{"id":4230,"date":"2018-03-13T14:48:12","date_gmt":"2018-03-13T10:48:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/?p=4230"},"modified":"2025-11-07T20:13:19","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T18:13:19","slug":"safari-kenya-budget","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/safari-kenya-budget\/","title":{"rendered":"How to do a safari in Kenya on a budget: Step by step guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/budget-safari-kenya-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/budget-safari-kenya-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/budget-safari-kenya-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Budget safari Kenya\" class=\"wp-image-8572\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f2f2f2\">&nbsp;Going on a safari is tremendously expensive. The bare <strong>minimum is 400USD<\/strong>&nbsp;for the most basic one. In this step-by-step guide, I am going to show you how to do a safari in Kenya on a budget, <strong>for a maximum of 240USD<\/strong>. If you have any further information, kindly, let me know and I will update it accordingly<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many different types of travelers, but if there is one single thing that we all have in common, it is that we all freaking love going on an African safari. Or don&#8217;t we? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of all the African countries, Kenya is perhaps the best country to do it in. Why? Because Kenya is home to the Maasai Mara, which is the National Park with the highest concentration of mammals in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, many travelers (especially the budget ones) get very disappointed when they realize how expensive it can be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you try to book in advance from your home country, you&#8217;ll see that <strong>prices start at 800USD<\/strong> for just a 3-day safari in the Maasai Mara. Not many budget travelers, and especially backpackers, can afford such a large amount, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, if you want to get a better deal, one of the most common ways is to book it once you are in Nairobi. Normally, backpacker hostels offer the best rates, but the final price will never go lower than 120-130USD per day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The minimum number of days to book is 3 days; therefore, you&#8217;ll end up paying <strong>at least around 380USD<\/strong> for the Maasai Mara safari. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What is included in this package?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Transportation (from and to Nairobi)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3 meals a day (drinks not included)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Accommodation in a basic tent (often shared) outside of the National Park<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maasai Mara National Park entrance fee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>One full game drive on the second day + a morning game drive on the third day (van shared with 7 other people)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, you understood it correctly. <strong>This package is a complete rip-off<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You book a 3-day safari, but you only do 1.3 days of game driving. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Why? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because the first day is wasted on driving to the park and setting up the camp. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the second day, you do a full game drive, but on the third day, there&#8217;s only time for a quick morning safari, as you need to drive back to Nairobi. And the worst thing of all is that they don\u2019t tell you this before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In conclusion, forget about booking any package. I am going to show you how to do a&nbsp;safari in Kenya cheaply and pay only 170USD. How?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The key is getting there on your own by public transportation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don&#8217;t worry, it&#8217;s easier than it sounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background has-link-color wp-elements-37ce9e5b24a87095b7cb45657f6a3bcf\" style=\"background-color:#dbe2da\"><strong>Remember to get travel insurance for Kenya<\/strong><br>I strongly recommend <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.co.uk\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=kenya_safaribudget_en_text\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">IATI Insurance<\/a><\/strong>: COVID-19 coverage + 5% exclusive discount + Plans for all budget<br>Get your <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.co.uk\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=kenya_safaribudget_en_text\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">5% discount if purchasing via this link<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/safari-kenya-budget-685x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/safari-kenya-budget-685x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/safari-kenya-budget-685x1024.jpg\" alt=\"How to do a safari in Kenya on a budget\" class=\"wp-image-4571\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:458px;height:auto\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1: Choose your budget camping safari and book it online<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>First of all, you need to choose the campsite where you would like to stay. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Maasai Mara is huge and there are dozens of different campsites and also many different gates to enter by, the most recommended being Sekenani, Ololaimutiek and Talek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The budget safari campsites are located outside the National Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best budget campsite for backpackers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">After doing intensive research and talking to some locals, I came to the conclusion that these are the most budget camping safaris in Kenya which offer the best rates:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/ke\/greenwood-safari-camp.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=kenya_budgettravel_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">Greenwood safari camp<\/a><\/span><\/strong>&nbsp;&#8211; A budget-friendly camp that is 5-minutes away from Talek Gate. The owner and staff are nice and helpful. They can help you organize a Safari tour if you want one. Aside from their already setup tent, you can also pitch up your own tent for just $10. Half board is $15 and full board which includes packed lunch if you like is $20. If you want to spend the day just relaxing in the camp you can hang in a hammock or enjoy the sun at their swimming pool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/ke\/greenwood-safari-camp.