For the current 2024/25 season, the entry fees for Lake Nakuru National Park remain unchanged from the 2022/23 season. This is due to a recent ruling by the High Court of Kenya, which halted the proposed increase in fees by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) as noted by Kambu Campers on this KWS fees guide. The court’s decision came after concerned citizens filed a petition, arguing that the proposed fee hikes for premium parks, including Lake Nakuru and Amboseli, were introduced without adequate public participation.
Lake Nakuru National Park Entrance Fees
As a result, the 2022/23 fees continue to be in effect for the 2024/25 season, pending further legal developments. Below are the current entrance fees to get into Lake Nakuru Park;
High Season (July to March) Pricing:
- East African Community (EAC) Citizens and Residents:
- Adult: Ksh 1,000
- Child/Student: Ksh 500
- Rest of Africa:
- Adult: $50
- Child/Student: $20
- International Visitors:
- Adult: $100
- Child/Student: $35
Low Season (March to June) Pricing:
- East African Community (EAC) Citizens and Residents:
- Adult: Ksh 800
- Child/Student: Ksh 250
- Rest of Africa:
- Adult: $35
- Child/Student: $10
- International Visitors:
- Adult: $80
- Child/Student: $20
Proposed Fee Increases for Lake Nakuru National Park
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) had proposed a significant adjustment to entry fees for premium parks like Lake Nakuru National Park and Amboseli for the 2024/25 season. Below is an in-depth comparison between the current (2022/23) fees and the proposed rates, utilizing percentage increases to give a clearer picture of the impact.
| Park Category | Visitor Type | Current Fees (2022/23) | Proposed Fees (2024/25) | Increase (Ksh/USD) | Percentage Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Parks (Amboseli & Lake Nakuru) | EAC Citizen/Resident (Adult) | Ksh 1,000 (High), Ksh 800 (Low) | Ksh 1,500 (High), Ksh 1,200 (Low) | +Ksh 500 | +50% (both seasons) |
| EAC Citizen/Resident (Child/Student) | Ksh 500 (High), Ksh 250 (Low) | Ksh 750 (High), Ksh 500 (Low) | +Ksh 250 | +50% to +100% | |
| Rest of Africa (Adult) | $50 (High), $35 (Low) | $70 (High), $50 (Low) | +$20 | +40% to +57% | |
| Rest of Africa (Child/Student) | $20 (High), $10 (Low) | $30 (High), $20 (Low) | +$10 | +50% to +100% | |
| International Visitors (Adult) | $100 (High), $80 (Low) | $120 (High), $100 (Low) | +$20 | +20% to +25% | |
| International Visitors (Child/Student) | $35 (High), $20 (Low) | $50 (High), $35 (Low) | +$15 | +42% to +75% |
High-Level Insights:
- EAC Citizens/Residents:
- The proposed increase for East African adult residents is substantial at 50% across both seasons. This means an adult visitor would pay Ksh 500 more in both high and low seasons, with the low-season rate rising from Ksh 800 to Ksh 1,200.
- For children and students, the increase ranges from 50% in the high season (Ksh 500 to Ksh 750) to a 100% jump in the low season (Ksh 250 to Ksh 500). The doubling of fees in the low season may significantly impact families and school trips, which typically benefit from more affordable pricing.
- Rest of Africa Visitors:
- Visitors from other African countries would face a 40% to 57% increase for adults, depending on the season. The fee jumps from $50 to $70 during the high season, and from $35 to $50 in the low season, making it less accessible for regional tourists.
- Children and students from African countries outside the EAC face an increase of 50% to 100%, with the low-season rate doubling from $10 to $20. These increases could reduce the park’s appeal to families and schools from the African continent.
- International Visitors:
- For international tourists, the proposed increase is relatively moderate compared to other categories, ranging from 20% to 25% for adults. The high-season fee for adults moves from $100 to $120, while the low-season rate increases from $80 to $100.
- The highest increase for international children and students is 75% in the low season (from $20 to $35). While the percentage increase is notable, the overall cost remains manageable compared to adult fees.
Overall Impact:
- The most affected groups by these proposed increases are EAC residents, particularly children and students, who face up to a 100% increase in some cases. This could make premium parks like Lake Nakuru less accessible to local families and students, who are critical for fostering long-term interest in conservation.
- Rest of Africa visitors would also face notable fee hikes, particularly for children, with the low-season prices doubling. These changes might deter regional tourists who typically benefit from lower rates than international visitors.
- International visitors—the park’s most lucrative demographic—are comparatively less affected, with a 20% to 25% increase in fees. This aligns with Kenya’s strategy of attracting more high-end tourism, where moderate fee hikes are less likely to discourage foreign travelers.
Legal Challenges:
In 2023, a group of concerned citizens and stakeholders sought a court intervention to stop the increase. They argued that the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) failed to conduct proper public consultations before implementing the proposed fee adjustments. The High Court responded by halting the fee increase that was set to take effect in January 2024, citing the need for greater transparency and stakeholder engagement. This ruling has temporarily preserved the current 2022/23 rates, ensuring accessibility to the parks while the legal process continues.
It is possible for the increase to be implemented in future
If implemented, the proposed fee increases would represent a significant shift in the cost of accessing Lake Nakuru National Park and other premium parks in Kenya. While international visitors face only moderate increases, the steep hikes for East African residents and regional tourists could affect domestic and regional tourism, especially for families and educational trips. The court’s decision to halt the fee increase highlights the importance of public participation in decisions that impact both local communities and conservation efforts.