Nairobi National Park entry fees are KES 1,000 for East African citizen adults, KES 1,350 for Kenya resident adults, USD 40 for African citizen adults, and USD 80 for non-resident adults. Children and eligible students pay reduced rates, while children aged 5 years and younger are exempt from conservation fees under the current KWS schedule.
Nairobi National Park tickets are paid separately from safari vehicles, guides, transfers, Nairobi Safari Walk, Nairobi Animal Orphanage, and private tour packages. KWS lists the park’s official mode of payment as eCitizen through KWSPay, with payment options including M-Pesa and Visa card.
Nairobi National Park is classified by Kenya Wildlife Service as an Urban Park, and its fees are set under the national KWS conservation fee schedule. The park entry ticket is separate from safari vehicle hire, guide fees, transport, or optional attractions such as Nairobi Safari Walk and the Nairobi Animal Orphanage.
Nairobi National Park Entry Fees Table
| Visitor Category | Adult Fee | Child / Student Fee |
|---|---|---|
| East African Citizen | KES 1,000 | KES 500 |
| Kenya Resident | KES 1,350 | KES 675 |
| African Citizen | USD 40 | USD 20 |
| Non-Resident | USD 80 | USD 40 |
These are the current Nairobi National Park conservation fees listed in the KWS Conservation Fees 2025 schedule for the Urban Park category.
Who Pays Which Nairobi National Park Fee?
The correct Nairobi National Park ticket category depends on your citizenship or residence status.
| Category | Who It Applies To |
|---|---|
| East African Citizen | Citizens of East African Community member states |
| Kenya Resident | Non-citizens living in Kenya with a valid resident permit |
| African Citizen | Citizens of African countries outside the East African Community |
| Non-Resident | International visitors who are not East African citizens, African citizens, or Kenya residents |
KWS defines a resident as a person, other than a Kenyan or East African citizen, who lives in Kenya with a valid resident permit. It defines a non-resident as a national of any country other than an East African citizen or African citizen.
Nairobi National Park Fees for Kenyan and East African Citizens
East African citizens pay KES 1,000 per adult and KES 500 per child or eligible student to enter Nairobi National Park.
This is the lowest fee category because KWS applies a citizen rate for local and regional access. Visitors should carry a valid national ID, passport, or other accepted identification showing East African citizenship.
Nairobi National Park Fees for Kenya Residents
Kenya residents pay KES 1,350 per adult and KES 675 per child or eligible student.
This category applies to foreign nationals legally resident in Kenya with valid resident documentation. A work permit or resident permit may be required at the gate if the ticket category needs to be verified.
Nairobi National Park Fees for African Citizens
African citizens from outside the East African Community pay USD 40 per adult and USD 20 per child or eligible student.
This category is separate from the non-resident international rate. It gives African visitors a lower USD fee than visitors from outside Africa.
Nairobi National Park Fees for Non-Residents
Non-resident international visitors pay USD 80 per adult and USD 40 per child or eligible student.
This is the highest Nairobi National Park entry fee category. It applies to visitors who do not qualify as East African citizens, Kenya residents, or African citizens under the KWS definitions.
Are Nairobi National Park Tickets Single Entry?
Yes. Nairobi National Park tickets are single-entry conservation tickets. The KWS schedule defines the daily fee as a single access fee valid for a period not exceeding 24 hours.
For visitors, this means you should plan your game drive carefully before entering the park. Leaving the park and returning later on the same ticket should not be assumed unless KWS confirms otherwise at the time of entry.
How to Pay Nairobi National Park Entry Fees
Nairobi National Park entry tickets are paid through the KWS eCitizen / KWSPay system. KWS services are accessed through eCitizen, and the KWSPay platform is used for national park entry applications and payments.
To pay for Nairobi National Park entry:
- Go to the KWS / KWSPay single park entry platform.
- Select Nairobi National Park.
- Choose the correct visitor category.
- Add adult and child / student tickets.
- Pay online.
- Save the confirmation or QR code.
- Carry matching ID, passport, or resident permit for verification.
Buying the ticket before arrival is usually better because it reduces delays at the gate, especially for early morning game drives, weekends, school holidays, and peak travel periods.
What Is Included in the Nairobi National Park Entry Fee?
The entry fee covers conservation access to Nairobi National Park only. It does not automatically include:
| Item | Included in KWS Entry Fee? |
|---|---|
| Visitor park entry | Yes |
| Private safari vehicle | No |
| Driver-guide | No |
| Hotel pick-up and drop-off | No |
| Nairobi Safari Walk | No, unless buying a package ticket |
| Nairobi Animal Orphanage | No, unless buying a package ticket |
| Food and drinks | No |
| Special activities | Usually no |
Visitors booking a guided safari should check whether the tour price includes the vehicle, driver-guide, fuel, vehicle entry, drinking water, and hotel transfers. The KWS ticket is separate from the tour operator’s safari fee.
