The Government of Kenya, through the Narok County Government, has recently announced a significant increase in the entrance fee charges for Maasai Mara National Park.

The new prices are triple the original amount visitors would pay. Beginning January 2024, the new rates for Maasai Mara National Park will go into effect.

Kenyan adult citizens will be required to pay Sh. 3,000 per person, a rise from Sh. 1,000. Children and students visiting the park will also see their fees rise to Sh. 1,000, up from Sh. 300.

Residents of Narok County will have a slight edge, with reduced fees for park access. Adults will pay Sh. 2,000, while children above 10 years will be charged Sh. 500. Kids below 10 years will have free access to the park.

On the other hand, adult park visitors coming from the East African Community will have to dish out Sh. 4,500 from their pockets. Children and students from the EAC will now be charged Sh. 2,000 each.

Foreign visitors will be charged Sh. 15,080 ($100) from January to June. When peak season arrives, these rates will double to Sh. 30,120 ($200) for the rest of the year. Foreign children will be required to pay Sh. 7,530.

“Narok County Government has confirmed that the Masai Mara Park Fees for 2024 will be increased to USD 100 per non-resident adult per day from January 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024, and USD 200 per non-resident adult per day, from July 1 2024 onwards,” a statement on its website read in part.

“These increased rates were a proposal but have now been confirmed by the County Government as of mid-October 2023.”

Narok government also noted that the park fees will be influenced by whether visitors are staying inside the park or outside. Adult visitors residing within the main national reserve will be charged Sh. 10,542 ($70) daily, while children under 12 years will pay Sh. 6,024 ($40) each.

For tourists residing outside the Mara, fees for adults will be Sh. 12,048 ($80) and for children it is Sh. 6,777 ($45).

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Vehicles touring the park have also not been left out of the equation. Their access fees have also increased, with vehicles of less than 6 seats expected to pay Sh. 500.

Those with between 6 and 12 seats will be expected to pay Sh. 1,000. Vans with between 12 and 24 seats will part with Sh. 3,000 each and buses with between 24 and 44 seats will pay Sh. 4,000.