KWS Daily Park Fees (2026 Rates)
Mount Kenya National Park is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). Park fees are charged per person per day (24-hour period). Non-resident adults: $52 per day. Non-resident children: $26 per day. East African Community citizens: KES 1,000 per day. Kenyan citizen adults: KES 500 per day. Kenyan citizen children: KES 215 per day. Kenyan resident adults: KES 800 per day. Fees are paid at the gate and are mandatory — no trekker is exempt. For a typical 5-day trek, international visitors pay $260 in park fees alone.
Hut & Banda Accommodation Fees
Mountain huts on Mount Kenya are basic shelters with bunk beds. Hut fees: KES 2,000–3,000 per person per night depending on the hut. The main huts along popular routes include Old Moses Camp (Sirimon Gate, 3,300m), Shipton's Camp (4,200m), Mackinder's Camp (4,200m), and Austrian Hut (4,790m). Bandas (cabin-style accommodation) at the lower gates cost KES 3,000–5,000 per night. Most guided treks include hut fees in the package price. Camping is available at designated campsites for a lower fee.
Do You Need a Permit?
There is no separate 'climbing permit' for Mount Kenya — your park entry fee covers access to all trekking routes and Point Lenana. However, KWS requires that all trekkers above the forest line (approximately 3,000m) are accompanied by a registered guide. Your guide must present their KWS registration at the gate. For technical climbs to Batian or Nelion, additional mountain rescue insurance is required and your guide must hold a climbing guide certification.
How to Save on Park Fees
Time your entry carefully — fees are charged per 24-hour period. Enter after noon on Day 1 and exit before noon on your final day to save one full day's fee. Kenyan citizens and residents save 80–90% compared to international rates — bring your national ID or resident permit. East African Community nationals also receive preferential rates. During low season (April–June), some operators offer discounted packages that offset the park fee cost.
Written by James Mwangi
Lead Mountain Guide & Founder
James Mwangi is a KWS-licensed mountain guide with over 15 years of experience leading treks on Mount Kenya. Born and raised in Nanyuki at the foot of the mountain, he has summited Point Lenana over 300 times and guided climbers from 40+ countries. He holds Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification and is a certified Leave No Trace trainer.
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