Cost of a Kenyan Safari Adventure

Before planning for a safari in Kenya, it’s a great idea to understand the true cost of a Kenyan Safari adventure. Kenya is a great tourist destination with many scenic landscapes, wildlife, and amazing coastal beaches. Of course, you don’t wanna miss your Kenyan tour due to failure to know what you ought to spend.

In this guide, we will explore the average cost of a Kenya safari, break down the key expenses, and provide tips on planning and budgeting for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether you’re interested in a luxury safari with all the amenities or a more budget-friendly option, understanding the potential costs involved will help you make informed decisions and prepare for an unforgettable journey through Kenya’s stunning landscapes and incredible wildlife.

You can explore destinations on our bookings page and get-around channels, such as the flights and SGR train bookings.

Keep reading to unveil your Kenya safari budget.

The True Cost of a Kenyan Safari Adventure

1. Visa Costs

Visa costs can vary greatly depending on the country and type of visa you are applying for. You need a Kenyan Visa to embark on a Kenya safari adventure.

Kenyan tourist Visas cost around $51, while East African Visas cost $101 when writing this blog post. You can get an East African Visa if you would like to visit Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.

To apply for a Kenyan Visa, you will need a valid travel document that is under 6 months old and at least one blank page in the holder’s passport.

2. Transport

The cost of your flights will depend on your country of origin. Remember that you will land at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, outside Nairobi city. The Airport is 247 kilometers/ 5-hour drive from Masai Mara National Park, Kenya’s most visited park.

We have several safari tours where you can organize a pickup at the airport to your preferred tourist destination. The cost of a Kenyan safari adventure also depends on whether you prefer a drive or a fly-in mode of transport to your preferred destination.

For instance, a flight to Masai Mara from Nairobi costs at least $235 per person. On the other hand, traveling on a safari tour vehicle/bus costs at least $25. However, you will spend at least .4 hours on the way.

3. Accommodation

When choosing accommodation for your Kenya safari tour, you should consider your destination point and the available options. Accommodation takes a good percentage of the total cost of a Kenyan safari adventure.

You can choose camps/tents at the destination or hotels and lodges a few kilometres from the safari adventure point to reduce accommodation costs.

Furthermore, the amenities you get in the accommodation facility depend on the amount you are willing to spend. For example, with at least $1483, you can book a 3-day Masai Mara safari tour. This Kenyan safari package includes transport, meals, accommodation, and park fees.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel and book accommodation on your own, there are hotels you can book at $50 per night. In addition, you can also put up your tent on camping sites to reduce accommodation costs.

4. Park Entry Fees

In most tourist attraction areas in Kenya, people pay park entry fees, contributing to economic growth. When budgeting for your Kenyan safari adventure, you should consider the park entry fees of all your tourist destinations.

In Masai Mara, the most visited park in Kenya, the park entry fee is $70 for people above 12 years and $40 for those under 12 years. However, this cost is effective if you are staying within the park. When staying out of the park, the fee is $80 for people above 12 years and $45 for those below 12. These costs are for 12 hours. Therefore, you will have to dig deeper into your pockets if you wanna visit for more days.

5. Miscellaneous Expenses

Miscellaneous expenses are the necessary but often overlooked items that significantly impact your budget. You should set aside a portion of your budget for these unpredictable costs to minimize their impact on your overall financial stability during your Kenya safari adventure.

For example, you should set aside medical emergency funds if the new climate affects your well-being. Other miscellaneous expenses include cash tips to tour guides, village guides, or hotel attendants.

Therefore, you can include a miscellaneous budget of at least $500, which may also help you top up your other expenses if you don’t spend it.

Factors Affecting the Cost of a Kenyan Safari Adventure

Embarking on a Kenya safari is a dream for many adventure seekers and wildlife enthusiasts. However, the cost of a Kenyan safari adventure varies greatly depending on the following factors.

