Money, Budgeting & Tipping in Kenya

The official currency in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES), which can be withdrawn from ATMs in most towns. It’s a good idea to carry small amounts of shillings to purchase drinks, snacks, and souvenirs.

However, cost of travel in Kenya for safari expenses, including flights, accommodation, and park fees, are quoted in US dollars and paid in advance.

In the following sections, we will provide guidance on budgeting for your Kenya safari and tipping etiquette for the people who enhance your experience.

SAFARI & TOUR COSTS
CURRENCY
TYPES OF PAYMENT
TIPPING

A man lights a campfire near a river in Tsavo East. Budgeting for a Kenya safari is essential in planning your trip.

HOW MUCH DOES A SAFARI IN KENYA COST?

How expensive is Kenya?

Many consider a safari to Kenya a once-in-a-lifetime experience to celebrate life’s special moments.

This is because safari prices in Kenya – including flying to Kenya and travelling vast distances to remote locations to stay in accommodation in the middle of nature – is probably more expensive than other trips you have taken.

Adding on unique experiences such as balloon safaris or breakfasts in the bush can also increase the final price.

Moreover, daily entry fees into Kenya’s national parks can add up.

However, carefully choosing the standard of accommodation and when to visit are two ways to save money.

Cost of travel in Kenya: What determines the price of a safari in Kenya?

The cost for a safari in Kenya is determined by:

the time of year you travel,
the duration of your trip,
the size of your group,
the places and national parks you visit,
the mode of transport to get from one park to the next,
and especially the accommodations you choose.

High season and low season

Traditionally, the most popular time for a safari in Kenya is the dry season, from June to October. The sparse vegetation makes it easier to spot wildlife congregating near permanent water sources.

Additionally, the weather is at its best, with comfortable temperatures and low humidity, which create ideal conditions for safaris, trekking, and beach retreats. Consequently, the dry season is the peak period with high visitor numbers and prices.

To enjoy a safari with fewer visitors, the best time to visit Kenya is during the shoulder season, which falls between November and mid-December when the short rains arrive; January to March, a dry period; and the first three weeks of June.

During these months, the parks are green, and prices are slightly lower.

The long rains last from mid-March to May, which is the low season. Daily rainfall occurs; however, dramatic thunderstorms create ideal landscape photography conditions.

It is still possible to explore Kenya and see a diversity of wildlife. Moreover, visitor numbers and prices are at their lowest, but some accommodation closes in April.

Duration of your visit

We recommend staying in Kenya for at least seven to ten days to enjoy the best experience possible.

The distances between parks can be extensive, so adding days to your itinerary will allow you to visit multiple parks without rushing or feeling like you’re spending most of your safari travelling between parks.

It also gives you time to conclude your safari with a relaxing beach getaway, ensuring your body, soul, and mind are recharged before you return home. The extra cost of adding additional days will make your experience much more enjoyable.

National park fees

Visitors to national parks used to pay a daily entry fee, allowing a 24-hour stay. However, popular parks like the Masai Mara National Reserve have updated their fee structure to manage high visitor numbers and to protect the ecosystem.

Now, the entry fee allows a 12-hour visit, with higher fees during the high season and lower fees during the low season. If visitors stay overnight in the park, an additional fee is required.

National Parks in more remote areas generally have lower entry fees.

Fees for national parks ensure the maintenance of the protected areas. Without national park fees, protected areas would be unlikely to survive.

The Chyulu Hills in southern Kenya. Far distances and remoteness influence the prices for safaris in Kenya.

Understanding the costs of the different types of safaris

There are two types of safaris to choose from: private and small-group safaris.

Private safaris allow you to choose your travel companions, destinations and dates.

They are a popular option for families, honeymooners, couples and people with special interests who want to go on photography or birdwatching safaris.

Having your own private guide and vehicle gives you ultimate freedom throughout the day. However, if you are travelling solo or as a couple it is the more expensive option.

Group safaris are limited to seven people and guarantee a window seat in specially adapted 4×4 vehicles. They are ideal for solo travellers, young couples or people who enjoy the company of other like-minded people.

Group safaris are scheduled throughout the year with fixed itineraries. They are less expensive as the cost is shared between the group. Additionally, the safari will still go ahead if only two people book.

