If you have been thinking about planning your first safari to Africa, and Kenya to be specific, then this article about the real cost of safari in Kenya is ideal for you.In this article, i will try as much as possible to answer most of the questions that you may have about the cost of safari to Kenya.Besides that, i will simplify everything into a masterpiece that easily understood even with a layman.
In average, if you are planning to visit Kenya,there are few critical information that you should be very conversant with which may determine how much the cost of your safari will be, some of which can be controlled while others not.For example,some of the factors that can be controlled includes the choice of vehicle,Season which you may be interested to visit,the types of safari which may be of interest to you and finally your budget range.
Example of what you may not control and is a determining factor to your safari cost may include the park fees, taxes, flight costs among many others.Normally, safari in Kenya is divided into Mid-Range safaris,Budget Safaris and Luxury safaris.
Budget Safari in Kenya
A budget safari in Kenya is a safari that may have basic emenities and the accommodations may have essentials such as shower and bathroom.It is notable that when booking a budget safari,there are some activities and that may be eliminated that reduces the comfort level of your stay.
In June 2023,i was privileged to go on budget safari as a farm visit to 3 budget tented camps in Masai Mara and here are few notable similarities that they have, that lowers their cost of rates as compared to others. Check below Lenchada Tourist Camp,an example of a budget camp in Masai Mara National Reserve.
Lenchada Tourist Camp.
- Simple Tents:Budget Tents have simple tents with other camps having tents which can have roof leakage.Also,you can easily notice when in these tented camps that they are not well maintained,with beds being not very comfortable.
- Food:Most of the budget tented camps may not offer best meals for you during your stay as they try as much to save on costs.While other tents serve buffets comprising of international cuisines,most of them may have their food quality and variety being compromised.
- Emenities:Most of common emenities may not be available on budget tented camps such as Safe,Swimming pool,Bar area with variety of drinks,Lounge area,Coffee Makers at the room,Bath tab among many others.
Also,most people who may be interested in budget safaris prefers choosing a 2WD or 4WD safari van with pop up roof.As much as the vehicle may be comfy, they normally get stuck at the park during the rainy season and may be a challenge during your game drives.
What is the Ideal cost of Budget Safaris in Kenya?
The Ideal cost of budget safari in Kenya may varry due to factors such as the duration of your stay, the tented camp that may be of interest to you,type of vehicle that you choose among many others.
Normally, the cost of budget safari may be between $400 for a 3 days safari in Kenya and $1700 for a 7 Days Private safari in Kenya.
Example of Budget Tented Camps in Masai Mara National Reserve
1.Lenchada Tourist Camp
Lenchada Tourist Camp Contacts
Email Address: info@lenchadatouristcamp.com
Reservations Number: +254 717 723 305 | +254 722 706 584
Website:https://lenchadatouristcamp.com/
Office Locations:Lakhamshi Hse, 1st Flr
Biashara Street, Nairobi, Kenya
2.Osero Enarau Camp
Email Address: info@oserolodge.com
Reservations Number: +254 (0) 20 2433508 | +254 (0) 725 576048
Website:https://lenchadatouristcamp.com/
Kenya: Telephone: +254 (0) 20 2433508 | +254 (0) 725 576048
Mobile: +254 (0) 707 934585
Post: Osero Lodge Limited, P.O. Box 51937 – 00200, City Square, Nairobi, Kenya
3.Ol Moran Tented Camp
Email Address: info@olmorantentedcamp.com
Reservations Number:+254754 267 041 / +254751 388 305
Website:https://lenchadatouristcamp.com/
P. O. Box 1655-00502
Karen, Nairobi
Kenya
4.Miti Mingi Eco Camp
Office Locations:St. Ellis House 7th Floor, Wabera street, Opp. City Hall
Contacts: +254 20 2218841
Email Address:info@mitimingiecocamp.com
Official office Hours:Mon-Sat : 8:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday is closed
5.Rhino Tourist Camp
Office Location:3rd FLOOR,PHOENIX HOUSE KENYATTA AVENUE, NAIROBI
Email Address: info@rhinotouristcamp.com
Phone Address:0722 518 843
6.Maji Moto Eco Camp
Location:Maji Moto Eco Camp Maji Moto village,Narok County – Sekenani road.
Contacts:+254 716 430 722
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/majimotocamp
7.Goshen Mara Camp
Office Location:2nd Floor Norwich Union Building, Along Mama Ngina Street
Phone Contact:+254 722 761 738
Email Address:info@goshenmaracamp.co.ke
8.Nyati Safari Camp
Office Location: Nyati Safari Camp,Amboseli National Park.
