Mount Longonot entry fees are KES 500 per adult and KES 250 per child/student for East African citizens, KES 675 per adult and KES 350 per child/student for Kenya residents, USD 50 per adult and USD 25 per child/student for non-residents, and USD 20 per adult and USD 10 per child/student for African citizens. These are the Mount Longonot conservation fees listed under KWS Scenic Parks in the attached KWS Conservation Fees 2025 schedule and match the official KWS Mount Longonot park fee table.
Mount Longonot National Park is grouped with Hell’s Gate, Mt. Elgon, Ol Donyo Sabuk, Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary, Shimba Hills, and Kakamega under the Scenic Parks fee category in the KWS conservation fee schedule.
Mount Longonot entry fees at a glance
| Visitor Category | Adult | Child / Student |
|---|---|---|
| East African Citizen | KES 500 | KES 250 |
| Kenya Resident | KES 675 | KES 350 |
| Non-Resident | USD 50 | USD 25 |
| African Citizen | USD 20 | USD 10 |
Who pays the East African citizen rate?
The East African citizen rate applies to citizens of East African Community countries with valid identification or passport. The attached KWS fee schedule defines an East African citizen as a citizen of the Community established under the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community. Counties include Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, DRC, South Sudan, and Somalia.
For Mount Longonot, East African citizens pay:
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adult | KES 500 |
| Child / Student | KES 250 |
This is the lowest standard entry category for most Kenyan citizens and qualifying East African citizens visiting Mount Longonot.
Entry fees for Kenyan and East African citizens increased from KES 300 to KES 500 (a 67% rise).
Who pays the Kenya resident rate?
The resident rate applies to a person who is not a Kenyan citizen or East African citizen but is residing in Kenya with a valid resident permit.
For Mount Longonot, Kenya residents pay:
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adult | KES 675 |
| Child / Student | KES 350 |
Visitors claiming the resident rate should carry valid proof of residency, such as a resident permit or relevant documentation. In October 2025, Kenya residents holding valid work permits saw rates move from KES 400 to KES 675 (a 69% increase).
Who pays the non-resident rate?
The non-resident rate applies to visitors who are not East African citizens, Kenya residents, or African citizens. The KWS schedule defines a non-resident as a national of any country other than an East African citizen or African citizen.
For Mount Longonot, non-residents pay:
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adult | USD 50 |
| Child / Student | USD 25 |
This is the standard international visitor rate for Mount Longonot National Park.
For non-resident international visitors, fees rose from USD 35 to USD 50, marking a 43% adjustment.
Who pays the African citizen rate?
The African citizen rate applies to nationals of African countries outside East Africa. The KWS defines African citizen as a national of other African countries other than East Africa.
For Mount Longonot, African citizens pay:
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adult | USD 20 |
| Child / Student | USD 10 |
This rate is lower than the non-resident rate but is charged in USD according to the KWS fee schedule.
What age counts as a child at Mount Longonot?
For KWS fees, a child means a person from 5 years but below 18 years. Children aged 5 years and younger are exempt from conservation fees under the KWS exemptions listed in the attached fee schedule.
| Student requirement | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Age | Not older than 23 years |
| Institution | Recognized secondary school, college, or university |
| Visit type | Educational visit under documented organized arrangement |
| Rate | Child / Student rate |
At Mount Longonot, KWS child rates apply from age 5 to below 18 years. Children aged 5 years and younger are exempt from conservation fees.
Mt. Longonot Camping & Activity Fees
| Activity / Service | EA Citizens | Kenya Residents | African Citizens | Non-Residents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Campsite | 200 / 150 | 300 / 200 | 10 / 8 (USD) | 20 / 15 (USD) |
| Special Campsite | 250 / 200 | 350 / 250 | 20 / 10 (USD) | 35 / 20 (USD) |
| Walking Safari (Guided) | 3,000 | 3,000 | 50 USD | 50 USD |
| Cycling (where permitted) | 300 | 300 | 10 USD | 10 USD |
| Guided Hike (Up to 4 Hours) | 2,000 | 2,000 | 25 USD | 25 USD |
How to Pay for Park Entry via KWSPay
All park payments are cashless and must be made through KWSPay, the official KWS payment platform integrated into eCitizen.
