New Entry Fees (From Oct. 2025)

With the implementation of the new KWS Conservation Fee Regulations effective October 1, 2025, Mount Longonot National Park underwent its first major entry fee revision in nearly 20 years, introducing standardized 24-hour access pricing across all Kenya Wildlife Service parks.

Entry fees for Kenyan and East African citizens increased from KES 300 to KES 500 (a 67% rise), while Kenya residents holding valid work permits saw rates move from KES 400 to KES 675 (a 69% increase).

For non-resident international visitors, fees rose from USD 35 to USD 50, marking a 43% adjustment. Even with these upward revisions, Mount Longonot remains among Kenya’s most affordable and rewarding parks, offering outstanding value for its panoramic Rift Valley views, crater rim hike, and easy accessibility from Nairobi.

Mount Longonot National Park is one of the scenic mountain parks classified under the “Scenic Parks (Category B)” tier in the new 2025 Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Conservation Fee Regulations, alongside Hell’s Gate, Mount Elgon, and Saiwa Swamp.

This revision represents the first major update in nearly 20 years, replacing long-standing rates from 2007. Although the new tariff was gazetted in late September 2025 and took effect on October 1, a High Court order on October 2, 2025, issued following a petition by the Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF), has temporarily suspended enforcement pending a judicial review scheduled for November 25, 2025 as per this blog post.

Despite the injunction, the KWSPay platform on eCitizen continues to display and charge the new 2025 rates, and KWS has advised all visitors to proceed with payment as shown, noting that refunds will be available if the court later overturns the regulation.

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1️⃣ Current Mount Longonot National Park Entry Fees (2025)

Mount Longonot is classified as a Scenic Park under the new 2025 tariff — the same category as Hell’s Gate, Mount Elgon, and Saiwa Swamp. Its fees remain slightly lower than those of Kenya’s “Premium” or “Wilderness A” parks like Amboseli or Tsavo, making it one of the most affordable and accessible mountain hiking destinations in Kenya.

🚶 Citizens & East African Residents

Category	Adult (KES)	Child (3–17 yrs)
Kenyan / EA Citizen	KES 500	KES 250

🏠 Kenya Residents (Valid Work Permit Holders)

Category	Adult (KES)	Child (3–17 yrs)
Kenya Resident	KES 675	KES 350

🌍 African Citizens (Non-EAC)

Category	Adult (USD)	Child (USD)
African Passport Holder	USD 20	USD 10

🌍 Non-Residents (International Visitors)

Category	Adult (USD)	Child (USD)
Non-Resident (International)	USD 50	USD 25

💡 Notes:

• Children under 5 years old enter free of charge.
• Students on recognized educational trips qualify for discounted rates with prior KWS approval and an official institutional letter.
• All entry fees are valid for 24 hours from the time of entry.

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2️⃣ Comparative Overview: Old vs New Mount Longonot Entry Fees

The 2025 tariff introduces a significant upward revision in line with Kenya’s new conservation funding model. Here’s how the new fees compare to the old 2023/24 rates:

Category	Old Rate (2023/24)	New Rate (2025)	% Increase
Kenyan / EA Citizen (Adult)	KES 300	KES 500	+67%
Kenya Resident (Adult)	KES 400	KES 675	+69%
Non-Resident (Adult)	USD 35	USD 50	+43%
Child (All Categories)	50% of adult	50% of adult	—

✅ While this increase may seem steep, Mount Longonot remains among Kenya’s most affordable national parks — cheaper than Amboseli (USD 90), Lake Nakuru (USD 90), or Tsavo (USD 80). The new rates better reflect the park’s maintenance costs, trail restoration, and climate adaptation measures around the Rift Valley escarpment.

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3️⃣ Camping & Activity Fees

Mount Longonot National Park offers limited camping options near the gate and in designated bush camping zones. The 2025 KWS tariff standardizes camping and activity charges across all scenic and hiking parks.

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

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4️⃣ 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:

1. Visit the official link: Mount Longonot National Park on KWSPay
2. Log in or create an eCitizen account.
3. Enter your visitor details, nationality, date of visit, and gate of entry (Longonot Gate).
4. Select if you’re paying for a vehicle and add any special activities (e.g., hiking, cycling, camping).
5. Pay via MPesa, Visa/MasterCard, or eCitizen Wallet.
6. 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.

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5️⃣ Who Qualifies for Free or Discounted Entry

Certain groups remain exempt or eligible for discounts under KWS policy:

✔ Children under 5 years old – Free entry.
✔ Registered Tour Guides – Must hold valid TRA accreditation.
✔ KWS Staff / Official Guests – With valid identification.
✔ Students on official educational trips – Discounted rates with prior written approval.

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6️⃣ Why the New Fees Were Introduced

The 2025 KWS Conservation Fee revision was designed to:

• Reflect true conservation costs after nearly two decades of static pricing.
• Support trail rehabilitation, volcanic ecosystem restoration, and visitor safety measures around the crater rim.
• Harmonize Kenya’s park pricing with regional East African standards (e.g., Tanzania’s USD 50+ scenic park fees).
• Encourage domestic tourism by keeping East African citizen rates relatively low.

Even after the increase, Mount Longonot remains a budget-friendly park, ideal for day hikes from Nairobi, school trips, and short eco-adventures.

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7️⃣ Legal Context & Court Status

• The Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF) petitioned the High Court, arguing the new rates lacked adequate stakeholder consultation.
• The High Court suspended enforcement on October 2, 2025, pending a final ruling in November 2025.
• Until then, KWS continues to process payments under the new rates displayed on KWSPay.
• Visitors who pay under the new tariff may seek refunds if the court later invalidates the regulation by emailing customerservice@kws.go.ke with proof of payment.

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8️⃣ Summary of Mount Longonot Entry Fees (2025)

Visitor Category	Adult Fee	Child Fee	Currency
Kenyan / EA Citizen	500	250	KES
Kenya Resident	675	350	KES
African Citizen (non-EAC)	20	10	USD
Non-Resident (International)	50	25	USD

✅ Valid for 24 hours from entry.
✅ Digital payment only via KWSPay.
✅ Children under 5 free.
✅ Refunds available if rates are legally overturned.

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Final Word

Mount Longonot remains one of Kenya’s most accessible and rewarding hiking destinations, offering panoramic views of the Rift Valley, an unforgettable crater trek, and abundant wildlife. Even with the 2025 fee adjustments, it continues to deliver excellent value compared to other KWS scenic and premium parks.

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