Kenya has approved a significant hike in entry fees for its national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries, with new rates set to come into force from Wednesday, after Parliament endorsed new regulations.

According to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Nairobi National Park will see the steepest adjustment, with charges for residents rising from Sh430 to Sh1,000.

For the most sought-after attractions, including Amboseli and Lake Nakuru, the new tariff stands at Sh1,500 for Kenyan citizens and Sh11,660 for international guests.

Premium destinations, including Amboseli and Lake Nakuru, will charge Sh1,500 for Kenyan citizens and Sh11,660 for foreigners.

Mid-tier parks such as Meru and Aberdare will now cost Sh800 for residents, while international tourists will be charged Sh9,070.

In contrast, Hell’s Gate will remain relatively affordable at Sh500 for local visitors.

The changes, however, come with notable exemptions.

Licensed guides, porters, community guides, boat crew, children below the age of five, senior citizens above 70, and persons with disabilities will not be subject to the revised charges.

Clarifying how the changes will be applied, KWS Director Erastus Kanga said that bookings already secured through the government’s eCitizen platform will not be affected.

“KWS will honour all eCitizen payments made before this announcement and the revised fees will therefore apply only to new bookings made for October 1 onwards,” Kanga explained.

The revised fees are expected to significantly boost park revenues, while also aligning with the government’s wider tourism strategy.

The adjustments mark one of the most notable shifts in the pricing of Kenya’s protected areas in recent years, balancing the need for conservation funding with the demand from both domestic and international tourists.