Last Updated: 02/03/2020 | February 3rd, 2020
Kenya and Tanzania have some great safari options for East Africa and have destinations I have long wanted to visit. I’m not alone. Many of you have asked about these places too. So I invited Mark Wiens of Migrationology to share his experience and tips on how to travel around this region, see animals, and not spend a ton of money!
Few activities make it to the top of bucket lists like safaris. It’s an experience sought after by people all around the world, a once in a lifetime chance to come face to face with our planet’s most majestic and beautiful animals.
An African safari is a thrilling chance to see wild animals going about their daily lives in their natural habitat, which is why they’re one of the most popular activities on the continent.
East Africa (specifically Kenya and Tanzania) has a huge variety of national parks that offer adventurous opportunities to see wildlife up close.
A lot of research and planning goes into getting a safari fully arranged, deciding what game reserve to visit, and finding transportation and accommodation.
The industry is not normally well suited to long-term travelers on a tight budget. The East African safari generally caters to luxury tourists who want a quick vacation and decide to pre-book an all-inclusive package trip without thinking too much about the cost.
Fortunately, there are several ways to save money on an African safari. In this post, I’ll show you how to plan an amazing safari in East Africa without breaking the bank!
Table of Contents
Package Tours
There are countless companies that offer safari packages for tourists who wish to sit back and not do any planning. These safari tours are very convenient and are worth the money if you don’t have the time to research or if you want to avoid potential hassles.
High-end package deals offer one price and generally cover everything from pickup to drop-off (even from the airport), including food, fees, transportation, and lodging. Be prepared to spend around $200–$500 USD per day for a package safari. They aren’t cheap!
With a package tour company, you can either join a group with a pre-made itinerary (a great option for solo travelers), or you can customize a safari package with an itinerary to your liking (this option works best if you are already traveling with a group).
Two excellent resources for more information on safari tours are the Kenya Association of Tour Operators, which is better known as KATO, and the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators. Both organizations aim to promote and give credibility to the safari companies that maintain a high level of service and a great value-to-price ratio. You can find a list of companies there.
Do-It-Yourself Safari
It’s possible to do a safari on your own, but it’s a lot more work. Here’s how you can organize your own safari:
Rent your own vehicle
Nearly all game parks allow you to drive your own vehicle. This opens up opportunities for saving some money, as well as allowing for more flexibility in doing exactly what you want. You can rent a vehicle and drive yourself or rent a vehicle with a full-time driver included (this usually costs an extra $20–30/day).
A five-seat SUV can be rented for $75–200 per day, depending on the type of vehicle. The company, for safety reasons, needs a specific itinerary that details where you plan on going, the number of passengers, and the length of time you intend to rent the vehicle.
Accommodation
There are many lodges, hotels, and luxury camp options to choose from, depending on the park you choose. Hotel rooms need to be booked a few weeks in advance, especially during peak season. Rates start at $80 USD and go up from there.
If you’re an adventurous traveler who loves to be close to nature and can handle the howls of animals at night, camping is a great budget-friendly option. In Kenya, the main national parks that offer camping options are Hell’s Gate National Park, Tsavo East, Mt. Kenya National Park, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli, and Aberdare National Park.
Permits are necessary and can be arranged at the Kenya Wildlife Service office in Nairobi before heading out. The cost for camping is around $25 USD per adult per night.
In Tanzania, campsites are available at select game parks and are best booked in advance. Camping is permitted in Selous Game Reserve at two designated areas: Beho Beho Bridge and Lake Tangalala. Personal camping costs around $20 USD per night per person and must be arranged either in Dar Es Salaam city center before going to the park, or at Matambwe or Mtemere entry stations at the Selous reserve.
Planning Your Safari: Things to Know
National park entrance fees
Fees for national parks are charged by the day. Some of the smaller parks, like Nairobi National Park (Kenya) at $40 USD per day, or Mikumi (Tanzania) at $30 USD per day, are less expensive options.
Other more famous parks like Maasai Mara (Kenya), Serengeti (Tanzania), or Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania), can cost upwards of $60 USD per day, depending on whether it’s high or low season. If you’re driving your own vehicle, there are separate vehicle charges as well, often at $30–40 USD per day.
The time of year matters
Dry season (June–October) is usually the best time of the year to see wildlife, but it’s also the most expensive and busiest time of year. You need to decide what works best for your schedule and your money. If you can, consider going on a safari just before high season kicks in.
