🏞️ 1. Overview of Hell’s Gate National Park Entry Fees/KWS Tariff
Hell’s Gate National Park is classified under the “Scenic Parks (Category B)” tier in the 2025 KWS fee structure — the same category as Mount Longonot, Mount Elgon, and Saiwa Swamp.
Located near Lake Naivasha, Hell’s Gate remains one of Kenya’s most unique and affordable national parks, renowned for its towering cliffs, gorges, geothermal activity, and cycling safaris.
Under the new rates, entry fees have increased moderately compared to the previous 2023/24 rates, reflecting inflation and maintenance costs while keeping the park accessible to local and regional visitors.
💰 2. Current Hell’s Gate National Park Entry Fees (2025)
| Visitor Category | Adult (24 hrs) | Child (3–17 yrs) |
|---|---|---|
| Kenyan / EA Citizen | KES 500 | KES 250 |
| Kenya Resident / Work Permit Holder | KES 675 | KES 350 |
| African Passport Holder (Non-EAC) | USD 20 | USD 10 |
| Non-Resident (International) | USD 50 | USD 25 |
💡 Notes:
- Children under 5 years old enter free of charge.
- Students on recognized school trips qualify for discounted rates with prior KWS approval and a school letter.
- Entry is valid for 24 hours from the time of entry.
📊 3. Comparison: Old vs New Hell’s Gate Entry Fees
The new rates reflect a moderate, long-overdue increase compared to the 2023/24 tariff that had remained unchanged since 2007.
| 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 these changes represent notable increases, Hell’s Gate still remains among Kenya’s most budget-friendly parks, especially when compared to Amboseli (USD 90) or Lake Nakuru (USD 90).
🚲 4. Additional Activity & Camping Fees
Hell’s Gate offers several adventure activities unique among Kenyan parks — including cycling, rock climbing, and gorge hiking. The 2025 tariff maintains these popular activities with updated standardized charges.
| Activity / Service | EA Citizens | Kenya Residents | African Citizens | Non-Residents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cycling Fee | 300 | 300 | USD 10 | USD 10 |
| Public Campsite | 200 / 150 | 300 / 200 | USD 10 / 8 | USD 20 / 15 |
| Special Campsite | 250 / 200 | 350 / 250 | USD 20 / 10 | USD 35 / 20 |
| Walking Safari / Gorge Hike (Guided) | 3,000 | 3,000 | USD 50 | USD 50 |
| Rock Climbing (Permit) | 500 | 500 | USD 10 | USD 10 |
| Guided Tour (Up to 4 Hours) | 2,000 | 2,000 | USD 25 | USD 25 |
| Guided Tour (Over 4 Hours) | 4,000 | 4,000 | USD 40 | USD 40 |
💡 Tip: For cyclists, Hell’s Gate is the only KWS park where visitors can bring and use their own bicycles on designated trails.
Check out our Hell’s Gate & Naivasha Day Tour from Nairobi.
🚗 5. Vehicle Entry Fees
| Vehicle Type | Rate (KES) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Private Vehicle (≤6 seats) | 600 | Per vehicle, per 24 hours |
| Tour Van (6–12 seats) | 1,500 | Common safari vans |
| Tour Bus (13–24 seats) | 3,000 | For group visits |
| Large Tour Bus (25–44 seats) | 4,500 | For institutions or large groups |
| Over 45 seats | 5,000 | Schools or expeditions |
💳 6. How to Pay Park Fees (KWSPay via eCitizen)
All KWS park entry fees, including Hell’s Gate, are paid online only through KWSPay, the digital portal integrated into eCitizen. Cash payments are not accepted at park gates.
How to Pay:
- Visit: Hell’s Gate National Park – KWSPay Link
- Log in or create an eCitizen account.
- Enter your visitor details, entry date, and vehicle information.
- Choose your activity options (e.g., cycling, hiking, camping).
- Pay using MPesa, Visa/MasterCard, or eCitizen Wallet.
- Download and keep your QR-coded receipt, which must be presented at the gate along with your ID or passport.
💡 Expert Tip: If the KWSPay page seems unresponsive, wait a few minutes before refreshing. Never make cash payments or transfer funds to individuals — all payments must go through eCitizen.
🎓 7. Who Qualifies for Free or Discounted Entry
Certain groups and individuals are exempt or eligible for discounts under the KWS 2025 policy:
✔ Children under 5 years old – Free entry.
✔ KWS staff and official government guests – With valid identification.
✔ Registered tour guides – Must present a valid Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) guide license.
✔ Students on official educational trips – Discounted group entry rates with prior KWS approval and an institutional letter.
🕓 8. Best Time to Visit Hell’s Gate National Park
The new tariff applies uniformly year-round, with no seasonal fee differences. The best time to visit depends on weather and visitor activity preferences:
- Dry Season (June–October & January–February) – Ideal for hiking, cycling, and wildlife viewing. Roads are dry and gorge trails accessible.
- Wet Season (March–May & November–December) – Fewer tourists, greener landscapes, and lower accommodation rates in nearby Naivasha. Some gorge sections may be closed for safety.
💡 Travel Tip: For budget travelers, visiting outside peak months (August and December) helps save on accommodation while enjoying the same park entry rate.
⚖️ 9. Court Suspension & Refund Policy
- The High Court temporarily suspended enforcement of the new 2025 rates on October 2, 2025 after a Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF) petition.
- The judicial review hearing is set for November 25, 2025.
- KWS has confirmed that all payments made at the new rates will be honored, and refunds can be requested if the court invalidates the fees.
- Refund requests should be sent to customerservice@kws.go.ke with the eCitizen receipt attached.
📋 10. Summary of 2025 Hell’s Gate National Park Entry Fees
| Visitor Category | Adult | Child (3–17 yrs) | Currency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenyan / EA Citizen | 500 | 250 | KES |
| Kenya Resident / Work Permit Holder | 675 | 350 | KES |
| African Passport Holder (Non-EAC) | 20 | 10 | USD |
| Non-Resident (International) | 50 | 25 | USD |
✅ Valid for 24 hours from time of entry.
✅ All payments made via eCitizen (KWSPay).
✅ Children under 5 years enter free.
✅ Refunds available if new rates are legally overturned.
🧭 Final Word
The 2025 Hell’s Gate entry fee revision modernizes park pricing after nearly two decades, aligning with regional standards while keeping the park affordable, accessible, and adventure-focused. Whether cycling beneath Fischer’s Tower, hiking the Ol Njorowa Gorge, or exploring geothermal landscapes, Hell’s Gate remains one of Kenya’s best-value parks — combining world-class scenery with community-friendly rates.