How Much Does a Kenya Safari Cost?

How Much Does a Kenya Safari Cost?

How Much Does a Kenya Safari Cost? Kenya is ranked as one of the best safari destinations to visit in East Africa; the country is affectionately known as the birthplace of safari and embodies all the perfect elements to surprise and delight any discerning traveler.

Kenya is home to the Big 5 and impressive scenery synonymous with the famous “Out of Africa,” suited for all kinds of travelers—families, groups, couples and honeymooners.

The question is “how much does a Kenya Safari Cost”

The Cost of a Kenya Safari?

The starting point is that you should plan to spend about $1,000 per day per person based on two people sharing. This cost includes accommodation on a full-board basis, shared game drives, gourmet meals, drinks, various activities, park permits, sundowners, and ground or air transfers within Kenya.

For international flights, tips, visas, exclusive upgrades and add-on activities, budget accordingly.

Prices for Kenya safaris fluctuate with seasonality and exclusivity of the category of accommodation you choose. If you are traveling within a finite budget, we recommend you work with an open mind on the initial safari planning phase. This is when you first chat with our experienced Travel Consultants. Also, flexibility gives us some leeway to mix and match different categories of accommodation so we can make suggestions that reflect the very best value based on your interests and needs.

Then you will be in position to gauge how much you want to spend on the incredible safari extras, like the thrilling hot air balloon rides, helicopter tours and wilderness spa day.

Factors Influencing Kenya Safari Cost

The cost of a Kenya safari is influenced by several factors, from seasonality to the booking window to accommodation type, as explained below.

1. The Time of Year

Kenya is a year-round safari destination; however, when it comes to the cost of a Kenya Safari, your timing is consequential.

The Safari calendar in Kenya you should plan your safari is as below

• The Great Migration: July, August and September coincide with the greatest volume of migrating wildlife in Kenya. This is the busiest safari time of the year, so expect to pay more. Also, we recommend you book in advance, as accommodation gets booked up quickly.
• Festive Season: Rates often rise as demand from travelers on family safaris traveling during winter break increases from December 20^th through January 5^th.
• Off-peak Season: Going on a safari during the secret season, “off-peak season,” means enjoying perks and upgrades at no extra cost; if not, the prices are much lower compared to the peak season, as promotional prices are available, for example, stay four nights for the price of three nights.

2. Fly-in Safaris Vs Drive-in Safaris

Traveling by road between destinations and regions in Kenya is possible, but we don’t advise it for visitors with fewer days or who don’t like long hours of driving. A road trip on Kenya’s roads is always an adventure, but for those not interested in long journeys, we recommend flying, as it saves you time and is one of the ways to maximize your Kenya Safari Experience.

3. Accommodation Type

Where you spend the night while on your Kenya Safari has an impact on the average cost of your Kenya Safari. Accommodation options in Kenya are as follows:

• Safari Camps: Tented camps in Kenya vary from ultra-luxe to vintage, original-style camps. Higher-end properties may have a swimming or plunge pool, Wi-Fi, interconnecting boardwalks and freestanding bathtubs. Minimalist camps may have bucket showers.
• Safari Lodges: Fixed structures ranging from rustic to the uber-glam. Expect comforts, refined amenities (spas, libraries, and swimming pools) and superb dining options.
• Private Conservancies: Accommodations in Kenya’s reserves and national parks tend to cater to larger mass market tourism. Alternatively, private conservancies restrict the number of guests and vehicles, and camps are typically boutique. In Kenya’s conservancies, you are paying for exclusivity but you will avoid the crowds and get perks not offered in national parks, like night game drives and walking safaris.

4. The Ideal Safari Booking Window

If you are keeping a close eye on Kenya Safari prices, consider booking early. Demand can be intense for some of Kenya’s safari destinations, especially Masai Mara National Reserve, so we suggest booking 12 to 18 months in advance. When the budget is limited, so are your choices, so you may be forced to spend more than you initially anticipated.

5. Add-On Safari Activities

Once you have planned to spend $1,000 a day for your Kenya Safari Cost, you will have a better idea of what you want to spend on additional safari activities.

• Hot air balloon safari in Masai Mara and Amboseli costing USD 500 per person per flight
• Helicopter Sightseeing plus transfers starting from $3,000
• Spa and Massage – expect to pay an extra $50 – $100.

Tips For Saving on a Kenya Safari

If you wish to bring the average of cost of your Kenya Safari down, these are our the best tips

• Book early: Book your Kenya safari about 12-18 months in advance to consider the best selection of accommodations.
• Be flexible: Allow our experts to find the best camps and lodges for you.
• Travel outside of peak and festive seasons: There are some great deals and perks to be had during the quieter seasons.
• Portfolio options: Stay in camps and lodges that belong to the same portfolio collection, where you may benefit from multi-booking incentives or long-stay discounts.

Kenya Safari Cost FAQs

1. How much does a Kenya safari cost?

Kenya safaris cost around $300 per person per night; however, for a custom-created luxury safari in Kenya, budget $1,000 per person per night as a starting point. This will ensure that you have an exceptional experience. Our travel experts plan all of the details, logistics, transfers and reservations, so you can travel worry-free.

Also, we offer 24-hour in-destination support that is always just a call away.

Safaris and traveling can be unpredictable, which adds on to the adventure, but we are available 24/7 to ensure that you are taken care of no matter what.

2. How much money should I take on safari?

Your Kenya Safari budget of $1,000 a day will cover game drives, lodgings, park permits, meals drinks and various activities, meaning that your safari will be a more or less cashless experience, so you will just need to carry some cash for tipping.

3. Should I bring cash on safari? How much should I tip?

YES, you need to bring some cash in US dollars or Kenyan shillings for tipping.

Our team will supply you with a tipping guideline; we recommend $30 to $50 per day, per person.

Note: Be mindful of the currency (bills); avoid crumpled or torn bills.

4. Are safaris worth it?

Kenya safaris offer fantastic value, especially when compared to the cost of a luxury holiday in Europe or North America. Also, it is worth taking the value of sustainable travel into account. Many of the camps and lodges in Kenya are located in private conservancies, adding environmental and socioeconomic clout to every dollar you spend. These conservancies help to fund re-wilding, conservation and community uplift—efforts that are definitely worth supporting with your wallet.