How To Do A Safari on a Budget in Kenya & Tanzania: An Ultimate Guide for First Timers
As a first time traveler, a budget safari in Kenya and Tanzania is doable. Affordability is not usually associated with a luxury safari, yet it remains at the top of most travelers most especially for the first timers. Kenya and Tanzania are the best safari destinations in Africa offering one of the most exciting and memorable safari holidays. This article takes you through how to do a safari on a budget in Kenya and Tanzania
How Much Does a Safari in Kenya and Tanzania Cost?
Budget Vs Mid-Range Vs Luxury Safaris
Think of a safari to Kenya and Tanzania like flight classes – economy, premium and business. A budget safari usually means joining a small group tour, staying in tented camps or simple lodges, and using shared safari vehicles. If you are doing a safari on a budget in Kenya or Tanzania, expect to spend around US$ 200 – $350.
Mid-range safaris offer more comfort, nice lodges (up-grade from budget), fewer people per vehicle, or even private vehicle, and better meal options. Expect to pay around $400 – $450 per day.
Luxury Safaris, everything offered is personalized. Private game drives, high-end lodges with infinity pools, and gourmet meals in the bush. Instead of long drives between parks, you will hop of a charter flight landing right inside the reserves. Luxury safaris booked through local operators usually cost around $ 600 per day, go up to $ 1,500 – $ 5,000 or more for ultra-exclusive experiences.
Can I Do a Private Safari on a Budget?
Yes, you can go on a private safari in Tanzania and Kenya on a budget. The best way to do it is creating your own group of four to six people, this way you can split the cost while still having the entire safari jeep to yourselves. You will be spending a lot of time together in the vehicle, meals, even in the camp. So it is way better to travel with people you know and actually like.
If you are traveling solo or as a couple, expect to spend around US$500 per day for a private safari on a budget, since you will be covering the full vehicle and guide cost on your own.
Estimated Prices for a Private Safari in Kenya and Tanzania
To give you an idea of the cost, here is what you can expect to pay per person: US$ 1,095 for a 4-Day Kenya Safari and US$ 2,971 for a 7 Day Tanzania Safari, while traveling in a group of about 4 people. Also, you can add optional tours such as a Maasai Village visit in both Kenya and Tanzania, a safari to Lake Naivasha in Kenya and a night game drive in Tanzania.
The only other extra expenses include the US$ 10 daily tip for the guides and lodge and camp staff.
Travel Tip: If you book about 6 months or more in advance, you are guaranteed to get a discount.
How to Choose the Right Safari Type
When planning a safari on a budget, one of the first thing to consider you will need to make is how you want to experience it. There are so many options to take, and the best choice is made based on your own experience.
Self – Drive Safari (May not be the Best for First – Timers)
While driving yourself across Africa sounds like the ultimate adventure, however it is not exactly beginner-friendly. You will need to navigate rough, unpaved roads, understand park rules, and know how to track wildlife. All while ensuring you don’t get stuck in the middle of nowhere.
For first-timers planning a safari on a budget, it is advisable to skip this option and go with something a little less stressful.
Safari with a Local Company
Traveling to Kenya and Tanzania with a local operator is the best option. Local operators offer the best value for money and know the parks like the back of their hand and they handle everything from your accommodation to game drives, meals and park fees.
For your first safari, I suggest booking a safari with locally owned companies. It is one of the best ways to support local communities and make sure your money goes directly to the people who make your safari unforgettable.
How to Save on Flights for Your Safari on a Budget
The biggest chucks of your travel budget will go to flights. To score budget flights to Kenya and Tanzania, we recommend starting your search early (at least 6 months) and using flight comparison sites like Skyscanner and Google Flights. These tools make it easier to track fare changes and spot cheaper days to fly. If your dates are flexible, even a one – or two day shift can make a huge difference.
If you safari goal is to witness the Great Migration, expect slightly higher fares from July to October. Flights during this period are in demand, but with early booking, and a bit of patience, you can still keep you safari on a budget.
Travel Tip: Spending a little more on a trusted airline can save you the stress of missed connections and let you focus on what really matters – your African Safari.
Where to Stay on a Budget Safari
Your quote from a safari operator will typically include a few lodging options. From budget tented camps to mid-range lodges and luxury camps – each with its own price tag. This setup gives you the freedom to mix and match depending on your budget and preferences.
For an affordable safari, go for a combination of tented camps inside the reserves and cozy mid-range lodges. These lodges have comfortable beds, private bathrooms, hot showers, and delicious buffet-style meals.
Affordable Lodge and Camp Options
If you want something a bit more comfortable while still budget-friendly. Go for mid-range lodges or permanent tented camps, which often come with en-suite bathrooms better amenities, and even swimming pools.
If you really want to cut the costs, camping in a ground tent with a shared communal bathroom is usually the cheapest form of safari accommodation.
Tips for Scoring the Best Accommodation Deals
The best tip to scoring the best accommodation deals is to book early. The best budget-friendly camps and lodges get taken up quickly, especially during the Great Migration Season (July – October).
Also, don’t hesitate to ask your operator if they can swap out a lodge or mix accommodation types. Most are flexible and will happily adjust your itinerary to fit your budget.
Before finalizing, check reviews online, Google, Tripadvisor and even social media pages are great for seeing what past travelers experienced.
What to Expect on a Budget Safari
Going on a safari on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing the experience. In fact, many of the most memorable moments, the wildlife sightings are exactly the same as a higher-end safari. What changes is how accommodations, mode of transport between the parks, meals and extras are packaged.
Here is what is often included in a Kenya and Tanzania safari
- Park fees
- All scheduled activities
- All accommodations
- Professional guide
- All transportation
- Taxes / VAT
- Round trip airport transfer
- Meals (with special dietary options like vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, Halal)
- Bottled water
- Air ambulance medical evacuation
- Safari jeep 4×4 with pop-up roof, radio, cooler fridge & charging ports
- Use of binoculars
- Fly & bug spray