1. Time of Year affects the cost of a Kenyan safari adventure

In Kenya, the peak tourism season is June through September, during the longest dry season in the country. It’s during this time when the great Wildebeest migration takes place in Masai Mara national park. As a result, tourism is at its peak and the costs are high everywhere.

Therefore, to save money on your Kenyan safari adventure, you can consider traveling from October through May. However, during the rainy season, you will experience misfortunes such as muddy roads and bushy thickets where animals may hide, limiting your view. On the other side, you will pay less money since most tour companies offer up to 75% discount during these seasons.

2. Group Size

Traveling alone, regardless of the time of the year, is costly compared to traveling as a group. As a group, you can get discounts and book accommodations in hostels at cheaper costs than hotels. Alternatively, you can save more money by carrying your camping materials. You will only pay for a camping space, which saves you significant money.

3. Duration of your Safari

The cost of a Kenyan safari adventure depends on the length of your safari. The more you stay, the more you will spend money on your tour and accommodations. Therefore, you can plan a safari duration that fits your budget.

A safari of 3-6 days can still provide an incredible wildlife viewing experience, especially on Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Lake Nakuru National Parks. This period is enough to view the Big Five, herds of elephants, and the iconic Flamingo birds in Lake Nakuru National Park.

For example, there is a safari package for 6 days in Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli National Parks, costing $2060. The cost covers pick up and drop off at the airport/ hotel, accommodation, meals, and park fees throughout the trip.

4. Souvenirs affect the overall cost of a Kenyan safari adventure

Souvenirs have long been a popular way for travelers to remember their adventures and experiences during their holidays. Whether it’s a simple keychain or a beautiful piece of jewellery, souvenirs are tangible reminders of the places we’ve been and the memories we’ve made.

Local handicrafts, postcards, refrigerator magnets, and t-shirts are just a few items commonly serving as memories from trips. Some people prefer to collect more unique or specific items, such as antique coins, stamps, or pieces of artwork.

The more memorable items you buy in a Kenyan safari adventure, the more you will spend during your holiday.

Tips for Saving Costs of a Kenya Safari Adventure

• Travel during the off-peak season

Traveling during the off-peak season, typically during the rainy season, can help you save money on accommodations, tours, and even flights.

• Book in advance

Planning your safari well in advance saves you a significant amount of money. Many tour operators and lodges offer discounts for early bookings, so take advantage of these deals. Additionally, booking in advance gives you more time to compare prices and find the best deals.

• Consider budget accommodations

While luxury lodges and camps provide an incredible and luxurious experience, they also come with a hefty price tag. To save money on your safari, consider staying at budget accommodations, such as tented camps, hostels, or guesthouses. These accommodations offer a comfortable and authentic safari experience without breaking the bank.

• Join a group tour.

Group tours are often more affordable than private safaris. Joining a group tour, helps split the cost of accommodations, transportation, and guides with the other participants, making it a more economical option for budget-conscious travelers.

• Pack wisely

Packing for your safari can also help you save money. Bringing your own snacks and drinks, as well as reusable water bottles, saves you from purchasing expensive snacks and drinks at the lodges or during game drives. Additionally, pack any necessary toiletries and medications to avoid having to purchase them at inflated prices at your destination.

The Cost of a Kenyan Safari Adventure: Conclusion

The Kenyan safari adventure is among the holiday destinations you will not forget. With a stunning climate, wildlife, beaches, and amazing culture, you can return home after accomplishing your holiday goals in Kenya.

You can check the most trending safari packages to help you save money on your overall holidays in Kenya.

Cost of a Kenyan Safari Adventure: Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does a safari trip cost in Kenya?

A safari trip costs at least $200 per person daily in Kenya. This amount can go up depending on the tourism season.

2. Why is Kenyan safari so expensive?

Most tourism attraction centres are far from big towns, making running hotels and other amenities around the parks costly. However, regardless of the costs, you will get value for your money in the Kenyan safari adventure.

3. What time of the year is the cheapest safari?

Going for a safari tour in the rainy season is the cheapest. although you should be ready for muddy roads and bushy thickets.