Kenya captivates with its iconic wildlife safaris, pristine beaches, and vibrant culture. From the Great Migration in Maasai Mara to the bustling streets of Nairobi, this East African gem offers unforgettable adventures. Discover diverse landscapes ranging from snow-capped Mount Kenya to the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
Local currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES/KSh). Current approximate rate: KES 130-135 per USD, KES 155-160 per EUR.
Daily budget by traveller style
Typical per-person daily spend in Kenya.
Cost breakdown
Typical price ranges across major spending categories.
Accommodation
- Hostel
- $12-20 (dorm bed)
- Budget
- $30-60 (budget hotel or guesthouse)
- Midrange
- $80-180 (comfortable hotel)
- Luxury
- $250-1500+ (safari lodge or boutique hotel)
Food
- Street
- $2-5 (vibanada stall, street snack)
- Local
- $8-15 (local restaurant with ugali and stew)
- Midrange
- $20-40 (sit-down restaurant with drinks)
- Fine
- $60-120+ (fine dining, Talisman or similar)
Transport
- Bus
- $0.50-1 (matatu or city bus)
- Taxi
- $8-20 (Bolt/Uber across Nairobi)
- Airport
- $12-25 (Uber/Bolt from JKIA to city)
- Daytrip
- $15-30 (matatu to Naivasha or Nakuru)
Activities
- Museum
- $10-15 (Nairobi National Museum, Fort Jesus)
- Sites
- $17-43 (national park single-day entry)
- Tour
- $30-60 (guided half-day tour)
- Excursion
- $80-150 (full-day safari or marine excursion)
Trip budgets by length
What a typical trip to Kenya costs end-to-end.
Budget traveller
$280-350/week (hostel + street food + matatus + budget parks)
Midrange traveller
$700-1260/week (comfortable hotels + restaurant meals + organized day trips)
Luxury traveller
$2500-5600+/week (safari lodges + fine dining + private transfers + exclusive experiences)
Money-saving tips
Practical ways to stretch your budget further.
Travel during low season (April-June, November) for 30-50% lower accommodation prices across most lodges and hotels
Use matatus and local buses for city transport instead of Ubers — 10x cheaper for short urban trips
Eat at local restaurants (vibandas and small hotels) where a full plate of ugali with meat costs $4-8
Book safari accommodation directly with lodges rather than through international booking platforms to avoid middleman fees
Kenya Residents' Card rates apply at national parks if you have work permits — worth knowing for long-stay visitors
Multiple park passes exist — if visiting several parks, the Kenya Wildlife Service annual pass can save significant money
Free things to do
Memorable experiences that cost nothing.
Karura Forest Walk
Beautiful urban forest in Nairobi with marked trails, waterfalls, and cave ruins. Day entry is a nominal KES 100 ($0.75) — essentially free and very accessible from the city.
Nairobi Arboretum
120-acre botanical garden in central Nairobi with indigenous trees, bird walks, and weekend craft markets. Free entry and a lovely escape from city traffic.
Nairobi CBD Architecture Walk
Walk through Nairobi's central business district to see colonial-era buildings, the Nairobi Synagogue, Jamia Mosque, and the KICC tower — a free self-guided historical tour.
Diani Beach Stroll
10km of public beach at Diani is completely free to access. Walk at low tide to explore rock pools and coral formations without any cost.
Lamu Old Town Exploration
Walking the car-free streets of Lamu Old Town is free and deeply atmospheric. The labyrinthine lanes, ornate doors, and centuries-old buildings cost nothing to explore.
Mombasa Old Town Walk
Self-guided walk through Mombasa's historic quarter past carved wooden doors, spice shops, and old mosques costs nothing beyond your time.
Ngong Hills Viewpoint
Drive or take a matatu to Ngong Hills viewpoint for sweeping Rift Valley views. The view itself is free though the hiking trail inside has a nominal entry fee.