Visiting Kenya Without Breaking the Bank

Good evening, As two senior French couples who are used to traveling independently all over the world, we’d like to visit Kenya next November. Now, after seeing and reading a bit everywhere, and with the first quotes for a 6/7-day safari, I’m shocked by the prices (like $2,250) for places like Maasai Mara, where entry alone costs $200 per person per day, plus fees for the driver and vehicle. So if you have any recent great tips or contacts to share to help me out, I’d really appreciate it—because despite the costs, we’d still love to go, while keeping things reasonable. The most plausible solution is probably renting a vehicle with a driver-guide. Thanks in advance for all your replies. Jacques

Hi there,

A safari, no matter which country you choose to do it in, isn’t a "low-cost" activity.

Governments like Kenya’s or Tanzania’s (just to name a couple) have long since caught on to the financial windfall generated by this pastime. They regularly increase taxes or entry fees.

What’s more, if you’re aiming for the Maasai Mara in Kenya, it’s become the most expensive spot! You’d be better off heading to less crowded reserves that are just as interesting. Personally, I find the Maasai Mara a bit of a dull plain.

Next, make sure to check lodge rates carefully and choose based on your budget. The difference in nightly rates can sometimes be double...

For your info, I replied to your previous question in a direct message yesterday!

One more thing: you mention wanting to go to Kenya but don’t specify your goal(s) or expectations for this trip...?!

Cheers.

Puma2A

Hi there,

Just back from Kenya, we tried to keep our trip reasonably priced. When you read the guides, it feels like everything revolves around safaris, but there are other really interesting things to do and great people to meet! You can also see animals in cheaper parks on foot or by bike. You won’t spot big cats, but you can see elephants at Ngare Ndare, for example (with an armed guide), take a boat ride on Lake Naivasha and come across hippos, or see zebras on the shores. You can also walk alongside giraffes at Crater Lake. We saw quite a few animals outside the parks too—we ran into elephants near Amboseli and lots of giraffes and zebras. That said, even if these alternatives are much cheaper, they’re still not exactly budget-friendly... Either way, it’s totally worth paying the park entry fee with a 4x4 and driver (who preferably knows the park well) to experience it fully. We spent a day in Amboseli and a day in Samburu, and both were magical! Maasai Mara is the most expensive park... Happy travels!