Kenya Safaris: Budget, Mid-Range, or Luxury?

Kenya Safaris: Budget, Mid-Range, or Luxury?: Choosing the Best Safari for You

Planning a safari in Kenya? Understanding the differences between budget, mid-range, and luxury safaris will help you choose the best option for your adventure. Whether you’re looking for an affordable getaway, a comfortable mid-range experience, or a luxurious escape, Kenya offers something for every traveler. Here’s what you can expect at each level:

Budget Kenya Safaris

• Accommodations in basic tented camps or budget lodges.
• Group safaris that help lower costs by sharing expenses among travelers.
• Game drives included, but some activities may require additional fees.
• Simple meal options compared to higher-end safaris.
• Shared or budget-friendly vehicles for transportation.

Mid-Range Kenya Safaris

• Well-balanced comfort with affordable pricing.
• Better accommodations with ensuite bathrooms and upgraded dining options.
• More flexible activities, including game drives, nature walks, and cultural visits.
• Comfortable 4×4 safari vehicles with fewer passengers for an enhanced experience.

Luxury Kenya Safaris

• Exclusive lodges or luxury tented camps in prime wildlife locations.
• High-end amenities, spacious rooms, and personalized service.
• Gourmet meals featuring local and international cuisine.
• Private guided game drives, bush walks, hot air balloon safaris, and more.
• Luxury vehicles, private charters, or flights between destinations for convenience.

Regardless of your budget, Kenya offers breathtaking wildlife experiences in world-famous parks such as Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, and Samburu. Choosing the right safari depends on your desired level of comfort, experience, and investment in your adventure.

7-Day Group Safari in Kenya (June-September)

Join our 7-day group safari and experience Kenya’s stunning landscapes and wildlife alongside fellow travelers. We are looking for seven adventurers to join this incredible journey, available on flexible dates in June, July, August, and September.

Day 1: Nairobi – Maasai Mara (5+ hours drive)

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel in Nairobi before heading to Maasai Mara Game Reserve. As you drive through Maasai country, you’ll see herders tending to their livestock, coexisting with the region’s diverse wildlife.

After checking into your lodge and enjoying lunch, set off on your first game drive across the vast plains. The rolling grasslands, scattered acacia trees, and abundant wildlife make for a spectacular experience. Keep an eye out for lions, elephants, and giraffes. This is the perfect setting for a hot air balloon safari if you’re up for an unforgettable adventure.

Later, visit a Maasai village to experience their vibrant culture, music, and traditional dances. A tour of their homesteads offers a deeper look into their way of life.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Full Day in Maasai Mara

Spend the day exploring Maasai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives. The park is famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration (July-October), where over a million wildebeests and other herbivores cross from the Serengeti into the Mara in search of fresh grazing land. Predators like lions, hyenas, and cheetahs closely follow the herds, making for thrilling wildlife encounters.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Maasai Mara – Lake Naivasha (4+ hours drive)

After breakfast, drive to Lake Naivasha, arriving late morning. After lunch, enjoy an optional boat ride or visit Crescent Island Game Sanctuary. This stunning sanctuary, accessible by boat, is home to abundant wildlife, including zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, and hippos. It’s a hidden gem offering breathtaking views and incredible up-close wildlife encounters.

Enjoy a scenic sunset walk along the ridge with panoramic views of Lake Naivasha, Mount Longonot, and Hell’s Gate National Park.

Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park (Drive Time: 5+ Hours)

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Amboseli National Park. Enjoy a game drive en route to your lodge, where you’ll have a chance to spot some of Amboseli’s famous wildlife, including its large elephant herds and over 420 species of birds. The park’s ecosystem is nourished by underground springs from the melting snow of Mount Kilimanjaro, attracting a variety of animals year-round.

After checking in and enjoying a delicious lunch at your lodge, head out for an afternoon game drive. Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Full-Day Exploration of Amboseli National Park

Rise early to witness breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro before clouds obscure the peak. After breakfast, set off on a morning game drive, where you’ll encounter a diverse range of wildlife, from giraffes and wildebeests to baboons and predators.

For those interested in cultural experiences, you can visit a traditional Maasai village (optional, $20 per person) to learn about their unique way of life, traditions, and history.

After lunch and some relaxation at your lodge, embark on an afternoon game drive. Amboseli is home to the legendary Maasai warriors, known for their bravery and deep connection with the land and its wildlife.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Amboseli to Nairobi (Drive Time: 6+ Hours)

After breakfast, depart for Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon. Spend the night in Nairobi, giving you time to relax before your departure.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Day 7: Departure from Nairobi

Your unforgettable Kenya safari adventure comes to an end today. After breakfast and check-out, you’ll be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for your flight home, taking with you incredible memories and a lifetime of experiences.

Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

End of Safari

Accommodation & Pricing Options (Per Person Sharing, Based on 7-Person Group)

Option 1: Luxury (4-Star Lodges) – $2,500 Per Person

• Mara Engai
• Enashipai Naivasha
• Oltukai Lodge
• Crown Plaza Airport

Option 2: Mid-Range (3-Star Lodges) – $2,300 Per Person

• Keekorok Lodge
• Lake Naivasha Country Club
• Amboseli Sopa
• Four Points Sheraton Airport

Option 3: Budget (2-Star Lodges) – $1,950 Per Person

• Drunken Elephant Mara
• Sentrim Elementeita
• Sentrim Amboseli
• Four Points Sheraton Airport

What’s Included in Your Safari Package

✔ Meet & Greet at JKIA ✔ 2 Nights Full Board in Maasai Mara ✔ 1 Night Full Board in Naivasha ✔ 1 Boat Ride in Naivasha ✔ 2 Nights Full Board in Amboseli ✔ 1 Night Bed & Breakfast in Nairobi ✔ Transport in a 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser with an open roof for game viewing ✔ Services of an English-speaking driver-guide ✔ Bottled water during game drives ✔ All park entry fees

What’s Not Included?

✘ Items of personal nature ✘ Tips & gratuities ✘ Drinks ✘ Optional activities (listed below)

Optional Activities & Extras

In Nairobi:

• Lunch/Dinner at an Indian Restaurant or Carnivore Restaurant (BBQ & game meat specialty) – $40 per person + transfers
• Visit David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage – $15 per person + transfers
• Visit Giraffe Center – $15 per person + transfers
• Nairobi National Museum – $15 per person + transfers
• Karen Blixen Museum – $25 per person + transfers

In Maasai Mara:

• Visit a Maasai Village – $25 per person
• Hot Air Balloon Safari (with Champagne Breakfast) – $450 per person
• Horse Riding Safari – $200 per person

In Amboseli:

• Visit a Local Maasai Village – $25 per person
• Hot Air Balloon Safari (with Bush Breakfast) – $450 per person

In Naivasha:

• Visit Crescent Island – $30 per person
• Horse Riding in the Sanctuary – $30 per person
• Cycling in Hell’s Gate National Park – $20 per person + park fees

Transportation Costs for Additional Transfers in Nairobi

• Sedan Vehicle (3-4 People): Half-day transfer (4 hours) – $80 | Full-day transfer (8 hours) – $120
• 7-Seater Safari Shuttle: Half-day transfer (4 hours) – $100 | Full-day transfer (8 hours) – $150

Booking & Availability

Lodges are subject to availability at the time of booking. If a specific lodge is fully booked, we will arrange an alternative of the same category.

Join our 7-Day Group Safari in Kenya in June, July, August, or September! To book, contact us at info@trekafricatours.com or WhatsApp us at +256705767137.

Embark on an unforgettable African adventure with us!