When it comes to travelling, people prioritise different experiences. But if there’s one thing we all have in common, it’s the love for an African safari. And let’s face it, Kenya is always among the first destinations to come to mind. Home to the Great Migration, year-round Big Five sightings, and dramatic, diverse landscapes, it’s the go-to place for an unmatched classic African adventure. While a budget Kenyan safari may sound impossible, there are many sure ways to cut your costs and enjoy an affordable trip. Learn the cheapest way to do a Kenyan safari so you can access this ‘once in a lifetime’ experience without spending a fortune.
Read: Why Kenya should be your next travel destination.
What’s the Average Cost of a Safari in Kenya?
You need to know how much a Kenya safari costs before booking. This is because prices vary widely depending on comfort level, time of year, mode of transport, and travel duration. You’ll spend $300-$600 daily for a mid-range experience and $150- $300 daily for a budget Kenya safari. Luxury safari costs range from $700 to $2500+ per person per day. Don’t forget to factor in costs for visa, Yellow Fever Vaccination (if you’re from a country where the disease is endemic), travel insurance, and tipping (optional).
Related: Maasai Mara on a budget
How to Do a Kenya Safari on a Budget
Opt for a group safari
If you are deciding how to save money on a Kenyan safari, group tours can significantly reduce your costs. You’ll be sharing the costs of transport, accommodation, and the guided tour. Plus, you are more likely to settle for a tented camp or a low-cost lodge outside the park gates, which further lowers safari costs. Although group safaris come with less flexibility, they guarantee a beautiful experience of Kenya’s diverse wildlife, at a fraction of what you’d spend on a private trip.
Travel during the low season
The best time for a Kenyan safari for budget-conscious tourists is during the low or shoulder seasons, when accommodation rates drop by 30-50%. During April and May, which are characterised by long rains, you may find travelling challenging, but these months guarantee the best value for money. November through early December offers the perfect balance between affordable rates and less rainfall than in April and May.
November through April is also a great time for birdwatching. It’s when migratory birds from Europe and North Africa come to Kenya’s parks, joining the residents, which means the most variety.
Choose camping over lodging
To enjoy an affordable Kenyan safari, consider camping rather than staying in lodges. Budget tented camps (semi-permanent or mobile safari camps – ideal for witnessing the Great Migration) allow a bit of comfort and a more immersive encounter with wildlife. If you want to cut your Kenya safari costs even further, the cheapest accommodation option is simple campsites with shared facilities.
If the Maasai Mara is your safari destination, there are many affordable safari campsites just outside the park, including:
- Greenwood safari camp (near Talek gate): Suitable for backpackers.
- Crocodile camp: Ideal for couples and families.
- Enchoro Wildlife Camp (near Oloolaimutia gate): Perfect for families and any budget-conscious traveller.
Self-drive on a Kenya safari (not ideal for first-timers)
If you are looking for the cheapest way to do a Kenyan safari, consider self-driving. You’ll not only enjoy lower costs than guided tours, but also have the freedom to journey through the country’s diverse landscapes at your own pace. But this option isn’t recommended for first-timers. Yes, it offers a more adventurous experience, but the nature of the roads (rough, unpaved, bumpy, and potholed) can make it challenging to navigate the vast parks. You’ll also be risking missing wildlife sightings, which requires a company of an expert guide.
Book your safari with a local tour operator
Did you know that international tour operators charge 40% more than local tour operators for the same kenyan safari experiences? If you want the best value for your money, local companies are the best option. They also understand these parks better and can therefore offer a more authentic, customised trip, while giving you a chance to support the local communities.
Settle for cheaper safari alternatives to the Maasai Mara
Maasai Mara National Reserve is Kenya’s number one safari destination, thanks to its big wildlife moments, from the Wildebeest Migration’s dramatic river crossings to the unmatched Big-Cat sightings and unforgettable predator-prey actions. However, its high park entrance fees and premium lodge rates may make it unsuitable for budget-conscious holidaymakers. Fortunately, Kenya is home to many wildlife destinations that make excellent Maasai Mara alternatives
Nairobi National Park
If you want to enjoy wildlife sightings on a budget, visiting Nairobi, the world’s only national park in a capital city, might be the cheapest way to do a Kenya safari. It’s just over 6 miles from the CBD, and hosts diverse wildlife, including four of the Big Five (rhinos, lions, buffalo, and leopards).
- Entrance Fee: Non-residents pay $80 per adult and $40 per child; East African citizens pay KSh 1000 per adult and KSh 500 per child.
- How to pay: Via the eCitizen platform, MPesa, and Visa Card
While in the Nairobi National park, you can stay at Esidai Resort and Spa.
Amboseli National Park
The Maasai Mara National Reserve may offer the Great Migration, vast savannah landscapes, and high big cat density but Amboseli’s breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and its massive herds of elephants make it stand out.
- Entrance Fee: Non-residents pay $90 per adult and $45 per child; East African citizens pay KSh 1,500 per adult and KSh 750 per child.
Samburu National Park
Samburu is budget-friendly and far less crowded than the Maasai Mara. It’s perfect for anyone interested in an off-the-beaten-path safari in Kenya. Apart from the intimate adventure the park offers, it’s home to unique wildlife, the ‘Samburu Special Five’, endemic to the region.
- Entrance fee: Non-residents pay $85 per adult and $50 per child; East African citizens pay KSh 1,600 per adult and KSh 800 per child; Kenyan citizens pay KSh 800 per adult and KSh 500 per child.
How Many Days Is Enough for a Kenya Safari?
The number of days to spend on a Kenyan safari depends on your interests and the destination you choose. If you want a more immersive encounter with the wildlife and the vast landscapes of the Maasai Mara, plan to spend at least three days. If you have a week, combine it with a beach safari or another national park. If you have a limited time and are on a tight budget, Nairobi is the best option, as it’s the most accessible national park in Kenya and offers unforgettable wildlife moments at a lower cost. If you want to explore at least three national parks on the same trip, plan a 7-day Kenya safari.
Conclusion
The cheapest way to do a Kenyan safari is to join a group tour, camp instead of staying in lodges, travel during the low seasons, book with local tour operators, and settle for cheaper alternatives to the Maasai Mara. With proper planning and preparation, you can enjoy unforgettable wildlife encounters in Kenya without breaking the bank.