The process of planning a Kenya Safari depends on some factors. They include the number of days, types of accommodations, destinations, safari activities, etc. Yet, it’s still possible to plan a Kenya Budget Safari in this wonderful country.
Below, we’ll closely look at how you can plan a perfect Kenya Safari Tour on a reasonable budget.
1. Consider Visiting In The Low Or Shoulder Season
The low season in Kenya is from April to May. And, the shoulder season is in November, December, and March. During these months, international flights and accommodations will cost significantly less.
Traveling in the low (green) season has another advantage – the landscapes are vibrant and the game-viewing is great. Because animals move towards the watering holes that are now filled.
2. Pick a Camping Safari
There are many campsites located outside the national parks of Kenya. Their costs start from $10 onwards (per person, per night). Below are a couple of budget campsites for visitors on a Kenya Safari:
Crocodile Camp – It’s located next to the town of Talek. And is the top-rated camp in the Maasai Mara and a great budget choice. The service is also exceptional and the camp is great in terms of comfort. Crocodile Camp provides great quality – at an affordable price!
Greenwood Safari Camp – This camp is also situated nearby Talek. Though already pitched tents are available, you can also set up your tent. You’ll get to enjoy the day relaxing in a hammock or swimming in the pool.
Our Insights – Most of the budget camps are booked quickly. So, make sure to book in advance. Furthermore, if you have your equipment for camping, you can pitch a tent as well.
3. Overview of Budget choices from the airport to your camp
You can save money right from the moment you land in Kenya. Below is a rundown of budget choices along the way to your camp:
3.1. Choose A Bus To Narok
For a Budget Kenya Safari, you should pick local transportation. Matatus (minibuses) are popular in Kenya. For this, you’ll have to go to Narok. It’s a town situated 150 km from Nairobi. The usual cost for a matatu is $4.
The bus station is located in the Central Business District Area. The first bus departs at about 7-8 am. The coordinates are – 1.283412, 36.830169.
3.2. Book A Shared Taxi From Narok To The Campsite
There’s a public shared matatu that goes straight to the villages just outside the national parks. The time is till 1.30 pm. And the matatu is named C12. The costs are around $5 (per person).
3.3. Book A Safari After Arriving At The Camp
After arriving at the camp, go to the reception area and make arrangements for a safari the next day. For people on a budget, they can choose a Kenya Group Safari and share the cost between people.
4. National Park Entrance Fees in Kenya
Before you go on a Safari in Kenya, you should know about the entrance fees of the national parks. Don’t worry, because the fees are very reasonable and won’t affect the overall budget too much.
| National Park | Costs for Adults (per person, approx.) | Costs for Children (under the age of 15) |
| Nairobi National Park | $60 | $20 |
| Maasai Mara National Reserve | $80 | $45 |
| Amboseli National Park | $70 | $20 |
| Lake Nakuru National Park | $70 | $20 |
| Tsavo East and West National Parks | $60 | $20 |
| Hell’s Gate National Park | $30 | $20 |
Notes – The method of payment is by Visa, MasterCard, or MPesa. And cash is not accepted. Children under the age of 5 are not charged any entrance fee.
5. Overall Cost of a Kenya Safari
The cost of a Kenya Budget Safari starts from $200 and can go upwards of $2000. For your convenience, below are some itineraries that will help you figure out the costs in more detail:
1 – Day Kenya Safari in Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Local transportation Cost - $7
- Groceries - $6
- Shared Taxis - $10
- Accommodation (in campsites) - $30
- Dinner - $10
- Maasai Mara Entrance Fee - $80
- Game Drives - $60
6. Daily Costs of things in Kenya
| Name of things | Costs (in KSh), approx. | Costs (in USD), approx. |
| Double room in a midrange camp or lodge | 3575 to 17,875 | $30 to $147 |
| Airbnb | 7150 | $58.75 |
| Dorm beds in hostels | From 1190 onwards | From $9.77 onwards |
| Midrange Kenya Safari Package (for 3 days) | 47,650 to 71,550 | $391.54 to $587.92 |
| Public transport | 120 to 600 | $1 to $5 |
| Uber across the town | 120 to 750 | $3 to $7 |
| Taxis for sightseeing | From 3575 (for half a day) | From $30 (for half a day) |
| Coffee | 230 to 350 | $2 to $3 |
| Dinner for two | From 1200 onwards | From $10 onwards |
| Lunch at a café | From 400 onwards | From 3.29 onwards |
| Beer at a bar | From 120 onwards | From $1 onwards |
7. Kenya Budget Safari Packages
Below are 2 Kenya Budget Safari packages that’ll give the best experience for visitors on a Safari In Kenya:
4 Days Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara Camping Safari – Including Lake Nakuru National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve.
6 Days Kenya Safari Kongoni – Including Nairobi, Maasai Mara, and Lake Nakuru National Park.
8. Budget Safari Tips From Our Safari Experts
The following are some suggestions that you should follow on your Kenya Safari:
- Avoid staying in private concessions.
- Book your Kenya Safari Tour visit in advance.
- Select locally owned lodges (e.g. Lewa Wilderness Lodge and Ol Malo Lodge).
- Choose off-beaten destinations (like Samburu National Reserve and Lake Nakuru National Park).
- Plan your safari itinerary carefully.
- Be aware of exchange rates.
You should keep these tips in mind for a hassle-free Kenya Budget Safari.
If you have any questions and/or, suggestions, you can reach out to our safari expert at the following information:
+254 767 500100
Email: info@diwakasafaris.com
Moreover, you can follow us on different social media platforms as well:
Conclusion
Finally, yes Kenya Safari is possible on a budget. Just keep in mind the suggestions and plan your Kenya Safari Tour with a reliable tour operator.
Diwaka Safaris offers some of the best and most unique camping safaris. Our safari experts will go above and beyond to make your Kenya Budget Safari as great as possible.