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 860
- Child/Student: Ksh 215
- International Visitors:
- Adult: $60
- Child/Student: $35
Low Season (March to June) Pricing:
- East African Community (EAC) Citizens and Residents:
- Adult: Ksh 860
- Child/Student: Ksh 215
- International Visitors:
- Adult: $60
- Child/Student: $35
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 860 | Ksh 1,500 (High), Ksh 1,200 (Low) | Ksh 340 – 640 | +50% (both seasons) |
| EAC Citizen/Resident (Child/Student) | Ksh 215 | Ksh 750 (High), Ksh 500 (Low) | + Ksh. 285 to Ksh 565 | +50% to +100% | |
| Rest of Africa (Adult) | Class didn’t exist in 2023 to current – only in proposed | $70 (High), $50 (Low) | +$20 | +40% to +57% | |
| Rest of Africa (Child/Student) | This Class didn’t exist in 2023 to current – only in proposed | $30 (High), $20 (Low) | +$10 | +50% to +100% | |
| International Visitors (Adult) | $60 | $120 (High), $100 (Low) | +$40 to $60 | +20% to +25% | |
| International Visitors (Child/Student) | $35 | $50 (High), $35 (Low) | +$15 | +42% to +75% |
Key Insights and Analysis
- Massive Increases Across All Categories:
The proposed increases represented a significant jump in entry fees, particularly for East African Community (EAC) citizens and residents. Adults would have faced a 50% hike, while children and students were looking at increases of up to 100%. This sharp rise raised concerns about affordability, especially for local families and educational groups. - Introduction of a New Category – ‘Rest of Africa’:
Interestingly, the proposed fees introduced a new category for visitors from the rest of Africa, who were previously grouped with either EAC residents or international visitors. While this move aimed to create tiered pricing, the fees—ranging from $50 to $70 for adults—were still seen as steep, potentially discouraging regional tourism. - International Visitors Hit the Hardest:
For international tourists, the proposed fees doubled for adults during the high season—from $60 to $120. This aggressive pricing strategy seemed aimed at capitalizing on Kenya’s global wildlife appeal, but it risked making Lake Nakuru less competitive compared to other regional parks like Tanzania’s Serengeti or Rwanda’s Akagera, which offer similar wildlife experiences at more stable rates. - Public Participation and Legal Hurdles:
The High Court’s decision to block the fee increase underscores a critical governance issue: the lack of proper public engagement. Under Kenya’s constitution, decisions that significantly impact the public—such as park fee hikes—require comprehensive stakeholder consultations. The case highlighted citizens’ growing awareness of their rights and their willingness to challenge governmental decisions that bypass due process. - Economic Implications for Local Tourism:
The blocked increases reflect deeper concerns about accessibility. Parks like Lake Nakuru are not just tourist attractions—they’re integral to local recreation, education, and conservation awareness. Higher fees could have priced out Kenyan citizens and students, reducing domestic tourism, which has been vital for sustaining the park during periods when international travel declines (as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic). - Revenue vs. Conservation Balance:
KWS justified the proposed increases as necessary for boosting conservation funding. However, without a transparent breakdown of how additional revenue would directly enhance park management and conservation efforts, public skepticism grew. Conservation funding is essential, but it must be balanced with equitable access, especially for local communities who are key stakeholders in wildlife protection.
Other Lake Nakuru N. Park Fees:
1. Security Guard/Guided Tour Fees
If you prefer an added layer of security or a professional guide to enhance your safari experience, KWS offers the option to hire an official guide or security personnel.
- Ksh 1,720 – For guided tours or security services lasting up to 4 hours. Ideal for short game drives or specific wildlife tracking sessions.
- Ksh 3,015 – For services extending over 4 hours, suitable for full-day safaris or overnight camping security.
Tip: Hiring a guide not only ensures safety but also enriches your safari with expert insights on wildlife behavior and park ecosystems.
2. Vehicle Entry Fees (Per Day)
Vehicle charges are based on seating capacity, with fees applicable per day:
| Vehicle Capacity (No. of Seats) | Fee (Ksh per Day) |
|---|---|
| Less than 6 seats | Ksh 300 |
| 6–12 seats | Ksh 1,030 |
| 13–24 seats | Ksh 2,585 |
| 25–44 seats | Ksh 4,050 |
| 45 seats and above | Ksh 5,000 |
Note: Private cars, safari vans, and tour buses all fall under these categories. If you’re self-driving, ensure your vehicle is in good condition for off-road terrain, especially during the rainy season.
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.
Note: This post was updated on February 6th, 2025, to reflect that the effective park fees for Lake Nakuru National Park in 2025 are still the same as those from the 2022/23 period. The proposed 2024 price increase remains not in effect following the High Court’s ruling that blocked the changes.