Logistics
Permits &
Park fees
How the Kenya Wildlife Service permit system works, what the fees are, and why you should not attempt to arrange them independently.
The short answer
You do not need to arrange any permits yourself. When you book through a KWS-licensed operator like us, we handle all park entry fees, camping fees, and rescue levies as part of your package. Everything is included - you pay us, we handle KWS.
Current KWS fee structure
Fees are set by Kenya Wildlife Service and quoted in USD for non-residents. Rates below are approximate 2025 values - KWS periodically revises them.
| Fee type | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Park Entry (Non-Resident) | ~$70 USD per person per day | Charged per calendar day inside Mount Kenya National Park |
| Park Entry (East African Citizen) | KES 300-500 per person per day | Kenyan, Ugandan, Tanzanian citizens pay significantly reduced rates |
| Camping Fee (Non-Resident) | ~$30 USD per person per night | For designated KWS campsites within the park |
| Hut Fee (Shipton's, Austrian etc.) | ~$20-30 USD per person per night | KWS-managed mountain huts. Availability not guaranteed - camping is safer |
| Rescue Fee | Bundled into park fees | Mount Kenya has a KWS rescue team. The fee covers potential rescue operations |
How the permit process works
- 1
Your operator (us) purchases park entry and camping permits from KWS before your trek starts.
- 2
Fees are charged per person per calendar day inside the park - your operator knows how many nights to book.
- 3
At the gate, your guide presents the permits. You do not need to carry or pay anything at the gate.
- 4
If you extend your stay on the mountain (e.g. bad weather forces an extra night), your guide arranges the additional permit at the gate on your behalf.
- 5
Rescue levies are bundled into the standard park fee - you are covered by the KWS mountain rescue team as part of your permit.
What happens if I try to enter without a permit?
You cannot. All gates are staffed by KWS rangers who check permits against trekker names before allowing entry. Attempting to enter without a valid permit results in being turned away. There is no other route into the park - the boundary is fenced and actively patrolled. This is why all trekkers must book through a licensed operator.
Can I book KWS permits directly?
KWS does not have an online booking system for individual trekkers. Permits must be paid in person at the gate or through a licensed operator. Booking through us means fees are guaranteed paid before you arrive, with no risk of cash-only gate queues or currency issues.