Nestled within Kenya’s central highlands, the Aberdare National Park is renowned for its mist-shrouded forests, thundering waterfalls, montane wildlife, and unique elevated lodges that allow guests to observe elephants and leopards from the comfort of their decks. It’s a park that blends raw wilderness with historic charm, famously visited by Queen Elizabeth II in 1952 when she learned of her father’s passing — transforming her into a queen overnight.
With the new KWS tariff effective October 1, 2025, Aberdare National Park underwent its first major rate adjustment in nearly two decades, introducing a standardized 24-hour entry system across all KWS-managed parks. The update aims to harmonize park fees, strengthen conservation funding, and align Kenya’s protected area pricing with international benchmarks.
For Kenyan and East African citizens, entry fees rose from KES 400 to KES 800 — a 100% increase. Kenya residents with valid work permits saw rates increase from KES 600 to KES 1,100 (+83%), while non-resident international visitors now pay USD 70, up from USD 50, reflecting a 40% rise.
Despite these increases, Aberdare remains one of Kenya’s most affordable high-altitude wilderness parks, offering a rare combination of rainforest safaris, trout fishing, scenic hiking trails, and luxury tree-lodge stays.
The park is categorized as a “Wilderness A Park” in the 2025 KWS tariff — the same tier as Tsavo East, Tsavo West, and Mount Kenya — signifying its ecological importance and high conservation value. The new rates were gazetted in late September 2025 and took effect on October 1, but a temporary suspension was issued on October 2, 2025, following a Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF) petition. The court ruling is expected on November 25, 2025.
1️⃣ Current Aberdare National Park Entry Fees (2025)
| Visitor Category | Adult (24 hrs) | Child (3–17 yrs) |
|---|---|---|
| Kenyan / EA Citizen | KES 800 | KES 500 |
| Kenya Resident / Work Permit Holder | KES 1,100 | KES 675 |
| African Passport Holder (Non-EAC) | USD 40 | USD 20 |
| Non-Resident (International) | USD 70 | USD 40 |
💡 Notes:
- Children under 5 years enter free of charge.
- Students on school trips qualify for discounted group rates upon prior KWS approval.
- Entry is valid for 24 hours from the time of arrival and re-entry requires a new ticket.
2️⃣ Comparison: Old vs New Aberdare Park Fees
| Category | Old Rate (2023/24) | New Rate (2025) | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenyan / EA Citizen (Adult) | KES 400 | KES 800 | +100% |
| Kenya Resident (Adult) | KES 600 | KES 1,100 | +83% |
| Non-Resident (Adult) | USD 50 | USD 70 | +40% |
| Child (All Categories) | 50% of adult | 50% of adult | — |
These changes align Aberdare’s pricing with its premium conservation value and infrastructure costs, especially given the park’s mountainous terrain, high maintenance demands, and extensive ranger coverage.
3️⃣ Camping, Hiking & Activity Fees
Aberdare National Park is one of Kenya’s most diverse destinations, offering mountain hiking, waterfall viewing, trout fishing, and high-altitude camping experiences.
| Activity / Service | EA Citizens | Kenya Residents | African Citizens | Non-Residents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Campsite (per night) | 200 / 150 | 300 / 200 | USD 10 / 8 | USD 20 / 15 |
| Special Campsite (per night) | 250 / 200 | 350 / 250 | USD 20 / 10 | USD 35 / 20 |
| Fishing Permit (Trout) | 1,500 | 1,500 | USD 30 | USD 50 |
| Walking Safari (Guided) | 3,000 | 3,000 | USD 50 | USD 50 |
| Hiking / Trekking (Up to 4 hrs) | 2,000 | 2,000 | USD 25 | USD 25 |
| Hiking / Trekking (Over 4 hrs) | 4,000 | 4,000 | USD 40 | USD 40 |
| Night Game Drive | 3,000 | 3,000 | USD 50 | USD 50 |
💡 Expert Tip:
To access fishing areas like Guru North, Chania River, and Karuru Falls, visitors must pre-book with KWS and carry their fishing license and personal gear.
4️⃣ Vehicle Entry Fees
| Vehicle Type | Rate (KES) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Private Vehicle (≤6 seats) | 600 | Per 24 hours |
| Tour Van (6–12 seats) | 1,500 | Standard safari vehicle |
| Tour Bus (13–24 seats) | 3,000 | Medium group |
| Tour Bus (25–44 seats) | 4,500 | Large group |
| Tour Bus (45+ seats) | 5,000 | Institutional or group visits |
💡 Access Gates:
The Aberdare has five main gates — Treetops, Ruhuruini, Kiandongoro, Wandare, and Ark Gates — all connected to Nyeri, Nyahururu, or Naivasha towns.