Tel: +254 724 652354
Email: info@nyatisafaricamp.com
Website:nyatisafaricamp.com
9.Mara Olodare Camp
Website:www.maraolodare.com
Email:stay@maraolodare.com
Box 926-00100 Nairobi,
Mobile: +254 720 097604
Phone: +254 737 811460
10.Mara Osirua Camp
Website:https://maraosiruacamp.co.ke/
Contacts:+254712 615 707
+254718 513 048
Email Address:info@maraosiruacamp.co.ke :bookings@maraosiruacamp.co.ke
11.Fisi Camp
Website: https://www.fisicamp.com/
Email Address:marie@fisicamp.com
12.Enchoro Wildlife Camp
Office Location:Enchoro Wildlife Camp-Masai Mara.
YWCA- Parkview Suites Ground Floor
Nyerere Road, opposite Central Park
P.o Box 4473-00200, Nairobi- Kenya.
Contacts:
- Direct Landline Telephone: +254 20 2222237
- Mobile: +254 710 322 787/+254 787 876 324
- +254 710 322 787 / +254 799 870 461
Email Address:info@enchorowildlifecamp.com :reservation@enchorowildlifecamp.com
Email Address that you get response within 2 hours -campenchorowildlife@gmail.com
Example of Budget Tented Camps in Amboseli National Park
Amboseli Kimana Tented Camp Contacts
Office Locations:Our Office. Kimana Amboseli Tented Camp, Kimana.
Telephone:+254725-476-478
Email Address: info@kimanaamboselitentedamp.com & sales@kimanaamboselitentedcamp.com
Kibo Slopes Garden Resort contacts
Website:https://kibocottages.com/
Email Address:info@kibocottages.com
Phone: +254 20 2000515, +254 729 308767
Address :P.O. Box 218 Loitokitok
Twitter:https://twitter.com/KiboGarden
Linked In:https://www.linkedin.com/company/kibogardenresort
Manjaro Tented Camp contacts
Email:info@manjarotentedcamp.com/
Phone:+254 712 080 793 / +254 721301 309
Address:Amboseli National Kimana Gate, Opposite the Sentrim Camp.
Example of Budget Tented Near Lake Nakuru National Park
Hotel City Max contacts
Website:https://hotelcitymax.co.ke/
Email Address:info@hotelcitymax.co.ke
Phone:+254-711 8533280
Address:Lake side, Nakuru Kenya
Buraha Zenoni contacts
Website:https://burahazenoni.com/
Email Address:info@burahazenoni.com
Phone Address:0723 499 599
Location:Barnabas along Nakuru-Nairobi Highway
Nakuru, Kenya
Lanet Matfarm contacts
Address:lanet ndundori road, Nakuru, Kenya
Phone Number:0713 921394
Email Address:lanetmatfamresort@gmail.com
Website:http://www.lanetmatfamresort.co.ke/
Hotel Wagon Wheel contacts
Address:Nakuru City, Nakuru-Nairobi Highway at Barnabas/Pipeline
Email:info@hotelwagonwheel.co.ke
Phone:+254 740 113355
Website:https://www.hotelwagonwheel.co.ke/
Midland Hotel contacts
Street Address:Geoffrey Kamau Ave, Nakuru
Phone:0706 600000
Website:https://midlandhotel.co.ke/
Email Address:reservations@midlandhotel.co.ke
Example of Budget Tented Near Lake Naivasha
Sweet Lake Resort contacts
Website:sweetlakeresort.com
Address:Moi South Lake Road, Naivasha, Kenya, P.O. Box 6622-00300
Email Address:info@sweetlakeresort.com
Phone:
Taphe Guest House Contacts
Phone:0707 319981
Email Address:info@tapheguestresort.com
Website:tapheguestresort.com
Dove Nest Lodge Contacts
Website:https://www.dovenestlodge.com/index.php/en/
Phone:+254 741 404 561
Address:Aberdare drive Off-Nakuru Road
Email Address:sales@dovenestlodge.com
Fishermans camp Naivasha
Address:Moi S Lake Road
Email Address:fishermanscamp@gmail.com
Phone:+254718880634 or +254726870590
Villa Grazia Hotel
Phone:+254 725 444 888
Location:Villa Grazia luxury hotel is located along the Nairobi – Nakuru highway, just after the Naivasha town entry junction
Email Address:info.villagrazialh@gmail.com
Website:https://www.villagraziahotel.com/
Example of Budget Tented Near Samburu National Park
Samburu Riverside Camp
Email Address:info@sambururiversidecamp.com
Website:sambururiversidecamp.com
Phone Address:+254 745 777 214 (For WhatsApp only)
Example of Budget Tented Near Lake Bogoria National Park
Hope Cottages & Resort
Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/groups/508080724295318
Email Address:hopecottagerecreationcentre@gmail.com
Phone:0722 890760
If I Choose Budget Safari in Kenya,will I Enjoy It?
