Costing is the ultimate determinant of your safari experience. As a senior traveler you will be looking at the budget of a safari from an angle of both bush experience and convenience. For the elderly a good plan should make your travel less streneous.  In this guide we shall look at the best fitting budget for your Kenya safari after retirement.

Budgeting for accommodation

When it comes to accommodation you will be split between lodges and tented camps. Lodges are concrete walled structures with all the comfort you would have in your own residence back home. Tented camps on the other hand are semi-permanent canvas fashioned into rooms of different sizes. Some camps are seasonal and closes during the rainy season. When compared to lodges , camps are mostly built in the bushes and a stay here comes with the feel of closeness to nature which is the epitome of an Africa safari. There is no significant difference in pricing between camps and hotels of the same rating. However, there are fewer budget lodges with most of them falling in the standard category. As such you can get a camping facility at a more affordable price than lodges.

 Even though, in this case, we recommend that you choose to stay in a lodge, the choice is all yours. If you feel you are resilient enough to slightly rough it, a camp is better. Importantly some camps are owned by major hoteliers and aren’t all that ugly. Most camps in the standard and luxury category have modifications made to make them comfier.

Notably the cost of accommodation will also depend on the destinations you are taking in your safari. Some destinations are much more expensive than others. For instance accommodation in Masai Mara are more expensive than in Samburu game reserve.

For a comfortable stay in an airconditioned room in a lodge in major destinations like Masai Mara you will pay between 150 USD and 550 USD per night per person sharing.

Destination cost

There is a big cost difference between destinations. The variation is caused by varying accommodations and park entry charges. Notably, as a senior citizen you wont like to spend much time on the road moving from point A to B. As such we recommend destinations that carries a lot of scenes to witness and keep you engaged for a minimum 3 days. We classify these destinations into 4:

• Nairobi safari for attractions within the capital of Nairobi
• Masai Mara safari for attractions in greater mara region
• Nakuru safari for attractions in central rift valley
• Coastal safari for attractions in coastal kenya

Taking the most popular 3 days tour, Nairobi would be the cheapest of the four. This is because the capital has more affordable senior friendly lodges coming at prices as low as 50 USD per person for a night this will lead to a minimum budget of about 200 USD for 2 nights and 3 days visiting various attractions in the capital including a half day tour in Nairobi National park.

Masai Mara on the other side is the most expensive destination. this is mainly due to the costly accommodation averaging 320 USD for a senior friendly lodge. Masai Mara game reserve also charges the highest park fee which adds up to the cost. On average you will require a minimum 720 USD per person sharing for a complete three days safari.

Cost of transfers

You will either use air/ road to move from point A to B. In most instances you will apply road transfers for shorter distances. Whether you will use air transfer depends on the maximum number of hours you can remain seated as cruise through to the next destinations. Here in Kenya the longest you can take in a well-planned itinerary is about 5- 6 hrs non stop driving. Air transfers tend to be more expensive than road transfers. Although, the decision entirely rests on you we recommend that as a senior traveler you should go for air transfers for distances more than 3 hrs drive.  To cut the cost visit destinations with multiple attractions to keep you occupied for at least three days.

In conclusion: On average air transfer will cost you approximately 400 USD per person going by the return flight from Nairobi to Masai Mara. This is way much expensive from road-based transfers which would cost between 180 USD to 300 USD to hire a tourist vehicle and split the cost amongst the group/ persons you are travelling. However, air transfer is more efficient and save time.

Cost of insurance policy cover

One thing that should not miss in your budget list is a travel insurance especially when you are vulnerable to falling due to pending medical condition. Your insurance should offer medical support as well as cover for technical hitches like loss of luggage or flight cancellation. Notably, most Kenya medical facilities where you can get specialized treatment are situated in Nairobi which informs the need to add a flying doctors cover for evacuation.

Notably, the cost of the policy document depends on the insurer valuation of the risk you choose to cover. However, it is important that you always go for the best and from a reputable company. For the flying doctors the subscription cost an average ksh 2900 for 14 days cover.

Cost of activities

While in Kenya you will have a long list of things to do depending on the destinations you choose. Below is a table of activities you can engage in while on Kenya safari and the average cost per person

Importantly, the given cost is just an estimate to assist you budget for your safari. The costs may slightly vary depending on the subject destination.

FAQ

Which do I choose Luxury vs mid-range accommodation

Since we have ruled out budget camping safari for senior travelers, chosen between a mid range or luxury lodges are next in consideration. While lodges in the 2 categories don’t have any impactful deviations in convenience, the safari experience will not be the same. Most luxury lodges are better and more strategically located in prime game spots. For instance Mara serena lodge( luxury) may go upto 1000 USD a night double room rates while Mara Sopa lodge ( mid range) goes at prices as low as 270 USD per night double room rates . However, Mara serena is strategically set inside the main park ( mara triangle) along river mara and better for tracking migration. Mara sopa lodge on the other hand is set outside the main park near Oloolaimutia gate. However, the location won’t have a big effect on your safari quality going by the fact that even the midrange facilities are not faraway from the main park entrances.

In conclusion, go for the type of accommodation you can afford.

How do I make payments cash or credit cards?

Carry both. A credit card is important when making major payments like paying for accommodation. You will also need cash to pay for small services. For instance: paying entry fee when entering a traditional village, buying curio items and tipping your driver after safari. Importantly, locally we accept American dollar for exchange and you don’t have to convert your money.

How much do I tip my driver?

Giving gratitudes to service providers you come across with during your safari is something quite honorable. Importantly, tipping is voluntary and there is no set amount. The amount given here are just rough estimates of what most travelers pay.

• For transfers to a hotel within Nairobi or to Airports within the capital we recommend that you pay approximately 5 USD per transfer.
• For half day city tour guide you can tip 8 USD.
• For bush safaris you can tip 15 USD per day when on a private safari or 5 USD on a group safari.
• For other services like hotel/ airport porters and house keepers you pay 5 USD