Nairobi Park Entrance Fees Park Rules
Nairobi National Park Entrance Fees and Park Rules 2026: Nairobi National Park is only a short distance south of the capital city of Kenya, and it is a rare wildlife reserve with the urban skyline and the wild savannah. It provides city residents and tourists with an opportunity to view elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, rhinos, antelopes, and diverse fauna of birds, all within a few miles of the centre of Nairobi city. Due to its closeness and popularity, the park has a fixed fee system and a set of strict rules that guarantee preservation of wildlife and secure and sustainable visits.
Entrance Fees for 2026-2027
As of 2026 (according to the common practice within the Kenya Wildlife Service), Nairobi National Park is billed per visitor and per vehicle. Precise rates might be different depending on your nationality, the status of your residence, and whether you are from an East African Community (EAC) country. Although the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) issues a periodic fee schedule, the following is a sample
Visitor Type:
- Adult (24-hour) Child / Student (approximately)
- East African citizen (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan): KES 1,000-1,200 for adults and KES 500-600 for children or students
- Kenyan residents (foreigners staying in Kenya) pay ~ KES 1,500-1,800 for adults and ~ KES 750-900 for students
- Nonresident (non-EAC) Africans pay ~$35-45 for adults and ~$17-22 for children or students
- International non-resident tourists pay ~$50-60 for adults and ~$25-30 for children or students
Children below the age of 5 years are usually admitted free, particularly when they come with paying adults. These charges apply for 24 hours after entry into the country; exceeding this, you may be required to pay again.
Besides the charges on visitors, there are also fees on the entry of vehicles into the park, whether in private vehicles, tour vans, or buses, which are usually charged on a per-vehicle or per-entry/per-day basis. This is a cost that is usually included in safari tours by tour operators.
Official rates may change, so it is worth ensuring that you enquire with KWS or your tour operator about the latest official rates before travelling.
What the Entrance Fee Covers
Your entrance fee gives you:
- Access to the park for 24 hours.
- Park track (game-driving) and use of public roads within the park.
- Conservation support: ranger funds, anti-poaching patrols, waterhole maintenance and water road and infrastructure maintenance.
The ability to sightsee wildlife, birdlife and picnic/recreation sites (where permitted).
The cost, however, does not cover any additional costs like guided drives in the wilderness, hiring a personal car, accommodations (within or without the park) or special treatments such as night drives, walking safaris or camping. The latter are extra expenses, and they are normally factored by the tour operators or lodges.

Major Rules and Regulations (2026-2027) for those visiting the Nairobi National Park.
Due to Nairobi being nearby and the fact that the park is usually active, KWS has a set of rules to ensure the protection of wildlife and the safety of the visitors, as well as to safeguard the natural environment in the park. The visitor measures that will be of utmost importance in 2026-2027:
a) Vehicles & Driving Rules
- Vehicles must be authorised (have a valid entry vehicle permit) only; 4×4 or high-clearance vehicles are usually suggested.
- Speed limits are in effect; speed limits are usually 30-40 km/h, or what is posted on the park roads; this decreases danger to wildlife.
- No marked roads or tracks left. To prevent the destruction of habitats, off-road driving is not allowed.
- No driving after sunset or before dawn unless on an authorised night drive; much of the park is shut down after the sun goes down.
b) Wildlife Viewing & Behaviour
- Always keep it in your car except when in a special picnic/recreation site.
- Do not feed, bother or follow up animals. Always maintain a distance between yourselves.
- Keep low tones of voice; keep noises to a minimum; no honking; animals are likely to panic when there is a sudden noise.
- Keep the place clean; pick up what you put in; use proper containers where possible.
c) Picnicking/Recreation Areas.
- Picnic areas should be eaten in and rested on specially designated areas.
- Most fires are not supposed to be lit, unless in special fire-safe areas; it is always good to check the existing restrictions.
- Respect put down regulations concerning garbage disposal, water consumption, and visitor behaviour.
d) Environmental Protection and Conservation.
- No logging, clearing of vegetation or natural disturbance.
- No illegal contact with animals; no petting, no purchase of so-called wildlife souvenirs, no exploitation.
- Stay within the boundaries of the park areas; do not walk or drive into restricted areas, ranger stations or wild animal areas without authorisation.
e) Documentation & Permits
- All guests are expected to have a valid ID or a passport (particularly foreigners).
- The receipt of vehicle permits and entry should be retained and produced upon demand.
- When on a tour or safari lodge, make sure that your operator deals with official permits and does it well.
f) Safety & Health
- Never drive into bushes and off-road routes; there are chances of getting stuck or damaging the car.
- Follow seasonal regulations; some roads are closed during rainy seasons because of flooding or mud.
- Watch out for road crossings with wildlife; animals can suddenly appear at waterholes or in places where wildlife is known to cross.
New Policy and Fee Generations (2026 Background)
KWS has made recent reviews and periodically increased the entrance fees to most parks, including the Nairobi National Park, usually to reflect inflation and conservation expenses and increased maintenance demands.
Due to these periodical reviews, you must ensure that the traveller consults the revised rates on the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) website or trusted travel agents just before the visit. There will be minor changes in shilling rates (to locals) or dollar equivalents (to foreigners).
Similarly, the rules of the parks can be changed, such as the banning of certain types of vehicles, noise, or the manner of visitors, so it is advisable to be provided with a copy of the official Visitor Code of Conduct, which is located in KWS on a downloadable file.
Conclusion
Nairobi National Park bills per visitor and per vehicle. Although the costs are different depending on your nationality, the status of your residence, and whether you are from an East African Community (EAC) country. Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) issues periodic fee schedules.
