The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has officially announced a record-breaking performance for the December 2025 festive season, recording more than 313,500 visitors across the nation’s national parks and reserves. This significant influx of travelers marks a transformative moment for Kenya’s tourism landscape, underscoring a deepening appetite for wildlife experiences among both local residents and international tourists. The agency noted that the performance is a direct reflection of the success of the "Jiachilie in Kenya Parks" campaign, which encouraged citizens to explore their natural heritage as part of their end-year celebrations.

Data released by KWS reveals that domestic tourism has firmly established itself as the backbone of the industry. A total of 231,000 Kenyan citizens and residents visited the parks during the holiday period, reaffirming that local travelers are now the primary drivers of sustainable tourism in the country. This domestic surge was complemented by 82,500 non-resident visitors, highlighting Kenya’s enduring appeal as a premier global safari destination. KWS Director General, Erastus Kanga, emphasized that these numbers align perfectly with the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife’s broader strategic goal of attracting five million visitors annually by 2028.

A critical factor in this season's success was the proactive move by KWS to lower the barriers to entry for local families. Recognizing that transportation is often a hurdle for domestic travelers, the agency reintroduced its popular bus shuttle service for the festive duration. Starting from December 20, the service offered affordable, reliable transport to selected national parks on weekends and public holidays. By providing a low-cost alternative to private vehicle hire, KWS successfully democratized access to the country’s protected areas, allowing thousands of families to experience Kenya’s wildlife first-hand.

The festive peak also served as the first major test for the new conservation fee structure, which was rolled out on October 1, 2025. This followed the parliamentary approval of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Regulations 2025—the first comprehensive review of park fees in 18 years. Despite the rising costs associated with park management and modernizing tourism infrastructure, KWS has worked to ensure the fees remain competitive while securing the financial sustainability of conservation efforts. To facilitate a smooth transition, measures were put in place through the eCitizen platform to honor bookings made prior to the fee adjustments.

Under the current regulations, fee schedules are categorized to cater to East African citizens, Kenyan residents, African citizens, and international tourists. For instance, world-renowned locations like Amboseli and Lake Nakuru National Parks now charge Sh1,500 for East African citizens and USD 90 for non-residents. Meanwhile, Nairobi National Park—the world's only wildlife capital—remains highly accessible at Sh1,000 for citizens. To add further value, a "Special Nairobi Package" was introduced, combining access to the National Park, the Animal Orphanage, and the Safari Walk for a discounted rate of Sh1,300 for citizens.

Beyond the financial and visitor statistics, KWS has used this period to reinforce the importance of responsible and sustainable tourism. The agency reiterated its call for visitors to be "conservation-conscious," urging them to minimize their environmental footprint and support local communities during their travels. As the 2026 season begins, the Service has committed to further enhancing the visitor experience by improving park access roads, upgrading accommodation facilities, and strengthening anti-poaching and conservation efforts.

Looking ahead, the success of the 2025 festive season provides a robust blueprint for the future of East African tourism. With a clear focus on adventure tourism and sustainable park experiences, Kenya is positioning its protected areas not just as vacation spots, but as vital pillars of the national economy. As more Kenyans take advantage of the diverse offerings within their borders, the sector is set to reach new heights of inclusivity and global prestige.

Source: The Star Kenya /

Africa News

Kenya’s Welcomes Record 313,000 Visitors During Festive Season