Steps to Pay:
- Visit the official link: eCitizen KWSPay link
- Log in or create an eCitizen account.
- Enter your visitor details, nationality, date of visit, and gate of entry (Longonot Gate).
- Select if you’re paying for a vehicle and add any special activities (e.g., hiking, cycling, camping).
- Pay via MPesa, Visa/MasterCard, or eCitizen Wallet.
- Download your QR-coded receipt and present it with your ID or passport at the gate.
💡 Expert Tips:
- If the payment page seems unresponsive, wait 2–3 minutes before refreshing.
- Never pay anyone in cash; KWS only accepts digital payments.
- For help, contact customerservice@kws.go.ke or call 0800 597000.
Cost of Mt Longonot Trip Package from Nairobi (Excluding Park Fees)
Using Toyota Noah Minivan
Suitable for 1–6 guests
The Toyota Noah minivan is the most affordable MtLongonot.org private transport option for a Mount Longonot day trip from Nairobi. The package covers private return transport from Nairobi, with pickup and drop-off within Nairobi, a professional driver, and waiting time while guests hike.
| Guests | Price Per Person | Transport Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | USD 160 | USD 160 |
| 2 | USD 80 | USD 160 |
| 3 | USD 70 | USD 210 |
| 4 | USD 60 | USD 240 |
| 5 | USD 50 | USD 250 |
| 6 | USD 40 | USD 240 |
What Is Included in the MtLongonot.org Toyota Noah Package?
- Private return transport from Nairobi
- Pickup and drop-off within Nairobi
- Professional driver
- Vehicle waiting time while guests hike
- Assistance with trip timing and route planning
- Stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint where practical
- Guidance on Mount Longonot entry fees, timing and what to carry
What Is Not Included?
- Mount Longonot National Park entry fees
- KWS vehicle entry charges where applicable
- KWS guide or security guide fees
- Meals, snacks and drinks
- Lake Naivasha boat ride
- Crescent Island entry or walking safari fees
- Tips and personal expenses
- Personal travel or medical insurance
You can read details including itinerary, pickup/logistics, timing, and how to book on this Mount Longonot Day Trip from Nairobi page.
Mount Longonot Entry Fees: 2024 vs Latest 2026/2027 KWS Fees
MtLongonot.org Analytical Summary
Mount Longonot’s fees increased substantially between in October 2025. In the previous 2024 and early 2025, Mount Longonot was grouped under Scenic / Special Interest (A) with two broad categories: Citizens/Residents and Non-Residents. In the latest schedule, KWS separates visitors into four categories: East African Citizen, Kenya Resident, Non-Resident, and African Citizen.
This is the most important change: the revision is not just a fee increase; it is a restructuring of how access to Mount Longonot is priced.
Quick Fee Comparison of 2024 vs Current 2025, 2026 and 2027 Rates
| Visitor Category | 2024 Adult Fee | Current Adult Fee (2026, 2027) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| East African Citizen | KES 300 | KES 500 | +66.7% |
| Kenya Resident | KES 300 | KES 675 | +125.0% |
| Non-Resident | USD 26 | USD 50 | +92.3% |
| African Citizen | Not separate | USD 20 | New category |
| Visitor Category | 2024 Child / Student Fee | Latest Child / Student Fee (2026, 2027) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| East African Citizen | KES 215 | KES 250 | +16.3% |
| Kenya Resident | KES 215 | KES 350 | +62.8% |
| Non-Resident | USD 17 | USD 25 | +47.1% |
| African Citizen | Not separate | USD 10 | New category |
What Changed?
Kenyan and East African citizens
East African citizen adults now pay KES 500, up from KES 300 in 2024. That is a 66.7% increase. Child/student fees rose more modestly from KES 215 to KES 250, suggesting KWS preserved some affordability for families, students, and youth groups.
