Kenya is not generally considered an expensive place to travel, but its developed tourist industry means prices can be a little higher than in other African countries.
If you plan to explore this beautiful nation extensively, costs can add up—especially if you want to go on safari. While luxury lodges have come to symbolize the safari experience, there are plenty of alternatives—you can camp, choose midrange accommodations, stay with a local community, or travel off-season.
With a wide choice of hotels, apartments, and restaurants, Nairobi offers options for every budget. Eating street food and utilizing low-cost transportation can significantly save you money. Beach resorts also span the price spectrum, from 5-star luxury villas to budget-friendly beach bungalows. Here’s how to visit Kenya on a budget.
1. Compare Direct and Indirect Flights
Indirect flights to Kenya are often cheaper, so consider flying into other African hubs, such as Addis Ababa in Ethiopia or Johannesburg in South Africa, to see how much you can save. Excellent deals are not uncommon, and several African carriers have frequent flights into Nairobi.
If you’re traveling from the west coast of North America, consider flying via Southeast or East Asia. Set up flight alerts to receive notifications when prices drop for your selected dates. It’s also helpful to subscribe to airline newsletters, as they often promote exclusive offers within a specific timeframe.
2. Opt for the Bus or Uber from the Airport
If you’re landing in Nairobi, use the free airport Wi-Fi to log into Uber. Fares via the app can be up to a third cheaper than those charged by official airport taxis—typically KSh2000 to the city center. Alternatively, catch the airport bus (number 34), which costs KSh35 from outside Terminal 1.
3. Hire a Car with a Driver for Multi-Stop Itineraries
Hiring a private car and driver is an affordable and enjoyable way to travel around Kenya, particularly for groups, as it allows you the freedom to stop at viewpoints, roadside cafes, and other interesting spots. Arrange this through a local travel agent or your accommodation, and confirm the day rate, which usually averages KSh6000 a day, excluding extras like fuel and meals for the driver.
Some lodges and hotels will provide accommodations for drivers; however, ensure the quality meets expectations. If not, provide an additional KSh1500 to KSh6000 for the driver to find better lodging.
4. Travel During Kenya’s Shoulder Seasons
There are several ways to save money if you’re flexible enough to travel outside of Kenya’s busiest tourist periods, generally from July to October and January to February. Both international flights and accommodations can be less expensive, and traveling outside the Great Migration period can yield great deals for the Masai Mara, which is fantastic year-round. Book during the short and long rains (January to March) for lower prices than peak season.
Beach resorts and hotels also offer enticing discounts outside peak periods. Keep an eye out for bargains in October, November, or before the rains in March and April. Traveling during the rainy season can be cost-effective as well, as downpours are often short-lived, and the scenery is lush.
5. Avoid Domestic Flights in Favor of Slow Travel
Though popular domestic flights in Kenya are reasonably priced—around KSh7500 for a one-way ticket from Nairobi to Mombasa—traveling by long-distance bus is often cheaper at around KSh1600. For a more sustainable approach, consider taking the train, with limited routes but a fare of KSh1000 in economy class from Nairobi to Mombasa.
6. If You Have to Fly, Book in Advance
Despite a growing number of carriers, popular domestic routes can fill up quickly, making it essential to purchase tickets in advance for lower fares and a better choice of travel days and times. Airlines vary in when they release tickets, so book as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.
7. Indulge in Street Food and Korogas
Kenya boasts a vibrant restaurant scene, but street food and local cafes provide an excellent way to enjoy delicious meals on a budget. Renowned street snacks include freshly grilled corn, nyama choma (roasted meat), and grilled matoke (plantain). Additionally, many Kenyans frequent restaurants specializing in koroga (barbecue), where hearty platters of meat and other local dishes offer fantastic value.
8. Consider Staying in Hostels
Hostels have modernized significantly, including in Kenya. Many now feature dorm rooms with privacy curtains, personal plug sockets, and reading lights. Additionally, hostels often offer private rooms at competitive rates compared to hotels. Notable options include the eco-friendly Distant Relatives near Kilifi, sustainable Kobi Farm near the Masai Mara National Reserve, and Wildebeest Eco Camp in Nairobi.
9. Go Camping
The most budget-friendly way to experience Kenya’s national parks is to camp. Many parks provide communal showers, restaurants, and bars. Rates typically start at KSh1300 a night for your own tent and bedding, or around KSh2500 for pre-constructed setups. Expect to pay about KSh6500 if you want meals included as well. The Kenya Wildlife Service outlines amenities available in each park; due to their affordability, these camps can fill up quickly during high season, so it’s wise to book ahead.
10. Stay Outside the National Parks
Lodging within national parks often comes at a premium. To save money, consider booking a safari lodge or hotel just outside the park boundaries, but still close enough for early-morning game drives. For budget-conscious options, seek out village stays or backpacker camps. These often provide camping pitches, pre-pitched tents, or cabins.
11. Rent a Beach Villa with a Chef
Renting a private villa or house along the Indian Ocean coast can be surprisingly budget-friendly. Many properties come with a chef, allowing you to enjoy delicious meals while saving on dining out. Costs vary based on the property’s quality, location, and amenities, but you can often find luxury options for around half the price of similar hotels.
12. Plan Your Itinerary Carefully
You can save significantly and avoid unnecessary travel by planning your trip wisely. Many of Kenya’s best attractions are widely scattered, so unless you have ample time and resources, visiting diverse sites like Lake Turkana and Tsavo National Park in a single journey may not be feasible.
13. Allocate Time for Nairobi
Regardless of your itinerary, devote a few days to Nairobi. This often-overlooked capital offers great budget options, with affordable hotels, diverse dining choices, and proximity to Nairobi National Park—the only national park globally located within a city.
14. Book Your Safari Once in Kenya
Unless you’re opting for luxury lodges, Kenya remains an affordable safari destination. A variety of mid-range lodges, eco-camps, and community stays offer excellent options. In low or shoulder seasons, you may stumble upon incredible packages that cover transport, meals, guides, and game drives for significantly lower prices.
15. Be Aware of National Park Admission Fees
If you’re traveling independently, remember to account for national park admission costs. These vary by park, with Nairobi National Park charging US$40 for non-residents and the Masai Mara costing US$80 for a 24-hour visit if staying outside the reserve, or US$70 if staying inside.
16. Mind the Exchange Rate
Avoid losing out when changing money by not rushing into it. Rates tend to be decent at banks and official bureaus, but it’s wise to check the exchange rate using an app to ensure you’re receiving a fair deal. If you’re heading to Tanzania with leftover Kenyan shillings, you may find a more favorable exchange rate on the Tanzanian side of the border.
17. Engage in Light Bartering
Haggling is typical in Kenya—especially at markets—so feel free to negotiate with a smile. Vendors often start with higher prices and anticipate some back-and-forth. Decide what you’re willing to pay, but don’t push it too low; maintain respect during the process for a smoother transaction.
Daily Costs in Kenya
- Dorm bed at a hostel: KSh1400–2200
- Double room in a midrange or boutique hotel: KSh4000–20,000
- Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): from KSh7500
- Three-day budget to mid-range safari package: KSh50,000–80,500
- Public transport (matatu or minibus): KSh150–650
- Uber across town: KSh160–800
- Taxi with driver for sightseeing: from KSh3000 for a half-day
- Admission to major attractions: KSh1200–3000
- Coffee: KSh250–390
- Sandwich or light café lunch: KSh380–900
- Dinner for two: KSh1200–4000
- Beer at a bar: KSh150–260