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=kenya_budgettravel_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>Check on Booking.com<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best budget campsite for families and couples<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/ke\/crocodile-camp-masai-mara-talek.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=kenya_budgettravel_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">Crocodile Camp<\/a><\/span> &#8211;<\/strong> The top-rated tented camp in the Maasai Mara among the most budget options. With incredible views of the park itself, where you can even see animal activity from your tent, Crocodile Camp brags about having the most comfortable tents at the best price. The staff is amazing as well and the location very good, next to the village of Talek. This is the best quality at the best price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/ke\/crocodile-camp-masai-mara-talek.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=kenya_budgettravel_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>Check on Booking.com<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best budget guest house<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/ke\/mama-safi-cottages.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=kenya_budgettravel_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">Mama Safi Guest House<\/a><\/span> &#8211;<\/strong>&nbsp;This is not exactly a campsite but an actual guest house which is ran by a very accommodating and lovely woman. It is next to Sekenani gate and it would be the ideal place for people who prefer the comfort of a house, rather than a tent. It has a kitchen, a barbecue place and set a fireplace outside every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/ke\/mama-safi-cottages.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=kenya_budgettravel_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>Check on Booking.com<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f2f2f2\">Most campsites get fully booked pretty soon so, if the ones I recommend are already fully booked, read this post for more options: <strong><br><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/budget-camps-maasai-mara\/\">Top 10 budget camps in the Masai Mara<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fcc3b7\"><strong>Note: <\/strong>Also, keep in mind that, in the Maasai Mara, the most budget campsites and guesthouses get booked quite soon! Moreover, if you have your own camping equipment, you can also pitch your tent, which will be significantly cheaper like in Greenwood safari camp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Greenwood-safari-camp-1024x577.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Greenwood-safari-camp-1024x577.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Greenwood-safari-camp-1024x577.jpg\" alt=\"Greenwood safari camp\" class=\"wp-image-35241\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080; font-size: 10pt;\"><span style=\"color: #808080; font-size: 10pt;\">The tents of Greenwood safari camp &#8211; Budget safari Kenya<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2: How to do a cheap safari in Kenya &#8211; Know your safari prices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In case you are wondering, ALL campsites offer game drive service to the Masai Mara.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you need to book it in advance?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not really&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whereas you should book your room or your tent in advance, you could just show up at the camp and book a game drive for the next day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don&#8217;t worry, they have plenty of cars available plus, if you book once you are at the camp, you might be able to find other travelers to share the costs with, as long as you want to share the car, of course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Typically, all of them charge between <strong>150USD and 180USD<\/strong>, depending on the month of the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This price includes a driver, a guide and a 4&#215;4, which can fit up to 6 people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3: Take a <em>matatu&nbsp;<\/em>(local transportation) to the town of Narok<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As I said, if you really want to do the Masai Mara safari on a budget, you should go there by local transportation. For this, you will have to go to Narok.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Narok is a town located 150 kilometers from Nairobi and 87 kilometers from the Sekenani gate. Its population is 40,000 people, mostly Maasai. Why do you need to go to Narok? Because this is the place where you&#8217;ll catch direct transport to the different entry gates of the park.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get to Narok?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There are several matatus connecting Nairobi with Narok all day long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The journey is a pleasant 3-hour drive through the Rift Valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The regular matatus cost 350KES (3.50USD) and it is written in the van. You can also get a more comfortable if you pay a 20% more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where is the bus station?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s located in the CBD area. I recommend going there as early as possible; the sooner you leave, the sooner you&#8217;ll reach the camp. The first one laves at around 7-8am. These are the coordinates and location: <strong>-1.283412, 36.830169<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/embed?mid=1CXoC2fjPlSQfq3itmGEArMWvtgTJCOn5&#038;ehbc=2E312F\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter wp-image-4325\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/nairobi-matatu-station-narok-e1481133232317-1024x686.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/nairobi-matatu-station-narok-e1481133232317-1024x686.