Kenya National Park Fees & Permits
Ever found yourself lost in a maze of confusing online information about Kenya's national parks? The country has over 23 national parks, 15 national reserves and 140 private conservancies, and we noticed that there is a lot of old data out there regarding fees, permits and practical information.
To shed some light on it all, we have collected all the necessary information about the current situation in Kenya's most popular parks. Ready to dive in? Enjoy the read and start planning your self-drive in Kenya!
*Sidenote: This article focuses mainly on Kenya's parks' fees and permits. If you're looking for more activity-based information, we recommend you to read our Kenya Travel Blog instead.
National Park fees for KWS areas
Most of Kenya's wildlife areas in Kenya are managed by the Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS). The most visited parks are Amboseli, Hells Gate, Lake Nakuru, Meru, Mount Kenya, Nairobi National Park
and Tsavo East & West National Park. An overview of all KWS park fees can be found on their website, here.
Nowadays, you can only obtain your permit through KWS' online portal. Simply select the 'National Park Entry' option and apply for a permit. To access the portal, you need an eCitizen account (the same one you need to apply for a tourist visa). Creating an eCitizen account can be done via this link.
There is no limit on the allowed amount of visitors in KWS parks, so you won't have to worry about being denied at the gate. We recommend purchasing each permit one day before entering a park. This allows you to adjust your itinerary on the go, and remain flexible in case of travel delays.
While arranging permits ahead of time may seem complicated at first, it will speed things up significantly once you enter the national parks.
National Park fees for the Masai Mara
Note for self-drivers
The Narok County Government, which is in charge of the Masai Mara, has implemented a ban on private safari vehicles inside the park. Since July 2024, self-drive in the Masai Mara is no longer allowed. To enter the park, a driver-guide must accompany you.
Our team at Roadtrip Africa works with well-trained and truly lovable driver-guides, who know everything there is to know about Kenya's nature, culture and the Masai Mara. They would be happy to accompany you during your Roadtrip in Kenya.
If you prefer to hire a driver-guide only for the Mara part, we can connect you with a Masai Mara park ranger who can arrange a local driver-guide for you. A local driver-guide costs around $25/day.
Entrance gates Masai Mara
The greater Masai Mara ecosystem includes three expansive sections and several smaller private conservancies:
- Masai Mara National Reserve: Accessible through gates such as Sekenani (most used), Oloolaimutia, Talek (east), Musiara (north), and Purungat Mara River (south). Permits can be arranged at any of these gates upon arrival, with payments accepted through credit card or MPESA Mobile Money.
- Mara Triangle: The primary entry point is Oloololo Gate, where payment is made. However, a transit permit must be requested at Sekenani Gate.
- Mara North Conservancy: Borders the northern side of the Masai Mara Reserve and is home to upscale camps offering all-inclusive game drive packages, less suitable for self-drivers.
Entrance fees:
As of July 2024, the entrance fees for the Masai Mara Reserve and Triangle are US$200 per day for non-residents. Day permits for overnight stays outside the Reserve are valid from 6 am to 6 pm while staying inside the Reserve requires you to exit by 10 am. Late exits incur additional fees. For detailed fee structures and entry requirements, refer to the Masai Mara National Reserve and the Mara Triangle websites.
Private conservancies:
Bordering the main three sections are various private conservancies, of which Naboisho is the largest. Should you stay in one of the lodges inside a private conservancy, then conservation fees will be added to your hotel bill automatically. Should you camp in one of the conservancies, then an entrance fee is still required when visiting the National Reserve or the Triangle, where most of the wildlife is found.
Travel Blog Masai Mara
Do you like to prepare for a safari in the Masai Mara? Consult our Travel Blog - Visiting the Masai Mara for more practical information.
National Park Fees for Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Permits for Ol Pejeta Conservancy are now exclusively available through their online portal and can no longer be obtained upon arrival at the gate. This includes not only the booking of your entrance permit, but also any desired activities and experiences within the Conservancy, as well as your campsite permit. The entrance fee for Ol Pejeta currently is US$100 / day.
For up-to-date fee information and activities on offer, we recommend checking their excellent website here.
Visiting National Parks in Tanzania
It is not possible to visit the parks in Tanzania with your Kenyan car. You will most likely be refused at the gate.
If you want to combine Kenya and Tanzania in one road trip, we can offer a vehicle swap. By using our separate rental fleets in Kenya and Tanzania, we can help you enjoy a smooth ride and reliable roadside support throughout your roadtrip.