Good guides go a long way
Your safari guide will attempt to show you the East African Big 5: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos. However, there are many other big-ticket animals that are amazing to see, including cheetahs, hyenas, hippos, giraffes, jackals, crocodiles, and scores of antelope and gazelle.
Usually, your driver will double as your guide. It can be hard to find a good guide, but search around for a driver and confirm that he has a cunning eye for spotting wildlife.
To do this, find an experienced driver with an official tour guide license. You can also search KATO and TATO (mentioned above) for recommended guides that are experienced at finding wildlife. Unofficially, people from the Maasai tribe are known for their incredible animal-tracking skills.
7 Tips for Going on Safari in East Africa
To help you make the most out of your next safari in East Africa, here are some important tips:
- Charge your camera – Make sure you have a fully-charged camera, as well as a spare battery and extra SD cards. You don’t want to miss that perfect shot!
- Bring motion-sickness pills – Bouncing around in a jeep all day can make some people nauseous. If you get car sick easily, prepare accordingly.
- Find an ethical driver – All too often, safari drivers will try to get too close to the animals, which disturbs them and normalizes contact with humans. Book your safari with an ethical company that is concerned with the animal welfare.
- Buy travel insurance – While the odds of something going wrong are slim, it never hurts to be prepared!
- Prepare for dust – It can get dusty in your vehicle as you bounce along the dirt roads. Bring sunglasses to cover your eyes and a bandana or scarf for your face.
- Dress in layers – The mornings on safari can be cool (especially if you’re starting early) so bring a sweater or light jacket.
- Bring plenty of water – Your guide and/or driver will likely have water and food for you, but bring extra won’t hurt. Pack a water bottle as well as some snacks, just in case.
African Safari FAQ
How much do you tip a safari guide?
Generally speaking, you’ll want to tip between $5-10 USD per day for your guide and driver (more if they were excellent, and less if it was just a half-day trip).
Which safari is better Kenya or Tanzania?
Both countries offer amazing experiences, so there is no wrong answer. Kenya is often a little cheaper, but you can find amazing game drives in both countries.
What should I wear on safari in Kenya?
It’s likely going to get warm, so dress for the season. You’ll be in a vehicle most of the day so dress for comfort. Make sure to bring a sweater or light jacket as it can get cool in the mornings when you’re just starting out. Also, bring a hat an sunscreen.
Is Tanzania safe for tourists?
Yep! Tanzania is quite safe. As long as you practice common sense, you won’t run into any trouble.
What injections do you need for Tanzania and Kenya?
It’s recommended that you have shots for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, polio, and MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella). When visiting Tanzania, you’ll be required to show proof of a yellow fever vaccination if you’re arriving from a country with a risk of the disease (so, for example, if you’re visiting Tanzania from Kenya, you’ll want to make sure you have proof of your vaccination).
There’s always something exciting to experience on a safari in East Africa. If you can make the most of your East African safari by doing some pre-planning, you’ll have the adventure of your life!
Yes, a safari isn’t the most budget-friendly activity — but it is a once in a lifetime chance to see some of the most amazing wildlife and landscapes in the world. By following the tips and advice above you’ll be able to make the most out of your next safari in East African — all while saving some money too!
Mark Wiens is an African-raised cultural travel enthusiast and street-food connoisseur who loves to explore the local side of travel. He shares his adventures on Migrationology.
Book Your Trip to Africa: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner or Momondo to find a cheap flight. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned. Start with Skyscanner first though because they have the biggest reach!
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
- Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Naaz
I went to the Ngorongoro Crater, west of Arusha with my parents in 2003 or 2004. This was a package tour and we stayed at Sopa Lodges which provided excellent accommodations and food. It was a very memorable experience; highly recommend it!
Mark Wiens
Great Naaz, thanks for the recommendation! I have walked around a Sopa Lodge, and I agree, they are very nice!
Kirk
There are really a lot of options to choose from and the prices are fairly reasonable for an entire stay. I guess as anything goes the time of year makes a big difference in price and amount of visitors.
Mark Wiens
Yah, time of the year can mean huge price fluctuations, but it’s all about deciding what works best – with the time you have.
Alisha
This is a very organized well written article for Safaris in Eastern Africa! There is so much information out there on high end trips in the east it is almost daunting for the budget traveler. I have been researching safaris for the last couple of months as my travels will take me to East Africa in August. I will definitely use this as a resource to find the best safari for my budget!
Mark Wiens
On a whole, and in the past, the main Safari industry has really catered just towards package tours. Now there are more options for the budget travelers, looking to take safari’s at a less expense. Hope you have an awesome time when you get to East Africa!
