How Much Does a Safari in Kenya Cost? (2025-2026 Prices)
Budget Safaris: $250–$350 per person per day
Budget safaris often use simple tented camps or basic lodges. They are ideal if you want to experience Kenya’s wildlife without spending heavily. Expect shared vehicles and scheduled departures. Meals are basic but filling, and game drives take you into parks like Amboseli, Tsavo, and the Maasai Mara. These trips usually have fixed itineraries with less flexibility.
Mid-Range Safaris: $400–$700 per person per day
Mid-range safaris give you private or small-group vehicles, comfortable tented camps, and better lodge facilities. You get more spacious rooms, private bathrooms, and better meal options. This range also allows visits to more remote areas or extra days in prime locations like the Maasai Mara during the Great Migration. Many travelers find this range offers the best balance of comfort and cost.
Luxury Safaris: $800–$1,500+ per person per day
Luxury safaris focus on exclusivity, privacy, and top-level service. You stay in high-end lodges or tented camps with large rooms, premium dining, and personalized guides. Vehicles are private, game drives are flexible, and locations are often in private conservancies with fewer visitors. This option often includes scenic flights between parks to save travel time.
Ultra-Luxury Safaris: $1,500–$2,000+ per person per day
At this level, safaris become fully bespoke. You get private charters, high-end guides, and lodges with architectural design and premium amenities. These trips are ideal if you want complete privacy, access to remote wildlife areas, and maximum comfort throughout.
Factors Affecting Safari Costs in 2025
1. Time of Year: July to October and December to February are peak seasons, so prices rise. Green season (March to June) has lower rates.
2. Parks and Reserves: The Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Samburu often cost more than lesser-known parks.
3. Travel Style: Private safaris cost more than group safaris. Flying between parks is faster but adds cost.
4. Length of Stay: More days increase the total price but can lower the cost per day when booking long packages.
Inclusions: Some packages include all meals, drinks, and park fees, while others do not.
Extra Costs to Plan For
1. International flights to Nairobi.
2. Visa fees (currently $100 for most visitors).
3. Travel insurance.
4. Tips for guides and lodge staff.
Optional activities like hot-air balloon rides or walking safaris.
How to Budget for Your Kenya Safari
If you want to keep costs low, travel during the green season and choose mid-tier parks. Combine shared vehicles with fewer internal flights. For mid-range comfort, plan for at least $4,000 to $6,000 per person for a week. For luxury, budget from $8,000 to $12,000 for the same period.
A Kenya safari in 2025 is an investment in a rare wildlife experience. Knowing your budget and priorities will help you choose the right style. Grayton Expeditions designs safaris that match your budget without compromising the wildlife encounters you came for.
Start planning your Kenya safari today. Contact Grayton Expeditions to get a 2025-2026 quote tailored to your budget and travel goals.
