For many travellers, a safari in Kenya is a lifelong dream. Seeing elephants in Amboseli, lions in the Maasai Mara, or the Great Migration is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But for many, making that dream a reality often comes with the price tag that corresponds to your expectations and desired experience.
The good news? You can have an amazing safari experience in Kenya without spending a fortune! You will be able to enjoy your unforgettable adventure with some smart advance planning and the right information, without feeling guilty or worried about your budget. Hopefully, with this guide, you will be able to put some of these practical tips into action, and be able to save money on a safari while still getting a full safari experience.
1. Travel During the Shoulder Season
Visiting Kenya during the shoulder seasons (April to June and late October to early December) is one of the easiest ways to save money.
Why it’s cheaper: Lodges and camps offer discounted rates in these quieter times.
Why it’s still great: Wildlife is just as active, and you will have quieter parks with more personalised game drives.
Local operators frequently have deals during these times, so you may even save more!
2. Pick the Right Safari Package
A lot of travellers believe that the most expensive package will provide the best safari, however this is not always the case. If you carefully choose the right mid-range package you can experience the same things for less.
Packages that cover:
• Park fees
• Lodging and food included within the package
• Transport for game drives and transfers
• Guided tour
An experienced safari company’s expertise can assist in locating packages that fit your budget while uncovering any hidden fees.
3. Stay in Mid-Range or Community-Run Camps
Luxury safari lodges are stunning, but mid-range safari camps and community-run camping places also provide a good level of connection to nature at a significantly cheaper price.
You can expect comfortable rooms, nice food and good locations close to the parks with mid-range safari camps and community-run accommodation and, by supporting community-run accommodation, you also get to consider local stakeholders lives.
4. Travel as a Group
One easy way to save money is by sharing costs with friends or family. Traveling as a group allows you to split expenses like the safari vehicle, guide, and lodging.
If you’re traveling alone, check with your tour operator about the option to join a small group. It is a great way to meet people if you are solo, and save some money at the same time.
5. Book Early or Be Flexible
I’ve found that the earlier you book, the better the rates, especially for places like Maasai Mara, however, if your travel dates are flexible you can score a real value by just booking at the last minute.
Local travel agencies generally have good relationships with the lodges and camps they book their customers into and are able to access price reductions that are not available online!
6. Cut Back on Internal Flights
Flying between Nairobi and safari parks takes less precious time, but taking a road transfer will save you much more money. The road transfers to all major parks like Amboseli, Samburu, and Maasai Mara are well maintained and the drives will provide beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
So, this is an easy way to cut costs without sacrificing the excursion.
7. Combine Nearby Destinations
Rather than travelling large distances between national parks, choose destinations that are adjacent to each other. For example, the Maasai Mara can be combined with Lake Naivasha or Nakuru as part of a low-budget itinerary.
A reputable safari planner will develop routes that take the least amount of time to drive but still maximise the potential of saving money to see the animals.
8. Bring Your Own Gear
Hiring cameras, binoculars, and safari gear on location can quickly add up. Bringing your own essentials saves money and ensures you’re ready for every game drive.
9. Work with a Reliable Local Operator
The best way to balance cost and quality is to find an experienced local tour company. Local companies know which camps have good deals, especially if you are flexible with your travel dates. They’ll also know the best travel times to your destination and can tailor your trips based on your budget.
One example of a Nairobi-based operator is Jumbo Adventures. Experienced operators often have strong relationships with lodges and park authorities. They can help get you better rates, and facilitate smoother experiences.
Final Thoughts
Spending less on a safari doesn’t mean you have to skimp. If your savvy and choose un-busy times to travel, book carefully, and pay attention to your partners, you can experience a world-class wildlife safari in Kenya without breaking the bank.
If you’re ready to begin planning, find a reputable safari operator to help you create a customised itinerary to suit your travel style and budget.