If you are planning to do a budget safari in kenya and still wondering if you will enjoy it, then i will give an honest answer according to my personal experience.
Yes!
You will enjoy budget safari in Kenya. Although travelling on Budget Safari may not be offering all the best facilities offered in high end safaris, it is likely you will experience the same animal viewing and game drives as the luxurious safari packages offers.
Also, one thing about safari in Kenya is that you may not stay at the lodges which you will be booking at most of your times during the stay.This is because most of your time will be at the park on game drives,so as much as you may not be having much luxury, you will enjoy the rest of your safari.
Also, if you need other amenities that are not offered by your tented camp,you can opt to have a shorter trip which may be an alternative to paying high cost because of them.ie swimming pools.
There are many companies that are offering budget safari in Kenya.Some companies offers daily departures to Masai Mara,Lake Nakuru and even Lake Naivasha.When choosing a safari company to book your safari with,it is important for you to do a thorough background check about the company,not leaving any stone unturned.
Some Key fact checks you should consider doing about the company are:
- The company Reviews from either tripadvisor or safaribookings
- If the company is duely registered in Kenya as a corporate entity.
- If the company is registered under KATO and has a valid TRA licence.
- The cost of safari being offered by the company.(Is it ideal? or overrated)
It is advisable to have at least 3 companies to compare with before making your final decision on which company you should book with your safari.
List of Popular Budget Safari Packages in Kenya
- 3 Days Masai Mara Safari
- 3 Days Lake Nakuru & Naivasha Safari
- 7 Days Economical Safari of Masai Mara,Lake Nakuru,Lake Naivasha & Amboseli
- 7 Days into the Heart of Kenya Safari
- 8 Days Best of Kenya Safari
- 3 Days Amboseli Safari
- 3 Days Tsavo East & West Safari
Mid Range Safari in Kenya
The other type of safari being offered that affects your cost of safari in Kenya is mid-range safari.Mid Range Safari is an ideal safari for an average person.This type of safari may even have a beach extention and is much more better as compared to the budget option.
In most instances, the accommodations and amenities found in Mid-Range Safaris are better, and more comfortable.In some cases, you may be privileged to be entertained by the local Masai people at your tented camps or even visit their villages.In this type of safari, you can have an option of having an hot air baloon which gives an extra experience of lifetime while in Kenya.
What will be my Ideal Safari Cost if i choose Mid Range Safari?
Ideal Safari Cost Range-$1800-$4500
In Most cases,the average cost of a Kenya Mid Range safari varies between $1800 and $4500.This is just an average cost because there may be other factors that may alter that price.
Mid range safari is the best option since most of them offers landcruiser as means of transport,which makes it easier to mourver throughout the park to see variety of wild animals.It is even easier to see and capture them with the open roof and even open sided type of safari jeeps.
You will Never go wrong with this type of Safari package!
Common Amenities on Mid Range Safari Tented Camps
I am a Kenyan born and i have been previledged to have spent most of my time in Kenya.I have visited most of the tented camps in Masai Mara,Amboseli,Lake Bogoria,Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha.In as much as these parks may have lodges with different amenities,most of them are similar especially with the standard rooms and have the following amenities in common:
- Private Bathroom
- Swimming Pool Area
- Lounge Area
- Bonfire Place
- Comfortable bed(This varies with size and comfort)
- Meals
- Bar Area
This type of tour package is the most common type that is offered by tour operators.Most of the tour companies may include the following in their cost of safari as part of their package:
-
Meals:
Most of the companies offers meal on full board in the mid range safari package.This is done across the duration of your stay while on safari. -
English Speaking Tour Guide:
It is more likely that you will have an English speaking tour guide who will accompany you throughout your safari.Tour guides are always crucial in any safari as you will be interacting with them and they will be the ones who will doing the explantion about the variety of wild animals in the park.If you get a professional tour guide,you will enjoy most of your safari as most of them are always very conversant with different places where the animals can be spotted easily.Also, they always engage with other tour guides who have already spotted the animals in the wild thus making it easier to spot most of the animals in the game.Please not that if you are not from English Speaking country,you can always request for your nationality speaking guide at a fee. - Transportation:Mid Range safaris has most of the package with a 4X4 Landcruiser or safari Jeep.You can always balance if you require a van and mid range lodges.
