Official KWS Rates (Effective October 2025) + Expert Cost Guide, Comparisons, and Planning Tips
Amboseli National Park is one of Kenya’s most iconic safari destinations, famous for its large elephant herds, wetlands, and Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop. It is also classified as a Premium Park by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), which places it in a higher pricing tier than parks like Tsavo East, Tsavo West, or Nairobi National Park.
If you are planning a Masai Mara + Amboseli safari, understanding the exact entry fee structure for 2026 travel is essential. Amboseli is not priced like an “add-on park”—it is priced as a flagship conservation area with higher management and protection costs.
This guide explains:
- The current Amboseli entry fees for 2026 by visitor category
- How daily tickets work
- Who qualifies for child, student, resident, and exemption rates
- Camping and package fees that affect budgets
- And an expert analysis of how and why fees increased compared to the 2022–2023 schedule
How Amboseli National Park Entry Fees Work
- Entry fees are charged per person, per day.
- A “day” ticket is valid for one access and up to 24 hours.
- If your visit exceeds that window, you should budget for another day.
- Rates vary by visitor category:
- East African Citizen
- Kenya Resident
- African Citizen (non–East African)
- Non-Resident (international visitor)
- Children, students, and certain groups qualify for reduced or zero fees.
New KWS Park Fees for Amboseli National Park in 2026
In 2026, Amboseli National Park is firmly positioned as a premium, high-investment conservation area with clearly tiered pricing: non-residents pay USD 90 per adult per day (USD 45 for children/students), African citizens pay USD 50 (USD 25 for children/students), Kenya residents pay KES 2,025 (KES 1,050 for children/students), and East African citizens pay KES 1,500 (KES 750 for children/students).
This structure shows a deliberate policy choice to keep access most affordable for citizens while asking international visitors to shoulder a larger share of conservation costs, especially elephant protection and wetland management. Analytically, the shift is significant: non-residents moved from about USD 60 in 2023 to USD 90 in 2026—a 50% increase, while local rates were rebased from roughly KES 860 to KES 1,500 for citizens (about +74%) and to KES 2,025 for residents (well over double).
This isn’t a routine inflation adjustment; it’s a structural repricing that signals Amboseli’s transition from a relatively affordable flagship park to a high-value, cost-reflective conservation destination, where higher fees are intended to fund intensive management in a small, high-pressure ecosystem while still preserving preferential access for locals and regional travelers.
Amboseli National Park entry fees 2026 (per person, per day)
| Visitor Category | Currency | Adult | Child / Student |
|---|---|---|---|
| East African Citizen | KES | 1,500 | 750 |
| Kenya Resident | KES | 2,025 | 1,050 |
| African Citizen (non–East African) | USD | 50 | 25 |
| Non-Resident (International) | USD | 90 | 45 |
Amboseli National Park Entry Fees for East African Citizens (2026)
| Visitor Type | Adult (KES) | Child / Student (KES) |
|---|---|---|
| East African Citizen | 1,500 | 750 |
Expert summary (cost perspective):
For East African citizens, Amboseli remains excellent value for a premium park. You get access to one of Kenya’s top elephant ecosystems at a price far below what international visitors pay, even after the recent increase.
Amboseli National Park Entry Fees for Kenya Residents (2026)
| Visitor Type | Adult (KES) | Child / Student (KES) |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya Resident | 2,025 | 1,050 |
Expert summary (cost perspective):
Residents now sit in a clear middle tier—paying more than citizens, but still far less than non-residents. This reflects a policy shift toward more cost-reflective pricing while still keeping parks relatively accessible to people living in Kenya.
Amboseli National Park Entry Fees for African Citizens (Non–East African) (2026)
| Visitor Type | Adult (USD) | Child / Student (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| African Citizen | 50 | 25 |
Expert summary (cost perspective):
This category creates a new middle ground between local and global pricing. It makes Amboseli more accessible to African travelers outside East Africa, while still recognizing the higher conservation and management costs of a premium park.
