Kenya National Park Fees & 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 mapping out 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
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) manages most of Kenya's parks. The most visited parks include Amboseli, Hell's Gate, Lake Nakuru, Meru, Mount Kenya, Nairobi National Park, and Tsavo East & West National Park. For a full list of KWS parks and their fees, you can visit their official website.
You can now easily arrange your park permits through the KWS online portal. Select the 'National Park Entry' option, apply for your permit, and you’re good to go. You’ll need an eCitizen account (the same one you use for a tourist visa), which you can create here in a few simple steps.
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.
Arranging permits online may seem like a hassle at first, but it’ll save you time and effort once you arrive. Giving you more time to enjoy your visit.
National Park fees for the Masai Mara
Important update for self-drivers
As of July 2024, self-driving in the Masai Mara is no longer allowed. The Narok County Government, which manages the park, now requires all visitors to be accompanied by a driver-guide.
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 $25 / day. Just let us know, and we’ll be happy to help.
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Entrance gates to the Masai Mara
The Masai Mara ecosystem is divided into three main sections and several smaller private conservancies.
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Masai Mara National Reserve: entry points include Sekenani (the busiest gate), Oloolaimutia, Talek (east), Musiara (north), and Purungat Mara River (south). You can buy permits at the gates using a credit card or MPESA Mobile Money.
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Mara Triangle: the main entry is through Oloololo Gate, but you’ll first need a transit permit from Sekenani Gate.
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Mara North Conservancy: this northern area is home to luxury lodges offering all-inclusive game drives, which are better suited for guided experiences than self-drivers.
Entrance fees
As of July 2024, entrance fees for the Masai Mara Reserve and Mara Triangle are $200 per day for non-residents. If you’re staying outside the Reserve, your day permit is valid from 6 am to 6 pm. If you’re staying overnight inside the Reserve, you need to leave by 10 am. Leaving later than this costs extra. For the latest fees and rules, check the Masai Mara Reserve and Mara Triangle websites.
Private conservancies
The three main sections of the Masai Mara are surrounded by several private conservancies, like Naboisho, the largest one. If you stay at a lodge in a private conservancy, conservation fees are added to your hotel bill. If you camp in a conservancy, you still need to pay an entrance fee to visit the Reserve or Triangle, where most of the animals are found.
Plan your safari
Need more tips for visiting the Masai Mara? Read our blog ‘Visiting the Masai Mara’ for useful advice or check out our example itineraries to start planning your trip.
National Park Fees for Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Planning to visit Ol Pejeta Conservancy? Permits are now only available through their online portal - you can’t buy them at the gate anymore. This makes it easy to book everything in one go, including your entrance permit, campsite booking, and any activities or experiences you’d like to try. The current entrance fee is $100 per day.
For the most up-to-date information on fees and activities, check out their user-friendly website here.
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 Kenya adventure?
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 example itineraries, get in touch, or book your car directly.
Happy travels!