How Much Does a Kenya Safari Cost?

On average, budget adventures cost $200 (USD) per person per day, mid-range safaris cost $300 per person per day, and highly exclusive luxury safaris cost $550 per person per day. Kenya, the original home of the safari, offers something for everyone.

Average Costs of a Safari in Kenya (USD per person per day)

The costings table below provides an overview of average Kenya safari costs based on your travel style. This table helps you match your daily budget to the type of Kenya safari you can afford. Keep in mind that where and when you go on safari in Kenya significantly affects your expenses. For instance, the Masai Mara National Reserve in August will cost much more than Meru National Park in March.

10 Factors Influencing the Cost of a Kenya Safari

Several factors influence the general cost of a Kenya safari, which can vary enormously. The most important factors are the time of year you’ll be traveling, the parks and reserves you’ll visit, and how exclusively you’d like to travel.

Length of Stay

The duration of your stay in Kenya or in a particular park or reserve doesn’t necessarily lower the per-day cost. Park entry fees are charged on a per-person, 24-hour basis and don’t get cheaper with longer stays. Occasionally, safari camps and lodges might offer special deals where every fourth or fifth night is free. Hiring a 4×4 vehicle and driver is also cheaper per day if hired for a longer period.

Level of Comfort of Accommodations

Kenya safari accommodations can be very expensive. Many safari camps cost several hundred US dollars per night, and some exceed $1,000 per night. However, a Kenya safari doesn’t have to be costly if you’re willing to opt for more basic accommodations. Pitching a small tent on a basic campground saves a lot of money and provides a more authentic experience. Between these extremes, there are many moderately priced accommodations.

Location of the Accommodations

Location greatly influences the cost of a Kenya safari. A safari camp deep within the plains of the Masai Mara NR costs significantly more than a similar place just outside the protected areas. Staying outside park boundaries can also save money on entry fees.

Group Size

Joining an organized group safari is usually cheaper than an individually tailored one, and the larger the group, the lower the day-to-day costs. Hiring a vehicle and driver, organizing your itinerary, and booking accommodations as you go can also be cost-effective. Top-end safaris are almost always individually tailored or for very small groups.

When You Want to Go

High season is from July to October, coinciding with the wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara NR. A second high season runs from mid-December to mid-January. The low season, or Green season, is November and March to mid-May, with some safari accommodations closing. This is the cheapest time to go on safari, with prices often 50% lower. Mid-season (shoulder season) offers a perfect compromise, with great wildlife viewing, fewer crowds, and lower costs.

How You Get Around

The easiest but most expensive way to travel around Kenya is by air, with small planes connecting many national parks. Even the shortest flights are unlikely to cost less than $100 per person. Hiring a 4×4 vehicle and driver (from $120 per day) can save money if you’re part of a group. Organized mid-range and budget safaris typically travel overland between parks, which is cheaper but means more time on the road than watching animals.

Where You Want to Go

If your dream is to see elephants beneath the snows of Mt. Kilimanjaro, expect to pay top dollar. However, Kenya offers much more. Visiting lesser-known parks and reserves, such as Meru and Hell’s Gate National Parks, can provide excellent wildlife experiences at a lower cost.

Add-ons

Popular safari add-ons, such as hot-air balloon rides over the plains, cost at least $400 per person. Other add-ons include bush breakfasts and walks, which may involve additional payments.

Extensions

Many Kenya safari travelers add a beach extension to their trip. The most popular beach locations are Diani and Malindi. Both resort towns have enough accommodations to ensure competitive pricing.

Specialized Interests

A special-interest safari, such as one focused on bird watching, might require a specialist guide, increasing costs. However, these safaris often visit lesser-known and cheaper parks, saving money on park entry fees and accommodations.