Self-driving safaris are not recommended in Kenya, and our Getting to Kenya guide explains why.

Understanding the costs of the different types of accommodation

When you book with us at Kenya-Experience, one of our travel experts will work closely with you to select your preferred accommodation. You can choose from the following two types of accommodation:

Lodges and permanent tented camps range from basic to luxury standards. Lodges tend to be beautifully built using natural materials, and many have pools to relax in during the heat of the day.

Permanent tented camps often surprise guests with a high level of luxury, including double beds and ensuite bathrooms.

Adventure camping is a budget way to enjoy the safari experience. You stay at public campsites in dome tents with shared ablution blocks.

By day, you enjoy the same standard of game drive in the parks as on a lodge safari. Moreover, a team will prepare your meals and set up the camps.

The bar at Mara Serenity Legends. The cost of travel in Kenya including safari prices is significantly determined by the cost of the accommodation.

The bar area at Serenity Mara Legends - a beautiful tented camp in the Maasai Mara.

Why choose fly-in safaris vs guided road safaris?

Traditional guided road safari offers an authentic experience. However, Kenya is a large country, and road travel can be time-consuming.

Thanks to Kenya’s well-developed aviation infrastructure, you can take scheduled domestic or private chartered flights within the country, saving hours of road travel.

The cost of scheduled flights may be more affordable than you realise, so be sure to ask about the price when speaking to one of our travel experts.

What is the cost of a visa to Kenya?

Visitors to Kenya must obtain an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) via the Kenya Electronic System for Travel Authorization. The eTA costs 30 USD and is valid for 90 days from the issue date.

We recommend applying for the eTA two weeks before your travel date, but applications can be submitted up to three months before the planned arrival.

WHICH CURRENCY IS USED IN KENYA?

The official currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES), used in daily transactions. Tourism-related costs are quoted in US dollars. However, these costs are usually paid before you arrive in Kenya.

When tipping individuals like your safari guide who have enhanced your experience, it is customary to do so in US dollars. Therefore, carrying a small amount of US dollars with your Kenyan Shillings is advisable.

In restaurants as well as in very remote areas, you can tip in Kenya Shilling. This way, the recipient has access to the money right away.

A waiter serving drinks to a guest. Tipping is considered part of a safari and cost of travel in Kenya.

WHICH FORMS OF PAYMENT ARE USED IN KENYA?

ATMs in larger towns are an excellent way to withdraw Kenya Shillings if you need more Shillings to accompany your US dollars. It is also recommended to carry a credit card for emergencies.

As previously explained, Kenya Shillings are used for local payments, such as cultural visits and at markets.
If you use US dollars, the notes must be printed after 2006; otherwise, they will not be accepted.
Debit cards may not work in Kenya, so contact your bank before travelling to understand if you can use your card.
Chip and pin can be used in big cities but may not be accepted on safari.
Traveller’s cheques are no longer accepted.

TIPPING IN KENYA

Tipping is an integral part of Kenya’s tourism culture. It expresses gratitude and contributes to the livelihood of hard-working Kenyans.

Every dollar spent has a multiplier effect, and tips support education, health, and prosperity for Kenyans. That being said, tipping is not compulsory.

If you are happy with the service provided by your guide or individuals who have enhanced your experience, you can express this as a tip.

If you are part of a group, we suggest that you calculate the daily rate and split this amount equally within the group. Alternatively, you can choose to be more generous.

Who to tip and when to tip on your Kenya safari

If you feel you received good service and want to acknowledge the staff’s effort, use the rough guide below to calculate how much to tip them.

Safari guides are likely to be one of the highlights of your safari experience. You will be strangers brought together to share an incredible journey and likely part as friends.
They will play a significant role in your experience as they drive, guide, and assist you throughout your journey. Therefore, we recommend a tip of at least 15 to 20 USD per day per group.
Lodge and camp staff are essential people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to create a memorable experience for you. We recommend a tip of 5 USD per guest per day.
For restaurant staff, a tip of 10% in Kenya Shilling is customary.

When to tip in Kenya?

It is customary to tip the guides at the end of a safari. If you’re in a group, decide on the amount you would like to tip each team member, calculate the total, and collect the tips to divide among the people you want to thank.