephant Orphanage): This is a non-negotiable, must-do activity. It’s a one-hour booking (usually 11 AM) that you can easily do before or after your game drive. It’s a conservation experience, not a zoo.

A perfect day for me? The Elephant Orphanage at 12 AM, a nice lunch, and then a long afternoon Nairobi National Park game drive from 3 PM until the sun sets. You can also visit the nearby Giraffe Center.

Ostrich-pair-Nairobi-National-Park-Kenya-wildlife-savanna
Two magnificent ostriches graze gracefully against the iconic Nairobi skyline in Nairobi National Park. A unique blend of urban and wild, showcasing Kenya's incredible biodiversity.

Your Questions Answered (FAQ)

What’s the best gate to use for Nairobi National Park? 

It depends on where you’re coming from. The main Lang’ata Gate is best if you’re coming from Karen or the city center. The KWS Headquarters Gate is great for accessing the Safari Walk and Orphanage. The East Gate is a good option if you’re coming from the Mombasa Road area.

Is it safe to self-drive in the park?

Yes, it is generally very safe. The roads are well-marked. Just stay in your vehicle at all times, respect the animals’ space, and don’t try to go off-road.

Are the Nairobi Animal Orphanage fees included in the main park ticket?

No, they are separate. The Animal Orphanage is a distinct facility with its own entrance fee. 

I hope this helps. Have a great time!