“God visits everywhere else but lives in Africa.” This famous quote by Will Smith resonates deeply with me. Ever since I was a child, I’ve been fascinated by Africa. When I first told my friends about my desire to visit this continent, they asked, “Why Africa?” I paused! I have never asked myself this question either. After all, planning a trip like this takes a lot: money, time, effort, sorting out travel details. But then I thought, isn’t that what travel is all about?
More than Just Wildlife
Many people often think of Africa purely for its incredible wildlife. Yes, spotting lions and elephants is thrilling, but for me, Africa means so much more. It connects us to our roots. Imagine standing on the vast savannas that were once home to ancient hunter-gatherers—the ancestors of all humankind. After reading the book “Sapiens”, I couldn’t help but think, “Our DNA remembers.” There’s a fundamental connection to the land of our origin that draws adventure seekers like me.
Practical Ways to Reduce an African Safari Budget
When you think about going on an African safari, it’s easy to picture expensive package deals from tour operators. While this choice is convenient but can also be quite costly. But why spend so much, when you can plan a trip on your own? With the right preparations and little guidance, you can create a personalized safari experience that fits your budget. Here are some practical tips to help you reduce and control your safari expenses.
Best Place to Experience the Great Migration?
If you’re dreaming of a safari with great migration of wildebeests, selecting the right destination is key. Both Tanzania and Kenya offer incredible wildlife diversity. The Maasai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania share the same wildlife diversity, making it easy to witness the BIG 5 animals in both locations.
However, many travellers find that Kenya often provides a more budget-friendly safari experience. Not only are safaris in Kenya generally cheaper, but flights within the country can also be more economical than in Tanzania. This makes Kenya an attractive option for travellers who want to experience Africa’s magnificent wildlife without going out of budget.
Is Kenya Safe for Travelers?
Yes, Kenya is generally safe for tourists. Like anywhere in the world, it’s important to be cautious about your surroundings, avoid risky areas, and follow local advice.
Travel solo or with a Group?
One of the best ways to save money on your safari is to travel in a group. If you can gather at least 5 to 7 of your friends or family members, you can share the costs for accommodation, transportation, and even food. This group travel approach can drastically reduce the per-person cost. Sharing the experience with your loved ones will make your safari adventure more enjoyable. However, if you’re considering going solo, that’s also a great adventure.
How Long Should You Stay for a Safari Adventure?
Well! If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, staying at the Maasai Mara National Park for at least for 3-4 nights is ideal. In addition, you can choose other national parks like Amboseli, Nakuru, Lake Naivasha or Lake Elementaita to complete a full trip for 7 – 9 days. If you love beaches, adding Mombasa town and Diani Beach to your itinerary will extend your journey to 10-12 days. Keep in mind that road journeys in Africa can be long and challenging, which can take more time than expected. So, plan your itinerary carefully. If you are interested in a personalized itinerary in your budget or have any questions, feel free to reach out directly.
Finding Budget Flights to Kenya
Booking flights well in advance can save you a lot of money. Use comparison sites, sign up for alerts, and be flexible with your travel dates to find the best deals. Few affordable flight booking websites include Sky scanner, Expedia, Skiplagged, Kiwi, Momondo, KAYAK, Google flights. When I travelled from India, I used Skyscanner to compare flight prices. Booking flights from major cities like Mumbai, especially on weekdays, can help you get a better deal. Just be on the lookout for special offers and discounts.
Choose Budget Accommodation
Kenya offers a range of accommodation choices, from budget to luxury. For a budget-friendly safari, try booking a full-board stay (including all meals) at a guesthouse or lodge, through platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb. I have covered various accommodations in my Kenyan safari blog series, so be sure to check it out for more details.
Hire a vehicle on Your Own
Instead of booking transportation from tour companies, consider hiring a 4WD minivan or 4*4 safari vehicle (Landcruiser) along with a driver on a freelance basis. This gives you the flexibility to design your own itinerary. On my safari, we rented from the company “Hire n Drive”, which provided good vehicles and drivers. You can find various car hire options through a simple Google search. If you’re travelling solo or as a pair, it can be more affordable to ask your hotel / lodge to arrange transport, as many accommodations offer group safaris and hotel transportation. The cost for 4* 4 Land cruiser safari vehicle during peak season is typically around 250-300 USD per day and around 180 – 230 USD per day during shoulder season. So, plan based on your budget and preferences.
Money Exchange Tips
In Kenya, having cash (Kenyan Shilling) is helpful for tips and local shopping. Most malls in Nairobi have currency exchange offices. It’s best to bring US dollars from home, as you can find better exchange rates. Although currency exchange is available at the airport and it has exchange facilities, the rates there may not be as favourable. Keep in mind, not all places will exchange Kenyan shillings back to USD, so it’s best to convert only the necessary amount and aim to spend any remaining shillings before reaching the airport. For online payment zero for money forex card like “Niyo Global” Card is convenient and cost effective. Additionally, consider downloading MPesa (a popular mobile payment app) to make easy cashless payments.
Be Mindful of Tipping
Tipping is expected in Africa, so set aside some money for this purpose. Be sure to tip your driver, guide, and hotel staff as a gesture of appreciation. For the driver we paid 10 USD per person per day.
Understanding Local Culture and Language
To enhance your safari experience and connect with locals, it can be beneficial to learn a few basic Swahili phrases like Jambo (Hello), Kwa Heri ( Goodbye), Hakuna Matata (No Worries), Asante ( Thank You), Karibu ( Welcome). Understanding the local culture and trying out local foods can make your adventure even more enjoyable.
Tasting local Kenyan Food
Kenyan cuisine is a mix of flavours and traditions. Be sure to try dishes like Nyama Choma (grilled meat), Ugali (a type of maize porridge), Mandazi ( Fried Donut), Githeri (Maize and Bean Stew), Pilau ( Spiced rice), Kachumbari ( Onion-Tomato salad) . It’s all part of the experience. Try to buy fruits and dry food items like biscuits, dry fruits, chips, makhana, cake, bread from the nearest supermarket (like Naivas supermarket) or from local vendors. You should always use bottled water while travelling in Kenya or other part of Africa.
I will share more useful information about planning a safari in my upcoming blog post series. I encourage you to explore it thoroughly for more details and insider tips. With the right planning, you can have an unforgettable safari experience within your budget.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
You have provided all types of information related to planning travel to Maasai Mara which includes choosing airlines, booking transportation, choosing accommodation, understanding local culture and tradition, local Kenyan foods, etc. in a lucid manner. It is very interesting to read your blogpost. I am waiting for your upcoming blog post series.