The life changing experiences of an African safari are told from generations to generations. The wildlife filled plains, savannah biodiversity, the cultural wealth, and amazing landscape all sum up what to expect when on safari to Africa. However, all these moments come at a cost. Have you ever though how much it would cost for your Africa luxury safari in Kenya? Premier travel experts are here to help with the details and what we think you should know.

The average costs of a Kenya safari
Typically a custom made African luxury safari costs about USD 1200 per person a day. This figure gives you a rough estimates of the costs for accommodation, meals, soft drinks, game drives, services of a professional safari guide, selected flight options, park entrances fees and transport. For additional requirements that include visa, international flights, medical insurance, upgrades, tips and optional activities are paid for.

What determines the costs?
The costs of the safari are determined by the following:
-The time of travel
-Number of days and persons
-Type of accommodation and its exclusivity
-Mode of transport
Being flexible with the above enables your travel agent to custom make a tour package that will best suit your needs. Working with an expert means you get all this information first hand and are therefore able to make reasonable choices and get the best value for your dollar.

Time of Travel.

Kenya is best known for the wildebeest’s migration season that happens between the months of July and September. This is when the hotel rates are at their peak. This translates to very high safari quotes during this time.  The festive season is also not a good time if you are looking to lower your budget. Families book early and travel in groups. The demand is thus high and also include the festive supplements. The off-peak months best if you are not into the wildebeest’s migration photography. The resident wildlife is there, quieter sightings none crowded spaces. You get amazing discounts, free additions and even stay more and pay less offers.

Number of days and persons.
Given the rate per person as USD 1200 this means the more number of days, the higher the costs. Then again, An African safari is a bucket list for many, why not?  Traveling alone means bearings costs by yourself. However, is you travel with family or a small group, the costs are shared making it bearable.

Type of accommodation and its exclusivity.
Accommodation varies from a tented camp, luxurious lodge to exclusive villas. The camps may be anything from simple and intimate to exclusive fly camps in the middle of nowhere. Lodges range from high end to exclusively booked properties. The location also determines the costs. Are they within the reserves or conservancies? The latter are highly priced.

Mode of transport.
Ground transport can either be air or road. The internal domestic flights end to be high and most operators will quote for tis separately. If traveling on road, then the 4×4 jeeps are highly recommended. If transport is shared the rate is low. If it’s on exclusive use, then the rate is always high.

What are the questions asked about costs of safari?

What is the validity of the safari costs?
This depends on your travel date requests. It can be plus or minus depending. If you ask for a request during the low season, the rate will be valid between the months of April (Except Easter) to beginning of June. If its peak, it will be valid between July and September.

Why are your Costs  high and we have a similar quote that costs way less?
It all depends on what is included and excluded in the package. For example, do you have flights, exclusive use of vehicle, drinks, balloon safari included in a masai Mara safari? This will definitely will be more that a safari that is shared, exclusive of drinks and without the optional activities.

Do we have to pay for extras?
Again depending on what is included, optional activities may be payable on site or already included in the costs. An average Kenya luxury safari will include the same. The only payable options will be the tips, the premium drinks and if you would like the exclusive use of vehicle and not sharing.

Should we carry extra money while on safari?
Yes, you  should . This you can use to buy souvenirs and gifts to take back home. It can also be used for tipping in the lodges and for your safari guides. You May also want to give back to local community projects or even local markets. A city excursion in Nairobi is also worthwhile. However, you can also pay at the malls with credit cards.

Shall we find other travelers in the lodges offered?
Except for the villas and lodges booked on exclusive use, you will share hotel amenities with their travelers. However, depending on the capacity of thee lodge, you can share with either few or an average number.  Exclusive use is where an entire group has booked the whole property and thus no access can be given to anyone else.

Do we expect any changes in the itinerary?
No, we do not change he itinerary or the accommodations. However, when acts of nature or man happen eg a fire or floods, we shall definitely have to change the accommodations.  This are accidents that can’t be avoided at all costs. We can also pass on extra charges that have been implicated by an act off government and when it is really necessary.

Generally, is it worth taking an African safari.
An Africa safari offers a great way to bond with family and friends. How about the life changing experiences? This are lessons learnt that cannot be offered with the classroom walls.
Let’s also not forget the memorable photos of landscape, wildlife and people which can be used as decoration and sold. The experience is diverse and memorable for everyone.

How can you Save on a Kenya safari ?
Travel during the off peak season. Stay more for less and have great experiences at a lower cost.  Avoid booking last minute. This way you will not be forced to put up with what’s available. Travel with an expert who will advise on the best travel options on ground. It is also advisable to travel with a local operator to avoid the middle man where costs increase for their percentages.

What is the comparison between a Kenya and Tanzania safari?
Both Kenya and Tanzania safaris have amazing offers to some mind blowing destinations. However, a Tanzania safari is more expensive than the Kenya safari.  While visitors only pay park entrance fees, we have concession and Transit fees in Tanzania. In the Mara and Serengeti, both destinations share the same ecosystem. However, Serengeti is 8 times more than Mara and therefore lots of driving and biodiversity. This therefore means that on traveler to Tanzania will pay more in terms of budget.