The Karura Forest entrance fee is a daily charge that grants access to the trails, waterfalls, and natural spaces within this key urban forest in Nairobi. The fees are structured based on visitor citizenship and residency status, with separate charges for parking and other activities. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the current charges, effective from July 1, 2024.
- Kenyan citizens pay a daily entry fee of KES 100 for adults and KES 50 for children.
- East African Community residents pay KES 200 for adults and KES 100 for children.
- Non-residents are charged KES 600 for adults and KES 300 for children.
- Daily parking fees start at KES 200 for standard cars.
- An annual dog pass is available for KES 3,000 per dog.
Daily Entrance Fee for Karura Forest
The daily entrance fee is a one-time charge paid at any of the forest's gates for a single day of access. The rates are set by the Kenya Forest Service in partnership with the Friends of Karura Community Forest Association.
Below is the detailed table for daily entry fees:
| Category | Citizen (KES) | Resident (KES) | Non-Resident (KES) |
| Adult | 100 | 200 | 600 |
| Child (< 13 years) | 50 | 100 | 300 |
These fees apply to the following groups:
- Citizens of Kenya pay KES 100 for adults and KES 50 for children under 13 years.
- Residents of the East African Community (which includes citizens of Burundi, DRC, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda) are charged KES 200 for adults and KES 100 for children.
- Non-residents are international visitors who are not citizens of EAC countries. The fee is KES 600 for adults and KES 300 for children.
- Proof of status, such as a National ID, passport, or alien card, may be requested at the gate.
Annual Entry Passes for Karura Forest
For frequent visitors, Karura Forest offers annual passes that provide unlimited entry for a one-time fee. This is a cost-effective option for residents who use the forest regularly for exercise or recreation.
Individual Annual Passes:
- Adult: KES 7,500
- Junior (13-23 years): KES 3,000
- FKF Life Members: KES 5,000
Family Annual Pass:
The family pass for Karura Forest costs KES 15,000 per year. This pass includes entry for two registered adults and their children who are 12 years old and under. Other relatives or friends are not included on the family pass.
FKF Membership Subscriptions
Joining the Friends of Karura Forest (FKF) is another way to support the forest's conservation while receiving benefits. The membership fees contribute directly to the maintenance of the forest and its community programs.
- Individual Membership: Annual fee of KES 1,500 or a lifetime membership for KES 25,000.
- Junior Membership (13-23 years): Annual fee of KES 750.
- Family Membership: Annual fee of KES 2,500.
- Neighbourhood Associations: Annual fee of KES 10,000.
- Corporate Membership: Annual fee of KES 25,000.
- Interested Groups: Annual fee of KES 5,000.
School Group Rates
Karura Forest offers special discounted rates for educational visits from schools.
- Students from Private Schools: KES 100 per student.
- Students from Public Schools: KES 50 per student.
For both categories, one accompanying teacher or driver is granted free entry for every 10 students.
Daily Parking Fees
Secure parking is available at the main entrance gates. The fees are charged per vehicle based on its size.
- Cars (including 4x4s): KES 200
- Minivans (14-seater): KES 400
- Minibuses (15-31 seats): KES 600
- Buses (32+ seats): KES 1,000
Picnic Fees
Picnicking is permitted in designated areas within the forest, including the KFEET Centre, Amani, Ruaka, Sigiria, and Karura Gardens. A separate fee is charged for this activity.
- Adults: KES 174 per person
- Children: KES 116 per person
Bicycle Rentals in Karura Forest
Exploring the forest's marked trails on a bicycle is a popular activity. Bicycles are available for hire from a vendor located just inside the main gates.
- Hire Rate: The standard rate is KES 500 for a two-hour rental period.
- Designated Trails: Cycling is only permitted on the marked trails. This is to ensure the safety of all visitors and to protect the forest's ecosystem.
- Personal Bicycles: Please note that personal bicycles are not allowed inside the forest.
Charges for Dog Walking in Karura Forest
Karura Forest is one of the few places in Nairobi where you can walk your dog in a natural setting. To ensure the safety of all visitors and wildlife, there are strict guidelines in place.
- Annual Dog Pass: All dogs must be registered with the Friends of Karura Forest. The annual pass costs KES 3,000 per dog.
- Vaccinations: Dogs must have up-to-date vaccination certificates.
- Leash Policy: Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times, except in the specifically designated off-leash areas.
Important Notes for Visitors of Karura Forest
To ensure a smooth visit, please be aware of the forest's operating hours and rules.
- Operating Hours: The forest is open daily from 6:00 AM.
- Last Entry: Entry tickets are not sold after 5:45 PM, and no entry is permitted after this time.
- Closing Time: All visitors must have exited the forest by 7:00 PM, when the gates will be closed.
The information on this page is kept as up-to-date as possible. However, fees can change, and it is always a good practice to check with the official Friends of Karura Forest channels for the most current information before your visit.