The Average Cost of Safari in Kenya - Affordable Deals, Packages and More
Embarking on a Kenyan safari can be a dream come true – but how much does it actually cost? The average Kenya safari cost typically ranges from a few hundred to several thousand US dollars. It all depends on your accommodation preferences, park fees, the timing of your visit, transportation options, and the activities you indulge in.
This guide will delve into each cost component, aiding you in piecing together a realistic budget for your Kenya safari without spoiling the adventure surprises or advocating specific services. But first, let us share how you can reach us to start planning your Kenya safari tour.
How to Reach us to Start Planning Your Kenya Safari
Whether you’re looking for an adventurous Masai Mara safari or desire a tour of Kenya’s main national parks, we invite you to contact us via phone or WhatsApp at +254-704-532-105. You can also connect with us via email at safarioffers@kenyaluxurysafari.co.uk or safarioffers@ajkenyasafaris.com.
Nothing puts a damper on a safari more than a miscalculated budget—especially one that’s under-budgeted. Our Senior Consultant, James Gatheru, will detail the cost per person, so you can put together a budget that will work.
Kenya Safari Cost - Photos By Our Clients
Kenya Safari Expense Breakdown
Next, we look at the key factors that affect the cost of a safari in Kenya.
Which National Park Do You Want to Visit
First, decide which park or attraction you want to visit. If you’re on a budget safari, we recommend limiting your travel to one park—say the Masai Mara.
If your budget is flexible you can incorporate stopovers to gorgeous destinations on your way to the Masai Mara. You can, for example, explore Hells Gate National Park, or Lake Nakuru (one of the Great Rift Valley lakes) before heading to the Masai Mara.
Here are some of Kenya’s best national parks to visit in Kenya:
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- Amboseli National Park
- Lake Nakuru National Park
- Meru national park
- Aberdares National Park
- Samburu National Reserve
- Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks
Other thrilling but less frequented and therefore cheaper parks include the Saiwa Swamp National Park and the Ruma National Park
Accommodation Tiers: From Camping to Luxury
The accommodation options for a safari are diverse. They span from basic camping facilities where meals are prepared over a camping gas stove to lavish safari lodges that offer fine dining experiences.
Most basic camps provide small dome tents with basic bedding and a shared basic toilet block. They are priced between US$90 and US$150 per person per night. These no-frills campsites can be found in most national parks and offer authentic close-to-nature experiences.
If you seek comfort and luxury, Kenya’s mid-range and high-end safari lodges don’t disappoint. Ranging from US$400 to over US$1,000 per person per night, these quality lodges and luxury safari tents provide exclusive safari experiences for their guests. For example, the Masai Mara Conservancies offer limited accommodation bookings to ensure their guests enjoy an exclusive safari, albeit at a higher cost.
Park Entry Fees: A Necessary Investment
Park entry fees, while often overlooked, are a crucial part of your safari budget. These fees are not included in the accommodation prices, representing an additional expense.
These fees vary by park, reserve, or conservancy, and depend on the visitor’s residence status aka citizens, residents, and non-residents. Non-resident adults staying inside the park pay $100 per person for every 12 hours while those staying outside the reserve pay $100 for daily access. Non-citizen children pay $40 and $45 respectively.
These conservation fees contribute significantly to preserving wildlife ecosystems. As you factor them into your budget, consider them as an investment towards wildlife conservation efforts that ensure Kenya’s incredible wildlife conservancies remain pristine.
Transportation Choices Within Kenya
.Another important Kenya safari cost element is transportation. You can fly into your safari destinations, or travel by road on a luxury 4×4, shared van, or a self-drive safari vehicle. Each option has its own cost and experience.
Flying to safari hotspots like the Masai Mara or Samburu can cost between $200 and $400 for a return ticket. Luxury 4x4s offered by safari operators offer comfortable rides but may be more expensive than shared vans. You can compare prices between tour operators to find the best one.
For those who want to save money, self-drive safari options may be worth considering. Their prices range from $120 per day to over $500 a week for more premium models. Remember that while a self-drive safari may be cheaper, you may need to hire a local guide if you want to spot wildlife maximally.
The transportation costs mentioned here costs don’t cover international flights. You’ll need to pay for international flights separately.
Seasonal Influence on Kenya Safari Prices
As with many travel destinations, the cost of an African safari in Kenya also varies based on the season. Certain months offer greater wildlife viewing opportunities than others, meaning safari prices fluctuate depending on the season. Visiting Kenya in the high season will impact your Kenya safari cost far more than visiting in the low season.
