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How Much Does a Kenya Safari Cost? Our Custom Guide From Jungle Dwellers

At Jungle Dwellers, one of the first questions we hear from travelers is: “How much does a Kenya safari really cost?” It’s a fair question. Safaris are unique because they bundle several services together — like transport, accommodation, and game drives — into one package. But different operators include different things, which can make comparisons tricky.

Here’s our honest guide, based on how we design our safaris, what’s included, and what our past guests have found most valuable.

Safari Price Ranges

1. Budget Safaris

Our budget safaris are designed for travelers who want the experience of Kenya’s wildlife without stretching their budget. These often include:

  • Cozy lodges or tented camps, often with proper elevated beds, mosquito nets, and shared bathroom facilities that are clean and functional.
  • Shared safari vehicles with other travelers — still spacious and fitted with pop-up roofs for great game viewing, but less private.
  • Basic but filling meals, often buffet-style or picnic lunch boxes during game drives, with a focus on simple Kenyan and international dishes.

This option is popular with students, backpackers, or anyone who wants to see the Masai Mara or Amboseli without overspending. We also recommend it for travelers who want to compare what each safari level includes — or who simply prefer to save on accommodation while still enjoying the full wildlife experience.

2. Mid-Range Safaris

Most of our guests choose mid-range safaris because they strike the right balance between comfort and cost. These packages usually include:

  • Comfortable lodges or permanent tented camps with private bathrooms, hot showers, and often swimming pools or gardens to relax in.
  • Smaller groups in safari vehicles, or sometimes private cars — meaning more space, flexibility, and easier wildlife viewing.
  • A wider variety of food options, usually buffets or plated meals with both African and international dishes, plus special touches like sundowners or bush breakfasts.

Families and couples often tell us this is the “sweet spot” — affordable enough to extend their stay, but comfortable enough to feel like a real holiday.

3. Luxury Safaris

For travelers looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, our luxury safaris offer unmatched comfort and personalization. These typically include:

  • High-end lodges or luxury tented camps, with ensuite bathrooms, fine dining, and sometimes extras like plunge pools, spas, or private verandas overlooking the savannah.
  • Private guides and vehicles, giving you the freedom to set your own schedule and enjoy game drives at your own pace, led by our professional guides who share deep knowledge of Kenya’s wildlife and culture.
  • Extras like champagne breakfasts, candlelit bush dinners, cultural interactions curated just for you, and attentive service that makes the whole experience seamless.

Guests who choose our luxury safaris often tell us it’s not just a trip — it feels like a private retreat in the wild.

What’s Included in Our Safaris

When you book with Jungle Dwellers, your safari price covers all the essentials, so you don’t have to worry about hidden costs:

  • Game Drives – Morning and afternoon game drives with our experienced guides, using custom 4×4 vehicles designed for comfort and visibility.
  • Park Entry Fees – For reserves like the Masai Mara, Amboseli, or Lake Nakuru, all paid upfront and included in your package.
  • Accommodation – Lodges, camps, or tented stays depending on your package, all vetted for comfort and safety.
  • Meals – Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are always included, whether buffet, plated, or picnic-style on game drives.
  • Transport During Safari – A reliable 4×4 safari vehicle with a driver-guide, plus transfers between parks.
  • Airport Transfers – Pickup and drop-off in Nairobi are included in almost all our safaris for stress-free arrival and departure.

 What’s Not Included

We’re upfront about costs that are not part of your package, so you can plan ahead:

  • International Flights – Safaris begin once you land in Kenya.
  • Visas – Most travelers apply for a Kenya eVisa online.
  • Tips – For guides, drivers, and lodge staff.
  • Optional Activities – Hot air balloon safaris, Maasai village visits, or guided walks.
  • Drinks and Personal Items – Alcoholic drinks, laundry, or souvenirs.
  • Travel Insurance – Highly recommended but not included.

How to Choose the Right Safari Package

When you’re comparing safaris, think about what matters most to you. Based on our experience with past guests, here are the big factors:

Number of Parks – Each park charges separate entry fees, so the more parks you include (for example, Masai Mara + Amboseli + Lake Naivasha), the higher your total. Longer drives between parks also add fuel and time costs. Sticking to one or two reserves can help keep budgets in check.

Length of Safari – The number of days you spend on safari is the biggest cost driver. A 3-day Masai Mara safari will cost far less than a 10-day itinerary covering Mara, Amboseli, and Tsavo. More days mean more park fees, more nights of accommodation, and more transport costs — but also a deeper, more relaxed experience.

Season of Travel – Prices change dramatically with the seasons. During the Great Migration (July–October) and Christmas holidays, lodges are in peak demand and prices rise. Traveling in the shoulder season (November or March–June) can save you hundreds while still offering great wildlife viewing.

Type of Accommodation – Campsites and budget tented camps keep costs low, while luxury lodges with pools, spas, and ensuite tents can double or triple the price. Mid-range options give you comfort without the splurge.

 Example of Daily Safari Costs (Approximate)

  • Budget Safari: $150–$250 per person, per day
  • Mid-Range Safari: $250–$500 per person, per day
  • Luxury Safari: $500+ per person, per day

These prices shift with season, style of lodge, and any add-ons — but they give you a clear starting point.

Final Thought

A safari is a big investment — but when done right, it’s one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have. At Jungle Dwellers, our goal is to make costs clear from the start, so you can focus on the adventure, not the fine print. Whether you choose budget, mid-range, or luxury safaris, knowing what’s included helps you plan with confidence.

And as our past guests often say: the memories are priceless.

No matter your budget, we create custom tours to fit your style — from affordable adventures to luxury retreats — because everyone deserves to experience Kenya in a way that feels right for them.

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