How Much Money Should I Take on a Kenya Safari?

How much money should I take on a Kenya safari? The answer largely depends on your style of travel, length of stay, and personal preferences. For a 7-day mid-range safari, having around $500–$700 in cash for extras and emergencies is usually sufficient, assuming your major costs are prepaid. Budget travelers might need $300–$400, while luxury travelers should prepare for $1,000 or more in discretionary spending.

A well-planned budget ensures that all you have to worry about is enjoying the wildlife, culture, and beauty that Kenya has to offer.

1. Safari Packages: Budget, Mid-Range, and Luxury

When deciding how much money to bring, it’s essential to first identify what type of safari experience you’re going for. Safari packages in Kenya typically fall into three categories:

• Budget Safari (Approx. $150–$300 per day): These safaris usually include shared vehicles, tented camps or simple lodges, and limited amenities. Perfect for backpackers or budget-conscious travelers.

• Mid-Range Safari (Approx. $350–$600 per day): Expect better accommodations, personalized service, and more comfortable transport.

• Luxury Safari (Approx. $700–$1,500+ per day): High-end lodges or camps, gourmet meals, private guides, and sometimes even chartered flights.

If you’re booking through a tour operator, many of these costs (accommodation, game drives, meals, and some park fees) are bundled into the package, which reduces the amount of cash you’ll need on hand. However, some expenses will not be included.

2. National Park and Reserve Entrance Fees

Kenya is home to iconic national parks like the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, and Lake Nakuru. Park entrance fees are charged per person per day and vary by location:

• Maasai Mara: $100–$200 per adult per day

• Amboseli: $60 per adult per day

• Lake Nakuru: $60 per adult per day

• Nairobi National Park: $43 per adult per day

Some lodges and camps include these fees in your booking, but if you’re organizing your safari independently or doing day visits, you’ll need to budget separately for these charges.

3. Tipping Guidelines

Tipping is customary in Kenya and is a significant part of the income for safari guides, drivers, porters, and camp staff. The expected amounts can add up throughout your trip:

• Safari Driver/Guide: $10–$20 per day per guest

• Camp/Lodge Staff: $5–$10 per day per guest (usually pooled)

• Porters: $1–$2 per bag

• Restaurant Waitstaff (outside of lodges): 5–10% of the bill

It’s wise to carry small denominations of U.S. dollars or Kenyan shillings for tipping purposes.

4. Meals and Drinks

Most safari packages are full board, meaning breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included. However, drinks—especially alcoholic beverages—are often not covered. If you’re staying outside of safari lodges or dining in cities like Nairobi or Mombasa before or after your safari, your food costs can vary:

• Meals at local eateries: $5–$10

• Mid-range restaurants: $10–$25

• High-end dining: $30–$60

• Bottled water: $1

• Beer or soft drinks: $2–$4

• Cocktails or imported wines: $5–$10

Expect to spend an additional $10–$20 per day on beverages and snacks not included in your safari package.

5. Local Transportation and Transfers

If your safari doesn’t include airport transfers or you’re planning to explore Nairobi or other towns, factor in some transportation costs:

• Airport transfers: $20–$50 (depending on distance and vehicle)

• Taxi within Nairobi: $5–$15 per trip

• Matatu (local minibuses): Less than $1 (not recommended for tourists unfamiliar with the system)

• Domestic flights: $50–$300 (depending on route and airline)

For multi-destination safaris, many packages include overland transport in safari vehicles or bush flights, so double-check what’s already covered.

6. Shopping and Souvenirs

Kenya is famous for its local crafts, beadwork, textiles, and wood carvings. Shopping can range from cheap trinkets to high-quality artisan pieces:

• Small souvenirs (keychains, magnets): $1–$5

• Handcrafted jewelry or textiles: $10–$50

• Large carvings or artwork: $50–$200

• Maasai blankets and beaded items: $10–$40

Bargaining is common in open-air markets, but always be respectful and fair.

7. Health and Travel Insurance

Medical care and evacuation are not cheap, especially in remote areas. While not a direct cash cost while in Kenya, travel insurance should be part of your overall safari budget:

• Travel Insurance (with medical and evacuation): $50–$150, depending on coverage and duration

Also, budget for required vaccines (like Yellow Fever) and malaria prevention medication.

8. Connectivity and Internet

Many lodges offer Wi-Fi, but it’s often limited or slow. Buying a local SIM card (e.g., from Safaricom) can help you stay connected:

• SIM Card: $1–$5

• Data Packages: $5–$20 depending on usage

9. Daily Spending Estimate

To help you get a clearer idea of how much cash you should carry, here’s a rough estimate for out-of-pocket daily expenses not covered by safari packages:

10. Final Tips on Handling Money in Kenya

• Currency: The Kenyan Shilling (KES) is the official currency, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted for tourism-related transactions.

• ATMs & Cards: Major towns and cities have ATMs, but carry cash when going on safari. Visa and MasterCard are more widely accepted than AmEx.

• Exchange Rates: Don’t exchange money at the airport unless necessary—banks or authorized forex bureaus offer better rates.

• Security: Use a money belt or keep valuables in a secure place. Don’t flash cash in public.