Nairobi National Park
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The Kenyan government has announced a one-day waiver of entry fees to national parks and reserves for Kenyan citizens on September 28, 2024, in celebration of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) day.
This gesture not only marks World Tourism Day in a memorable fashion but also provides Kenyans with a unique opportunity to explore their country's diverse wildlife heritage free of charge. The offer extends to all national parks and reserves under the management of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), including popular attractions such as the Nairobi Animal Orphanage, Nairobi Safari Walk, and Kisumu Impala Sanctuary. To ensure the smooth implementation of this initiative, KWS has outlined several guidelines for visitors. The free entry applies exclusively to KWS-managed facilities, with access to parks and reserves restricted to vehicles, while certain locations can be explored on foot.
Operating hours are set from 6:00 am to 6:30 pm, and adult Kenyan citizens are required to present valid identification upon entry. Visitors are expected to adhere to park rules, which include following KWS staff instructions, avoiding single-use plastics, respecting speed limits and designated roads, refraining from wildlife disturbance, and properly disposing of waste. In parks that operate bus services, collaborations with local communities and schools will facilitate free interpretative tours, enhancing the educational experience for younger visitors.
To manage the anticipated increase in visitors, KWS will deploy additional customer service personnel to high-traffic parks. It's important to note that while entry for game drives and wildlife viewing will be free, other activities such as guided tours, camping, and special events will still incur charges. KWS is working closely with national police to ensure crowd management and smooth traffic flow, with heightened security measures in place. For those who have already purchased tickets for September 28, the system will process their visit as usual, though rescheduling of pre-paid tickets will not be permitted.
Tour vehicles carrying foreign tourists will still be required to pay applicable entry fees, although Kenyan drivers will be exempt from these charges. This initiative serves multiple purposes beyond celebrating World Tourism Day. It emphasizes the importance of wildlife conservation in Kenya and encourages domestic tourism, allowing citizens to reconnect with their country's natural beauty and biodiversity. KWS plans to engage with local communities and schools to offer educational tours to further enhance awareness of conservation efforts. The organization has assured that all necessary measures are in place to manage the expected influx of visitors.