Karura Forest Entrance Fee and Charges

I visited Karura Forest in August 2024 to inquire about the entrance fee and charges. I entered through Gate C along Kiambu road and did a 10-minute interview with one of the staff at Karura Forest. Below is the summary of accurate and updated entry fee for Karura in 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 adult entry and KES 100 for children.
• Non-residents are charged KES 600 for adults and KES 300 for children for daily access.
• Annual passes are available at KES 7,500 for individual adults and KES 15,000 for families.
• Special rates are provided for school groups and members of the Friends of Karura Forest.

Daily Entrance Fee for Karura Forest

Friends of Karura and management of the forest explain that daily entrance is a one-time cost paid at the entrance to access the forest for a day. The daily entry fee is based on the citizenship and residency of the visitors.

Below is a detailed table representing the daily entry fee structure according to the Friends of Karura Community Forest Association:

Details of daily entry fee.

• Citizens of Kenya are required to pay KES 100 for adults and KES 50 for children under 13 years of age.
• East African Community residents, which include citizens of Burundi, Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda, are charged KES 200 for adults and KES 100 for children under 13.
• Non-residents, which refers to visitors who are not citizens of the East African Community countries, have a daily entry fee of KES 600 for adults and KES 300 for children under 13.
• Children under 4 years of age accompanied by an adult can enter for free. Youths over 12 years pay adult rates, except for Junior Annual Entry Pass holders.
• Proof of status may be requested at the gate to verify the visitor's residency or citizenship.

Annual Entry Passes for Karura Forest

Karura Forest offers annual passes that allow frequent visitors to enjoy the forest throughout the year at a one-time fee.

Here is the detailed information on the annual entry passes based on the 2024 Friends of Karura Community Forest Association:

Individual Annual Entry Passes:

1. Adult: KES 7,500
2. Junior (13-23 years): KES 3,000
3. FKF (Friends of Karura Forest) Life Members: KES 5,000

Family Annual Entry Passes:

Family pass for Karura Forest is KES 15,000.

• Includes all entry by two registered adults and their children 12 years and under. No other relatives or friends may be included on the family pass.
• For juniors (aged 13-23) whose parents are registered as FAMILY FKF Members, an additional KES 3,000 is charged per junior for their annual entry pass.

These annual passes provide an economical option for families and individuals who visit Karura Forest multiple times throughout the year.

With the pass, you can bypass the daily entry fee, making their visits more convenient and cost-effective.

FKF Membership Subscription Options

Becoming a member of the Friends of Karura Forest (FKF) provides additional benefits and helps support the conservation efforts.

Here are the options available for membership subscriptions:

• Individual Membership: You can become an individual member with an annual fee of KES 1,500 or choose a lifetime membership for KES 25,000.
• Junior Membership: For the young adults between 13-23 years, an annual junior membership is available at KES 750.
• Family Membership: Your entire family can enjoy the benefits of membership for an annual fee of KES 2,500.
• Neighbourhood Associations: Local community associations can get involved with an annual fee of KES 10,000.
• Corporate Membership: Businesses can support Karura Forest through a corporate membership with an annual fee of KES 25,000.
• Interested Groups: Special interest groups can join with an annual fee of KES 5,000.

Memberships not only provide frequent access but also contribute to the forest's maintenance and community programs.

School Group Visits and Amenities at Karura Forest

If you're planning a visit to Karura Forest with a school group, there are specially tailored rates to accommodate educational trips:

• Students from Private Schools: Each student pays KES 100, with accompanying teachers and drivers entering free of charge (for every 10 students).
• Students from Public Schools: A reduced rate of KES 50 is charged per student, also with free entry for accompanying teachers and drivers (for every 10 students).

Moreover, Karura Forest provides several amenities to enhance your visit:

• Parking: Vehicles are charged based on their size, with cars paying KES 200, minibuses (14-seater) KES 400, minibuses (15-31 seats) KES 600, and buses (32+ seats) KES 1,000.
• Maps and Guidebooks: To help you navigate the forest, Karura Maps are available for KES 200 and a Visitor's Guidebook for KES 500.
• Dog Registration: For those who wish to walk their dogs in the forest, an annual dog pass is required, costing KES 3,000. Dogs must be vaccinated, registered with FKF, and kept on-leash except in designated off-leash areas.

Guidelines for Dog Walking and Bicycle Use in Karura Forest

Visiting Karura Forest with your dog or choosing to explore its trails on a bicycle offers a unique way to experience the natural beauty of the area.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit for all, here are the guidelines you need to follow:

Dog Walking Guidelines:

• Registration: All dogs must be registered with the Friends of Karura Forest. The annual registration fee is KES 1,000.
• Leash Policy: Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times while in the forest to ensure the safety of all forest visitors and wildlife.
• Designated Areas: Dogs are allowed only in specific areas of the forest. Make sure to follow the signage and stick to the designated trails.
• Clean Up: Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs. Please ensure you carry the necessary equipment to pick up and dispose of your dog's waste properly.

Bicycle Use Guidelines:

• Hire and Rates: Bicycles are available for hire at the forest at a rate of KES 500 per hour. Personal bicycles are not allowed to ensure the safety and manageability of trails.
• Designated Trails: Bicycles are only allowed on certain trails designated for cycling. It's essential to follow the signage and respect the boundaries to avoid accidents and disturbances to wildlife.
• Safety Gear: For your safety, wearing a helmet is mandatory while cycling in the forest. Ensure you have the proper safety gear before starting your ride.
• Speed Limit: Maintain a moderate speed and be mindful of pedestrians and wildlife. The forest is a shared space, and safety is a priority.

Please note that these prices may vary from time to time and you need to visit the official website or channels for Karura Forest for updated entry fee. We do our best to update this website to ensure we give you up-to-date and accurate entrance fee for Karura Forest to help plan your trip efficiently.