Intro
Elements that influence Kenya safari tours price
The flight to Kenya
Kenya is well connected with international flights from Europe, Asia and North America however flight distances are typically long to the capital Nairobi, thus adding to the overall cost. Most international flights arrive into Kenya via Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO).
Tourists will typically have to obtain a Kenya visa including citizens of the U.S, U.K, EU, India and Canada. For safaris, safari lodges and the Kenya beach holidays, visitors can travel to Kenya by flying into Nairobi (NBO), Mombasa (MBA), Kisumu (KIS) and Eldoret (EDL).
Due to the length of travel, flights to Kenya can be expensive. The prices of flights from the U.K. or U.S. can vary according to the dates of the stay and the chosen airline.
Transport
Several transport options are available in Kenya but not all offer the same experience and speed of connection visitors want when travelling between parks and reserves.
Intercontinental flights
Arriving into Kenya will typically involve taking a connecting flight from Johannesburg in South Africa, Harare in Zimbabwe, Cairo in Egypt, Entebbe in Uganda, Accra in Ghana and more international connections via Dubai-UAE, London-UK with British Airways, Amsterdam-Netherlands and Mumbai-India.
Local transport
Due to this, private charter flights are commonly used to quickly access isolated private reserves and concessions, sometimes the only way to access them.
Others choose to go on self drive safaris and rent their own cars and use the roads of the national parks. This is a more affordable option and offers visitors the comfort of staying as long as they wish in each location.
Accommodation
The quality of accommodation options available in Kenya is generally quite high. There are many luxurious lodges available, some of which can only be accessed by plane transfer however, thus adding to the costs.
More budget friendly accommodation options include camping options, of which many parks have at least 1-2 designated areas.
Food/Dining
Supermarket food prices are similar to those in Europe and the USA, however there are fewer restaurants in Kenya other than those run by lodges and meal prices at these lodges are relatively expensive.
Parks and reserves
National parks and reserves charge park fees per person including entrance fees for guides, as well as vehicle entry fees.
Best activities in Kenya
Many visitors will also be interested in other activities beyond the main safari and wildlife excursions including walking safaris, mountain biking or quad biking adventures, all of which add to overall costs. In comparisson to Europe and the US, the price of things "to-do" in Kenya are lower.
A one-hour chartered scenic flight over Mount Kenya can be purchased from $490 per person.
Guests will enjoy incredible views of the peaks of Batian, Nelion and Point Lenana and lunch at Lake Michelson.
Travel Insurance
Safari trips can result in unfortunate events happening, like contracting an illness from contaminated water or falling ill from a mosquito bite.
Visitors may need medical attention while abroad so it is important to ensure an adequate travel insurance policy is in place which will cover you in the event of an accident or injury.
Visitors should check to see if they have already through their credit card company and workplace benefits. If not, it is recommended to ensure travel insurance is purchased prior to travel to cover:
- Medical expenses and hospital benefit
- Personal accident and liability
- Cancelling and cutting short your holiday
- Covid-19 specific cover
- Abandoning your trip
- Delayed departures
- Accommodation cover
- Personal belongings and baggage
- Personal money, passport and travel documents
- Legal expenses