Amboseli National Park Entry Fees for Non-Residents (International Visitors) (2026)
| Visitor Type | Adult (USD) | Child / Student (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Resident | 90 | 45 |
Expert summary (cost perspective):
Non-residents remain the primary cross-subsidy group for conservation. At USD 90 per adult per day, Amboseli is firmly positioned as a high-value, flagship safari park, comparable in pricing tier to Lake Nakuru.
Who Counts as an Adult, Child, or Student?
- Child: From 5 years old up to (but not including) 18 years
- Student: Up to 23 years old, visiting under an organized educational program
- Adult: Anyone who does not qualify as a child or student
Who Is Exempt from Paying Entry Fees?
- Kenyan citizens aged 70 years and above
- Persons with disabilities
- Children aged 5 years and under
- Registered tour drivers, guides, crew, and porters on duty
Camping in Amboseli: Special Campsite Fees (2026)
If you are doing a camping safari or a budget circuit (for example, Masai Mara + Amboseli), campsite fees are an important part of the total cost.
Special Campsites in Amboseli (Premium Park Rates)
| Visitor Category | Adult | Child / Student |
|---|---|---|
| East African Citizen (KES) | 500 | 250 |
| Kenya Resident (KES) | 700 | 350 |
| Non-Resident (USD) | 50 | 25 |
| African Citizen (USD) | 25 | 15 |
There is also a separate campsite reservation fee charged per week, which is non-refundable.
Expert tip: Special campsites are best for groups, film crews, or travelers who need privacy or a specific location. For most visitors, public campsites or lodges provide better value and simpler logistics.
Amboseli Combination Packages (Useful for Southern Kenya Circuits)
These packages are relevant if you are combining Tsavo and Amboseli as a southern extension to your safari.
Tsavo West + Amboseli Package
| Visitor Category | Adult | Child / Student |
|---|---|---|
| East African Citizen (KES) | 2,200 | 1,100 |
| Kenya Resident (KES) | 2,900 | 1,550 |
| Non-Resident (USD) | 150 | 80 |
| African Citizen (USD) | 80 | 45 |
Tsavo East + Tsavo West + Amboseli Package
| Visitor Category | Adult | Child / Student |
|---|---|---|
| East African Citizen (KES) | 3,000 | 1,500 |
| Kenya Resident (KES) | 4,000 | 2,150 |
| Non-Resident (USD) | 215 | 115 |
| African Citizen (USD) | 115 | 60 |
Important for Masai Mara travelers: These packages do not include Masai Mara entry fees. The Mara is managed separately by the county, so its fees are always paid separately.
How 2026 Fees Compare to the 2022–2023 Schedule (Expert Analysis)
The 2026 rates represent a structural increase, not just a small inflation adjustment.
For Citizens and Residents
- In 2022–2023, Premium Park adult fees for locals were around KES 860.
- In 2026, this is now KES 1,500 for citizens and KES 2,025 for residents.
- That’s roughly:
- +74% for citizens (860 → 1,500)
- +135% for residents (860 → 2,025)
What this means:
KWS has re-based local pricing to better reflect real conservation and management costs, especially in high-pressure parks like Amboseli.
For Non-Residents
- In 2022–2023, non-resident adult fees for Premium Parks were USD 60.
- In 2026, this is now USD 90.
- That’s a 50% increase.
What this means:
Amboseli is being positioned more clearly as a premium, high-investment conservation area, where international visitors contribute a larger share of funding for elephant protection, wetland management, and park operations.
New and Clearer Pricing Tiers
- The introduction of a distinct African Citizen rate creates a new middle tier.
- The clearer split between citizens and residents signals a move toward more nuanced, policy-driven pricing rather than a single “local” rate.
Why Amboseli Is Priced as a Premium Park
Amboseli’s costs are higher because:
- It protects one of Kenya’s most important elephant populations
- It includes fragile wetlands and swamps that require active management
- It faces heavy tourism pressure in a relatively small ecosystem
- Security, monitoring, and habitat management costs per square kilometer are high
In short, you are paying for intensive conservation, not just access.
