Determinants of a Kenya Safari Cost

Determinants of a Kenya Safari Cost

The cost of a safari in Kenya usually depends on number of days one wants to spend in the country, the class of accommodation and many other things that need to be accounted for.

Just like other safaris in other countries, safaris in Kenya are not so cheap since whatever package you choose, the overall total cost has to include transportation, food, park entry fees and accommodation. In most cases being on a solo safari gets a bit costly since you end up covering most costs alone, so it would be advisable you visit Kenya with a friend to share costs especially of hiring the safari vehicle.

An all-inclusive 3 days safari on budget can cost $1500 with spending at least $300 or $500 per day.

Ensure that you get enough information about the different attractions to visit and things to do to see the factors considered in costing a safari. And below are some of the factors to consider;

Length of safari (Duration)

Whichever way you are planning your safari whether through a tour operator or on individual basis you need to know the number of days you will spend in Kenya. By doing so it helps you know how much you will need to spend daily.

For example; a person that desires to visit Kenya but has a tight budget, it is advisable you stay in the country for lesser days, because the longer you stay in the country the more the cost because also other factors like accommodation affect your length of stay.

But if you plan to stay longer, you could visit in the low season where prices are lower; you could save about 40% which would have been spent in the high season, the other advantage is that you get to watch baby wildlife, birds and also the crowds are lesser in the Parks.

Number of people traveling

This is important; whether you are planning a private safari or group safari or family safari among others. The number of travelers is considered in the perspective of the transport costs.

So when its only one person traveling he/she has to meet all the costs of hiring the safari vehicle and the number of days it will be used. However, if you hire a 7-seater van, which is about $150 per day or a 7-seater 4X4 Land cruiser costing about $230 per day, the cost is shared among the seven people which is not the case when its only one person travelling. Going on a safari as an individual can be costly in terms of transport.

Accommodation facilities

This starts with you; what kind if accommodation do you what, but before you choose that you should be knowing which places or national parks and the exact sectors you are visiting. Because in most cases the location of your accommodation affects which activities you participate in.

Kenya has different accommodation ranging from super luxurious suites to luxury lodges to moderate tented camps to budget lodges to campsites. So even whatever budget you are on you are sure that you won’t lack where to stay while in Kenya. You can get accommodation that ranges from $40 dollar to more than $1200 a night.

But keep in mind that accommodation in different areas like Masai-Mara during the peak season can be on high demand so if that’s when you want to travel then you should make your bookings early enough.

National Parks

These are the major places to be visited while on the Kenyan safari. The park visited is based on the traveler’s interest; the kind of wildlife or birds they want to see. However, the most popular wildlife reserve is the Masai-Mara because for the Annual Wildebeest Migration and charges higher price.

One of the cheapest National Parks like Nairobi charges an entry fee of $40 per day, others like Meru, Tsavo West and Tsavo East charge entry fee of $52 per day and the Masai-Mara and Amboseli charge $60 park entry fee per day.

Other activities on the safari

Of course while on safari you will enjoy game drives and have memories that are unforgettable, but it is important to engage in other activities such as hot air balloon safaris, horse riding, river rafting, guided nature walks, night game drives, these experiences also come at an extra cost.

You could book to engage in them before you travel such that they are costed in your original total cost or you could pay and engage in some while on ground already.

The time/season of visit

The season or time of the year you visit Kenya is important in the aspect because there are both the peak and the low seasons. Peak season is when business is high and the numbers of visitors are high, the low season is the opposite.

Therefore, knowing when to travel affects the cost of your safari because most costs are high especially the lodges and of which during the low seasons some lodges lower their prices. But t also helps you to know what to see and engage in the time you travel. The best time to travel is in the dry season from June to October when even the Wildebeests have arrived in the Masai-Mara or from January to February.

Other factors to consider while costing your safari to Kenya are; Travel Insurance, Visas, International Flights, Domestic Flights, Tips, Laundry, Souvenirs, drinks and beverages and Extra cars or Transfers (from Airport to accommodation and vice versa)

Kenya being a safari destination has a lot to offer, starting with the National Parks such as Tsavo, Nakuru, and Masai Mara, Mount Kenya National parks, Museums like Malindi museum and Nairobi National museum, old towns and cities like Mombasa, Beaches like Watamu Beach, Lakes such as Lake Naivasha, Caves like Obsidian caves in the Hell’s Gate National Park. Not living out the diverse cultures.

