In this article, you’ll find an up-to-date overview of Kenya’s most popular national parks: the fees and how to obtain your permits. Discussed in the following order:
Fees for KWS areas
How to arrange your KWS permits
Masai Mara: fees & how to
Samburu: fees & how to
Ol Pejeta Conservancy: fees & how to
Ngare Ndare forest: fees & how to
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 from 6 AM to 18 PM, but always check the notice board of the specific park for updates.
Amboseli & Lake Nakuru
Tsavo East & West
Meru National Park
Hell’s Gate
Vehicle entrance fees
Camping fees
Park permits can be arranged through the official KWS website using this link. Once you are logged into the KWS portal, follow these steps for each park visit:
There’s no limit on the number of visitors in KWS parks, so you don’t need to worry about securing permits far in advance.
Booking your permits online may seem a bit tedious at first, but it will save time at the gate, allowing you more time to enjoy your visit.
Hell’s Gate
When staying at Lake Naivasha, a visit to nearby Hell’s Gate National Park is optional. We recommend deciding on the spot if you’d like to enter.
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:
If you’re staying outside the Reserve, your day permit is valid from 6 AM to 18 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.
For Samburu, you can simply buy your permits 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:
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 19 PM daily.
The following fees apply:
Ngare Ndare forest is a wonderful hidden gem and a recommended stopover when travelling from Ol Pejeta to Samburu (or vice versa). If you want to visit, call them around two days ahead to make sure a ranger will be available at the gate. Visit the Ngare Ndare forest Trust website for their contact details. Permits can be obtained at the gate.
