How Much Does a Kenya Trip Cost? A Realistic, Detailed Breakdown for 2026

If you are planning a trip to East Africa, one of the first questions you will ask is: how much does a Kenya trip cost?
The short answer is: it depends.
The long answer which is what you will find in this guide  is a realistic, honest breakdown of every major expense involved in travelling to Kenya, from flights and visas to safaris, food, accommodation, and hidden costs many blogs do not mention.

How Much Does a Kenya Trip Cost? A Realistic, Detailed Breakdown for 2026

Kenya can be surprisingly affordable or extremely luxurious, depending on how you travel. A backpacker can spend under $50 per day, while a luxury safari traveler may spend $1,000+ per day.

This guide will help you:

• Understand exactly where your money goes
• Avoid unrealistic budget estimates
• Plan a Kenya trip that fits your budget without surprises

So, How Much Does a Kenya Trip Cost Overall?

Before diving into details, here’s a quick overview of average total costs per person for a 7–10-day trip:

Travel Style	Estimated Total Cost
Budget	$900 – $1,400
Mid-range	$1,800 – $3,000
Luxury	$4,500 – $10,000+

These estimates include:

• International flights
• Accommodation
• Transport
• Food
• Safari costs
• Activities
• Park fees

Now let us break it all down properly.

1. International Flights to Kenya

For most travelers, flights are the single biggest upfront cost.

Average Flight Costs to Kenya (Round Trip)

Region	Typical Cost
USA	$700 – $1,200
UK	$600 – $900
Europe	$500 – $850
Middle East	$400 – $700

Tip: Nairobi (NBO) is usually cheaper than Mombasa (MBA). Flying into Nairobi and flying out from Mombasa can save time and money.

2. Visa & Entry Costs

One of the more affordable parts of your Kenya trip cost.

• Kenya eVisa: $50
• Processing time: 2–5 working days
• Validity: 90 days

Most travelers apply online before arrival.

3. Accommodation Costs in Kenya

Accommodation costs vary wildly from backpacker hostels to ultra-luxury safari lodges.

Budget Accommodation

• Hostels & guesthouses: $10 – $30 per night
• Basic hotels: $25 – $50 per night

Monthly apartment rentals (for long stays) can be as low as $300–$600 in cities like Nairobi or Mombasa.

Mid-Range Accommodation

• Comfortable hotels & lodges: $70 – $150 per night
• Beach resorts: $100 – $200 per night

Most mid-range places include breakfast.

Luxury Accommodation

• Luxury lodges & safari camps: $300 – $1,500 per night
• All-inclusive safari lodges often include:

Meals, Game drives, Transfers

Accommodation alone can account for 30–50% of how much a Kenya trip costs, especially if safaris are involved.

4. Transport Costs Within Kenya

Local Transport (Cities & Towns)

• Matatus (minibuses): $0.30 – $1
• Uber/Bolt (Nairobi): $3 – $10 per ride
• Tuk-tuks (coastal towns): $1 – $5

Long-Distance Travel

• Domestic flights (Nairobi–Mombasa): $60 – $120
• Train (SGR Nairobi–Mombasa): $30 – $60
• Buses: $10 – $25

Private Drivers & Tours

• Day hire: $50 – $120
• Safari vehicle with driver: $150 – $300 per day

5. Food & Drink Costs

Food is one of the most affordable parts of travelling to Kenya.

Budget Food Costs

• Local meals: $2 – $5
• Street food (chapati, samosas): $0.50 – $2

Mid-Range Restaurants

• Casual restaurants: $8 – $15
• Western food: $10 – $20

High-End Dining

• Fine dining or hotel restaurants: $25 – $50+

If you eat local food, you can easily spend under $15 per day on meals.

6. Safari Costs – The Biggest Expense

Safaris are often the most expensive part of a Kenya trip and the reason many travelers come.

National Park Fees (Per Day)

Park	Fee
Maasai Mara	$70
Amboseli	$60
Tsavo	$52
Lake Nakuru	$60

Safari Packages

Budget Safari (Group Tour)

• $150 – $250 per day
• Shared vehicle
• Budget camps

Mid-Range Safari

• $250 – $400 per day
• Better lodges
• Smaller groups

Luxury Safari

• $600 – $1,200+ per day
• Private guides
• Luxury lodges
• Flights included

Safaris can make or break how much a Kenya trip costs, so planning wisely here is crucial.

7. Activities & Experiences

Kenya offers much more than safaris.

Activity	Cost
Nairobi National Park	$43
Giraffe Centre	$15
Elephant Orphanage	$20
Hot air balloon safari	$450
Snorkeling (coast)	$30 – $60
Mount Kenya hike	$100 – $500

8. Travel Insurance & Health Costs

• Travel insurance: $50 – $150
• Yellow fever certificate (if required): $0 – $50
• Malaria medication: $30 – $80

Never skip insurance, medical evacuation can cost thousands.

9. SIM Cards, Internet & Communication

• Local SIM card: $2 – $5
• Data bundles: $5 – $20
• Wi-Fi: Free in most hotels

Safaricom offers the best coverage.

10. Tipping & Miscellaneous Costs

Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated.

• Safari guide: $10 – $20 per day
• Hotel staff: $1 – $5
• Souvenirs: $20 – $100

Realistic Daily Kenya Travel Budget

Style	Daily Cost
Budget	$40 – $70
Mid-Range	$120 – $250
Luxury	$600 – $1,500

Sample Kenya Trip Cost Breakdown (10 Days, Mid-Range)

Expense	Cost
Flights	$850
Visa	$50
Accommodation	$1,200
Food	$250
Safari (3 days)	$900
Transport	$200
Activities	$150
Insurance	$100
Total	$3,700

How to Reduce the Cost of a Kenya Trip

1. Travel during shoulder season (April–June)
2. Join group safaris
3. Eat local food
4. Use public transport
5. Book directly with local operators

Is Kenya Expensive Compared to Other African Countries?

Kenya is more affordable than Tanzania safaris, but more expensive than countries like Uganda or Rwanda for general travel.
You pay more for world-class wildlife experiences and for many travelers, it is worth every dollar.

Final Verdict: How Much Does a Kenya Trip Cost?

So, how much does a Kenya trip cost?

• Budget travelers: $900 – $1,400
• Mid-range travelers: $1,800 – $3,500
• Luxury travelers: $4,500 – $10,000+

Kenya offers exceptional value for wildlife, landscapes, culture, adventure and with careful planning, it can fit a wide range of budgets.

Maseke Adventure is an expert in East African Safaris!