Planning a weekend getaway to Nairobi National Park or a trip to the Mara? Prepare to dig deeper into your pockets. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has unveiled its revised fee structure for 2026, and the cost of enjoying Kenya’s heritage has gone up.

The new rates, which KWS says are necessary to support sustainable conservation, come at a time when local tourism is struggling with the high cost of living. The fees differentiate between high season (July-December) and low season, affecting both citizens and international visitors.

The New Breakdown

• Nairobi National Park: A quick game drive in the city is no longer cheap change. The fees have been adjusted to reflect the park's premium status as the only wildlife capital in the world.
• Lake Nakuru & Amboseli: These premium parks see a hike aimed at controlling traffic and funding the fight against poaching and habitat loss.
• Maasai Mara: The jewel in the crown remains the most expensive, with rates structured to maximize revenue from the wildebeest migration season.

Value for Money?

While KWS justifies the hike as a conservation necessity, tourists have mixed feelings. "We love our parks, but KES 2,000 for a citizen is becoming a luxury," said John Omondi, a local tourist. Hoteliers are also worried that the added costs might drive domestic travelers to cheaper destinations like the Coast or Zanzibar.

However, KWS argues that the funds are critical for maintaining roads, paying rangers, and protecting endangered species like the rhino. For the conservationist, the fee is a donation to nature. For the broke Nairobi parent, it is another barrier to showing their children the beauty of their own country.