Your Free Pass to Adventure: Celebrating World Tourism Day in KWS Parks

Written By Malcolm Onsando

Good news, adventure-seekers! How does free park entry this Saturday, September 27th, sound?



The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has decided to celebrate World Tourism Day in spectacular fashion this year, and they've extended a generous invitation to all of us. The knee-jerk reaction might be to hop in a car and head to the always-popular Nairobi National Park. But what if we thought about this differently? What if this wasn't just a free day trip, but the perfect opportunity to explore a part of your country you've never seen before?

This offer is a golden ticket to a different kind of Kenyan adventure, and we're here to help you get the most out of it.

Beyond the Usual Suspects

Let’s be honest, parks within a one-to-two-hour drive of major cities like Nairobi, Kisumu, and Nakuru are going to be busy. Hell's Gate National Park, Mount Longonot National Park, and Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park are fantastic, but so are the many other hidden gems on this incredible list. Instead of a quick in-and-out visit, let's explore some paradigm-shifting ideas that could lead to your perfect escape.

1. Make a Weekend of It: A Budget-Friendly Getaway

Instead of viewing this as a free escape, think of it as a significant budget cut on a weekend you've always wanted to take. Always dreamed of traveling to Northern Kenya? Samburu is calling, and you now have free entry to see its unique wildlife like the Grevy's zebra and reticulated giraffe. Always wanted to see the foothills of Kilimanjaro? Amboseli National Park is now free! Turn this one-day offer into a discounted two-night escape.

2. Discover a Hidden Gem

Have you ever heard of Ruma National Park in Western Kenya? Probably not, and that's precisely why you should visit. This is your opportunity to explore a park off the beaten path and discover its unique beauty, including the magnificent roan antelope. Or, while we know Aberdare National Park as a magical park in Central Kenya, how about venturing to Meru National Park? You can see the Big Five in a stunning landscape and still get a glimpse of the peaks of Mount Kenya.

3. Stack the Trip: The Ultimate Road Trip

Maybe that epic road trip you've always planned is calling now. Heard of the 'red elephants' of Tsavo? Or the historic tales of the 'maneaters of Tsavo'? Maybe it's time to meet their descendants and enjoy the epic scenes of these animal giants with a slight red tinge from the soil. With Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks both on the list, you can plan a two-day safari through one of Kenya's largest ecosystems.

The options are truly endless, from the peaks of Mount Kenya to the marine wonders of Watamu. All in all, this World Tourism Day, we simply want to encourage you to take this amazing opportunity to see your country in a new light. And if you need help planning, you know who to call!



Here is a list of the KWS parks offering free entry on Saturday, September 27th, and their locations:

  • Aberdare National Park: Nyeri/Nyandarua

  • Amboseli National Park: Kajiado

  • Central Island National Park: Lake Turkana

  • Chyulu Hills National Park: Kibwezi

  • Hell's Gate National Park: Naivasha

  • Kakamega Forest National Reserve: Kakamega

  • Kisite Mpunguti National Park & Reserve: Shimoni, Kwale

  • Kisumu Impala Sanctuary: Kisumu

  • Kiunga Marine National Reserve: Lamu

  • Kora National Park: Meru/Tana River

  • Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary: Elementaita

  • Lake Nakuru National Park: Nakuru

  • Malindi Marine National Park & Reserve: Malindi

  • Malka Mari National Park: Mandera

  • Marsabit National Park: Marsabit

  • Meru National Park: Meru/Tharaka Nithi

  • Mombasa Marine National Park & Reserve: Mombasa

  • Mount Elgon National Park: Bungoma/Trans-Nzoia

  • Mount Kenya National Park: Nyeri/Nanyuki/Chogoria

  • Mount Longonot National Park: Mai Mahiu

  • Mwea National Reserve: Embu

  • Nairobi Animal Orphanage: Nairobi

  • Nairobi National Park: Nairobi

  • Nairobi Safari Walk: Nairobi

  • Ndere Island National Park: Kisumu

  • Oldonyo Sabuk National Park: Donyo Sabuk Centre

  • Ruma National Park: Homa Bay

  • Saiwa Swamp National Park: Kwale

  • Shimba Hills National Reserve: Kwale

  • Sibiloi National Park: Turkana

  • South Island National Park: Lake Turkana

  • Tsavo East National Park: Voi

  • Tsavo West National Park: Mtito Andei

  • Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve: Watamu

#ExploreKenyaParks #TunzaMaliYako

Malcolm Onsando
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