17 Tips for Visiting Kenya on a Budget

Kenya isn’t typically seen as a pricey travel destination, but its established tourist sector can lead to slightly higher costs compared to other African nations.

If you intend to explore extensively across this stunning country, expenses can accumulate—especially if you’re looking to go on safari. While luxury lodges have become synonymous with the safari experience in travel promotions and high-end magazines, there are numerous alternatives available. You can camp, choose mid-range accommodations, stay with local communities, or plan your trip during the off-peak season.

With a variety of hotels, apartments, and dining options, Nairobi caters to every budget. Enjoying street food and using affordable transport can also help you save. Beach resorts range widely in price, from luxurious 5-star accommodations and chic villas to budget-friendly bungalows and boutique hotels. Here’s how to explore Kenya without breaking the bank.

1. Evaluate both direct and connecting flight options

Indirect flights to Kenya can often be more affordable, so consider flying into other major African hubs, such as Addis Ababa in Ethiopia or Johannesburg in South Africa, to discover potential savings. Great deals are quite common, and many African airlines offer frequent flights to Nairobi.

For travelers coming from the west coast of North America, you might also explore options through Southeast or East Asia. Set up flight alerts on platforms like Skyscanner or Google Flights to receive notifications when your selected routes and dates experience price drops. Additionally, signing up for airline newsletters, such as those from Kenya Airways, can keep you informed about exclusive time-sensitive offers.

2. Take the bus or use Uber from the airport

Upon arriving in Nairobi, connect to the free airport wi-fi to access Uber. Fares through the app can be up to a third cheaper than those of official airport taxis, which usually charge around KSh2000 to reach the city center. Alternatively, you can take the airport bus (number 34), which costs only KSh35 from outside Terminal 1.

3. Arrange for a car with a driver for itineraries with multiple stops

Renting a private car and driver is an economical and enjoyable way to explore Kenya, especially for groups, as it allows you the flexibility to pause at scenic viewpoints, roadside cafes, and other interesting spots. You can arrange this through a local travel agent or at your accommodation, but be sure to confirm the daily rate. This can fluctuate based on the vehicle type, distances traveled, and terrain, typically averaging around KSh6000 per day, in addition to costs for gas and the driver’s meals and lodging.

Some lodges and hotels may provide accommodations for drivers, but the quality may not always be satisfactory. To ensure ethical practices, inquire in advance about their offerings (either directly or through your tour operator). If the accommodations are inadequate, consider adding an extra KSh1500 to KSh6000 to the daily rate so the driver can arrange their own lodging, as they often know the area well.

4. Travel during Kenya’s shoulder seasons

If you can travel outside of Kenya’s peak tourist seasons, which typically fall from July to October and in January and February after the short rains, there are several ways to save money. Both international flights and accommodations tend to be less expensive during these times. Additionally, if you avoid the Great Migration (July to October), you can find great deals for the Masai Mara, which offers incredible experiences year-round. For a more affordable safari, consider booking between the short and long rains (January to March), when prices are generally lower than during the high season.

Beach resorts and hotels also provide fantastic deals outside peak periods. Look for discounts in October and November or just before the rains in March and April. Traveling during the rainy season can also be advantageous, as the showers are often brief, the scenery is lush, and the cost savings can be significant.

5. Choose slow travel over domestic flights

Domestic flights in Kenya are relatively affordable, costing about KSh7500 for a one-way trip from Nairobi to Mombasa or other coastal locations like Malindi. However, opting for long-distance bus travel is cheaper and more environmentally friendly, with fares around KSh1600. For an even slower and more sustainable experience, consider the train. While routes are limited, the journey from Nairobi to Mombasa costs just KSh1000 in economy class and KSh3000 in first class.

6. If flying is necessary, make sure to book in advance

With an increasing number of airlines, popular domestic routes can still fill up quickly. To secure lower fares and your preferred travel dates, purchase flights in advance. Since airlines vary in when they release tickets, it's best to book as soon as your dates are confirmed—flights are often non-refundable or difficult to change.

7. Sample street food and korogas

While Kenya boasts a vibrant restaurant scene, street food and casual cafes offer delicious meals at budget-friendly prices. It's hard to resist treats like freshly grilled corn on the cob, nyama choma (roasted meat), and grilled matoke (plantain). Many Kenyans also flock to restaurants that serve koroga (barbecue), where they can enjoy large, well-priced platters of meat, tawa (griddled dishes), and pizzas baked on a jiko (charcoal stove).

8. Don't overlook hostels

Hostels around the globe have seen a transformation in recent years, and Kenya is no different. Dorm rooms now typically feature beds with privacy curtains, individual power outlets, USB ports, and reading lights. Many also provide private rooms complete with en-suite bathrooms.