5️⃣ How to Pay Aberdare National Park Fees (KWSPay via eCitizen)
All entry payments are processed digitally through KWSPay, the official KWS payment portal on eCitizen. Cash payments are no longer accepted at the gates.
Steps to Pay:
- Visit Aberdare National Park – KWSPay Link
- Log in or create an eCitizen account.
- Enter visitor details, travel dates, and preferred gate of entry.
- Add vehicle details and select any special activities (e.g., camping, fishing).
- Pay using MPesa, Visa/MasterCard, or eCitizen Wallet.
- Download your digital receipt (with QR code) and present it at the gate with your ID or passport.
💡 Expert Tip:
If the KWSPay site loads slowly, wait 2–3 minutes before refreshing. Do not pay anyone in cash or through third parties. For help, contact customerservice@kws.go.ke or call 0800 597000.
6️⃣ Who Qualifies for Free or Discounted Entry
✔ Children under 5 years – Free entry.
✔ Registered Tour Guides – Free entry with valid TRA accreditation.
✔ KWS Staff & Government Officials – Free with valid ID when on duty.
✔ Students – Discounted rates for educational tours with pre-approved KWS letters.
💡 Note: Even exempted visitors must appear in the digital KWSPay registry for security verification.
7️⃣ Accommodation & Lodging Options
The Aberdare region offers a mix of luxury lodges, government rest houses, and wilderness campsites both inside and around the park.
Inside the Park:
- The Ark Lodge – Nighttime wildlife viewing from decks.
- Treetops Lodge – Historical lodge with panoramic forest views.
- Fishing Lodge – Managed by KWS; ideal for anglers.
Nearby Towns:
- Nyeri, Mweiga, and Ndaragwa offer a range of hotels, cottages, and eco-lodges for budget travelers.
💡 Tip: Always book lodges early, as Aberdare’s high-altitude weather attracts domestic visitors during weekends and holidays.
8️⃣ Conservation Value & Why Fees Increased
The Aberdare ecosystem is one of Kenya’s five “Water Towers”, feeding major rivers such as Tana and Ewaso Nyiro, which supply millions of Kenyans with water and hydroelectric power.
The 2025 KWS fee revision supports:
- Forest restoration and anti-poaching patrols for elephants, black rhinos, and bongo antelope.
- Maintenance of bridges, trails, and ranger posts in high-rainfall terrain.
- Community partnerships with local conservancies and forest-edge farmers.
- Climate resilience projects protecting Kenya’s central highlands.
💡 Despite the increases, Aberdare’s entry fees remain lower than equivalent highland parks in neighboring countries and continue to offer exceptional value for nature lovers and photographers.
⚖️ 9️⃣ Court Suspension & Refund Policy
- On October 2, 2025, the High Court issued a temporary injunction suspending enforcement of the new 2025 KWS tariff after a Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF) petition.
- The ruling is pending, with a decision expected on November 25, 2025.
- KWS has confirmed that the new rates remain active on KWSPay, and visitors should continue to use the displayed rates.
- If the court overturns the new fees, refunds will be processed via customerservice@kws.go.ke with proof of payment.
📋 10️⃣ Summary of Aberdare National Park Entry Fees (2025)
| Visitor Category | Adult Fee | Child Fee | Currency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenyan / EA Citizen | 800 | 500 | KES |
| Kenya Resident / Work Permit Holder | 1,100 | 675 | KES |
| African Passport Holder (Non-EAC) | 40 | 20 | USD |
| Non-Resident (International) | 70 | 40 | USD |
✅ Valid for 24 hours from time of entry.
✅ Digital payment only via eCitizen (KWSPay).
✅ Children under 5 enter free.
✅ Refunds available if rates are reversed by court.
🌄 11️⃣ Best Time to Visit the Aberdares
The park is open all year, but accessibility and wildlife visibility vary by season:
- Dry Season (January–March & July–October): Best for game drives and clear mountain views.
- Wet Season (April–June & November–December): Excellent for waterfalls and photography, but some roads may be slippery.
- Ideal Activities Year-Round: Birdwatching, trout fishing, and forest hikes.
💡 Tip: Carry warm clothing — temperatures can drop below 10°C due to the park’s elevation (2,100–4,300m).
🐘 Final Word
The 2025 Aberdare National Park entry fee update brings long-overdue modernization to Kenya’s protected area system while reaffirming the Aberdares’ importance as a biodiversity stronghold and water source.
Whether you’re tracking elephants through bamboo forests, photographing the Karuru Falls, or staying overnight at the historic Ark Lodge, Aberdare offers a truly immersive mountain safari that few destinations in Africa can rival.