- Park Fees: All the park fees during your stay on safari is included as per the itinerary.
- Transfers: Airport transfers from the airport and back is normally included.
What is NOT included in the Mid Range Safari
In as much as the mid range safari package has most of the activities included, there are always exceptions to that.Some of them included:
- Accommodation before and After Safari: In most cases,your accommodation after landing may be excluded.This is always optional and you can request your tour operator to include it.
- International Flights: In most of the instances,you may be required to book your own flights to and from home.This is because most of the tour companies in Kenya offering safaris does not include that in their package.
- Some Drinks: Booking with a mid range safari will allow you to have access to some drinks and beer if you are on complementary but if not so,you will its not indicated.
Example of Mid Range Tented Camps in Masai Mara National Reserve
1.Talek Bush Camp Contacts
Phone: +254 741 21 9994
Website:https://talekcamp.com/
Email: info@wildwonderskenya.com
2.Base Camp Masai Mara Contacts
Address:Basecamp Explorer Kenya,
Mokoyeti West Rd, Off Langata Road,
P.O Box 43369 – 00100 Nairobi, Kenya.
Tel: +254 (0)733 333909/ +254 (0)725 279768
email to: kenya@basecampexplorer.com
3.Sentrim Mara Lodge Contacts
Address:Head Office: Industrial Area, Off Butere Road
Tel: (+254) 796 890 890 | (+254) 781 890 890
Website:https://www.sentrim-hotels.com/
Email Address:reservations@sentrim-hotels.com
4.Zebra Plains Masai Mara Contacts
Tel:+254 790 789 122
Website:https://zebraplainscollection.com/mara-camp
Email Address:reservations@zebraplainsmara.com
5.Enkorok Mara Camp Contacts
Website:https://www.enkorokmaracamp.com/
Email Address:reservations@enkorokmaracamp.com
Tel:+254 728 504 599
Office Address: 5th Floor Rehema Hse. Standard Street, Nairobi
6.AA Lodge Mara
Office Address:
Nairobi, Hurlingham, Jabavu Lane, Silverpool Office Suites- Suite A1
P.O BOX 51147-00100 Nairobi
Email Address:reservations@aalodges.com and info@aalodges.com
Tel. +254-786-344-440 and +254 737 444 417
7.Masai Mara Sopa Lodges
Tel: +254-20-3750235, +254-20-3616000
Email Address:reservations@sopalodges.co.ke
Website:https://sopalodges.com/masai-mara-sopa-lodge/the-lodge
8.Mara Kimana Camp Contacts
Phone:0112494288
Email:info@marakimanacamp.co.ke or reservations@marakimanacamp.co.ke
Website:https://marakimanacamp.co.ke/
9.Naserian Mara Camp Contacts
Address:Naserian Mara Camp Limited
P.O Box 598 -20500,
Narok, Kenya.
Contacts:+254 (0) 731 62 24 64
Email Address:
10.Mara Ndovu Lodge Contacts
Tel:+254708275095 || +254708237105 || +254708927316 || +254722366738
Email Address:info@marandovulodge.com, sales@marandovulodge.com, reservations@marandovulodge.com
Address:99WP+JHC, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Maasai Mara
Website:https://marandovulodge.com/
How much does a Luxury Safari Cost in Kenya?
In 2022, I indulged in a 4-day, 3-night luxury safari at Masai Mara, the pinnacle of comfort and amenities. Experiencing extraordinary meals on full board, we enjoyed daily morning and afternoon game drives, elevating the overall experience in the park.
We were in an all inclusive arrangements and one thing which was pecular was about the staff of the lodge.We could feel at home.
Besides, their beds are well maintained, and i couldn’t regret spending time there.
If you have a budget for a Luxury Safari in Kenya,then dont hasitate, Go for It!
Examples of Luxury Safari cost Package in Kenya & Tanzania
10 Days Honeymoon Luxury safari in Kenya
Kenya wildlife & Beach combined safari
11 Days into the soul of Africa-Kenya & Tanzania Combined Safari
