The Issue: A Single-Entry Policy That Limits Visitor Experience
Nairobi National Park is one of the world’s only wildlife reserves bordering a capital city. Despite this unique urban context, the park currently operates a single-entry ticket policy: once a visitor exits, the ticket expires, and re-entry on the same day requires purchasing a new ticket.
While resident rates are relatively affordable, non-resident visitors pay USD 80 per entry, making same-day re-entry costly and, for many, impractical.
A Simple Illustration of the Challenge
Many non-resident visitors plan a full day around Nairobi National Park and nearby conservation sites, but the current single-entry ticket policy makes this costly and impractical.
| Time | Planned Activity | Ticket Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Morning (6:30–10:30) | Morning Game drive at Nairobi National Park | USD 80 ticket purchased |
| 10:30 AM | Exit park to visit Sheldrick elephant public viewing | Ticket expires on exit |
| 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Sheldrick Elephant feeding + Public lecture + Lunch | Outside the park |
| 2:00 PM | Return for afternoon game drive | New USD 80 ticket required |
In this common scenario, a visitor must pay USD 160 for one day, not because of conservation limits or overuse, but because the initial USD 80 ticket becomes invalid upon exit. This illustrates why a same-day multi-entry ticket option would greatly improve visitor experience without compromising conservation objectives.
Across Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)–managed parks, entry tickets are generally valid for 24 hours from first entry, allowing visitors flexibility to manage meals, rest, and logistics without being penalized for exit and re-entry.
This approach reflects the realities of wildlife tourism and overnight stay
Official Clarification from Kenya Wildlife Service
NairobiPark.org formally contacted the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Head Office to seek clarification on why Nairobi National Park operates a single-entry ticket system. In its official response, KWS explained that the policy exists because Nairobi National Park does not have accommodation facilities within the park, unlike several other KWS-managed parks where visitors may stay overnight and therefore require 24-hour ticket validity.
While this rationale was clearly communicated, it raises important questions in the context of Nairobi National Park’s distinct urban setting.
The absence of in-park accommodation does not fully account for the practical needs of visitors who reasonably expect to exit and re-enter the park within the same day for meals, logistics, or nearby conservation activities. As such, the explanation highlights a policy distinction, but does not sufficiently address whether a same-day multi-entry option could be introduced without undermining conservation objectives or park management controls.
Why a Same-Day Multi-Entry Option Makes Sense
Allowing same-day multi-entry tickets would:
- Improve overall visitor experience and flexibility
- Support conservation education by enabling visits to nearby institutions
- Reflect the unique urban nature of Nairobi National Park
- Encourage responsible, well-planned tourism without increasing ecological pressure
This proposal does not call for unlimited access or reduced conservation standards—only for a reasonable, same-day re-entry provision.
A Call to Stakeholders and Supporters
We respectfully call on:
- Friends and supporters of Nairobi National Park
- Conservationists and educators
- Tour operators, guides, and hospitality partners
- Kenyan residents and international visitors
- Stakeholders and individuals close to Nairobi National Park and KWS management
to support a review of the current ticketing policy.
Add Your Voice
We invite you to sign the form below to express your support for introducing same-day multi-entry tickets at Nairobi National Park. Your signature helps demonstrate broad, constructive interest in policies that enhance conservation outcomes while improving access and experience.
Together, we can help ensure Nairobi National Park remains accessible, educational, and globally admired—without compromising its conservation mission.