Aberdare National Park fees at a glance
Aberdare National Park fees follow the Kenya Wildlife Service tariff in force since 1 October 2025. Entry is charged per person, and a vehicle fee is added per day. The price depends on your category: East African citizen, Kenya resident, African citizen from outside East Africa or non-resident. There is no separate high-season price for Aberdare in the current tariff.
A day ticket gives one entry and is valid for up to 24 hours. It is not a re-entry pass. Children up to 5 years enter free, and the child price applies from 6 to 17 years. Online payment can add gateway and card charges, so the amount at checkout is higher than the tariff in the tables below.
Our picks: tours with the park entry in the price
These three tours have the park fees covered, so you do not pay the gate separately. For most visitors the day excursion is the simple choice, the camping trip suits two days at the falls, and the summit hike is for walkers who want Mount Satima.
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.
Two-day camping trip to the waterfalls
- All park fees included
- Camping gear included
- Karuru and Chania Falls
Two days of camping with the Karuru and Chania Falls on the route. Binoculars, picnic lunches, dinner and breakfast are part of the trip.
Check availability →
Mount Satima summit hike via Dragon's Teeth
- Park fees included
- Guided summit hike
- Pickup and return
A twelve-hour day that climbs to the top of Mount Satima on the Dragon's Teeth trail. The park fees are already in the price.
Check availability →
Aberdare day excursion from Nairobi
- National park fees included
- Game drive
- Waterfalls on the route
A full day out from Nairobi with a game drive in the park and the waterfalls on the itinerary, led by a driver-guide.
Check availability →Aberdare tours with park entry
Day trips and safaris to the Aberdares. Check each tour to see whether park fees are included before you compare prices.
Aberdare National Park entry fee by category
Prices per person for one day in 2026. Child and student prices are in the right column.
| Category | Adult | Child or eligible student |
|---|---|---|
| Non-resident | $70 | $40 |
| African citizen from outside East Africa | $40 | $20 |
| Kenya resident | KES 1,100 | KES 675 |
| East African citizen, including Kenya | KES 800 | KES 500 |
Carry valid ID for the gate. The resident rate needs valid Kenyan status, and a long holiday stay does not count. Students must be 23 or younger and on an organized educational visit from a recognized institution, so an ordinary student card on a private safari is not enough. Kenyan citizens aged 70 and over, people with disabilities and registered tour staff are exempt under the conditions of the rules. If you are unsure which East African category applies to your passport, ask when you pay.
Vehicle fees and extras
Charged on top of entry, in Kenyan shillings (KES) unless marked.
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Vehicle with fewer than 6 seats, per day | KES 600 |
| Vehicle with 6 to 12 seats, per day | KES 1,500 |
| Vehicle with 13 to 24 seats, per day | KES 3,000 |
| Vehicle with 25 to 44 seats, per day | KES 4,500 |
| Vehicle with 45 seats or more, per day | KES 5,000 |
| Night game drive, East African citizen or resident | KES 3,000 |
| Night game drive, African citizen or non-resident | $50 |
| Ranger security escort, up to 4 hours | KES 2,000 |
| Ranger security escort, over 4 hours | KES 4,000 |
| Special camp reservation, per week, not refundable | KES 10,000 |
The ranger escort for walks is charged per group or per ranger, with at least 2 rangers, so confirm the total in advance. A night drive tariff exists, but that does not mean a night drive runs every day, so ask your operator. No extra parking fee applies for Aberdare.
Camping fees per person
Camping is charged per person, on top of entry. Aberdare falls under the group of other parks. Public camps are Reedbuck on the moorland and Ruhuruini. Figures are adult first, then child or eligible student.
| Category | Public camp | Special camp |
|---|---|---|
| Non-resident | $20 / $15 | $35 / $20 |
| African citizen | $10 / $8 | $20 / $10 |
| Kenya resident | KES 300 / KES 200 | KES 350 / KES 250 |
| East African citizen | KES 200 / KES 150 | KES 250 / KES 200 |
For lodges and other places to sleep, see where to stay.
Gates and how to pay
The park has eight gates: Ark, Treetops, Kiandongoro, Mutubio, Rhino, Ruhuruini, Shamata and Wandare. Gates are open from 06:00 to 18:00, and only overnight guests have an exception to those hours. There is no general permission to drive in the park at night. Which gate is staffed on your day can change, so confirm your gate with KWS before you drive. Roads from Nairobi are covered on the getting there page.
Self-organized visitors pay through KWSPay and eCitizen. Accepted methods include M-Pesa, Visa and bank transfer.
For most overseas visitors on a one-day trip, plan for $70 per adult and $40 per child aged 6 to 17, plus KES 600 per day for a car or van with fewer than 6 seats. The vehicle fee is per vehicle, not per person. Add the extras above only if you use them.
Aberdare fees: frequently asked questions
Is the Aberdare entry fee per day or per visit?
Per visit. The daily fee covers one entry within 24 hours. If you leave and come back later, ask at the gate whether a new fee applies.
Do children pay?
Children up to and including 5 years enter free. From 6 to 17 years the child price applies: $40 for non-residents and KES 500 for East African citizens.
Can I pay at the gate in cash?
Plan for electronic payment. Self-organized visitors pay through KWSPay and eCitizen, which accept M-Pesa, Visa and bank transfer. Check the current payment options before you travel.
Does the entry fee include a vehicle?
No. The vehicle fee is separate and is charged per day by seat count. If you join a tour, check whether park fees are included in the price.
Where can I read more about the waterfalls and safari options?
See the pages on the waterfalls and Aberdare safaris for what your entry covers on a visit.
Is this the official KWS fee page?
No. This is an independent travel guide with no link to the Kenya Wildlife Service, Nyeri County or any tour operator. Always confirm the final amount at payment.