High Season Highlights
The high season in Kenya, running from June to October offers optimal conditions for a safari. Sunny days, low rainfall, and the best wildlife viewing experiences make this season popular among tourists.
The Masai Mara is particularly busy during high season months as tourists flock to witness the famed wildebeest migration. This means that tourists are likely to pay premium prices because of the possibility of witnessing one of nature’s greatest spectacles.
Low Season Advantages
The low season, on the other hand, typically corresponds with the rainy season. It’s ideal for travellers who want to save money since you can enjoy up to 40% in savings on safari packages. But that’s not all there is to this season.
The low season comes with lush greenery and dramatic sunsets during this time of year, making for stunning and photogenic landscapes. The Amboseli is breathtaking now, thanks to the majestic Mt Kilimanjaro in the background.
And with fewer crowds all around, you can also enjoy more personalised attention from camp staff and possibly even private game drives.
Group Dynamics and Its Impact on Your Kenya Safari Costs
The size and dynamics of your travel group are another factor to keep in mind when estimating your Kenya safari cost. Whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple, or a large family, the size and composition of your group can significantly affect the overall cost of your safari.
Let’s explore how.
Solo vs. Group Travel
Travelling solo or as a couple on an African safari is a wonderful experience, but it can also mean higher costs. Joining a group safari can offer cost savings and social opportunities, making it an ideal choice for single travellers or couples.
For instance, a budget 3-day group safari in the Masai Mara can start from USD 350 per person, offering significant savings compared to solo traveller costs.
On the other hand, solo travellers or couples who value flexibility and privacy may prefer hiring the luxury van or safari vehicle in its entirety. Although more expensive, these options allow for a more personalised safari experience, with the ability to set your own itinerary and pace.
Family and Private Group Safaris
If you’re travelling with a larger group, such as a family or friends, you’re in for some good news. Larger groups can share the transportation budget and guides, reducing the cost per person for your safari.
The more the merrier, and in this case, the more cost-effective! So, how about inviting a few friends to this African safari?
Kenya Safari Add-Ons and Their Costs
Kenya Safari goes beyond just game drives. Numerous add-ons can be incorporated into your safari package to enhance your safari experience. These add-ons provide a unique glimpse into the African wilderness and include:
- Hot air balloon rides
- Cultural visits to local communities
- Guided safari walks
- Night game drives
- Bush breakfasts or dinners
- Sundowner cocktails
These add-ons can enhance your safari experience during your stay.
Exclusive Experiences
Nothing beats the thrill of soaring above the African plains on a hot air balloon ride, watching as the wildlife awakens beneath you.
However, this unique experience comes at a price, depending on the provider and package. You may need to budget $400 to $550 per person. The equally thrilling night drives may cost between $60 and $120 per person per night game drive.
Guided safari walks are organised by the safari lodge, and cost anywhere between $50 to $75 per person.
Beyond this, there are other unique safari experiences you can experience including horse riding, camel riding, boat safaris, and fly camping.
Engaging with Culture: Visits to Local Communities
One of the most enriching experiences you can have on a Kenyan safari is visiting local communities. A visit to a Maasai village in the Mara can cost between $25-$50 per person. This price comprises contributions to the village and return road transfers from the lodge or camp.
During these visits, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with the Maasai people, learning about their culture, customs, and traditions. While tourists may be expected to purchase souvenirs during their visit, these purchases are not mandatory. They do, however, help support the community and are not mandatory.
Planning Your Safari Itinerary: Customisation vs. Pre-Packaged Tours
As you plan your safari itinerary, decide on customising your experience or choosing a pre-packaged tour. Each option has its pros and cons, and understanding these can help you make an informed decision.
Tailor-Made Itineraries
A tailor-made safari offers the advantage of itinerary customisation, allowing you to include specific accommodations, activities, and preferences. This can enhance your overall safari experience and make it truly unique and personal.
For instance, you can choose which locations you want to visit, what activities to indulge in, and how long you want to stay at each destination. While tailor-made safaris typically incur higher costs compared to standardised pre-packaged tours, there are ways to make them more cost-effective.
Working with a safari specialist and booking personalised itineraries in advance can provide cost-effective solutions as opposed to randomising the tour.
Pre-Packaged Safari Advantages
On the other hand, pre-packaged safaris offer numerous benefits, particularly for first-time safari-goers or those with a limited time frame. Requiring minimal research and input from the traveller, these tours come with an established itinerary that covers the most popular safari areas within a specific timeframe.
Pre-packaged safaris typically include most elements of the trip in the initial price, allowing for a clear understanding of the total cost upfront. Many pre-packaged safari options allow for shared safari vehicles option reducing the cost of safari prices.
