Nairobi National Park Cost: Entry Fees and Safari Budget Guide
How Much Does Nairobi National Park Cost?
Nairobi National Park is one of Africa’s most affordable national park safari experiences. The entry fee for international visitors is USD 60 per person per visit (2026 rates — verify at kws.go.ke as fees are subject to change). A complete half-day guided game drive including entry fees, a licensed guide, and transport from a central Nairobi hotel costs approximately USD 150–250 per person, depending on your guide operator. Self-drive with your own vehicle is also permitted, reducing costs to the entry fee plus your vehicle fuel.
Entry Fee Breakdown (2026)
Kenya Wildlife Service entry fees for Nairobi National Park: Non-resident adults — USD 60 per person; Non-resident children (3–18 years) — USD 35 per person; Children under 3 — free. East African Community residents pay in KSh (substantially lower rates). Vehicle entry fee: KSh 570 per vehicle. Fees are payable by M-Pesa, credit card (Visa/Mastercard), or online at kws.go.ke. Pre-booking online is recommended during peak season; for morning drives, booking the previous day avoids gate delays.
Guided Game Drive Packages: What to Expect to Pay
Nairobi-based safari operators offer several standard Nairobi National Park packages: Half-day morning game drive (6:30am–11:00am) including hotel pick-up, park entry, licensed guide, and game drive vehicle — USD 80–150 per person for groups; USD 200–350 for a private vehicle. Full-day drive (6:30am–6:00pm) including entry, guide, packed lunch, and picnic at hippo pools — USD 120–200 per person shared group; USD 300–500 for private vehicle. Self-drive entry only — USD 60 per person plus your vehicle entry fee. Quality varies significantly between operators; book through reputable Kenya safari specialists rather than informal touts at the gate.
Other Costs to Budget For
If visiting the Nairobi Safari Walk adjacent to the national park (a recommended add-on): USD 30 per person entry. Nairobi Animal Orphanage (adjacent to Main Gate): USD 20 per person. Guide tip: USD 10–20 per person for an excellent half-day guide — tip directly in cash at the end of the drive. Total budget for a half-day Nairobi National Park game drive including entry, guide, vehicle, and tip from a central Nairobi hotel: USD 180–300 per person for a guided group drive; USD 400–600 per couple for a private vehicle experience.
Is Nairobi National Park Good Value?
For the wildlife it delivers — black rhino, lion, cheetah, giraffe, buffalo, and 400+ bird species within 7 km of Africa’s fourth-largest city — Nairobi National Park is exceptional value. No other African national park delivers this combination of wildlife quality and city convenience at a comparable price point. The game drive is a practical, affordable addition to any Kenya itinerary and requires no overnight stay or additional travel day.
Enquire Now to arrange a Nairobi National Park game drive as part of your Kenya itinerary — we handle bookings, permits, and logistics from your Nairobi hotel.