Kenya residents
Kenya residents saw the sharpest increase. In 2024, residents were grouped with citizens at KES 300 for adults. The latest fee is KES 675, more than double the 2024 rate. This means KWS now treats legal residence and East African citizenship as separate pricing categories.
Non-residents
Non-resident adults now pay USD 50, up from USD 26 in 2024. That is a 92.3% increase. For international visitors, the park fee is now a more visible part of the total Mount Longonot day-trip budget.
African citizens outside East Africa
The latest schedule introduces a separate African Citizen rate of USD 20 for adults and USD 10 for children/students. This creates a middle tier between East African citizens and general non-residents.
Total Cost of a Mount Longonot Trip with MtLongonot.org Including Park Entry Fees
The total cost of a Mount Longonot day trip from Nairobi is:
MtLongonot.org private transport package + KWS Mount Longonot entry fees + any optional extras.
Because MtLongonot.org transport is priced in USD and KWS entry fees are charged in KES or USD depending on visitor category, the tables below show costs in the same currencies visitors are likely to pay.
🚶 Total Cost for Kenyan / East African Citizen Adults
| Guests | MtLongonot.org Transport Total | KWS Entry Fees | Total Trip Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | USD 160 | KES 500 | USD 160 + KES 500 |
| 2 | USD 160 | KES 1,000 | USD 160 + KES 1,000 |
| 3 | USD 210 | KES 1,500 | USD 210 + KES 1,500 |
| 4 | USD 240 | KES 2,000 | USD 240 + KES 2,000 |
| 5 | USD 250 | KES 2,500 | USD 250 + KES 2,500 |
| 6 | USD 240 | KES 3,000 | USD 240 + KES 3,000 |
If you’re a Kenyan, read details of this Mount Longonot Hiking Day Trip from Nairobi to learn about pickup location in Nairobi, departures, itinerary, inclusions, exclusions, and how you can book.
🧍 Total Cost for Kenya Resident Adults
| Guests | MtLongonot.org Transport Total | KWS Entry Fees | Total Trip Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | USD 160 | KES 675 | USD 160 + KES 675 |
| 2 | USD 160 | KES 1,350 | USD 160 + KES 1,350 |
| 3 | USD 210 | KES 2,025 | USD 210 + KES 2,025 |
| 4 | USD 240 | KES 2,700 | USD 240 + KES 2,700 |
| 5 | USD 250 | KES 3,375 | USD 250 + KES 3,375 |
| 6 | USD 240 | KES 4,050 | USD 240 + KES 4,050 |
If you’re a Kenyan Resident, read details of this Mount Longonot 1-Day Trip from Nairobi to learn about pickup location in Nairobi, departures, itinerary, inclusions, exclusions, and how you can book.
🌍 Total Cost for Non-Resident Adults
| Guests | MtLongonot.org Transport Total | KWS Entry Fees | Total Trip Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | USD 160 | USD 50 | USD 210 |
| 2 | USD 160 | USD 100 | USD 260 |
| 3 | USD 210 | USD 150 | USD 360 |
| 4 | USD 240 | USD 200 | USD 440 |
| 5 | USD 250 | USD 250 | USD 500 |
| 6 | USD 240 | USD 300 | USD 540 |
If you are a non-resident visitor to Kenya, including travelers entering on a tourist visa or eTA, read our Mt. Longonot Day Trip from Nairobi guide for details on Nairobi pickup locations, departure times, trip end time, optional add-ons, itinerary, inclusions, exclusions, pricing, and how to book your private hiking trip.
🌍 Total Cost for African Citizen Adults Outside East Africa
| Guests | MtLongonot.org Transport Total | KWS Entry Fees | Total Trip Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | USD 160 | USD 20 | USD 180 |
| 2 | USD 160 | USD 40 | USD 200 |
| 3 | USD 210 | USD 60 | USD 270 |
| 4 | USD 240 | USD 80 | USD 320 |
| 5 | USD 250 | USD 100 | USD 350 |
| 6 | USD 240 | USD 120 | USD 360 |
Mt. Longonot Guide and Security Guide Fees
A guide is not always required for every Mount Longonot hike, but it can be useful for first-time hikers, solo visitors, school groups, corporate groups, families, and guests attempting the full crater rim circuit.