Kenya is home to a number of wildlife such as elephants that are found in the Amboseli National Park, this Kenya safari park also offers beautiful views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, thousands of flamingos which have made Lake Nakuru their home and another thing not to miss out is watching the Great wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara. Kenya has a rich culture that is still unique and authentic such as the Maasai, Samburu and Kikuyu. Also climbing Mount Kenya as a safari destination has thrilling activities any adventurous tourist cannot miss!

In conclusion, Kenya is not that cheap destination you can just go to.  It is an incredible destination with several beautiful sceneries, sites, diverse cultures and different activities that can make your safari memorable. So to enjoy every bit of your safari, you should plan your trip in the best way possible by comparing the prices for the top companies listed here.

Where to Go For A Safari In Kenya

The Best Kenya Safari Destinations. Kenya is one of Africa's gifted nations. From wildlife to beaches to cultures, and artificial attractions, Kenya gives you the best out of your safari experience. Therefore, Kenya has a lot to offer in terms of attractions. In this article, we'll see the main safari destinations and what you can find there on your Kenya Safari.

Maasai Mara National Reserve

Maasai Mara also famous as “The Mara” by the locals is one of the most wonderful game reserves. The reserve is in the Great Rift Valley with a lot of animal concentration on the Western escarpment. It is in the Southwestern part of Kenya in Narok County, covering an area of 1510sqkm. Masai Mara is bordered by Tanzania and is more like an extension of the Serengeti National Park in the North.

It derived its name “Masai” from the “Red cloak” that the Maasai people put on. The Maasai have lived in the park for centuries, and the word Mara means “mottled”

The Maasai Mara is a great Kenya safari park for game viewing. The park has over 450 bird species, over 95 mammals, reptiles and amphibians. The game viewing involves observing the Great Migration where millions of wildebeests, elands, gazelles, and Zebras migrate from the Serengeti to the Mara from around July to October every year. Other animals include; the Maasai lions, elephants, buffaloes, hyenas, crocodiles, African leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, and many others.

The park is approximately 270km from Nairobi which is Kenya’s capital. This is about 4 to 5 hours on the road and 40 to 45 minutes by air. The road is basically good though it is a little dusty from Narok town to Sekenani Gate.

You can visit Maasai Mara any time of the year. However, December to February is a better time for the viewing of the big cats. Meanwhile, July to October is the best time to observe the Great wildebeest migration. Concerning the climatic conditions, there are two seasons. The rainy season starts from November to May and the dry season from June to November. The temperature ranges from 20°C to 30°C.

There are many interesting activities that you can partake in during your stay in Masai Mara. These include Game viewing, visits to the Maasai villages, night game drives, camping, bush breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Mara is a good place for honeymoons and also good for photography.

There are very many places to stay in and near the Maasai Mara. These include Mara Serena (luxury), Governors’ Camp (luxury), and others around Olonana, Tembo, and Mara Siria Camps.

Tsavo East and West National Parks

The Best Kenya Safari Destinations-Tsavo National Park. Tsavo National Park is one of Kenya’s largest and oldest National Parks covering an area of 13,747 Sqkm. The park is divided into two; Tsavo East and Tsavo West. It is situated in a semi-desert area known as the Taru Desert. The government opened up the park in 1948. It named it after the Tsavo River which flows from west to east of the park.

Tsavo East is popular for large herds of Elephants that bathe in the red dust. The red dust is a lush view of semi-arid plains good for game viewing. Visitors should also look out for Mudanda Rock, the Yatta plateau, and different Kenya safari bird species.  Also, you expect to see the Lugard Falls which drop into crocodile-filled pools and rapids. These make it an amazing place to visit and photograph.

