Kenya Safari Costs

Kenya Safari Costs

Kenya Safari Costs : Kenya has long considered to be the origin destination of safari travel, offering an unforgettable getaway for every traveler. The country’s diverse landscapes, diverse wildlife and unique experiences make it a perfect destination for everything from honeymoon holidays, family safari to group tours.

As you plan your safari to Kenya, the first and most important thing to know is the ”Kenya Safari Costs” – how much you should budget for a Kenya Safari. Unfortunately, there is no fixed price for Kenya Safaris, however this blog will guide you on how much you should budget for your Kenya Safari.

What Are Your Options on Kenya Safaris

Kenya safari costs are impacted most by several factors such as the type of accommodation chosen, group Vs private experience, the number of non-inclusive activities and experiences you wish to do, the level of exclusivity, and the time of year.

While there are certainly firm favorite destinations, the best places to visit in Kenya largely depend on the traveler and will also impact the cost. Often the more remote locations often required charter flights and the combination of several destinations will also have an impact, as will the type of safari you embark on.

• Fly – in Safaris and charters: Nairobi City – Kenya’s capital is known as East Africa’s flight hub with its international airport (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport), its location makes it easy for guests to get around – almost all internal flights take off from the regional airport found around 90 minutes away. Charter flights are a fantastic way to get around Kenya and visit a variety of its sensational national parks and conservancies.
• Classic Safaris: A staple safari in Kenya typically comprises being escorted through a reserve by an experienced guide, or guide and tracker, on a kitted out 4×4 game vehicle. Usually, this is an inclusive experience with your accommodation and will entail sharing a vehicle with your accommodation and will entail sharing a vehicle with other guests if you are a couple or small group, unless you opt to book a private safari vehicle (subject to availability).

It is worth noting that charter flights are not the only option, road transfers from Nairobi are also available and are usually done via 4×4 safari vehicles.

How Much Does a Kenya Safari Cost?

A Kenya safari typically costs between US$ 770 and $ 3,080 per person per night based on double occupancy, depending on the level of luxury, travel style and season you travel. Mid-range fly-in safaris range from US$ 1,430 to $ 1,760. For travelers seeking a high-end Kenya safari experience, luxury fly-in or 5-star safaris can reach up to $ 3,080 per night.

Prices of accommodations are influenced by lodge location, especially during the Great Migration peak season – with 4 star options starting from US$ 770 and 5-star properties going up to US4 2,420 per night.

Kenya Safari Tour Costs

Mid-range Fly-in		Luxury Fly-in		5 Star Options
Low	High	Low	High	Low	High
$1,430 per person	$1,760 per person	$2,090 per person	$3,080 per person	$2,200 per person	$2,860 per person

 

Points to Note

• All costs are guidelines only and an average per person, per night, sharing a room in High and Low Season. They exclude international fights, visas and optional activities.
• Conservation fees, levies and permits are all subject to change
• Peak or High Season generally run over Christmas and New Year, and from July to October

Accommodation Costs Per Night in Kenya

Accommodation in Kenya ranges from traditional tented camps and classic colonial lodges to mobile tented camps tracking the migration and luxury lodges that will defy your imagination.

If you are interested to combine with a little beach vacation, the beautiful Kenya’s coastline features some sensational private villas, boutique hotels, and indulgent retreats. Back to safaris, the cost of accommodation in Kenya is greatly impacted by its location, particularly during peak Great Migration season when space is at a premium.

Below is a guideline to costs of Kenya accommodation

Pricing of Kenya Accommodation

4-star comfort		4-star luxury		5-star luxury
Low	High	Low	High	Low	High
$770 per person	$1,100 per person	$880 per person	$1,760 per person	$1,980 per person	$2,420 per person

Points to Note:

• All the costs above are guidelines only and an average for per person, per night, sharing a room in high and low season. They exclude international flights, visas and optional activities.
• Conservation fees, levies and permits are all subject to change
• Peak or High Season generally runs over Christmas and New Year, and from about July to October.

How The Time of Year Can Affect the Cost of A Kenya Safari

The best time to visit Kenya greatly depends on what you are going for. If you are after the Great Migration, peak season is considered July and August when the Mara River Crossings occur. Though it is worth noting that timings can never be considered definite and there is no way to predict when herds will tackle the crossing – which is part of what makes it so exciting. Also, it is a cyclical phenomenon and takes place year round so there are opportunities to spot herds at various times.

During the low or shoulder season, mid-March to June and November to the end of December are less popular due to the rains. Don’t discredit this time as it means less crowds, lower rates, and still great game viewing. Peak season is considered January to the end of March and again from June to October.

Kenya tours and safaris are available year-round so when to go is definitely up to what you wish to see and experience.

Additional Costs to Consider

It is important to note that “all-inclusive” may not be as comprehensive as you first expect. In Africa, including Kenya and on safaris, that can mean a range of things and it is always worth clarifying what is not included. One of the first things to do is consult with our Travel Consultants as they may let you know what possible additional costs you could come across.

Here is a list of additional costs to consider

• International flights/ Getting to Kenya– as a rule of thumb, consider this excluded
• Getting from place to place– Internal transfers may be included with some accommodations, however, some others may be at your own cost. Charter flights are popular in Kenya but road transfers are available to most destinations.
• Vaccinations– Kenya has a requirement of yellow fever for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission. These are excluded and you will need to contact your health care professional to ensure the requirements are met.
• Tipping – Tips are appreciated and highly recommended. It is always worth carrying cash during your travels as it is the easiest way to go about this. Consult your Travel consults for more information.
• Personal and Travel Insurance
• Additional Activities– Anything over and out of the included activity offering at an accommodation, which typically extends to hot air balloon safari and helicopter flights or sometimes even cultural excursions.
• The exchange rate – International card payments will likely incur a small fee for paying in a different currency. Kenya’s national currency is the Kenyan Shilling but other curries, such as the US Dollar, are widely accepted and are often the currency required for hot air balloon safaris and Maasai Village Visits.

Please Note: No US Dollar bills printed prior to 2003 will be accepted and past 2006 notes are recommended due to fake note circulation.