How Much Does a Kenya Safari Cost?

Not every couple wants to spend their romantic vacation or honeymoon on a tropical island or in a European villa. Some couples are after a dash of adventure, and a safari is a great way to add that into your trip. If you’re interested in planning one, you’re probably wondering how much a Kenya safari costs.

In this article we break down everything you need to know about the cost of a Kenya safari, including details like what affects the cost, how much flights are, and when to go on a safari in Kenya for the lowest cost.. 

How Much Does a Safari Cost in Kenya?

There are a lot of variables that can affect Kenya safari costs, but you can generally expect to pay somewhere between $500-$2550 per person per night.

Budget Kenya safaris will cost around $1700 for 10 days, while more luxurious safaris in Kenya can run up to over $10,000 for 10 days. These estimates don’t include the cost of a flight to Africa or an entry visa. A single-entry tourist visa to Kenya costs $51 and you must obtain it prior to departure.

Your choice of accommodation will be the biggest factor influencing your Kenya safari cost. Camping is the least expensive option; it’s usually about $20 a night. Lodges can cost hundreds of dollars per night. Hotels fall somewhere in the middle, depending on what kind of amenities are included. 

Park entrance fees are around $50/day. If you’ve booked a private safari through a tour provider, the entrance fee is included in the cost.  

What Affects the Cost of a Safari in Kenya?

The time of year you decide to go will determine the cost of a safari in Kenya. Kenya has three safari seasons.

During the green season, which is between the rainy months of April and May, prices are generally at their lowest. However, safari enthusiasts agree that the green season is not an ideal time to go on safari in Kenya because the growth of new leaves and tall grass makes it more difficult to spot animals.

The shoulder season begins in January and ends in March. Daytime temperatures are not too hot, there is little rainfall, and newborn animals are starting to venture out for the first time. This time of year is costlier than the green season, but you can still find some deals before prices begin to climb.

Prices for Kenya safaris are highest between June and October. Water sources have dried up and wildlife gathers around what’s left, making them easier to find. Vegetation is also sparse, which makes spotting far-off animals much more likely.

How you choose to get around can also drive up the cost of your Kenya safari. Flying is the most common and convenient but also the most expensive. There are plenty of national parks and reserves near Nairobi, but if you choose a further location like Malka Mari or Shimba Hills, you will need to factor in the cost of getting there.

Additional activities such as a walking safari, hot air balloon ride, biking or quadding adventure, scenic flight over Mount Kenya, or visiting a Masai Mara village will also raise the price.

Finally, private Kenya safaris cost more than group tours, but the difference in cost might not be as great as you think. You can reduce the cost of your safari vehicle on a group tour, but other charges like park fees and accommodation stay the same per person regardless of whether you’re on a private safari or a group tour. 

For example, a private 4-person Kenya safari costs roughly the same per person as a scheduled tour. However, you can customize a private tour and usually get a better, more experienced guide.  

How Much Do Budget Safaris Cost in Kenya?

A budget safari in Kenya costs approximately $1700 per person for 10 days. This type of safari package will include very basic accommodations. Most nights, you will be camping in tents. Bush bathrooms will be available in the park to visit as needed. Occasionally, a night in a budget hotel might be included. Driving is the only form of transportation around the country.

Budget safari packages in Kenya include meals, transportation, game drives, drinking water, park fees, and a guide. Some budget safari packages offer the opportunity to meet locals and learn about the local culture by including a visit to an indigenous village.

Top Budget Safaris in Kenya

A budget safari can be surprisingly comfortable if you book with the right agents. Here are a few of the top-rated budget safari companies in Kenya. 

The locally owned tour group Safaris in Kenya has more than 10 years of experience arranging travel in Africa. Plan a day trip, private expedition, or group tour. 

Jocky Tours frequently offers amazing discounts on camping packages ranging from 3-7 days.  

Bienvenido Kenya Safaris offers travel from Nairobi to Mombasa on their 7-day Kenya budget safari. 

What Do Mid-Range Safaris Cost in Kenya?

A mid-range safari usually has more comfortable accommodations, mostly in tents with some budget hotels sprinkled in. This level of Kenya safari might also include some beach time and a few flights if necessary, depending on whom you book with. 

