If you are planning on visiting Kenya, the chances are that a wildlife safari is on top of your bucket list. As beautiful as safaris are, they are not affordable for every nation. Of course, if you are coming from Europe, the USA or even the Middle East, your currency will go far in Kenya. But if your home country is in Africa or Asia, that Safari experience will cost you a pretty penny.
At Tripindigo, we believe that everyone deserves to see the wonders African Safaris have to offer! And this is why we put together a list of budget safaris suited for the average Joe's pocket! Check out our ideas to see the best the Kenyan Safari circuit has to offer on an extremely tight budget!
10 Safari Trips Everyone Can Afford In Kenya
1. Camping Safari at Amboseli National Park
Typically, a camping safari at the Aberdare National Park lasts for about two to three days. During the safari, you’ll get to sight hundreds of elephants along with giraffes, buffaloes and hippos. Lions are difficult to spot here. You can also get a view of the Tanzanian Mount Kilimanjaro from across the border!
This camping experience is ideal for couples! Families with small children should avoid it because camping with kids can be challenging. However, if the kids are old enough, you can consider this trip!
A trip with a two-day night stay here will cost you around 19,000 Kenyan shillings, including pickup and dropoff to Nairobi.
African Bush Elephants, Amboseli National Park, Image Source: Ray in Manila via Flickr.Com
2. Masai Mara Safari
A three-day safari to the Masai Mara, where you can witness the Great Migration of wildebeests. This will cost you around 30,000 Kenyan shillings per person if you travel to the Masai Mara by car from Nairobi.
You can travel with your family or friends here and observe elephants, lions, cheetahs, antelopes and, of course, wildebeests!
3. Nairobi National Park Safari
The Nairobi National Park offers excellent game viewing, and it’s also quite cost-friendly! The entire one day-safari costs only about $200! You get to see lions, rhinos, serval cats, buffaloes, hippos, and many other animal species. It’s a great way to bond with your family and spend some time with nature.
4. Meru National Park 3-day Safari
This location is home to another safari where you get to feast your eyes upon the big 5, including both, black and white rhinos! It’s an ideal safari for adults, whether friends or family. The cost per person is approximately $400. But every penny is worth the trip to Meru National Park.
Sunset View at Meru National Park, Kenya, Image Source: Nina R via Flickr.Com
5. Samburu National Reserve Camping Safari
Witness the magnificence of lions, cheetahs, leopards, hippos and crocodiles at the magnificent Samburu National Reserve.! A 3-day camp here will cost you about $450 per person, and it’s a great way to bond with your friends!
6. Laikipia Camping Safari
This safari gives you a chance to observe the Big 5 – lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffaloes – all in one place! A 3-day tour to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia district is all you need to experience the African wilderness. For three days, you’ll have to pay about $700 per person, in which pickup and drop-off are included (from/to Nairobi).
This safari is suitable for adults only! Children shouldn’t be brought to this safari because it will be hard to embark on a 3-day safari with them.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Image Source: Make It Kenya Via Flickr.Com
7. Pilli Pipa Dhow Safari
With the Pilli Pipa Dhow Safari and snorkelling tour, you can visit the Kisite Marine Park. If you’re a diver, then you can enjoy diving with them as well. Sailing in the traditional dhow safari is a fantastic experience, especially if you’re going to watch the sunset/sunrise! It’s an ideal safari for families! The trip will cost you around 4000 Kenyan shillings per person.
8. Lake Nakuru Safari
With flamingoes feasting on the diatoms of Lake Nakuru, the Lake Nakuru Safari is an exciting and beautiful sight to see! Apart from the flamingoes, you can also spot the big five over here! It’s an excellent safari for families and couples alike. The safari will cost you an average of $150 per person.
White Rhino in Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya, Image Source: Bernard DUPONT via Flickr.Com
9. Masai Mara Balloon Safari
Get an aerial view of the Masai Mara and see the magnificent sight of lions, leopards, giraffes and zebras from up above! The balloon safari will cost you about $400 per person, but it’s definitely worth the price!
10. Lewa Wilderness Conservancy Safari
Spot the big five here at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy! Apart from the big 5, you can also spot lots of giraffes and zebras. A 3-day safari here will cost you around $1300 for one person. However, if there are more people, the cost gets divided, and it gets less. Therefore, the final price depends on the number of people. It’s a great place to visit with your family!