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/nairobi-matatu-station-narok-e1481133232317-1024x686.jpg\" alt=\"Station of the matatus going to Narok\" class=\"wp-image-4325\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bus station to Narok &#8211; How to do a cheap safari in Kenya<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 4: In Narok, look for the bus station and book a shared taxi to your campsite<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The edge of the National Park is filled with Maasai villages, so that&#8217;s why you can easily get there by local, public transportation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Narok, the<em> matatu<\/em> will drop you at a gas station. Ask the locals where the bus station is. They will offer to take you by taxi, but just ignore them, as the station is less than 500 meters away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Until 1-1:30pm, there is a public <em>matatu<\/em> which goes straight to the different villages just outside of the National Park.This <em>matatu<\/em> is called <strong>C12<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If, for whatever reason, you cannot make it at 1pm, you can still go by shared taxi, which might be a bit pricier. However, I know for sure that there are shared local taxis leaving to Sekenani gate but I am not sure about Talek &amp; Ololaimutiek gates. You should ask at the station but, just in case, try to be there before 1pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get to Sekenani gate by shared taxi (if you arrive after after 1:30pm)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you are at the station, look for the shared taxis to Sekenani gate and say that you want to be dropped off at the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/ke\/mama-safi-cottages.html?aid=1232728&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2&amp;label=kenya_budgettravel_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">Mama Safi<\/a><\/strong> or any other Sekenani campsite <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/budget-camps-maasai-mara\/\">recommended in my article<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Typically, the shared taxi costs around 500KES (5USD) per person. This is the real price and you shouldn&#8217;t pay more than that. The taxi will leave only when completely full and they will always try to fit in 6 passengers (excluding the driver), 4 in the front and 2 in the back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It may take time to fill the taxi completely. I waited for a little bit longer than an hour.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter wp-image-4327\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/narok-bus-station-1024x643.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/narok-bus-station-1024x643.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/narok-bus-station-1024x643.jpg\" alt=\"Bus station in Narok, Kenya\" class=\"wp-image-4327\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bus station in Narok<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 5: Make your Masai Mara budget safari even cheaper &#8211; Buy supplies at the supermarket<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you really want to do a real affordable safari in Kenya, you need to stock up on food supplies at the supermarket in Narok. At <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/ke\/greenwood-safari-camp.xu.html?aid=1232728&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2&amp;label=kenya_budgettravel_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">Greenwood safari camp<\/a><\/strong> (and at any other camp) any meal costs 1,000KES (10USD) at least, and there are no real supermarkets in the villages around the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Right next to the bus station, there&#8217;s a big supermarket called Naivas. They sell all types of groceries, plus good ready-to-eat meals. I bought one meal for the night and tuna cans, cheese and bread for the following days. Since I spent two nights at the camp, I had to pay for only one dinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>One note:<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/ke\/mama-safi-cottages.html?aid=1232728&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2&amp;label=kenya_budgettravel_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">Mama Safi Guest House<\/a><\/strong> has a kitchen, so you can bring your own staff to cook!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f2f2f2\">Read: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/kibera-slums-visiting\/\">Visiting the kibera slums in Kenya<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 6: The journey to&nbsp;the National Park gates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fcc3b7\"><strong>Update 2020 &#8211;<\/strong> The are finally paving the road between Narok and Sekenani and today, the journey takes a bit more than 1 hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once the taxi is full, you are ready to go. The whole trip takes between 2 and 3 hours along an unpaved, bumpy road, but the experience is really worth it, as you will be sharing the taxi with authentic Maasai people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most of the tourists only interact with them when they buy souvenirs, but you&#8217;ll be sitting next to them for almost 3 hours. A lot of Maasai people speak some English, so you might be able to talk to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tip:<\/strong> Remember to ask the driver for his phone number for the journey back to Narok. The staff of any of the campsites can call them for you and they won\u2019t charge you anything extra. Normally, the shared taxis go back to Narok at 8am.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f2f2f2\">Check out my <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-ethiopia\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>Ethiopia travel guide<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter wp-image-4329\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/road-narok-to-sikenani-gate-1024x680.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/road-narok-to-sikenani-gate-1024x680.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/road-narok-to-sikenani-gate-1024x680.jpg\" alt=\"The road from Narok to Sekenani gate\" class=\"wp-image-4329\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><em><span style=\"color: #808080;\">The road from Narok to Sekenani gate<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter wp-image-4331\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/local-maasai-taxi-e1481133317220-1024x655.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/local-maasai-taxi-e1481133317220-1024x655.