Practical Tips for Managing Safari Costs in Kenya
Now that we have a clearer insight into the cost components of a Kenya safari, we can explore some practical tips for managing these costs effectively.
From choosing budget-friendly accommodations to understanding hidden costs, these insights can help you plan a memorable safari without breaking the bank.
Budget-Friendly Safari Strategies
For budget safaris, we recommend choosing road transport over flying to save money. This choice also has a reduced environmental impact. Similarly, staying at budget-friendly campsites or guesthouses outside the national parks can also provide substantial cost savings.
For those seeking adventure, budget-tented accommodations offer an affordable alternative. Couples and families can opt for affordable tented accommodations with amenities, while backpackers might prefer the national park campsites where they can pitch their own tents.
Navigating Hidden Costs
Hidden costs may include tipping for safari staff, airport transfer costs, and fees for additional activities such as cultural visits and horse riding.
If you’re on a DIY safari, you may want to pre-book a reputable taxi service for a known fee. Where possible, ask for a shared taxi to reduce the cost further. You can also book game drives on-site to find opportunities to split costs with other travellers.
If you book your safari through us, we’ll arrange shared transport on our luxury jeep and secure reputable but budget accommodation.
Comparing Kenya Safari Prices to Other African Countries
How does the cost of a Kenyan safari stack up against other popular African safari destinations? After all, Africa is home to numerous countries offering unique safari experiences.
Kenya’s safari costs withstand comparison with other countries in East Africa such as Tanzania and other African destinations. A 5-night Masai Mara safari is priced between $6,450 to $15,690, while a similar duration in the Serengeti costs between $10,850 to $19,320.
3-night mid-range safaris in Botswana cost between $8,590 to $14,840 while staying in Kenya for the same duration can range from $3,470 to $9,880. For travellers seeking an equally affordable entry point, South Africa’s Cape Town presents options ranging from $4,340 to $10,890 for a 3-night safari.
As you can see, the cost of a Kenya safari is cheaper than other African destinations.
Kenya’s Unique Value
Kenya’s unique appeal lies in its:
- Exclusive camps on private conservancies, offer a more immersive, rawer adventure because of less infrastructure
- The presence of the ‘Big Five’ animals
- A high concentration of big cats
- The annual Wildebeest Migration
These highlights showcase the abundant wildlife that adds to Kenya’s special appeal. Whether you’re on a game drive in Masai Mara, tracking lions in Tsavo West, or bird watching at Lake Nakuru, Kenya is the perfect safari destination.
Summary
Accommodation costs, park fees, transportation, seasons, group dynamics, and add-ons impact the overall cost of your safari. With a clear picture of the costs, you can map out how much you may need to spend on your trip.
Safari companies, like ourselves, offer various tour packages that include accommodation, meals, and transportation. You can book one of these packages and enjoy a hassle-free trip to Kenya’s wilderness. Talk to us today to secure your safari package.
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding the primary factors influencing safari costs is vital to planning your Kenya safari.
Accommodation costs, park fees, and transportation are key factors whether you’re on a DIY safari, a budget safari, or a luxury/mid-range safari. Each of these factors comes with its range of options that you’ll need to decide on.
From dreamy luxury lodges in the Masai Mara to mid-range options in Northern Kenya parks or budget-friendly campsites at the Amboseli, your preferred accommodation will affect the price.
Similarly, park fees and transportation are indispensable parts of your journey since nearly all national parks are located away from the airport in Nairobi.
Next, we look at frequently asked questions about the cost of a safari in Kenya.
How Much Does a Safari Trip Cost in Kenya?
Safari trips in Kenya can cost anywhere from $125 per day for budget adventures to over $1,000 per person per night for highly exclusive experiences. With a wide range of options, Kenya has something for everyone.
Is Safari Cheaper in Kenya or Tanzania?
Kenya safaris are generally more budget-friendly compared to Tanzania due to better international promotion, more flight options, and accommodation choices.
Why Is Kenya Safari So Expensive?
Kenya safaris are expensive because of the fantastic wildlife viewing and wilderness experiences on offer. The high season coincides with the annual wildebeest migration which may drive up the prices. The prices go down in the low season.
How Much Is the 7 Days Safari in Kenya?
The cost of a 7-day safari in Kenya can vary, but it typically ranges from $2,100 to over $7,500 per person depending on your budget.
Are Park Entry Fees Included in the Accommodation Price?
No, park entry fees are usually not included in the accommodation price. They are a separate expense.