The Kenya Wildlife Service has reintroduced its bus shuttle service for the festive season, offering affordable transport to selected national parks on weekends and public holidays.
The service will run from December 20 through the holiday period as part of the Jiachilie in Kenya Parks campaign.
The move is aimed at encouraging domestic tourism and making parks more accessible to families and local visitors.
According to KWS, the shuttle will serve Nairobi National Park, Aberdare National Park, and Lake Nakuru National Park, providing a convenient travel option for visitors without private transport.
KWS said details on pick-up points, schedules, and charges are available on official posters, urging Kenyans to take advantage of the service to explore the country’s wildlife attractions during the festive season.
Shuttle charges for Nairobi National Park are set at Sh1,500 for adult citizens/East Africa Community residents and Sh2,000 for adult residents, while children will pay Sh750 for citizens/EAC) and Sh1,000 (residents).
Two daily trips have been scheduled, departing at 9 am and 2 pm.
Pick-up will be at the Nairobi National Park main gate, with KWS urging families and local tourists to take advantage of the service.
On October 1, KWS rolled out the implementation of new conservation fees for access to the country's national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries.
This followed the approval of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Regulations 2025 by the Parliament on Thursday, September 25, 2025.
Kenya Wildlife Service Director General Erastus Kanga said measures had been put in place to facilitate visitors who had already booked and paid for their trips through the eCitizen platform before the announcement.
According to KWS, this was the first comprehensive review of conservation fees in 18 years, despite rising costs in park management and the need to expand tourism infrastructure.
The reviewed regulations aimed to strengthen the financial sustainability of wildlife conservation, improve visitor experience, and ensure Kenya's parks remain competitive globally while preserving the country's unique wildlife heritage.
The fee schedule classifies charges by visitor categories: East African citizens, Kenyan residents, non-residents (international tourists), and African citizens from other countries. Prices vary depending on the park.
Amboseli and Lake Nakuru National Parks now charge Sh1,500 for East African citizens, Sh2,025 for residents, USD 90 for non-residents, and USD 50 for African citizens.
Access to Nairobi National Park now costs Sh1,000 for East African citizens, Sh1,350 for residents, USD 80 for non-residents, and USD 40 for African citizens.
A special Nairobi package including access to Nairobi National Park, Nairobi Animal Orphanage, and Nairobi Safari Walk costs Sh1,300 for East African citizens, Sh1,750 for residents, USD 105 for non-residents, and USD 55 for African citizens.
