{"id":1941,"date":"2025-04-22T09:12:01","date_gmt":"2025-04-22T07:12:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.etakenya.com\/article\/kenya-augmentation-des-frais-dacces-aux-parcs-nationaux\/"},"modified":"2025-04-22T09:12:01","modified_gmt":"2025-04-22T07:12:01","slug":"kenya-augmentation-des-frais-dacces-aux-parcs-nationaux","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.etakenya.com\/en\/article\/kenya-increase-in-access-fees-to-national-parks\/","title":{"rendered":"Kenya: increase in fees for access to national parks"},"content":{"rendered":"
Entering the national parks<\/strong> Kenya is about to become more expensive, with an increase in access charges planned from January 2024. This decision, taken by the government, is intended to generate more revenue for the protection<\/strong> and themaintenance<\/strong> natural areas. However, this rate increase is giving rise to serious concerns about its repercussions on the tourism sector<\/strong> and the choices of travellers wishing to discover the country's wild beauty. The new measures, including the introduction of a online payment<\/strong> In addition to the mandatory restrictions, these also make it more difficult for tourism operators to access the parks, fuelling concerns about the future of this vital industry in Kenya.<\/p>\n\n The Kenyan government recently announced an increase in entry fees for national parks, scheduled for January 2024. This decision, driven by the Kenya Wildlife Service, is intended to increase revenue for the protection and maintenance of the country's natural areas. However, there are concerns about the impact of this increase on tourism and the choices made by potential travellers.<\/p>\n\n From the beginning of 2024, the admission charges<\/strong> for Kenya's national parks will rise significantly. Kenyan adults and those from the East African Community will have to pay 14 dollars<\/strong> to access urban parks such as Nairobi National Park, whether in high or low season. Foreign visitors from the rest of Africa will be subject to a fee of 20 dollars<\/strong>while international tourists will have to pay almost 100 dollars<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n The introduction of a online payment system<\/strong> The announcement of a compulsory tourist card is also causing some frustration among tourism operators. According to Mohammed Hersi, President of the Diani Accommodation Owners Association, this new tool represents a real challenge for local businesses trying to attract an often demanding clientele. Many people have reported being blocked at the gates of the parks, unable to pay their entry fee because of this new system. <\/p>\n\n This recent rise in prices comes at a time when neighbouring countries, such as the Tanzania<\/strong>The other two countries are adopting opposite strategies by lowering their park access fees. To stimulate tourism in the region, Tanzania recently reduced fees for East African citizens, thereby leapfrogging over the competition. The increase in entry fees in Kenya could therefore lead to an increase in the number of visitors to the parks. lower attendance<\/strong> of the country's natural sites, making these destinations less attractive than their neighbours.<\/p>\n\n For example, for emblematic parks such as Amboseli and Lake Nakuru, entry fees will now be as follows: adult members of the East African Community and residents will pay 1000 KES<\/strong> (about 6 euros<\/strong>) during the high season. On the other hand, visitors from other parts of Africa and those from international destinations will have to pay respectively 50 dollars<\/strong> and 100 dollars<\/strong> during the same period. In low season, residents will pay 800 KES<\/strong> (about 4.8 euros<\/strong>) and other visitors will be charged 35 dollars<\/strong> and 80 dollars<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\nAn increase in admission prices<\/h2>\n\n
A controversial online payment system<\/h2>\n\n
A regional comparison of tariffs<\/h2>\n\n
New rates for iconic parks<\/h2>\n\n
Implications for the tourism sector<\/h2>\n\n