Kenya: National park entrance fees increase

Entry to a national park in Kenya will soon cost more, due to the government's decision to increase fees for all types of visitors from January 2024. According to Kenya Wildlife ServiceThe aim of this measure is to generate more revenue for the protection and maintenance of natural areas. Nevertheless, the increase in entrance fees has raised concerns about its impact on the tourism sector and on travelers' choices.

A complicated payment process for tourism operators

In addition to higher fares, the introduction of a mandatory online payment system is causing frustration among local tourism operators. As Mohammed HersiAccording to the President of the Diani Accommodation Owners' Association, the new payment system is proving particularly restrictive for businesses struggling to offer their services to a demanding international clientele. In particular, it's worth mentioning that some people have found themselves blocked at the gates of national parks because they were unable to make their payment online.

• For Kenyan adults and those from other member countries of the East African Community, the entrance fee will rise to $14 for urban parks such as Nairobi National Park, in high and low season.
• Foreign visitors from the rest of Africa will have to pay $20.
• For international tourists, the cost will be around $100.

Price comparison with neighboring countries

This increase comes at a time when other countries in the region are trying to attract more tourists by lowering their entrance fees to national parks. Tanzania recently reduced its access fees for East African citizens to encourage visits between these neighboring countries.. Rising prices in Kenya could lead to a drop in the number of visitors to the country's natural sites, and increased competition with other African tourist destinations.

Case in point: Amboseli and Lake Nakuru national parks

Here are the new rates for these two iconic parks:

• Adult members of the East African Community and residents will be charged KES 1,000 (€6) during the period. high season$50 and $100 respectively for the same period.
• During the low seasonResidents of the East African Community will have to pay 800 KES (€4.8) to enter the park, and $35 and $80 for other visitors.

What impact will this have on the future of tourism in Kenya?

Beyond the difficulties caused by the online payment system, it is foreseeable that this increase in fares will have a detrimental effect on the Kenyan tourism sector. International travelers could be tempted to opt for other African destinations offering a similar experience at a lower cost.

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