Amboseli National Park is one of Kenya’s most spectacular wildlife destinations, famous for its towering views of Mount Kilimanjaro, large elephant herds, and wetland ecosystems. Entry to the park is governed by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) regulations.
While KWS proposed new rates for 2024, a 2024 High Court ruling blocked the increase, citing lack of public participation. As a result, the 2022/23 rates remain in effect throughout 2025.
🎟️ 1. Amboseli Park Entry Fees (Per Person, Per 24-Hour Period)
| Category | Adult | Child (3–17 yrs) |
|---|---|---|
| Citizen (Kenyan) | KES 860 | KES 215 |
| Resident | KES 860 | KES 215 |
| Non-Resident | USD 60 | USD 35 |
💡 Children under 3 years: Free entry
🧾 Valid ID or passport required at the gate. Kenyan citizens must show National ID, while residents must provide valid residency documents.
🚐 2. Vehicle Entry Fees (Per Day)
| Vehicle Type | Fee (KES) |
|---|---|
| Motorcycles | 215 |
| Saloon car / Safari car (<6 seats) | 300 |
| Van / Minibus (6–12 seats) | 1,030 |
| Tour Bus (13–24 seats) | 2,585 |
| Medium Bus (25–44 seats) | 4,050 |
| Large Bus (45+ seats) | 5,000 |
⚠️ Note: Only 4WD safari-modified vehicles are allowed inside Amboseli National Park.
Standard 4WD vehicles without pop-up roofs or modifications may be denied entry.
👮 3. Guided Tour / Security Escort Charges
| Duration | Fee (KES) |
|---|---|
| Up to 4 hours | 1,720 |
| Over 4 hours | 3,015 |
🛡️ This is applicable if you request a KWS ranger or armed escort for walking tours, sensitive areas, or safety-related excursions.
💳 4. Payment Methods
All payments are cashless. Entry must be paid via:
- eCitizen portal: https://kws.ecitizen.go.ke/
- MPesa (Paybill 222222)
- Debit/Credit Cards
- Bank Transfers (RTGS, EFT)
💡 Tickets are valid for 24 hours, no re-entry allowed unless staying inside the park.
🗓️ 5. 2024 Proposal vs. 2025 Reality (Blocked by Court)
In 2023, KWS had proposed a seasonal pricing model to take effect in January 2024, with significantly higher fees for international tourists during high season. However, following a lawsuit, the High Court ruled against the fee hike, noting that public participation and stakeholder engagement were not adequately conducted.
❌ Proposed High Season Fees (Jan–Mar, Jul–Dec 2024) – BLOCKED
| Category | Adult | Child/Student |
|---|---|---|
| EAC Citizen / Resident | KES 1,000 | KES 500 |
| Rest of Africa (Non-EAC) | USD 50 | USD 20 |
| International (Non-African) | USD 100 | USD 35 |
❌ Proposed Low Season Fees (Apr–Jun 2024) – BLOCKED
| Category | Adult | Child/Student |
|---|---|---|
| EAC Citizen / Resident | KES 800 | KES 250 |
| Rest of Africa (Non-EAC) | USD 35 | USD 10 |
| International (Non-African) | USD 80 | USD 20 |
✅ These rates are not in effect in 2025 – the park continues to operate under the 2022/23 KWS rates.
👨👩👧👦 6. Children, Students, and School Groups
- Children under 3: Free entry
- Children (3–17): Reduced rate based on category
- Students: Must present an official institution letter and visit as part of an organized educational tour.
- School groups: Must be pre-approved by KWS for student rates to apply.
🕘 7. Park Hours
- Open daily: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- No night game drives allowed in the main park
- Visitors must exit the park by 6:00 PM unless staying inside the park at a lodge or camp
🧠 Visitor Tips
- If staying outside Amboseli Park (e.g. Kimana Gate, Elerai, Tulia), daily re-entry fees apply
- Carry identification (ID or passport) matching your booking
- Book park entry online before travel to avoid queues or delays
- Download your eCitizen receipt and show it at the gate for scanning
- Amboseli is busiest July–October. Book early for peak season!
Amboseli National Park Fees – Proposed vs. Current (2025)
✅ Current Fees (2022/23 – Still in Effect in 2025)
| Category | Adult | Child (3–17 yrs) |
|---|---|---|
| Citizen/Resident | KES 860 | KES 215 |
| Non-Resident | USD 60 | USD 35 |
- Vehicle (Under 6 seats): KES 300
- Security Escort: KES 1,720 (up to 4 hrs) / KES 3,015 (over 4 hrs)
❌ Proposed 2024 Fees (Blocked by High Court)
| Category | High Season Adult | High Season Child |
|---|---|---|
| Citizen/Resident | KES 1,000 | KES 500 |
| Rest of Africa (new) | USD 50 | USD 20 |
| Non-Resident (Intl) | USD 100 | USD 35 |
- Low Season proposed small discounts for citizens (KES 800) but raised international fees (USD 80 adult).
📈 Key Differences
- Non-residents: Would have paid 66% more (USD 100 vs. 60)
- Kenyan children: Fee would have more than doubled
- New pricing tiers: Introduced “Rest of Africa” category
- Court ruling: Blocked increase due to lack of public participation
🧠 Impact Summary
| Affected Group | Impact |
|---|---|
| Local Families | Heavier burden on school trips and families |
| Budget Tourists | Steeper trip costs ($100–300 more) |
| International Tourists | 66% higher park entry fee |
| Luxury Travelers | Minimal impact relative to package value |
⚖️ Verdict
The proposed model aimed to boost revenue and manage tourism flow but was overturned for procedural issues. As a result, Amboseli remains highly accessible in 2025, especially for Kenyan citizens and residents.