Kenya may lose business to other East African countries after it raised entry fees to national parks at the beginning of this year.
The East African reports that Kenyans and other East African Community (EAC) adults will pay $14 to visit urban parks such as Nairobi National Park during peak and low seasons from January 1.
Children's entry prices will increase from $1.40 to $3.40.
This is an increase from the $2.80 that EAC adults previously paid to enter the parks.
Foreign adults from the rest of Africa, on the other hand, will pay $20, while international visitors will spend around $100.
Adult visitors to several Premium Parks, such as Amboseli and Lake Nakuru National Parks, will pay $7 during the high season and $5.50 during the low season.
The announcement of new park charges comes less than a year after the Kenyan government applied the mandatory 14% value-added tax and an additional 2% tourism levy to the Tourism Fund, which stakeholders believe has increased operational costs.
Tourism stakeholders have cautioned Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS), the state company in charge of protecting and managing national and marine parks, that the decision will deter tourists from visiting the recreational areas.
According to Hillary Siele, managing director of Travellers Beach Hotel, the increased pricing would affect not only tour companies but also hoteliers.
“That was an idea implemented prematurely. There was a need for further public participation on the fees, considering this time when the economy is not doing well,” said Travellers Beach Hotel managing director Hillary Siele.
Mohammed Hersi, a hotelier, said the new charges will discourage tourists from visiting national and marine parks and encourage them to opt for other countries with similar packages.
“Why spend more in Kenya [when] you can get similar services and animals in neighbouring countries? The charges are way above our competitors [in]Tanzania, Rwanda, and South Africa. This will affect our numbers as tourists will opt for those countries since they offer the same packages at a cheaper price, which will be [the] greatest stumbling block to tourism and economic growth,” he said.
Kenya has already become one of the costliest safari destinations for foreigners, with Ugandan parks charging between $45 and $60 and Tanzania charging $80.
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