Although Kenya is one of the most affordable destinations for a safari in Africa, the budget for such an adventure still represents a considerable cost. The good news? It's possible to bring down the bill by following a few tips. Discover our advice for lowering the cost of a safari in Kenya.

Book your flights in advance

The first thing to do when you've decided to go on a safari in Kenya is to book your plane tickets. Indeed, it's recommended to book at least 6 to 8 months in advance to get interesting prices. The longer you wait until the last minute, the more likely you are to see ticket prices increase, with the exception of certain airlines that offer last-minute deals, but that's a risk to take...

Choose the least crowded parks and reserves

Your choice of safari destination can greatly influence your budget. Indeed, the price of entrance fees to Kenya's national parks and wildlife reserves varies widely from one location to another.

The most popular parks, such as the Masaï Mara National Reserve or Amboseli National Park, are the most expensive. Yet less crowded parks and reserves have much to offer too. Not only will you be able to see Africa's emblematic wildlife, but you'll also enjoy the pleasures of an intimate safari experience.

As you've understood, to bring down the cost of a safari in Kenya, you can opt for a safari in a park or reserve offering reduced entrance fees. We're thinking in particular of:

• The Shimba Hills National Reserve: USD 25 per day per adult and USD 15 for children (July to March), USD 20 per day per adult and USD 15 for children (March to June);

• The Hell's Gate National Park: USD 30 per day per adult and USD 20 for children (July to March), USD 20 per day per adult and USD 15 for children (March to June);

• The Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West: USD 80 per day per adult and USD 35 for children (July to March), USD 35 per day per adult and USD 20 for children (March to June);

• The Meru National Park: USD 60 per day per adult and USD 35 for children (July to March), USD 35 per day per adult and USD 20 for children (March to June);

• The Lake Elementaita: USD 25 per day per adult and USD 15 for children (July to March), USD 20 per day per adult and USD 15 for children (March to June).

By way of comparison, the entrance fee for Masaï Mara is USD 200 per day per adult and USD 50 per day per child (as of July 1, 2024).

Reduce the number of parks

If you don't want to stray off the beaten path and if you really want to see one of the country's most reputable wildlife parks, another solution can be considered: reducing the number of parks. To do this, you can focus on a park where you're most likely to see animals in a short amount of time.

The ideal option? Head to the Masaï Mara National Reserve, one of the rare reserves in Africa where you can spot the Big Five during a single safari. It's also the location of the fabulous spectacle of the Great Migration that takes place there every year. Granted, the entrance fee is higher, but you could very well go on a multi-day safari in this park and then enjoy Kenya's most beautiful beaches for the rest of your vacation.

Good to know:

Beachside accommodations are significantly cheaper than places to stay on safari. By combining a safari and a beach getaway in Kenya, you'll find it easier to keep costs down.

Travel during low season or shoulder season

This is one of the main factors that can influence the price of a safari: the season. While the best time to go on a safari in Kenya corresponds to the high season (July to December), which is the most touristy and most expensive season, it's entirely possible to travel during low or shoulder season. In fact, it's the perfect time to enjoy the lowest rates, whether for plane tickets, accommodations, park entrance fees, and more.

To give you an idea, accommodations display prices up to 25% cheaper in May compared to the July/August period. The months of April, June, and November are also among the most interesting times to take advantage of favorable rates.

Travel with a group or opt for a group safari

The more people traveling together, the more you can reduce your safari costs. Indeed, traveling as a group allows you to share all expenses (cost of 4x4 rental, vehicle entrance fees, guide/driver services, accommodation prices, and so on), thus significantly reducing your overall budget. In other words, you'll benefit from traveling with others, whether it's during a family safari or with friends. 

If you don't have the chance to travel with your loved ones, you can opt for a group safari. In this case, you won't have a private vehicle, but you'll be accompanied by other travelers on a minivan safari. Generally, this type of safari is about 15% cheaper than a private safari. It's therefore ideal for saving money, though it's worth remembering that you'll enjoy a much less intimate and authentic experience!

Sleep at a campsite

Do you have a tight budget for your Kenya safari trip? Rather than sleeping in lodges or tented camps, choose the public campsites of national parks and reserves. This type of accommodation is the most economical option: expect to pay between 20 and 50 euros per night.

Established in designated areas, camping sites offer basic facilities. Travelers sleep in 2-person igloo-type tents. As for common areas, you'll typically find showers, toilets, and sometimes a cooking area. While it's not the most comfortable type of accommodation, camping nonetheless offers an authentic experience and true immersion in nature.

Stay outside the parks and reserves

Another option to save money on accommodation during a Kenya safari: stay outside the parks and reserves. While this isn't the most practical solution (it's better to be on site to avoid long journeys and to be able to leave early in the morning when animals are most visible), it remains the most economical option.

The reason is that accommodations in Kenya are significantly cheaper outside the parks. You'll find numerous options at affordable prices: youth hostels, bed and breakfasts, hotels, beach resorts, and more.

Use a travel agency

Contrary to popular belief, using a travel agency to go on a wildlife safari in Kenya can be more economical than organizing your trip yourself. Indeed, travel agencies benefit from preferred rates on numerous accommodations, meals, and safari activities.

Moreover, being accompanied by experts will allow you to save considerable time on planning your itinerary and managing the logistics of your stay once you're there.

With our Galago Expeditions agency, you can choose from predefined circuits or opt for a tailor-made safari. All our safari trips include transport with an English-speaking guide, airport transfers, entrance fees to parks and reserves, and full-board accommodations. All you'll have to do is sit back and enjoy every moment…

Caution!

Paying less is good, but it shouldn't compromise the quality of your trip. Make sure to choose a local travel agency that offers circuits that are both ethical and respectful of nature and wildlife. Beware of tour operators offering safaris at unbelievable prices. Remember that while it's possible to reduce costs on a Kenya safari, this type of trip remains expensive, and it's better to spend an extra hundred euros or so rather than fall victim to a scam or be disappointed with the services provided.