Other animals in Tsavo East include; Hyenas, lions, cape buffaloes, gazelles, giraffes, and impalas. Also, expect to see black rhinoceros, zebras, and waterbucks among others. Tsavo West covering 9065sqkm is endowed with beautiful scenery and is a great spot for birds. You can also tour Chaimu Crater, Mzima Springs, and other various springs with large numbers of crocodiles and hippos. Viewing wildlife in Tsavo West is not as simple as it is in Tsavo East. This is because the vegetation here is denser, but still the beautiful scenery overshadows this!

You can go on Safaris in Tsavo throughout the year, though there are two rainy seasons. These run from  March to May (rainfall is very heavy and it makes game viewing difficult). Another runs from October to December (lesser rains hence during this time safaris can go on). The temperatures are approximately 27-31°C during day and 22-24°C at night.

Access and Accommodation

You can get to Tsavo National Park by road. You can do so either by taking public means or booking a minibus or land cruiser. It is 333km from Nairobi via Voi gate and 173km from Mombasa via Bachuma gate. You can also access the park by Air and Railway.

Where to stay. There are various accommodation facilities in and near Tsavo National Park ranging from Luxury to budget. They include; Red Elephant Safari Lodge (Luxury), Kilalinda Lodge Tsavo (Luxury), Gladessa Bush Camp (Small luxury camp), Ithumba Camp Tsavo (luxury), Voyager Safari Camp (Luxury), Kitani Lodge Tsavo (Bandas), Ndololo Safari Camp (Backpackers), Sau Tsavo Camp (Budget) and many others.

Amboseli National Par Safaris

The Best Kenya Safari Destinations- Amboseli Safaris. Amboseli National Park is the second most famous park in Kenya. It is approximately 240km from Nairobi Kenya’s capital in Kajiado County, and it covers 8,000sqkm. The Park derived the name “Amboseli” from a Masai word that means “Salty dust”. Its former name was Masai Amboseli Game Reserve. The local people around this place are mostly Masai though also other people from different parts of Kenya stay around. The rainfall this area receives is approximately 350mm which is lower than that of other parts of the country.

Amboseli is one of the best places for game viewing since it is endowed with wildlife. This wildlife includes very many numbers of elephants, impalas, waterbucks, giraffes, elands, and big cats like cheetahs, and lions. There are also over 400 bird species such as kingfishers and pelicans. Other attractions include Masai villages and the beautiful spectacular views of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

You can get to Amboseli by road and by air since there is an airstrip in the park; Amboseli Airport. Also while in the park follow all rules- the park set them for the good of the tourists and wildlife. For example, you should not harass animals, drive off tracks, and many others. Another thing to note is that the roads in the park are of volcanic soil. Therefore, they get muddy and impassable during wet/rainy seasons and are too dusty in the dry season.

Where to stay: There are many accommodation facilities around Amboseli. These range from Luxury to mid-range lodges. They include Sentrim Amboseli Lodge, Mount Kilimanjaro View Lodge, AA Lodge Amboseli, Weru Weru River Lodge, Africa Amini Maasai Lodge, and Maasai Simba Camp, among others.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park is near Lake Nakuru in Central Kenya and it is famous for its Pink Flamingoes. The government established the park in 1961. It is home to over 450 bird species, 56 different species of mammals such as waterbucks, and rhinos, over 550 plant species like the yellow acacia woodlands and euphorbia candelabrum forest, Makalia waterfalls, and many more attractions.

The park can be accessed by road and air;

By road: There is a tarmac road that connects to Nairobi at a distance of 156km northwest of Nairobi. There is a route some usually use which is around 4km from Nakuru Town, though also other routes can be used and you can enter the park through various gates such as the Lanet Gate, Main Gate, and Nderit Gate.

By Air: You can also fly to the park landing on Naishi Airstrip.

Where to stay.  There are various campsites, guest houses, and lodges to stay in while on a safari in Lake Nakuru National Park. These include Lake Nakuru Lodge, Sarova Hill Lodge, Makalia Campsite, Rhino Campsite, Acacia Picnic Site, Baboon Cliff, Kambi Nyuki Campsite, and Chui Campsite among others.

Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba National Reserves Safaris

These reserves are on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River in Osiolo County which is arid and semi-arid. The government established the reserve in 1948 as part of the Samburu game reserve and in 1985 the other boundaries were established. The Isiolo County Council manages these reserves. The major attraction in Samburu National Reserve is the Sarara singing wells. It’s where the local Samburu warriors sing songs while hauling water for animals (cattle). There's also a chance of seeing the wild dogs and big cats while here. The Shaba National Reserve is popular for the endangered Grevy’s Zebra. The climate in this area is hot, dry, and semi-arid.

While here, one can engage in activities like visiting cultural villages and getting entertainment from the pastoralist dancers. One can also embark on nature walks, game viewing safaris seeing various vegetation types in the reserves and wildlife. This includes the Spotted hyena, African elephant, African leopard, Masai lion, African buffalo, Somali Ostriches, Tanzanian cheetah, and Oryx among others.

You can visit the Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba National Reserves all year round. You can also access them both by road and air from Nairobi.

Accommodation facilities in these reserves include; Sarova Shaba Game Lodge, Larsen's Tented Camp (Samburu-Luxury), Samburu Serena Lodge (luxury), Sentrim Samburu Lodge, Joy’s Camp (Shaba-Luxury) among others.

Lake Naivasha

Lake Naivasha is a nice freshwater lake, surrounded by thick papyrus. It is outside Naivasha town in Nakuru County, in the Northwest of Nairobi. This lake also lies at the highest point of the Great Rift Valley. Originally it was called “Nai’posha” by the Masai which means “rough water” but the British wrongly spelled it as “Naivasha”.

Lake Naivasha is endowed with over 400 bird species like African fish eagles together with other animals such as the buffaloes, elands, waterbucks, zebras, giraffes, hippos, and others; all can best viewed while on a boat cruise on the lake.

There are different activities one can do in this park. These include game drives and afternoon boat excursions to the crescent island. One can also embark on Nature walks, community visits, horseback riding, and flower farm trips. One can choose to have an added experience by visiting the Crater Lake Game Sanctuary. Alternatively, one can add Lake Nakuru National Park and Hell’s Gate National Park. These are not far from Lake Naivasha.

You can access Lake Naivasha by road which is approximately 2 hours from Nairobi. Alternatively, you can opt for a 15-minute flight still from Nairobi. Considering all things, a tourist could visit Naivasha during the dry season. There are many hotels and lodges around which also can organize some excursions.

Nairobi Tour

The Best Kenya Safari Destinations- visiting Nairobi. This is the largest and capital city of Kenya, which is in the south-central of the country. It is famous for its historical background such as the colonial history since during the colonial rule it was the capital of British East Africa. Nowadays tourists visit this city’s historic sites and the nearest beautiful wildlife attractions. These include; The Karen Blixen Museum and the Nairobi National Museum. This has a lot of information concerning Kenya’s history, culture, art, and nature. Also, there are beautiful botanic gardens around this place.

In case one wants to see wildlife in a place not far from the city; Nairobi National Park would be the best option to take. The park is home to black rhinos, buffaloes, cheetahs, lions, wildebeests, leopards, zebras, etc. Also, a visit to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust where there are close-up encounters with orphaned elephants, Visit the Giraffe Centre. Keep in mind the safety of your property since recently crime rates have increased in Nairobi.

Mombasa Holidays

The Best Kenya Safari Destinations- visiting Mombasa. This is Kenya’s second-biggest city and largest port; it is in the southeast of the country. Are you in need of exploring cultures? Visit Mombasa since it is a multicultural destination with cultures like Kenyan, Indian, Arab, Portuguese, and Asian cultures; The different cuisines and architecture are evidence of this.

Mombasa has other things to visit such as Fort Jesus and Old Town which were built in the 16^th century. There are markets, small streets, and souvenir shops. These bring a memorable experience, especially to tourists interested in history. For beach lovers, you cannot be left out since there are various beaches like White Strands of Shelly, and Diani beaches in the south of Mombasa.

Lamu Tours

Lamu is a small island in the northeastern part of Mombasa. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its town (Lamu) was established way back in the 12^th century. While visitors are here they can venture around seeing various Architectural buildings of the Arabs, India, and Europe. Visitors can also visit the donkey sanctuary and see some along the streets, Visit Lamu fort, arts and crafts, and dhows; generally, this is a great place for historians. Don’t forget to sip an Arabic coffee in the local café!