Many people think that a trip to Kenya has to be very expensive. While luxury safaris cost a lot of money, you can actually explore the country on a small budget. If you know how to use local transport and where to eat, you can see the best of Kenya without spending a fortune. It is possible to see the Big Five, visit the white sand beaches, and explore the mountains without breaking the bank.
Take the SGR Train to the Coast
One of the best ways to save money is to take the SGR train when you want to go from Nairobi to the coast. A ticket in economy class costs about 1,500 Kenyan Shillings, which is roughly 12 US Dollars.
The train is clean, fast, and very safe. You also get to see elephants and giraffes as you pass through Tsavo National Park. It is much cheaper than booking a flight to Mombasa or Diani. Make sure you book your ticket online at least a few days before you travel because the train is very popular.
Please note that you will need to have a Kenyan mobile number to be able to book the train via M-pesa. This may be a challenge buy you can contact a travel agent to book for you at a mall fee. At Sun Summit & Safaris. we're able to book a train for you.
Use Taxi Apps in the Cities
When you are in cities like Nairobi or Mombasa, do not take the expensive taxis waiting at the airport or outside hotels. Instead, download the Uber or Bolt apps on your phone.
There is also a local app called Little Cab that works very well. These apps give you a fair price before you even start your journey. This prevents you from being overcharged as a tourist. For even cheaper rides, you can use "Uber Chapchap" or "Bolt Lite," which use smaller cars that cost less.
Travel Like a Local on a Matatu
If you want to experience how locals travel, you should try a matatu. These are the colorful minibuses found in every town. A short ride in the city usually costs less than 50 Kenya shillings. It is the cheapest way to get around, but it can be a bit crowded.
Every matatu has a conductor who collects the money. Always make sure you have small change in Kenyan Shillings to pay the conductor and tell them exactly where you want to go.
Eat at Local Restaurants
Eating local food is another great way to save money. Fancy hotel restaurants often charge the same prices you would find in Europe or America. If you go to a local cafe, you can get a full meal for about 3 to 5 Dollars.
Try local favorites like Pilau, which is spiced rice, or a simple plate of beans and chapati. Also, buy your drinking water in large 5-liter bottles at a supermarket like Naivas or Carrefour. This is much cheaper than buying small bottles at a hotel bar or a gas station.
Stay Outside the National Park Gates
When it comes to safaris, staying inside the national parks is the most expensive option. You can save a lot of money by booking a hotel or a tented camp located just outside the park gates.
Areas like Talek outside the Masai Mara have many affordable options. These places are much more affordable, and you can still enter the park early in the morning for game drives. You get the same wildlife experience for half the price.
Join a Group Safari to Split Costs
A private safari jeep can be very costly because you pay for the vehicle and the guide yourself. To save money, you should look for a "Group Joining Safari." This means you share the jeep with other travelers and split the costs.
This is a great way to meet new people and it makes the trip much more affordable. At Sun Summit and Safaris, we help budget travelers join groups so they can see the Masai Mara without paying for a private tour.
Try a Camping Safari
If you like the outdoors, you can save money by choosing a camping safari. Many camps have public campsites where you can pitch your own tent for a small fee. This is common in places like Lake Naivasha or Hell’s Gate National Park. You still get to sit around the campfire and hear the sounds of the animals at night, but you don't have to pay for a luxury room. It is a very authentic way to see the country.
Visit the More Affordable Parks
Not every park in Kenya costs 100 dollars to enter. If you want to see animals on a budget, consider visiting smaller parks. Hell’s Gate National Park allows you to rent a bicycle and ride past zebras and giraffes for a very low entry fee. Nairobi National Park is also a great option because you can take a taxi there from the city center. You can see lions and rhinos with the city buildings in the background without needing an expensive flight.
Travel During the Low Season
Traveling during the "low season" is the best way to get a big discount. Most people visit Kenya between July and October for the migration.
If you travel in May, June, or November, hotels will often cut their prices by half to attract guests. The grass is greener during these months and the parks are much quieter. You will feel like you have the whole wilderness to yourself.
Use a Local SIM Card and M-Pesa
Finally, you should get a local Safaricom SIM card as soon as you arrive at the airport. Roaming charges on your home phone will be very high. With a local SIM, you can use M-Pesa to pay for almost everything in Kenya. It is a mobile money system that works on your phone.
You can pay for your food, your taxi, and even your park fees using M-Pesa. It is very safe and helps you avoid carrying too much cash in your pockets.
Kenya is a beautiful country and is open to everyone, regardless of their budget. By using these simple tips, you can have an amazing adventure and still have money left in your pocket. Planning a budget trip just takes a little more research, but the experience is just as rewarding as a luxury tour. View our budget friendly tours here