Kenyan hostels often offer more affordable rates compared to hotels, with several new or recently renovated places providing higher-quality private rooms than some mid-range hotels. Notable options include the award-winning eco-hotel Distant Relatives overlooking Kilifi's lagoon, the sustainable accommodation Kobi Farm near the Masai Mara National Reserve, and Wildebeest Eco Camp, which features everything from luxurious tents to dormitory beds in Nairobi.

9. Consider camping

Camping is the most budget-friendly option for staying in Kenya's national parks. Experiencing the night sky can be enchanting, especially since most parks offer amenities like showers, restaurants, and bars. Prices can start at around KSh1300 per night if you bring your own tent and bedding, or about KSh2500 for a pre-setup tent. If you'd like meals included, expect to pay around KSh6500. The Kenya Wildlife Service provides details on the amenities at each park. Due to their affordability, campsites tend to fill up quickly, so it's wise to book in advance, particularly during the peak dry season.

10. Opt to stay outside national parks

Accommodations within national parks often come with a significant price tag. To save some cash, consider booking a safari lodge or hotel located just outside the park's entrance (but close enough if you're planning an early morning game drive). For more budget-friendly options, look into village stays or camps catering to backpackers, even if you don’t fit that profile. Many of these places offer tent pitches as well as pre-setup tents or cabins.

11. Reserve a beach villa with a chef (seriously)

While having your own cook may seem luxurious, renting a private house or villa along the Indian Ocean coast or in the Lamu Archipelago is becoming increasingly popular. Prices can vary based on property quality, location, and amenities, but you often can find a 5-star luxury property for about half the cost of a comparable hotel.

Most properties come with a chef and housekeeping staff. With Kenya's abundance of fresh ingredients, this is a cost-effective way to enjoy gourmet dining while saving on nightly restaurant bills. You can request specific meals or ask the chef to prepare their specialties for just a bit more than grocery store prices. It's courteous to tip at the end of your stay, even if service charges are included in the rental.

12. Plan your itinerary thoughtfully…

You can save significantly and avoid unnecessary travel by carefully planning your trip. Many of Kenya's top attractions are spread throughout the country, so unless you have ample time and funds, trying to cover Lake Turkana in the north, Lamu Island, and Tsavo National Park in the southeast in one journey isn’t practical.

13. …and ensure you include time for Nairobi

No matter your travel plans, be sure to allocate a few days for Nairobi. This often-underappreciated capital is an ideal destination for budget travelers – you'll easily find great hotel deals, enjoy a diverse range of restaurants and bars, and if a safari isn’t feasible, you can spend the day at Nairobi National Park, the only national park situated within a city worldwide.

14. Arrange your safari once you're in Kenya

Kenya is actually a budget-friendly safari destination, particularly if you're not staying at luxury lodges. There are numerous mid-range lodges, eco-camps, community stays, and hotels available. If safari lodges are less crowded than expected or if you're visiting during the low or shoulder season, you can find fantastic packages that cover transport, meals, guides, and game drives for significantly reduced rates.

This doesn’t always mean booking directly with operators. Local travel agents can frequently uncover fantastic last-minute deals. Alternatively, websites like Safari Bookings compile a variety of operators that offer both budget and luxury safari packages, which can be booked for the following day. They also feature options for solo travelers.

15. Remember to factor in national park entry fees

If you're traveling on your own, be sure to account for National Park entry fees, which differ by location. For instance, Nairobi National Park charges non-residents US$40 for admission, while entry to the Masai Mara costs US$80 for a 24-hour visit if you're staying outside the reserve, and US$70 if you're staying within it.

16. Keep an eye on the exchange rate

Avoid losing money by exchanging currency in haste. While banks and official currency exchange bureaus generally offer reasonable rates, it’s wise to check the current exchange rate using an app like xe.com to ensure you’re getting a fair deal. If you're headed to Tanzania and have leftover Kenyan shillings, you might find a better exchange rate once you cross the border.

17. Barter a bit, but not excessively

Haggling is a common practice in Kenya, especially at markets and in certain shops like fabric or souvenir stores, often accompanied by a smile. Vendors may start with inflated prices, expecting friendly negotiation. Determine your target price, but avoid pushing too low. Most sellers have a minimum price they won’t go below, so don’t haggle to the last shilling and maintain respect throughout the process.

Daily expenses 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: starting from KSh3000 for half a day

• Admission to major attractions: KSh1200–3000

• Coffee: KSh250–390

• Sandwich or light cafe lunch: KSh380–900

• Dinner for two: KSh1200–4000

• Beer at a bar: KSh150–260