Mark Wiens
Thanks Annette! Good luck persuading him!
Grace
Great tips Mark! I never thought about doing a DIY safari trip. I think it would make sense if you are a traveling with a group of close friends since it would be fun. Plus easier to organize. You mentioned that one can spend around 200-400 per day on a luxury safari package. Any idea on what the average daily rate is for budget packages nowadays?
Mark Wiens
Hey Grace, considering that just entry fees can cost $50 – $60 per day, plus accommodation, transportation, and food, it’s hard to find a budget safari tour for less than $100 – $150 per day. That being said, going on off-season, getting together a group of people, and straight talking to the tour company might be a way to get a more decent price. Are you thinking about taking a safari soon?
Mark Wiens
Cool, hope you have a chance to take a safari soon!
Jessie
how fascinating. i am always intrigued by going on safari. when are the best times of the year to go?
Mark Wiens
June – October, which is the dry season, is usually considered the best time of the year for a safari – however it is also the most expensive time of the year.
Angela
Never been to Africa, but constantly dreaming about it. Last time I’ve been to India I went to watch wildlife and I loved it, more than I expected really. I’m going back to India shortly and I really hope I’ll have a similar experience again. Africa must be truly fascinating. After Asia, ME and Africa are my next destinations, really looking forward to it 🙂
Mark Wiens
Great Angela! I’m hoping to go to India sometime this year as well! You will have an amazing time if you are able to visit Africa!
jen laceda
Oh…so many things to consider for a safari! I’d like to try both experiences, if possible – luxury and DIY safari!
Rob
The luxury places really are mint, flew over sine yesterday. I did a camping trip with friends in Lake Manyara and saw everything. If you don’t have friends here recommend a company. Going in one vehicle isn’t safe as you may get stuck and once camp is setup, you are really at the mercy if the surrounding animals. Safari is cool and one of the must do on a proper trip around the world one. Believes.
Cool article
Marina NC
Safari in Africa is a wonderful experience. From ur i think it is affordable too. Actually we need such articles from somebody’s experience. thanks for sharing
Rebecca
Going back to Africa later this year and cannot wait to go on safari!
Shannon
Thank you for the informative blog! I cant wait to pen it in our travel plans for December.
NomadicMatt
You’re welcome.
Andy
Hey there, good tips on safaris. I’ve never been to east Africa but would love to go sometime. Hoping to do a extended overlander with my girlfriend and see lots of the continent.
I did a self-drive safari in Namibia which was really a bargain. I rented a Corolla and drove myself through the park – let me tell you, a safari can be pretty intimidating when you’re in a compact car by yourself, but it was also a blast.
Keep posting your amazing articles!
Elizabeth
What are your thoughts regarding anti-maleria pills? I’m traveling to Kenya and Rwanda soon and my research indicates that the side affects of these drugs can be really bad. I’m considering taking my chances with lots of organic bug detterent. What do you think?
Thanks!
Niels
Hi Elizabeth! If you still have some time ahead of you before going to east Africa, you should look into testing the different types of pills. I know mefloquine and doxycycline, for example. People always react on them differently. Doxycycline is an antibiotic and mefloquine caused some side effects for me and my stomach :S
Mosquito nets are super important and there are also small anti malaria stuffs you can plug into your electricity outlet over night in your room to fight Mosquitos.
If you are staying for longer and you stay in a region at a hi altitude, you will find out that there are hardly any Mosquitos and the risk of malaria is not so high. In cities like Kampala, however, you have to really watch your environment. Mainly because Mosquitos breed in the tiniest ponds and in the swamps, and of course lake Victoria.
Our site could be useful to you: Instinct Safaris offers Eco tourism and walking safaris in the Great Lakes Region! Mostly with destinations in higher altitudes and less Mosquitos 🙂
Ryan Faas
Guides sure do go a long way. Our guide was a magician at spotting animals and making them appear and could maneuver a safari truck pretty much anywhere.
As for malaria pills, my wife and I both took Doxy and the only problems we had were being more sensitive to the sun, which was tough on us pasty folks.
wayne
Hi
I’m just starting the research in looking for a safari for sept 2014.
What I’m looking at is incorporating a safari into a 2 week holiday, would like the “less commercial” side if possible as well.
When you start to price everything together, ie flights from the UK, accommodation, safari etc etc, it works out quite expensive. If you price up for example just a all inclusive deal to africa you can get some cheap deals including flights and accom. Would this be an option then to sought out your safari yourself?
Thanks