A Kenya safari is undoubtedly one of the more expensive holidays you’re going to take. Why? Because caring for and protecting wildlife, especially so many valuable and endangered species, is incredibly expensive. So don’t be surprised when a decent safari camp is going to charge upwards of $400 per person per night in low season. Even then, these camps, you might be surprised to hear, will be just about covering their costs with a rate like this. So the nightly cost of your safari, coupled with park fees often over $100 per person per night, and the added cost of transport, really starts to rack up and your Kenya safari cost moves into the thousands, if not tens of thousands.

Here are some basic but bulletproof ways tO BRING YOUR Kenya safari cost DOWN

Consider seasonal prices and special offers
All camps will have seasonal prices, and most will have special offers available for traveling out of season or for staying a little longer. And don’t be afraid of traveling out of season; it’s true that some areas will be completely inaccessible, but many are still offering incredible wildlife experiences at much lower prices for those who don’t mind getting their boots a little muddy. For example, it’s nearly $200 per person per night less to stay at The Safari Cottages in low season, than in high season. Or, if you stay 3 nights or more you qualify for a lower rate. Not sure when out of season is? Read our Kenya When To Go Guide to find out more.
Plan your route carefully
If you’re doing a multi-destination safari then careful planning of your route can significantly help you better manage your final Kenya safari cost. Speak to your travel consultant to help you better understand ways around expensive flight routes or the need for private charter flights by opting to drive or re-order the destinations to make more financial sense.

For example, if your safari destinations are the Masai Mara, Ol Pejeta and Diani, there are no direct flights from Diani to Ol Pejeta, meaning if you wanted to start at the beach or have a beach stopover between two safari destinations, you’d have to charter a private flight or do two flights, plus an overnight in Nairobi. So, in this case, it’s cheaper and easier to fly from the Masai Mara to Diani at the end of your safari for which there are direct flights.
Check the inclusions and exclusions
A lot of camps will offer you a fully inclusive price, and some will offer a rate that excludes certain activities or amenities. This means that the price you are given can look very low but you’ll end up paying the same, if not more, once you tack on hidden costs like drinks, activities, late check out and meals feels or park fees.

MOST IMPORTANTLY

When considering ways to bring your Kenya safari cost down the most important thing to bear in mind is that this is really a country where you get what you pay for so, considering this might be your once-in-a-lifetime safari holiday, it’s worth paying a little more to ensure that you have the best experience possible.

And when booking your stay don’t hesitate to ask us for advice on where else to go and where to stay that will offer you just that!