Hot air balloon safaris in Kenya | Go2Africa

Kenya Safari Costs

Types of Safaris in Kenya & Their Cost

When it comes to travel and safaris in East Africa, Kenya easily ranks as one of the best destinations to visit. While it's not the country's only draw card, Kenya is frequently lauded for the Great Wildebeest Migration, a cyclical natural gauntlet that safari goers flock to see each year. With hair-raising river crossings and vast mega herds as far as the eye can see, it's hardly surprising.

Kenya is also affectionately known as the ‘birthplace of safari' and comprises the perfect elements to surprise and delight any discerning traveller – home to the Big 5, scenery synonymous with the famous Out of Africa, suited to families, groups, couples, and honeymooners. The real question is, what does a safari in Kenya cost? Allow us to break down what a Kenyan adventure could look like and the costs associated with it:

Kenya Safaris: What Are Your Options?

Costs are impacted most by aspects such as the type of accommodation chosen, group vs private experiences, the number of non-inclusive activities you wish to do, the level of exclusivity, and the time of year. While there are certainly firm favourites, the best places to visit in Kenya largely depend on the traveller and will also impact cost – more remote locations often require 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 & Charters: Fortunately, Kenya's capital of Nairobi is known as East Africa's flight hub with its 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. Charters are a fantastic way to get around Kenya and visit a variety of its sensational national parks and conservancies.
Self-drives: As one of East Africa's safari hubs, Kenya's roads are relatively well maintained with routes to and from Nairobi fairly easy to navigate. National parks and game reserves have unpaved and often more challenging conditions, especially during or after the rainy season as the terrain lends itself to potholes. However, it is still certainly possible with an appropriate 4×4 vehicle with popular self-drive locations being the Masai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Samburu National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Tsavo National Park. Please note: a Kenya Wildlife Service Self-Drive Permit must be obtained to enter the parks in your own vehicle.
Classic Safaris: A staple safari sojourn typically comprises being escorted through a reserve by an experienced guide, or guide and tracker, on a kitted out 4×4 game vehicle. This is usually an inclusive experience 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 vehicle (subject to availability).

It’s worth noting that charter flights are not the only option and road transfers are also available from Nairobi. This is usually done via 4×4 or by small bus depending on whether you're travelling with a group, or whether you've opted to share transportation – which is a more budget-friendly option.

How Much Does a Kenya Safari Cost?

A Kenya safari typically costs between $700 and $2,800 per person per night based on double occupancy, depending on the level of luxury, season, and travel style. Entry-level self-drive options start around $700, while mid-range fly-in safaris range from $1,300 to $1,600. For those seeking a high-end experience, luxury fly-in or 5-star safaris can reach up to $2,800 per night. Accommodation pricing is also influenced by lodge location—especially during the Great Migration peak season—with 4-star options starting from $700 and 5-star properties going up to $2,200 per night.

Kenya Safari Tour Costs

Mid-range Fly-in		Luxury Fly-in		Entry-level Self-drive		Mid-range Self-drive		Luxury Self Drive		5 Star Options
Low	High	Low	High	Low	High	Low	High	Low	High	Low	High
$1,300 pps*	$1,600 pps*	$1,900 pps*	$2,800 pps*	$700 pps*	$800 pps*	$800 pps*	$1,200 pps*	$1,200 pps*	$1,700 pps*	$2,000 pps*	$2,600 pps*

* Please note: all the costs 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. Note that 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.

Kenya Accommodation Costs per Night

Kenya accommodation ranges from traditional tented camps and classic colonial lodges to mobile tented camps that track the migration and luxury lodges that defy the imagination. Of course, when looking to combine with a little beach vacation, Kenya's coastline features some sensational private villas, boutique hotels, and indulgent retreats. Back to safaris, one of the factors that will impact the cost of accommodation in Kenya, aside from luxury, is location, particularly during peak Great Migration season when space is at a premium. Below is a guideline to costs for Kenya accommodation:

Kenya Accommodation Pricing

4-star comfort		4-star luxury		5-star luxury
Low	High	Low	High	Low	High
$700 pps*	$1,000 pps*	$800 pps*	$1,600 pps*	$1,800 pps*	$2,200 pps*

How the time of year can affect the cost of a Kenya safari

The best time to visit Kenya will greatly depend on what you are going for. If it's the Great Migration you're after, 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! It's also a cyclical phenomenon and takes place year round so there are opportunities to spot herds at various times.

When it comes to low or shoulder season, mid-March to June and November to the end of December are less popular due to the rains. Don't discount 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 truly up to what you wish to see and experience.

Additional Costs To Consider

It's important to note that ‘all-inclusive' may not be as comprehensive as you first expect. In Africa, and on safaris, that can mean a range of things and it's always worth clarifying what is not included. One of the first things to do is consult our blog on visa free African countries for US citizens as that may tick off one of the boxes regarding associated costs already. What possible additional costs could you come across? Have a look at our list below:

International flights / getting to the country – 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 – certain destinations require vaccinations prior to arrival. These are excluded and you will need to contact your healthcare professional to ensure the requirements are met. Kenya has a requirement of yellow fever for travellers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
Tipping is always optional but highly recommended. It's always worth carrying cash during your travels as it's the easiest way to go about this. Consult our tipping guide for more information.
Personal and travel insurance
Additional activities – anything over and above the included activity offerings at an accommodation, which typically extends to hot air balloon safaris and helicopter flips 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 currencies, such as the US dollar, are widely accepted and are often the currency required for hot air balloon safaris. Please note: no US Dollar bills printed prior to 2003 will be accepted and post 2006 notes are recommended due to fake note circulation.

Should you wish to plan your next great adventure with the help and guidance of one of our Africa Safari Experts, they will be able to advise you on all of the above and ensure each of your transfers is organised ahead of time and occurs as seamlessly as possible – just remember, in travelling, anything can happen and sometimes delays are unavoidable.

Help Me Plan