Nairobi National Park Package Fees
KWS also lists a Nairobi Package covering Nairobi National Park, Nairobi Animal Orphanage, and Nairobi Safari Walk. The listed package rates are:
| Visitor Category | Adult Fee | Child / Student Fee |
|---|---|---|
| East African Citizen | KES 1,300 | KES 700 |
| Kenya Resident | KES 1,750 | KES 950 |
| Non-Resident | USD 105 | USD 55 |
| African Citizen | USD 55 | USD 20 |
This package can be useful for visitors who want to combine a game drive with the Safari Walk and Animal Orphanage in one plan.
Nairobi National Park Child and Student Fees
Children and eligible students pay the reduced child / student rate for their visitor category.
KWS defines a child as a person from 5 years but below 18 years. The same schedule states that a child aged 5 years and younger is exempt from conservation fees.
A student is not simply any person with a student card. KWS defines a student as someone not older than 23 years, enrolled in a recognized secondary school, college, or university, and visiting for educational purposes under a documented and organized arrangement with that institution.
That means casual student visitors may not automatically qualify for student pricing unless the visit meets the KWS conditions.
Who Is Exempt from Nairobi National Park Conservation Fees?
Under the KWS schedule, the following groups are exempt from paying conservation fees:
| Exempt Visitor | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Kenyan citizens aged 70 years and older | Valid proof of age and citizenship |
| Persons with disabilities | Valid documentation |
| Children aged 5 years and younger | Age verification may be requested |
| Registered tour drivers and guides | Must meet KWS conditions |
These exemptions are listed in the KWS conservation fee guidelines.
Nairobi National Park Vehicle Charges
Park entry fees are charged per visitor, but vehicle charges may also apply depending on the vehicle type. The KWS schedule lists motor vehicle charges by seating capacity:
| Vehicle Size | Daily Vehicle Charge |
|---|---|
| Less than 6 seats | KES 600 |
| 6–12 seats | KES 1,500 |
| 13–24 seats | KES 3,000 |
| 25–44 seats | KES 4,500 |
| 45 seats and above | KES 5,000 |
For guided tours, the vehicle and driver entry costs may already be included in the tour operator’s package, so visitors should check before paying for the vehicle separately.
Nairobi National Park Annual Passes
KWS annual passes are useful for frequent visitors, Nairobi residents, photographers, researchers, and families who expect to visit several parks or protected areas during the year.
| Annual Pass Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adult Annual Pass | KES 45,000 |
| Child Annual Pass | KES 10,400 |
| Couple’s Annual Pass | KES 80,000 |
| Family Annual Pass | KES 130,000 |
| Corporate Annual Pass | KES 120,000 |
| Marine Annual Pass | KES 10,500 |
For a Kenyan or East African citizen adult paying KES 1,000 per Nairobi National Park visit, the adult annual pass becomes financially sensible only for very frequent park users.
Are Nairobi National Park Fees Worth It?
Nairobi National Park fees are worth it for visitors who want a real safari experience without leaving Nairobi. The park offers rhinos, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hyenas, ostriches, and open savannah scenery within a short drive of the city.
For international visitors, the USD 80 non-resident fee is higher than in previous years, but the total trip cost can still be lower than flying or driving to distant parks. For residents and citizens, the park remains one of the easiest places in Kenya to access a protected wildlife area for a morning, afternoon, or full-day game drive.
Best Time to Buy Nairobi National Park Tickets
Buy your Nairobi National Park ticket before you arrive at the gate, especially if you are visiting:
- Early in the morning
- On weekends
- During school holidays
- During the July–October safari season
- In December or early January
- As part of a tight airport layover or half-day tour
The ticket price does not usually change by time of day, but gate delays can reduce your actual safari time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not buy the wrong visitor category. KWS can ask for ID, passport, or resident documentation at the gate.
Do not assume your tour price includes your personal park entry ticket. Many Nairobi National Park safari packages exclude KWS visitor tickets because visitors must pay them directly through eCitizen.
Do not wait until you reach the gate if your schedule is tight. Payment problems, phone network delays, login issues, or category errors can cost valuable wildlife-viewing time.
Do not buy tickets from informal sellers. Use the official KWS / eCitizen system or a reputable operator who clearly explains the payment process.
Final Answer: Nairobi National Park Entry Fees
The current Nairobi National Park entry fee is KES 1,000 for East African citizen adults, KES 1,350 for Kenya resident adults, USD 40 for African citizen adults, and USD 80 for non-resident adults. Children and eligible students pay reduced rates, and children aged 5 years and younger are exempt under the KWS schedule.
For most visitors, the most important step is choosing the correct category before paying. The KWS ticket covers park entry only, while vehicles, guides, transfers, and optional attractions are charged separately unless included in a tour package.