According to the latest KWS Conservation Fee Schedule, security guided tours are charged as follows:
| Guided / Security Tour | Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 4 hours | KES 2,000 |
| More than 4 hours | KES 4,000 |
These guide fees are separate from park entry fees and transport charges.
Other Optional Charges at Mount Longonot
Some activities and services are charged separately from conservation fees. KWS states that tourism experience fees do not include park entry fees.
| Optional Activity / Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Cycling per day | KES 300 for citizens/residents; USD 10 for African citizens/non-residents |
| Motorcycles | KES 500 for citizens/residents; USD 10 for African citizens/non-residents |
| Private horse riding, excluding rider, per day | KES 1,500 for citizens/residents; USD 15 for African citizens/non-residents |
| Picnic charges within KWS stations | KES 100 for citizens/residents; USD 10 for African citizens/non-residents |
How to Pay Mount Longonot Entry Fees
Mount Longonot entry fees are paid through the KWS digital payment system, usually via eCitizen / KWSPay. Visitors should prepare their payment method before reaching the gate to avoid delays.
Carry:
- National ID, passport or resident permit
- eCitizen / KWSPay access
- M-Pesa or card payment option
- Correct visitor category information
- Proof of payment after completing the transaction
Visitors who cannot prove their correct category may be charged under a different category.
Common Mount Longonot Fee Mistakes
Thinking the entry fee covers the full trip
The Mount Longonot entry fee only covers conservation entry into the park. Transport, vehicle charges, guide fees, meals and optional activities are separate.
Confusing citizen and resident rates
Kenyan and East African citizens pay the citizen rate. Kenya residents who are not East African citizens pay the resident rate and should carry valid resident documentation.
Forgetting child age rules
KWS child rates apply from 5 years to below 18 years. Children aged 5 years and younger are exempt from conservation fees.
Assuming guide fees are included
Guide or security guide fees are separate from entry fees. Guests who want guided support should budget for this in advance.
Forgetting vehicle charges
Vehicle charges are separate from individual entry fees and depend on the vehicle seating capacity.
KWS Park Entry Rules for Mount Longonot National Park
Below are the applicable KWS park entry and visitor rules for Mount Longonot National Park, adapted for hikers, day visitors, self-drive guests, tour vehicles, school groups, and visitors booking private day trips. According to KWS park rules, gates generally open at 6:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM, and day visitors should exit before dusk unless they are approved overnight visitors.
- Pay the correct Mount Longonot entry fee before or at entry through the approved KWS digital payment system. Mount Longonot is listed under the KWS Scenic Parks category in the latest KWS Conservation Fee Schedule.
- Carry the correct identification documents. Kenyan and East African citizens should carry valid ID or passport; residents should carry valid residency documentation; non-residents and African citizens should carry passports for category verification.
- Use the correct visitor category when paying. Mount Longonot has separate rates for East African citizens, Kenya residents, non-residents, and African citizens. Do not select a lower category unless you can verify it at the gate.
- Treat the entry ticket as a day-use conservation fee. KWS defines the daily fee as a single access fee valid for a period not exceeding 24 hours.
- Children aged 5 years and below are exempt from conservation fees. Child rates apply from age 5 to below 18 years, while student rates apply only under the KWS student definition for organized educational visits.
- Persons with disability and Kenyan citizens aged 70 years and above are exempt from conservation fees where valid proof is provided. These exemptions are listed in the latest KWS conservation fee guidelines.
- Vehicle charges are separate from personal entry fees. Self-drive cars, private tour vehicles, vans, buses, and group vehicles should budget for the applicable KWS motor vehicle charge based on seating capacity.
- Tourism activity fees are not included in the park entry fee. Optional charges such as guided/security tours, cycling, camping, private horse riding, picnic charges, filming, photography, or other special activities are paid separately where applicable.
