The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has reported a strong turnout at national parks and reserves during the December 2025 festive period, with more than 300,000 visitors recorded countrywide.
In a statement, KWS said the figures highlight the growing popularity of domestic tourism alongside sustained international interest in Kenya’s wildlife attractions.
Data from the agency shows that 231,000 Kenyan citizens and residents visited parks during the holiday season, reinforcing the role of local tourists as the backbone of the tourism sector. A further 82,500 non-resident visitors also toured the parks, underscoring Kenya’s continued appeal as a premier global safari destination.
The increase in visitor numbers was registered during the “Jiachilie in Kenya Parks” festive campaign, which encouraged Kenyans and international travellers to explore protected areas as part of end-of-year celebrations.
According to KWS, the performance aligns with the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife’s target of attracting five million visitors annually by 2028.
“As we conclude the festive season, we are grateful to every visitor who chose Kenya Parks. Domestic tourists remain the foundation of our tourism industry, while international guests continue to enhance our global standing,” KWS said.
Looking ahead to 2026, the agency announced plans to improve visitor experiences, enhance access to parks, and strengthen conservation efforts, while encouraging more Kenyans to take advantage of park offerings. KWS also reiterated the importance of responsible tourism, urging visitors to protect wildlife and support conservation initiatives.
To boost accessibility during the holidays, KWS reintroduced its bus shuttle service, offering affordable transport to selected national parks on weekends and public holidays. The service ran from December 20 throughout the festive season as part of the Jiachilie in Kenya Parks campaign.
Meanwhile, KWS noted that new conservation fees came into effect on October 1 following parliamentary approval of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Regulations 2025 on September 25. The revised fees apply to national parks, reserves and sanctuaries across the country.
KWS Director General Erastus Kanga said arrangements were made to accommodate visitors who had already booked and paid for park visits through the eCitizen platform before the announcement.
According to the agency, this marked the first comprehensive review of conservation fees in 18 years, despite rising operational costs and the need to expand tourism infrastructure.
The revised fee structure categorises visitors as East African citizens, Kenyan residents, non-residents, and African citizens from other countries, with charges varying by park.
Under the new rates, entry to Amboseli and Lake Nakuru National Parks costs Sh1,500 for East African citizens, Sh2,025 for residents, USD 90 for non-residents and USD 50 for African citizens.
Access to Nairobi National Park is charged at Sh1,000 for East African citizens, Sh1,350 for residents, USD 80 for non-residents and USD 40 for African citizens.
A special Nairobi package covering Nairobi National Park, the Nairobi Animal Orphanage and the Nairobi Safari Walk costs Sh1,300 for East African citizens, Sh1,750 for residents, USD 105 for non-residents and USD 55 for African citizens.
