The Cost of Travel in Kenya
Kenya is not a low-budget destination. However, it is surely possible to enjoy a road trip in Kenya with a smaller pocket if you follow our budget travel tips.
On this page, we'll advise you on ways to cut costs, how to handle money in Kenya and what daily travel budget to expect when paying for accommodation, food and drinks. Any travel-related questions that are not covered here? Then don't hesitate to contact our team at Roadtrip Africa, we are happy to assist you!
The costs of Travel in Kenya: A Budget Breakdown
Dining out in Kenya is quite cheap, with local restaurants offering plenty of budget-friendly options. If you opt for a three-course meal at a lodge inside a safari park, the cost is slightly higher, ranging from approximately $15 to $25 per person. It's customary to tip in Kenya, and a 10% tip is common and greatly appreciated. If you're satisfied with the service, consider being more generous, keeping in mind that tips are usually shared among all staff at most places.
When it comes to lodging inside a national park or conservancy, the price categories are as follows:
- Budget: Up to US$120 for a double room (Bed and Breakfast)
- Mid-range: Up to US$400 for a double room (Full Board)
- High-end: Beyond US$400 (Full Board)
Accommodation prices are much lower when staying outside of the safari parks. There are plenty of budget and mid-range guesthouses and hotels outside of the national parks at a much lower rate.
For an overview of the entrance fees of Kenya's National Parks and Conservancies, we refer you to the National Parks guide section of this website.
The cost of petrol can fluctuate, and for the most up-to-date fuel prices, it's advisable to do a quick online search.
Money-saving tips to visit Kenya on a budget
While Kenya may not be considered a low-budget destination, it's entirely possible to enjoy its beauty without breaking the bank. With some planning and strategic considerations, you can have a fun and comfortable road trip while limiting your spending. Here are our top money-saving tips for visiting Kenya on a budget.
Budget tip #1 Go self-driving
Choosing a self-drive holiday in Kenya greatly saves on aeroplane -, safari - and taxi costs. On top of that: it's a wonderfully adventurous way to explore the country! Check out our self-drive itineraries here, and find car rental options with or without camp gear.
Budget tip #2. Go camping in Kenya
Camping is a great way to cut down on accommodation costs. Campgrounds outside protected areas can be as budget-friendly as $5 per night. Discover and plan your stay with ease using the iOverlander app, which provides detailed plots and reviews for almost every campsite.
Budget tip #3. Don't visit too many national parks
Visiting multiple national parks in Kenya can significantly increase your travel expenses due to entrance fees. The prices per park and conservancy differ, whereby the Masaai Mara and Ol Pajeeta are the most expensive protected areas to visit. Protected areas like Nakuru and Meru are great safari destinations charging lower entrance fees.
Budget tip #4. Eat local
Eating in at your upmarket lodge or beach resort is considerably more expensive than eating out at a ( local) restaurant. Explore the local culinary scene for authentic flavours without a hefty price tag.
If you plan to cook yourself on your camping trip in Kenya, remember to buy your groceries at the market instead of going to the Western supermarket, where prices can be even higher than back home.
Budget tip # 5. Visit Kenya in the low season.
Consider planning your visit during the low and shoulder seasons, typically from March to June and often in November. During these periods, hotel rates can drop by 25-50%, and even car rental rates are more budget-friendly. For more information and detailed insights, check our blog - best time to visit Kenya.
Payment options in Kenya
In Kenya, it's important to note that most restaurants, lodges, or campsites do not accept foreign debit cards. However, payment with credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) is generally accepted at more upscale hotels and restaurants.
For accessing cash, ATMs are widely available throughout the country. KCB, Barclays, and Citibank are reliable banks in Kenya that accept MasterCard, Maestro, and Visa. To ensure smooth transactions, bring additional cards, as daily withdrawal limits may apply to foreign cards at ATMs.
Currency exchange is easily done at Forex Bureaus in most provincial towns, where US Dollars and Euros can be converted to Kenyan Shillings.
Use mobile money for easy transactions
A convenient way to manage money during your travels in Kenya is through mobile money. This system allows you to store, send, and receive money using your mobile phone. Contrary to what you might think, Kenya is no longer a cash-centric economy due to the widespread use of mobile money. You can seamlessly settle bills or make payments (such as entrance fees at park gates, purchases at local markets, or restaurant bills) directly from your phone. To take advantage of this system, purchase a local SIM card (Safaricom is recommended), load it with airtime and an internet bundle, and register for MPESA at any Telecom kiosk. You can transfer Kenyan Shillings to your mobile money account through platforms like Wise or load cash at a Telecom kiosk, enabling you to make mobile money payments effortlessly.