- Follow all instructions issued by KWS rangers and gate staff. Gate staff may verify tickets, IDs, vehicle category, visitor numbers, and activity arrangements before allowing entry.
- Enter and exit through the official Mount Longonot National Park gate. Do not use informal access routes, unmarked paths, or unauthorized entry points.
- Start the hike early enough to finish safely before gate closing time. Mount Longonot is a hiking park, and the full crater rim circuit can take several hours depending on fitness, weather, and pace.
- Stay on established roads, parking areas, and marked trails. KWS rules prohibit off-road driving, and for Mount Longonot this also means hikers should avoid creating informal shortcuts or walking off the established trail.
- Do not descend into restricted crater areas or wander off the crater rim trail unless authorized. The safe visitor route is the established ascent trail and crater rim trail.
- Respect wildlife at all times. Mount Longonot is a protected wildlife area; animals are wild, should not be approached, fed, chased, blocked, or disturbed. KWS rules remind visitors that they are in the wildlife’s home.
- Keep noise low. Loud music, shouting, unnecessary hooting, and disruptive sound devices disturb wildlife and other hikers.
- Do not litter. Carry out all waste, including snack wrappers, water bottles, tissues, and food packaging.
- Avoid single-use plastics. KWS parks, reserves, and sanctuaries are listed as single-use plastic-free zones in the latest conservation fee schedule.
- Do not remove plants, rocks, wildlife products, firewood, flowers, seeds, or natural objects from the park. Mount Longonot is a protected conservation area, not an extraction area.
- Do not light fires except where expressly permitted. Picnics and rest stops should be handled responsibly and only in appropriate areas.
- Do not bring pets or domestic animals into the park unless expressly authorized. Protected areas are managed for wildlife conservation and visitor safety.
- Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. KWS park rules prohibit driving under the influence and require visitors to follow normal road rules inside parks.
- Observe the 40 kph speed limit where vehicles are allowed. This mainly applies to the access and internal vehicle-use areas, since Mount Longonot itself is experienced primarily on foot.
- Use designated parking areas only. Do not block the gate, trailhead, ranger routes, emergency access, or other vehicles.
- Camping is allowed only in designated campsites and subject to the correct KWS camping fees or reservation rules. Do not camp informally on the mountain, crater rim, or unauthorized areas.
- Drone use requires proper authorization. Drone operation in KWS-managed areas is regulated and subject to licensing and applicable charges.
- Commercial filming, professional photography, events, group activities, and organized experiences require prior arrangement and separate fees where applicable. These charges are separate from normal entry fees.
- Visitors should carry enough drinking water and proper hiking gear. Mount Longonot is steep, exposed, and physically demanding, so entry should be planned as a real hike rather than a casual walk.
- Groups should confirm guide, security, vehicle, and activity arrangements before arrival. This is especially important for school groups, corporate hikes, large family groups, and visitors attempting the full crater rim circuit.
- Keep your proof of payment available throughout the visit. Rangers or gate staff may request confirmation of payment, category, vehicle charge, or activity authorization.
- Exit the park before dusk unless you have approved overnight arrangements. For ordinary day hikers, the safest plan is to descend and return to the gate well before closing time.
Conclusion: How Much Are Mount Longonot Entry Fees?
Mount Longonot entry fees are KES 500 for East African citizen adults, KES 250 for East African citizen children/students, KES 675 for Kenya resident adults, KES 350 for resident children/students, USD 50 for non-resident adults, USD 25 for non-resident children/students, USD 20 for African citizen adults, and USD 10 for African citizen children/students. These fees are separate from MtLongonot.org private transport packages, vehicle charges, guide fees, meals and optional activities.
For visitors booking the MtLongonot.org Toyota Noah day trip from Nairobi, private transport costs USD 160 for 1 guest, USD 160 total for 2 guests, USD 210 total for 3 guests, USD 240 total for 4 guests, USD 250 total for 5 guests, and USD 240 total for 6 guests, plus the applicable Mount Longonot entry fees for each guest.