KWS urges early bookings as Easter campaign begins

To avoid delays at the gates, especially on busy days like today, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is urging visitors to make advance bookings via the KWS eCitizen portal as it rolls out its “Easter Moto Moto in Kenya Parks” campaign.

The campaign, which officially kicked off today, Good Friday, runs through April 27, and is aimed at boosting domestic tourism while maintaining safety and conservation in national parks and reserves.

With a spike in visitor numbers expected over the Easter weekend, KWS has implemented a series of operational enhancements.

All parks will operate under their normal hours, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with additional personnel deployed at major entry points to facilitate crowd management.

Road networks and visitor facilities have also undergone repairs to ensure a smooth experience.

Security has been ramped up through joint efforts with law enforcement agencies. KWS rangers will be enforcing safety protocols, including designated driving routes, speed limits and responsible wildlife viewing to safeguard both visitors and the ecosystem.

To enhance the overall visitor experience, dedicated help desks have been set up at major parks, and updated signage has been installed to guide guests on safety and conservation rules.

The “Easter Moto Moto” campaign includes a host of incentives:

• Registered tour operators bringing in groups of 10 domestic tourists will be granted a complimentary entry pass during the campaign period.
• Accommodation bookings at Mbugani Home between April 18 and 27 come with a 10 per cent discount, valid through June 30, 2025.
• Daily gifts will be awarded to the first domestic visitors at ten selected parks, including Meru National Park and Shimba Hills National Reserve, for the first five days of the campaign.
• At Nairobi National Park, a free shuttle service will be available from today through Easter Monday to ease congestion and improve access.

KWS is working alongside park lodges and hotels whose special Easter offers will be featured on KWS communication platforms.

As part of responsible travel, the service is advising visitors to prepare for changing weather conditions, carry sun protection and enough drinking water, and commit to eco-friendly practices like proper waste disposal and avoiding single-use plastics.

For emergencies, visitors can reach out to on-site park staff or call the 24-hour toll-free hotline: 0800 597 000.

KWS says it will provide real-time updates on park conditions and campaign activities via its website and social media platforms, ensuring visitors are well-informed throughout the holiday season.

With the campaign now in full swing, KWS is confident of delivering a safe, vibrant, and conservation-conscious Easter experience for all.