Expect to pay approximately $1800 to  $3600 for 10 days. This quote includes domestic transport, meals and drinking water, park fees, and other related costs but doesn’t include international flights, tips, or any extra excursions.

Aside from better accommodations, there isn’t much of a difference between a budget safari and a mid-range safari package.

Top Mid-Range Safaris in Kenya

If you’re not up for bush camping on your Kenya honeymoon safari, it will be worth it to spend a few more dollars for a mid-range safari. These will have more comfortable accommodations, including some nights in simple hotels. 

Apodiformes Adventures has 22 safari tours in Kenya to choose from with packages to suit every budget. 

Back of Africa Adventure helps take some of the hassles out of your trip with a guaranteed ride to and from the airport plus affordable day trip and safari packages. 

Makiwa Kenya Safaris offer safari deals that include a 4-night photography safari and a “best of Kenya” 7-day tour. 

What Do Luxury Safaris Cost in Kenya?

A luxury safari package is an unforgettable experience, but be prepared to spend around $600+ per person per day. On a luxury safari in Kenya, you will stay in 5-star hotels and lodges that range between $200-$800 per person per night.

A luxury safari is highly customized to your liking and would include more interactions with locals and a more immersive experience in the culture.

Most luxury safari operators will arrange your international flight and visa paperwork for an additional cost. The final price includes a guide, private transportation, airport transfers, internet access, and laundry.

Top Luxury Safaris in Kenya

For this once-in-a-lifetime experience, why not go all out? Here are some of the most popular agencies specializing in luxury safaris in Kenya. 

A portion of Spirit of Kenya‘s profits go back into the community via donations to provide education to local children. 

Ongeri Expeditions is locally owned and managed by people who know the land. With 19 luxury lodges spread out all over the country, your luxury Kenya safari is sure to be memorable.  

Hyrax Safaris offers luxury safaris that are tailor-made to your specifications. Some of their more adventurous packages include a 15-day combination beach and bush safari in Kenya. 

How Does Seasonality Affect Kenya Safari Prices?

Prices for Kenya safaris tend to be lower during the rainy season, between April and May. There are some shorter rainy periods in November, so you might be able to snag some deals then as well. However, this is not an optimal time for safaris.

The shoulder season offers lower prices than peak season, though not as low as the rainy season. During this time, which is from January to March, you will have a better experience than in April or May,. This is our recommendation for when to go on a safari in Kenya for less.

The most expensive time to go on safari in Kenya is between July and September or October. Besides having the most accommodating weather, this is also the time when The Great Wildebeest Migration occurs from Tanzania to the Masai Mara. Over 2 million animals are on the move this time of year, and visitors can expect to see hordes of wildebeest, zebras, gazelle, and more.This is traditionally the most popular time for Kenya safaris. 

Cost of Flights to Kenya

Getting to Kenya from Asia, Europe, or North America isn’t hard but it can be pricey. There are 6 international airports in Kenya: Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Isiolo, and Malindi.

Currently, Kenya Airways offers the only direct flight to Kenya from the United States. The flight path is from New York to Nairobi. However, Turkish Airlines is one of the cheapest options.

Expect to pay roughly $900-$1100 for a direct flight from New York to Nairobi roundtrip between the months of January and May. From June until the end of August, the price jumps to around $1400 round trip.

The cheapest month to fly to Kenya from the U.S. is September; July is the most expensive.

Travel Insurance Cost for a Kenya Safari

While on safari, there is a risk of bug bites, infections, and contracting parasites or other illnesses from water sources.

The cost of travel insurance will vary depending on your age, health, the number of travelers, and trip length. Expect to pay between $100-$200 per person for travel insurance. 

Vaccinations Cost for a Kenya Safari

Visitors to Kenya will need to be vaccinated against malaria, covid, and yellow fever. Other recommended vaccinations include diphtheria, meningitis, and hepatitis A and B.

Expect to pay around $500-$600 for a full round of vaccinations.

Planning your Kenya honeymoon or romantic vacation takes work, and you’ve got enough on your plate. Let one of our trusted travel agent partners help you find the safari in Kenya that’s perfect for you.