Kenya’s parks and reserves welcomed over 300,000 visitors during the festive season, with 231,000 Kenyan citizens and residents and 82,500 non-residents experiencing wildlife attractions.
The turnout supports government ambitions to grow visitor numbers and reflects a strong domestic tourism culture. KWS says 2026 will bring more experiences, more access, more conservation impact, reinforcing Kenya’s position as a must-visit destination.
According to KWS, “over 300,000 visitors experienced our parks and reserves” during the holiday period, bringing energy and economic activity to a wide range of conservation areas across the country.
Of these visitors, “231,000 Kenyan citizens and residents” took part, making local tourists the “true cornerstone of Kenya’s tourism,” while “82,500 non-residents” joined from around the world to enjoy Kenya’s rich natural heritage.
The festive numbers come against the backdrop of a broader tourism recovery and expansion. In the year to June 2025, Kenya’s parks collectively recorded approximately 3.38 million visitors, surpassing the projected target of 3.3 million, according to government tourism data, an indicator of sustained growth.
Tourism statistics from previous years show continued momentum. In 2023, total visitations to Kenya Wildlife Service-managed parks, reserves, and sanctuaries reached around 3 million, marking a significant rise compared with prior years.
Meanwhile, in 2024 many of the most popular wildlife and conservation attractions, such as Nairobi Mini Orphanage and Nairobi National Park, attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors individually, with 455,550 and 431,165 visitors respectively, as reported in tourism performance reports.
The festive season figures align with these longer-term trends, with local and global visitors increasingly drawn to Kenya’s diverse landscapes, from savannahs and wetlands to marine parks and sanctuaries.
Domestic tourists have become an increasingly significant segment, drawn by promotions and a growing culture of local travel, while international visitors add to the economic impact through foreign exchange and hospitality spending.
The Kenya Wildlife Service thanked visitors for choosing Kenya’s parks in December and published its festive season summary with enthusiasm.
The figures strengthen confidence in the Government of Kenya and the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife’s vision to expand tourism, with official aims to attract 5 million visitors by 2028.
KWS also highlighted plans to build on the festive season’s success, saying “2026 is here. More experiences, more access, more conservation impact, and more reasons to explore Kenya parks.”
The agency’s message reaffirms ongoing efforts to support sustainable tourism, expand access to conservation areas, and enhance visitor experiences while preserving vital ecosystems.
Kenya’s wildlife tourism sector has been steadily growing in recent years. The total number of parks visits has climbed well beyond the lows of the pandemic, with millions of visits annually across parks, reserves, and sanctuaries, a trend supported by both domestic travel and international arrivals.
These robust visitor numbers also contribute to economic returns, support local communities involved in tourism operations, and reinforce conservation funding through entry fees and park revenues.
As Kenya pushes toward its 2028 visitor targets, the holiday season’s turnout demonstrates strong public interest in nature-based tourism and offers momentum for future growth.
With 2026 underway, Kenya’s parks are positioned for further engagement with both local and overseas travelers, offering wildlife, adventure, and cultural experiences that keep the nation linked to its identity as a premier wildlife destination.