How Many Days Should You Budget for in Amboseli?
From an expert itinerary-planning perspective:
- 1 day: Enough for a short elephant-focused visit if time or budget is tight.
- 2 days (recommended): The best balance—two light cycles, better chances of clear Kilimanjaro views, and more relaxed wildlife viewing.
- 3+ days: Best for photographers, elephant behavior enthusiasts, or travelers focusing on wetlands and marsh ecology.
For most people combining Masai Mara + Amboseli, two days in Amboseli delivers the best value per dollar or shilling spent.
Common Mistakes When Budgeting for Amboseli Entry Fees
- Forgetting that fees are per person, per day
- Ignoring camping or accommodation-related park fees
- Assuming a Tsavo + Amboseli package includes the Masai Mara
- Over-allocating days to Amboseli when 1–2 days would achieve the experience you want.
Is Amboseli Worth the Higher Entry Fee in 2026?
Yes—if you want contrast, not duplication.
- The Masai Mara offers predators, open plains, and migration dynamics.
- Amboseli offers elephants, wetlands, dramatic light, and mountain scenery.
The higher 2026 fee reflects Amboseli’s role as a high-cost, high-value conservation landscape. If you plan it well—especially as a 2-day add-on to the Mara—it remains one of the most rewarding and distinctive safari experiences in Kenya.
Comparing Amboseli NP entry fees vs Masai Mara entry fees (2026) for MasaiMara.ke readers
When planning a combined Masai Mara + Amboseli safari, understanding the difference in entry fees between the two parks is key to budgeting accurately. Amboseli National Park (a Kenya Wildlife Service–managed “Premium Park”) and Masai Mara National Reserve (managed by Narok County) use very different fee structures and pricing policies in 2026.
Amboseli National Park charges a flat conservation fee year-round based on the visitor’s category. In contrast, Masai Mara’s entry fees are seasonal and significantly higher, especially for international visitors.
Below is an expert comparison of standard adult and child entry fees you would pay for each park in 2026.
Entry fee comparison — Amboseli NP vs Masai Mara NR (per person, per day)
| Visitor Category | Amboseli National Park (2026) | Masai Mara National Reserve (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Resident (International) – Adult | USD 90 | USD 100 – 200 (low / high season) |
| Non-Resident (International) – Child (9–17 yrs) | USD 45 | USD 50 |
| African Citizen (Non–EAC) – Adult | USD 50 | Not separately defined, common rates converted |
| Kenya Resident – Adult | KES 2,025 | KES 1,000 – 3,000 (Narok / Kenyan citizen, low / high) |
| East African Citizen – Adult | — (same as non-resident or local partner in Amboseli) | KES 2,500 – 5,000 (East African resident, low / high) |
Key takeaways for combined safari planning
1. Amboseli is consistently cheaper for international visitors year-round.
Amboseli’s USD 90 adult rate is fixed throughout the year and applies whether or not you stay overnight. In contrast, the Masai Mara doubles its non-resident fee from about USD 100 in low season to USD 200 in high season. This makes the Mara significantly more expensive during peak periods (July–December).
2. Child rates are comparable but still higher in the Mara.
Children aged 9–17 typically pay about USD 50 in the Mara, slightly above Amboseli’s USD 45. Young children (below ~8–9 years) often enter Masai Mara free.
3. Local and regional pricing structures differ sharply.
Kenyan citizens and Narok County residents enjoy steep discounts in the Mara (KEN KSH 1,000 – 3,000 depending on season), while Amboseli’s citizen/resident pricing (KES 1,500 – 2,025) is flat year-round. East African residents pay a premium in the Mara (KES 2,500 – 5,000) that doesn’t have a direct counterpart in Amboseli’s structure, which groups regional visitors differently.
4. Masai Mara’s seasonal pricing adds budget impact.
Because the Mara’s fees change with the season, your total ticket cost depends on your travel dates. If your itinerary overlaps high season, expect the reserve’s entry fees to be a larger portion of your overall safari budget than Amboseli’s stable fee.
