The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has clarified details of its free entry initiative, confirming that Lake Nakuru National Park will not be part of the programme on Saturday, September 27, 2025.
In a notice released Friday, the agency stated that “there will be no free entry to Lake Nakuru National Park on the designated day.” Visitors who have already purchased prepaid eCitizen tickets will still be allowed to access the park, but only through Nderit Gate between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Both the main gate at the flamingo area and Lanet Gate will remain closed throughout the day.
This update comes just days after KWS announced that all reserves and sanctuaries under its management would open their gates for free to Kenyan citizens. While Lake Nakuru is excluded, the agency confirmed that every other national park, reserve, and sanctuary across the country will remain fully accessible under the initiative.
The decision to keep Lake Nakuru closed under the free entry programme has sparked questions among local travelers, especially since the park remains one of Kenya’s most iconic attractions, known for its flamingos and rich biodiversity. Still, KWS emphasized that those with prepaid tickets will not miss out entirely, though their entry will be limited to a single gate.
Beyond clarifying access, KWS has reminded visitors to respect park rules and regulations during their visits. The agency continues to stress responsible tourism as crowds are expected to flock to popular destinations such as Nairobi National Park, Amboseli, Tsavo, and others benefiting from the initiative.
For citizens eager to explore Kenya’s natural heritage, this weekend’s free entry remains a chance to connect with wildlife and landscapes at no cost. While Lake Nakuru may be off the list for most, the rest of the country’s parks and reserves stand ready to welcome visitors.
By Risper Akinyi