For those struck by insatiable wanderlust, nothing will stand in the way of a truly incredible adventure- not even budgetary constraints.
Kenya is a market leader with plenty of jaw-dropping attractions and activities for visitors regarding African safaris.
Its wildlife safaris are unparalleled and attract repeat travelers from all over the world.
Although some of the safari packages were traditionally pricey, the country’s tourism industry has evolved to cater to budget travelers.
Nonetheless, knowing how to plan your budget safari will assure you of a phenomenal and flawless adventure. It will also guarantee maximum value for money while availing you a wholesome safari experience.
Here are some valuable pointers to bear in mind when planning a budget safari to Kenya
Destinations
All of Kenya’s unique destinations can be accessed by luxury and budget travelers alike.
The Maasai Mara Game reserve is among the most thrilling, a rich ecosystem teeming with a diverse array of wildlife species.
It is also the arena for one of the most spectacular natural wonders- the annual wildebeest migration. Today, you can book a Maasai Mara budget safari at the click of a button.
The most popular animals in the Maasai Mara include the Big Five. These include the African elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino, and leopard.
Figure 1 Leopard
Source: https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2013/07/16/17/12/leopard-163035__340.jpg
The Mara’s other fascinating animals include giraffes, gazelle, wildebeest, dik-diks, aardvarks, elands, crocodiles, jackals, hyenas, and more.
Additionally, the park boasts more than 470 avian species.
Besides the Maasai Mara, you can also check out dozens of other natural wildlife reserves and conservancies spread throughout the country.
Alongside its rich wildlife, Kenya is home to some of the gorgeous beaches on the planet, key among them being the award-winning Diani beach.
Activities.
There are plenty of fun activities to enjoy in the Mara and other reserves.
Some of the popular activities available to budget travelers in most parks include camping, walking safaris, day game drives, night game drives, and (for Mara visitors) visits to a Maasai village.
Figure 2 Game drives in Kenya
Source: https://media.istockphoto.com/photos/woman-on-an-african-safari-travels-by-car-with-an-open-roof-and-wild-picture-id1212707849?b=1&k=20&m=1212707849&s=170667a&w=0&h=JxBk9aTB9Br5pbeOoOb_NC7AUqFGUEh3zjfmbVb9ixM=
The beauty of Kenya’s attractions is that they are pretty spread out across the country. That means that no matter which corner of Kenya you visit, there is a wildlife destination nearby.
Even travelers on tighter budgets or those pressed for time have the option of touring the Nairobi National Park. It has the distinction of being a sizable natural animal habitat located within a modern capital city.
Some of the striking beasts here include the black rhino, leopard, lion, cheetah, giraffe, buffalo, hyena, and more than 400 types of birds.
All the animals roam freely in the park, traveling in their native habitat.
Some enjoyable activities in the park include game drives, hiking, camping, and walking safaris. It also has secure picnic sites where you can catch a breather as you enjoy your packed lunch.
Should you opt for a beach safari, some activities to indulge in at the coast include swimming, snorkeling, big game fishing, swimming with dolphins/ dolphin watching, swimming with turtles, scuba diving, and kite surfing.
Travel Guides
Whether yours is a luxury or budget safari, it is always best to have a travel agent guiding your tours.
That is particularly vital if you are a first-time visitor to Kenya. A travel agent or tour company will advise you on the most efficient way to plan your trip.
Some professional travel companies benefit from native guides and consultants who will show you the country and its innermost details. Some were born and bred in the Maasai Mara and possess a vast knowledge of the animals and the Mara ecosystem.
Figure 3 AjKenyaSafaris Ltd, one of Kenya’s top indigenous tour operators
An agent will also guide you on the ideal travel times for each attraction you wish to visit. That ensures you get the most value for money, as you can structure your itinerary accordingly.
Also worth noting is that you are likely to enjoy discount options at most accommodations when you book through an agency compared to when you go it alone.
Hotel establishments and other service providers often extend these discounts to travel agencies since they tend to attract travelers. So, why not take advantage of these discounts yourself?
Accommodation
Kenya has plenty of accommodation options to choose from. These include boutique hotels, Airbnb, 3-star restaurants, and campsites for the happy campers among us.
Camping in the Maasai Mara is especially thrilling as you will literally be sleeping in the wild.
Also, there are different categories of camps, which vary according to the level of comfort you wish to have and your appetite for adventure.
Some of these camps feature flush toilets and open-air showers, which have walls but are roofless. You can enjoy a refreshing shower while enjoying the warm African sun on your skin.
Campsites are spread across the country, including the warm and humid coast, where you can pitch camp in designated areas, some close to the beach.
Transportation
While luxurious 4×4 vehicles such as the Toyota Sequoia, Toyota Prado, Land Cruiser, and land rovers cars are the best way to navigate the off-road locales, Safari vans are dependable yet budget-friendly.
These vans can easily navigate off-road terrain and are customized to ensure your comfort, with a pop-up roof for optimal wildlife viewing.
Whether you opt for the land cruiser or the safari van, you can choose to take it on a self-drive or a guided safari.
Self-driven safaris are better for seasoned visitors who have been to Kenya before and are comfortable taking on the off-road terrain. You would have to hire a safari vehicle when going on a self-driven tour.
On the other hand, guided safaris take the hassle of procuring a vehicle out of your hands, as your tour agent will provide you with whichever car you choose.
Northern girl Laura is the epitome of a true entrepreneur. Laura’s spirit for adventure and passion for people blaze through House of Coco. She founded House of Coco in 2014 and has grown it in to an internationally recognised brand whilst having a lot of fun along the way. Travel is in her DNA and she is a true visionary and a global citizen.