Mount Kenya National Park entry fee
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) publishes daily conservation fees for the park. Since 1 October 2025 the schedule has four groups: Kenyan and EAC citizens, Kenya residents, other African citizens and non-residents. Non-residents pay in US dollars, and citizens and residents pay in Kenyan shillings (KES).
A daily fee covers one entry of up to 24 hours. You cannot leave and re-enter as you like within that day. The gates are open from 06:00 to 18:00. The Mount Kenya line of the schedule has no separate high-season and low-season prices. Fees for a multi-day Mount Kenya trek are built from the number of days in the park plus nights for camping or huts.
Mount Kenya park fees 2026 by category
Per person and per day, from the KWS schedule of October 2025. Camping is charged per person.
| Visitor category | Adult entry | Child or student | Public camping (adult / child) | Special camping (adult / child) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-resident | $70 | $35 | $20 / $15 | $35 / $20 |
| Other African citizen | $30 | $15 | $10 / $8 | $20 / $10 |
| Kenya resident | KES 1,100 | KES 550 | KES 300 / KES 200 | KES 350 / KES 250 |
| Kenyan or EAC citizen | KES 800 | KES 400 | KES 200 / KES 150 | KES 250 / KES 200 |
Special campsites also carry a non-refundable booking fee of KES 10,000 per week. Mount Kenya has no extra flat climbing permit. For most visitors from abroad, the non-resident row applies: $70 per adult per day plus camping.
Our pick: a trek with the park fees settled
All park entries and taxes are in the price of this five-day trek, so you know the park costs before you go.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Mount Kenya treks and tours
Guided treks and day trips that handle park entry and logistics, with current prices and availability.
Mount Kenya National Park entry fee: who pays what
Exemptions, students and vehicles.
Exemptions
The regulation exempts Kenyan citizens aged 70 or over, people with disabilities and children aged 5 and under. Registered drivers, guides and porters are also exempt from conservation fees. This does not cover every extra service.
Student rate
The student rate applies up to age 23, with a recognised educational institution and a documented, organised educational visit. A general student card alone is not enough. ID and residence proof are requested.
Vehicles, per day
Under 6 seats: KES 600. Six to 12 seats: KES 1,500. Thirteen to 24: KES 3,000. Twenty-five to 44: KES 4,500. From 45 seats: KES 5,000.
Ranger tours
Security guided tours cost KES 2,000 per ranger for up to 4 hours and KES 4,000 beyond that, with at least 2 rangers. This is not a fee for a trekking guide, and you do not have to book two rangers for every trek.
Guides, porters and camping rules
What the park asks of you on top of the fee.
The park asks every visitor to use a qualified, certified guide. A porter is a separate choice. A porter carries at most 25 kg. Public campsites need no advance booking, but private huts, bandas and special campsites are different. Register when you enter and leave the park, carry out your rubbish, and leave single-use plastic water bottles at home.
A guide and a porter are paid by you or by your operator and are not part of the park fee. Ask your operator for a written list of what the price includes. See the huts, camps and lodges page for places to sleep.
Before you pay: a short checklist
Five things that change the amount.
Your category
Citizens, residents and non-residents pay different rates. Bring the identity or residence proof the category needs.
Number of days
A fee covers one entry of up to 24 hours. A multi-day trek counts each day in the park.
Type of camping
Public and special campsites have different rates, and special sites add a booking fee.
Children and students
Check the age and the proof for the lower rate. Children aged 5 and under are exempt.
Vehicle
A car, minibus or bus pays a separate daily vehicle fee by seat count.
How to pay and what to check
Payment is cashless.
KWS accepts payment through KWSPay on eCitizen, M-Pesa, Visa and direct bank transfer. Confirm the payment method and any card charges before you travel.
The fee schedule has applied since October 2025. The total shown at payment is the amount that counts, so check it before you go. Older multi-day mountain packages are not part of the current schedule.
If you compare the park fee with another climb, Kilimanjaro National Park has its own guide, and the Mount Kenya or Kilimanjaro page sets the two side by side. For route plans, see Mount Kenya routes.
Mount Kenya park fees: frequently asked questions
How much is the Mount Kenya National Park entry fee?
An adult non-resident pays $70 per day and a child $35. A Kenya resident pays KES 1,100 and a Kenyan or EAC citizen KES 800 for an adult.
Is there a separate climbing fee?
No. Mount Kenya has no flat extra climbing permit. Costs come from the number of days in the park, camping and your package.
Does the fee cover a guide?
No. A guide is expected, but the guide and any porter are paid separately or are part of your operator's package.
Can I pay in cash at the gate?
Payment is cashless. Use KWSPay on eCitizen, M-Pesa, Visa or a bank transfer.
Do children pay?
Children aged 5 and under are exempt. Older children and students pay the lower rate, for example $35 for a non-resident child.