(DDM) – Kenya witnessed a massive surge in tourism during the 2025 festive season, as more than 300,000 visitors explored the nation’s parks and wildlife reserves.
DDM gathered that the influx included both local residents and international tourists, highlighting the growing appeal of Kenya as a premier wildlife destination.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) reported that 231,000 of the visitors were Kenyans, while 82,500 were international travelers arriving from various parts of the world to experience the country’s rich wildlife and natural heritage.
KWS described local visitors as the backbone of Kenya’s tourism sector, emphasizing that domestic tourism is increasingly becoming a key driver of the country’s conservation awareness and appreciation for natural parks.
Officials said the festive season turnout marked a successful close to 2025, reflecting growing confidence in the safety, accessibility, and quality of Kenya’s wildlife experiences.
The agency noted that these visitor numbers align with the government’s broader vision of attracting five million tourists annually by 2028, reinforcing Kenya’s commitment to sustainable tourism growth.
KWS emphasized continued investments in park management, conservation efforts, and visitor facilities as essential to maintaining the country’s position as a leading global wildlife destination.
To encourage local engagement, KWS introduced special Boxing Day group offers aimed at making national parks and marine sanctuaries more affordable for Kenyan families and communities.
Under the promotion, families of five visiting sanctuaries or marine parks received free entry for one child aged six to 17 years, while groups traveling in five-seater vehicles were granted free entry for one child per five passengers.
Larger groups were also accommodated: visitors in a 25-seater bus enjoyed free entry for two adults, and those in seven-seater vans or eight-seater Land Cruisers received free entry for one adult.
KWS further extended discounts to accommodations, offering guests who booked three nights in selected park lodges a complimentary fourth night, encouraging longer stays and deeper engagement with Kenya’s wildlife.
The promotions, valid until December 31, 2025, applied exclusively to Kenyan citizens and were available across all KWS-managed parks, marine reserves, and sanctuary destinations.
Tourism analysts noted that the combination of domestic enthusiasm, international interest, and creative promotional strategies underscores Kenya’s rising prominence in global wildlife tourism.
Observers believe that continued emphasis on sustainable tourism, family-friendly packages, and high-quality park experiences will play a crucial role in achieving the government’s ambitious targets for visitor growth.
The 2025 festive season success further reinforces Kenya’s reputation as a country where adventure, conservation, and cultural engagement combine to create world-class tourism experiences.
