NAIROBI – In a move to encourage domestic tourism, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has announced a special one-week promotion offering free entry benefits for groups visiting national parks and sanctuaries. The festive incentives, which run until December 31, 2025, target Kenyan citizens and are part of a broader “Jiachilie in Kenya Parks” holiday campaign.
Group-Based Free Entry Structure
The promotion offers tiered benefits based on group size and vehicle type. For smaller groups, families touring sanctuaries and marine parks will receive free entry for one child (aged 6-17) for every five people. A fully occupied five-seater vehicle will also qualify for one child’s free entry.
For larger groups, those arriving in a fully occupied 25-seater bus will benefit from free entry for two adults. Similarly, groups in a fully occupied seven-seater van or eight-seater Land Cruiser will receive free entry for one adult.
“As we unwrap the season’s wildest gift, gather your family and friends and enjoy special group offers across Kenya’s parks, sanctuaries, and marine parks,” KWS stated in its public notice.
Extended Stay and Improved Access Initiatives
Beyond park entry, the agency is also incentivizing longer stays. Visitors who book accommodation inside any national park will receive an extra night free—guests staying for three nights get a fourth night at no cost.
The festive offers are complemented by the return of affordable shuttle bus services at key parks, including Nairobi National Park, Aberdare National Park, and Lake Nakuru National Park. Operating on weekends and public holidays through the season, the shuttles provide an alternative to private vehicle game drives, enhancing accessibility for families.
A Strategic Push for Domestic Tourism and Infrastructure
This promotional drive aligns with a longer-term strategy to upgrade tourism infrastructure and boost local visitor numbers. The announcement follows recent statements from Deputy President Kithure Kindiki regarding plans to significantly expand accommodation capacity within national parks.
The planned expansion aims to increase bed capacity from 1,800 to 4,000, a development expected to create jobs and support communities living around protected areas. For Kenyan citizens, the limited-time offers present a curated opportunity to explore the country’s famed wildlife destinations during the holiday period.