Expert perspective
From a cost perspective, Amboseli offers predictability and lower per-day entry fees for international travelers compared to Masai Mara, especially in high season. The Mara’s USD 200 adult rate during peak months can nearly double the park cost per day, which should be factored into any combined itinerary. Even when local or resident rates are compared, Amboseli’s flat structure means fewer surprises and simpler budgeting. Meanwhile, the Masai Mara’s tiered, seasonally dynamic pricing reflects its global marquee status and demand pressure, particularly around the Great Migration months.
For people combining Amboseli and Masai Mara, a helpful rule of thumb is:
- Budget Masai Mara as the cost driver (especially in high season), and
- Use Amboseli’s stable fees as a predictable add-on cost in your overall safari plan.
How to buy Amboseli National Park tickets in 2026
Amboseli National Park uses a cashless, account-based ticketing system managed by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). In practice, this means you should plan and pay before you reach the gate to avoid delays, pricing mistakes, or last-minute connectivity issues in the field.
1) Buy online in advance (recommended for almost everyone)
The most reliable method is to purchase your tickets through the official KWS eCitizen/online ticketing portal(KWS Pay) using a card or mobile money. You’ll select:
- The park (Amboseli National Park)
- Your visitor category (East African citizen, Kenya resident, African citizen, or non-resident)
- The number of days (remember: fees are per person, per day)
- The number of adults and children/students
After payment, you receive a digital ticket/QR code that is scanned at the gate. This is faster, avoids cash handling, and ensures you’re charged the correct official rate for your category.
Expert tip: Buy your tickets the day before or earlier, especially if you’re driving from the Masai Mara, Tsavo, or Nairobi. Mobile networks around Amboseli can be patchy, and you don’t want to be troubleshooting payments at the gate.
2) Through your tour operator or lodge (best for packaged safaris)
If you’re traveling with a tour company, safari operator, or staying at a lodge that includes park fees, they usually:
- Purchase the tickets on your behalf
- Bundle the cost into your safari package
- Handle the correct visitor category and number of days
This is the simplest option if you’re doing a combined itinerary (for example, Masai Mara + Amboseli), because it reduces admin and avoids category or date mistakes.
Expert tip: Always ask your operator to confirm in writing how many park days are included (e.g., “2 days in Amboseli”) so you don’t accidentally pay twice or underpay and get stopped at the gate.
3) Buying at the gate (not ideal, but possible)
Amboseli gates are cashless. If you arrive without a ticket, you’ll still be directed to:
- Use the online payment system on your phone, or
- Pay via card/mobile money at the gate system (subject to network and system availability)
Expert warning: This is the slowest and riskiest option, especially in peak season or if the network is down. It’s much better to arrive with a pre-paid ticket or confirmation from your operator.
4) What documents you may need
Depending on your category, carry:
- ID or passport (for all visitors)
- Resident permit (if paying Kenya Resident rates)
- Student ID and letter (if using student rates under an organized visit)
Gate staff can and do verify eligibility for discounted categories. If you can’t prove your status, you may be required to pay the higher category rate.
5) How to choose the correct number of days
Remember:
- A ticket is valid for one entry and up to 24 hours.
- If your visit crosses beyond that window, you’ll need another day’s ticket.
- For most travelers, 2 days in Amboseli is the sweet spot: it gives you two light cycles for elephants and a better chance of clear Kilimanjaro views.
Expert planning tip: If you’re entering late afternoon and leaving early the next morning, confirm with your operator or KWS staff whether that counts as one day or two under your exact entry/exit times—this can save or cost you a full extra day’s fee.
In short:
- Best option: Buy online in advance or let your tour operator handle it.
- Avoid: Turning up without a ticket and hoping the system works at the gate.
- Always: Bring the right ID for your fee category and confirm how many park days you’re paying for.
Handled properly, buying Amboseli tickets is straightforward—and doing it right in advance saves time, money, and stress on safari day.