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/local-maasai-taxi-e1481133317220-1024x655.jpg\" alt=\"Maasai in the taxi from Narok to Sekenani\" class=\"wp-image-4331\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><em><span style=\"color: #808080;\">Maasai taxi mates<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 7: Arriving at the camp: Book your safari<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As soon as you arrive at the camp, go to the reception and finalize the arrangements for the safari the next day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are on a low budget, you can find other travelers to share the cost with. However, don&#8217;t fully rely on that!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter wp-image-4333\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/safari-in-kenya-on-a-budget-1024x680.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/safari-in-kenya-on-a-budget-1024x680.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/safari-in-kenya-on-a-budget-1024x680.jpg\" alt=\"Safari at the Maasai Mara\" class=\"wp-image-4333\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><em><span style=\"color: #808080;\">Safari! &#8211; Masai Mara budget safari<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 8: Go on safari and enjoy!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>On the next day, you&#8217;ll be departing for the park at around 6:30 am. Be prepared for a 12hr drive! By the way, the entrance fee is 80USD. No one can skip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Kenya safari cost<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background has-link-color wp-elements-37ce9e5b24a87095b7cb45657f6a3bcf\" style=\"background-color:#dbe2da\"><strong>Remember to get travel insurance for Kenya<\/strong><br>I strongly recommend <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.co.uk\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=kenya_safaribudget_en_text\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">IATI Insurance<\/a><\/strong>: COVID-19 coverage + 5% exclusive discount + Plans for all budget<br>Get your <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.co.uk\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=kenya_safaribudget_en_text\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">5% discount if purchasing via this link<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Matatu to Narok and back to Nairobi:<\/strong> 350KES x 2 = 700KES<strong> (7USD)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Groceries:<\/strong> 600KES<strong> (6USD)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Shared taxi to Sekenani gate and back to Narok:<\/strong> 500KES x 2 = 1,000KES<strong> (10USD)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Accommodation:<\/strong><em>It depends on the season but, as an average, Greenwood Safari camp costs around 30USD a night per person:&nbsp;<\/em>3,000KES x 2 nights = 6,000KES<strong> (60USD).<\/strong> <em>If you have your own tent, you will pay<\/em> 10USD x 2 nights =<strong>&nbsp;20USD<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>One dinner:<\/strong> 1,000KES <strong>(10USD)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maasai Mara entrance fee:<\/strong> 8,000KES <strong>(80USD)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Game drive:<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>60USD<\/strong> (if you are 3 people or less) or <strong>33USD<\/strong>&nbsp;(if you are 6 people and book it in advance)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>TOTAL COST:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f2f2f2\"><strong>Minimum<\/strong> (assuming you have your own tent and you share a Jeep with 6 people) = <strong>178USD<\/strong><br><strong>Maximum<\/strong> (assuming you book a tent and pay the price per person for the game drive) = <strong>235USD<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You see? I just showed you how to do a cheap an affordable and cheap safari in Kenya, for a minimum of 178USD and a maximum of 235USD. Bear in mind that this would be an average price as there are many factors to take into account. Costs would vary depending on whether you book it in advance or not. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may also bring the costs down if you brought your own camping equipment. However, in any case, it will always be immensely cheaper than if you book it in Nairobi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You might also want to read: <strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/www.thelostgirlsguide.com\/travel-stories\/africa\/tanzania\/consider-planning-african-safari\" target=\"_blank\">Things to consider when planning an African safari<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Travel guides to neighboring countries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-ethiopia\/#15\">Ethiopia Travel Guide<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-eritrea\/\">Eritrea Travel Guide<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-somaliland\/\">Somaliland Travel Guide<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/safari-cheap-685x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/safari-cheap-685x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/safari-cheap-685x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Cheap safari\" class=\"wp-image-8578\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:490px;height:auto\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mediavine-settings\" data-blocklist-sidebar-atf=\"1\" data-blocklist-sidebar-btf=\"1\" data-blocklist-adhesion-mobile=\"1\" data-blocklist-adhesion-tablet=\"1\" data-blocklist-adhesion-desktop=\"1\"><\/div>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp;Going on a safari is tremendously expensive. The bare minimum is 400USD&nbsp;for the most basic one. In this step-by-step guide, I am going to show you how to do a safari in Kenya on a budget, for a maximum of 240USD. If you have any further information, kindly, let me know and I will update [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8572,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[173],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4230","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-kenya"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4230","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4230"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4230\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":49157,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4230\/revisions\/49157"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8572"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4230"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4230"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4230"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}