Kenya is one of the best countries to go on an African safari. The country is home to the best wildlife and favorable weather, not forgetting the famous Masai Mara, the National Park with the highest concentration of mammals globally. Safari is always a good idea in Kenya, any day, any time.
However, many travelers, particularly the “on budget” ones, get very disappointed upon realizing how expensive it can get. Most things are on the high-end thanks to the recent high cost of living. For this reason, traveling has significantly become a luxury.
Generally, Kenya is not considered an expensive place to travel. However, compared with other African countries, the overall costs are a tad more, thanks to Kenya’s more developed tourism industry.
With a vast choice of hotels, restaurants, and apartments, Kenyan destinations have options for every budget. Particularly, using low-cost transport and eating street food will undoubtedly save you money!
Here is how to visit Kenya on a budget:
Direct Versus Indirect Flights
You should note that indirect flights to Kenya are often cheaper than direct flights. Hence, it is worth looking to fly into other African hubs, for instance, Johannesburg in South Africa or Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, to see your options. The best deals are not uncommon, and several African carriers usually have frequent flights into Nairobi, Kenya.
Suppose you are traveling from the west coast of North America; you can consider flying via Southeast or East Asia. You could set up flight alerts on websites such as Google Flights or Skyscanner to receive a notification on when the route and dates you have picked see a price drop.
You can also sign up for airline newsletters, such as Kenya Airways. They often publicize exclusive offers within a stipulated time.
Take a bus or Uber from the Airport.
If you have landed in Kenya, utilize the free airport Wi-Fi and log into Uber. Usually, fares through the Uber App are up to a third cheaper than the official airport taxis charge (KSH 3000 to the city center if landing in Nairobi).
Alternatively, you can take the airport bus, which usually costs KSh50 from outside Terminal 1.
Rent Versus Public Means
The most famous means of transport in Kenya is the Matatu culture. Particularly, suppose you are traveling to Kenya to see the spectacular wildlife and to experience the Kenyan culture. Public means is definitely an excellent way to traverse the country.
Numerous Matatu Saccos provide means of transport to all national parks in Kenya at very affordable prices.
Renting a car to these destinations can go as high as KSH 3000 daily, while you could travel to the same place with only KSH 250. Hence, one of the main tips for traveling cheaply in Kenya is to use public means wherever you may want to go. Suppose you are traveling to the Coast; you can opt to use rail instead of the road. The famous SGR Kenya is significantly faster than the road, and this way, you can enjoy exceptional scenery along the way.
Routes are limited. However, Nairobi to Mombasa only costs KSh1000 in economy class and KSh3000 in first class.
Always Travel During Off-Peak Seasons
There are numerous ways to save money if you got the flexibility to travel outside Kenya’s busiest tourist periods. Typically, these periods run from July to October and January and February after the short rains. Most tourists scramble to go for a Safari during the Wildebeest Migration (July to October) in the Masai Mara. This is not the best time if you are looking to travel cheaply. Accommodations and international flights usually cost less, and you can pick good deals during off-peak. For a more affordable safari, you are advised to book between the short and long rains (between January and March) when the prices are typically lower than during peak vacation seasons.
Hotels and beach resorts also offer great deals outside peak periods. You can shop for bargains in October and November or prior to the rains in March and April. On the other hand, traveling during rainy seasons can have the upper hand since the downpours are often short-lived, landscapes are lush, and the price difference can be significant.
Also, cancel out traveling during Christmas, Easter, and New Year celebrations, as well as Valentine’s period.
Touring Agencies or Pay Yourself
Typically, touring agencies make traveling around a new place easier. These companies will organize your tour vehicles and pay park entry fees, accommodation, and everything required. However, as expected, using a touring agency to plan your visit to Kenya can be very expensive. They usually charge you exorbitantly for services you can access way cheaply and usually at negotiable rates.
Hence, the easiest way to travel cheaply in Kenya is to pay for everything on your own, including at the park. Pay your entry fees at the park’s gate and even book the vehicle you will use at the entrance.
In fact, if you are lucky, you can find other people to share this cost with at these parks. This way, you save more money!
Book Internal Flights in Advance
Even with the growing number of carriers, famous domestic routes still get fully booked. Therefore, consider buying flights in advance for lower fares, including the days and times you wish to travel. Usually, airlines differ in when they release new tickets; therefore, book as soon as you know your dates, as flights are mostly non-refundable or not easily changed.
Try Kenyan Street Foods
Although Kenya features a flourishing restaurant scene, street food, and cafes can be great options for eating well and saving money. As you would expect, it is hard to pass roadside snacks, such as freshly grilled corn on the cob (mahindi choma), nyama choma (roasted meat), and grilled matoke (plantain).
You can also head to restaurants that specialize in barbecue (koroga) and share large, good-value meat platters, griddled dishes (tawa) alongside jiko( charcoal burning stove)-baked pizzas.
Additionally, you can always buy snacks or food at the supermarket before venturing into the wild. This way, you avoid spending too much. You can have only one meal at the hotel, and the rest you could cook at the camp for yourself. Buying your food makes traveling very cheap in Kenya.
Try the Hostels
Globally, hostels have modernized in the last few years, including in Kenya. It is now standard for hostels to have beds with privacy curtains, reading lights, USB points, and individual plug sockets. Most also offer private rooms with en-suite bathrooms.
In particular, Kenyan hostels are often way cheaper than their hotel equivalent. They feature new or recently refurbished addresses with better quality private rooms compared to some established mid-range options. Some of the outstanding hostels you can try include:
- The award-winning eco-hotel Distant Relatives above Kilifi lagoon
- Wildebeest Eco Camp in Nairobi
- The sustainable eco accommodation Kobi Farm on the border of the Maasai Mara National Reserve
Cheaper Accommodation Options
It would be best to never compromise sleep, even in Safari. It is advisable to always make reservations at a furnished apartment near the park instead of booking hotels and lodges inside the park. This way, you reduce the cost of food and accommodation.
The cheapest way to stay inside national parks in Kenya is to camp. Enjoy the magical experience under the stars, plus most parks have restaurants, showers, and bars too. You can look at the list of amenities of each park on the Kenya Wild Service site.
Rates usually vary, but you can expect to pay anything above KSH 1190 per night with your own tent or about KSH 2380 for a pre-constructed tent. Additionally, if you want cooked meals included, it is around KSH 5950.
FAQs About Traveling in Kenya on a Budget
Q: What are the benefits of choosing indirect flights for budget travel to Kenya?
A: Opting for indirect flights can significantly reduce your travel costs to Kenya. Exploring different African hubs like Johannesburg or Addis Ababa for connecting flights may unveil more affordable options to reach Nairobi.
Q: How can travelers save on transportation costs within Kenya?
A: Utilizing public transport, such as Matatus or the SGR rail service, offers a cost-effective way to explore Kenya. These options are not only cheaper than car rentals but also provide a more authentic Kenyan travel experience.
Q: What strategies can budget travelers use to find affordable accommodation in Kenya?
A: Budget travelers can opt for hostels or camp inside national parks to save on accommodation costs. Furnished apartments outside parks also offer a cheaper alternative to expensive lodges while still providing comfort and convenience.
Q: Can eating local street food in Kenya help reduce travel expenses?
A: Yes, indulging in Kenyan street food like mahindi choma or nyama choma offers a delicious and budget-friendly alternative to dining in restaurants, allowing travelers to save money and enjoy local flavors.
Q: What is the best time to travel to Kenya for budget-conscious tourists?
A: Traveling during off-peak seasons, like between January and March or in November, can lead to significant savings on safaris, flights, and accommodation as prices are generally lower outside the busy tourist periods.
