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Kenya, often regarded as the birthplace of the safari, offers an unparalleled experience for wildlife enthusiasts.
From the sweeping savannahs of the Maasai Mara to the dramatic landscapes of Amboseli National Park with views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Kenya’s rich natural ecosystems support a wealth of wildlife and cultural experiences.
Whether you’re aiming to witness the Great Migration or explore the lesser-known Laikipia Plateau, we help you craft personalised itineraries that align with your budget and travel aspirations while emphasizing sustainable tourism.
When planning your trip, remember that international flights are a significant part of the overall cost and are not included in the quoted safari prices.
Key Factors for Setting Your Budget
At Discover Africa, we ensure that our pricing is clear and straightforward, with no hidden fees.
Inclusive Estimates, No Hidden Fees
Our Safari Cost Estimator provides all-inclusive estimated pricing for Kenya, covering park fees, conservation fees, and all necessary levies.
Our expert travel consultants are on hand to help you determine your exact safari budget based on your expected levels of comfort and safari experience.
This allows you to plan your safari with confidence, avoiding unexpected expenses.
Destination:
Picking the best location to visit in Kenya can be daunting. The Maasai Mara, particularly during the Great Migration (July to October), commands higher rates.
Other regions like Samburu, Laikipia and Lewa offer more cost-effective options with unique wildlife encounters.
Accommodation:
Accommodation in Kenya is a major factor for your safari budget and significantly affects your overall costs.
A budget safari can range from $445 per person per night during the low season to $2250 per person per night in luxury lodges during the high season.
We offer a wide range of accommodations in Kenya, tailored to the experiences you’re looking for. Each destination promises a different adventure, and your accommodation options will reflect this.
For those seeking the breathtaking annual migration of wildebeest and zebras, the Masai Mara is a prime choice. Amboseli National Park offers unparalleled views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the chance to see large elephant herds up close.
For a more secluded experience, Samburu National Reserve provides a look at unique wildlife species like the reticulated giraffe and Grevy’s zebra.
Time of Year:
Kenya’s peak safari season from July to October coincides with the Great Migration in the Masai Mara, making it the ideal time for witnessing vast herds of wildebeest and zebras crossing the Mara River.
Kenya’s peak safari season from July to October coincides with the Great Migration in the Masai Mara, offering a prime opportunity to witness vast herds of wildebeest and zebras crossing the Mara River. This period guarantees remarkable wildlife viewing but at a premium due to high demand.
The low season, from April to May, brings the green season, with lush landscapes and fewer tourists. While wildlife may be less concentrated, it offers excellent bird-watching and significant savings.
The shoulder seasons in June, November, and December to January provide a balance of good weather, fewer tourists, and moderate prices.
Duration:
Longer stays can enhance your experience but will increase costs. If you’re planning to follow the Great Migration, it could influence the duration of your stay, and your choice of accommodation in the Masai Mara National Reserve, for example.
Group Size:
Who you choose to travel with can impact your budget. If you are travelling alone, expect to pay a single supplement, which can add up if you visit a few lodges.
Shared game drives and transfers help lower costs, while private safaris offer a more personalised experience at a higher price point. Our travel experts will be able to help you find the perfect fit.
Type of Safari:
A safari in Kenya offers various options, such as the Masai Mara, each influencing your budget differently.
Guided tours provide a structured experience with expert guides and are generally mid-to-high in cost.
We offer fly-in safaris in Kenya, as mid-range to luxury trips typically avoid the long, less scenic drives of budget tours. Fly-in safaris provide a higher-quality experience, unlike the cheaper minibus/group tours that often stay at large, low-cost properties.
Activities:
Kenya offers various activities to enhance your safari experience, each with varying costs.
Hot air balloon rides over the Maasai Mara, offering breathtaking views of the Great Migration, typically range from $400 to $600 per person.
Cultural visits to Maasai villages provide a deeper understanding of local traditions and cost around $100 to $150 per person.
Private game drives, which allow for a more personalised exploration of wildlife, can range from $400 to $600 per person.
For a unique perspective, guided bush walks are available at select camps, costing around $50 to $100 per person.
Park Fees and Permits:
Park fees can range from $100 per person per day in the low Season and $200 per person per day from July onwards.
It is important to note that all camps have their own community and conservation levies that are compulsory. Our Travel advisors include this cost upfront in all our packages, so you won’t have any unexpected budget surprises.
Travel and Transfers:
Domestic flights between parks are common in Kenya and can add $200 to $400 per person per leg. Transfers between national park locations can also impact your budget.
Meals and Drinks:
Many lodges located in Kenya’s various national parks, offer all-inclusive packages, but it’s important to clarify what’s included.
Our travel consultants can help ensure you know what you’re paying for.
Travel Insurance:
Comprehensive travel insurance is essential for your Kenya safari to cover any potential medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or unexpected events. We do not sell travel insurance directly but our travel experts can provide guidance if needed.
The cost typically ranges from $75 to $200, depending on the level of coverage and the duration of your stay.
Tipping and Gratuities:
There is a relatively established tipping culture in the safari industry in Kenya. The camps usually have a box for the main tips for the staff, and you can tip your safari guide separately at the end of your stay.
We suggest you budget on tipping about US$20 pp per day. Half of this daily sum should go to your driver/guide and half to the back-of-house camp or lodge team.
If you are at all unsure about any aspects of this protocol, it’s common and perfectly acceptable to have a quiet word with the manager at some point. The manager will be on a significantly higher salary than any of the staff so you don’t need to worry about tipping him or her.
Visas and Vaccinations:
Kenya requires a valid yellow fever certificate for all visitors over 1 year old, including visitors coming from or transiting through infected areas. It is important to visit your GP or nearest travel clinic to guard against malaria when visiting Kenya too.
Be sure to check for related information depending on your nationality, including whether you have visa-free access.
Personal Expenses:
It’s wise to allocate a budget for souvenirs, personal items, and incidental expenses during your safari in Kenya.
Depending on your preferences and planned activities, this could range from $50 to $300, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
