World Tourism Day: Kenyans to enjoy free entry to KWS parks on September 27

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Kenyans will have a rare chance to explore some of the country’s most iconic landscapes and wildlife this  Saturday, 27th September 2025, as Kenya Wildlife Service opens gates to its national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries free of charge in celebration of World Tourism Day.

The offer covers all KWS-managed sites across the country, from the savannahs of Amboseli and Tsavo, to the peaks of Mount Kenya, the marine treasures of Watamu, and the vast waters of Lake Turkana.

Families, students, and adventure lovers are expected to throng the parks, a tradition that has grown into a nationwide moment of pride every September.

The free-entry initiative coincides with the climax of World Tourism Week, which has been running in Mombasa with exhibitions, conferences, and cultural showcases bringing together players from across the tourism sector.

The coastal city has been the hub of celebrations, with hoteliers, travel operators, conservation groups, and county officials highlighting Kenya’s potential as a top global destination.

Street carnivals, coastal cuisine fairs, and cultural performances have added colour to the week, drawing both local and international visitors.

Tourism officials say the link between the festivities in Mombasa and the open doors to KWS parks is deliberate--a way of connecting Kenya’s natural heritage to the broader theme of sustainable tourism.

It is also meant to remind Kenyans that tourism is not just for foreigners, but a shared responsibility and benefit.

From the elephants roaming Amboseli with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background, to the flamingos painting the Rift Valley lakes pink, to dolphins dancing in the Indian Ocean, the diversity on offer this weekend is unmatched.

For domestic travellers, the free access removes cost barriers and gives them a chance to see sites many only read about in books.

KWS has urged visitors to travel early, follow park rules, and remember its motto, Tunza Mali Yako--protect what belongs to you.

The agency has also partnered with county governments and security agencies to ensure smooth movement and safety across all entry points.

World Tourism Day is marked every 27^th September across the globe under the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.

This 2025 theme is focused on innovation, sustainability, and community participation--ideas that resonate strongly with Kenya’s tourism revival plan after years of global economic shocks.

Whether it is a day trip to Nairobi National Park to catch a glimpse of lions against the city skyline, a hike in the cool air of Mount Kenya, or a snorkelling dive into the coral gardens of Malindi Marine Park, Saturday offers an open invitation.

It is a moment to rediscover the country’s rich natural and cultural wealth and to celebrate the role of tourism in Kenya’s economy and identity.