A luxury safari in Kenya can cost anywhere between $700 and $1200 per person, per night, depending on levels of exclusivity, location, and included services. At Enkewa Camp, for example, the rate is approximately €500 (~$540) per person, per night, and provides a fully inclusive package with private safaris, all meals, and an uncompromising level of intimacy and immersion. But what factors impact these costs, and what makes a safari worth the price? Let’s break it all down.
Understanding the Real Cost of a Safari in Africa
When most travellers begin planning their dream trip to Kenya, “How much does a safari cost?” is one of the first questions they ask. The honest answer? It varies drastically. The price of a safari mainly depends on your preferred level of comfort, the location of your stay, and what is included in your package.
While budget options exist for travellers wanting to experience the magic of Africa, mid-range and luxury options offer far more than just cost differences. From ecological conservation, personalised experiences, and more respectful wildlife viewing, what you invest in matters significantly.
Before exploring the various price ranges, let’s first consider the factors influencing safari costs.
Main Factors that Influence Safari Prices
Accommodation Type
The accommodation style you choose is one of the biggest determinants of price.
- Budget Options include basic camps with shared facilities or modest lodges.
- Mid-Range options include more comfortable lodges or upgraded tent camps, sometimes with private bathrooms and semi-luxurious settings.
- Luxury Tents or Boutique Camps like Enkewa offer ultra-comfortable private suites, gourmet dining, and exclusive amenities.
Location
Proximity to national reserves or game parks also significantly impacts costs.
- Staying inside the reserve (e.g., Enkewa inside Masai Mara National Reserve) offers unrivalled wildlife access and naturally results in higher prices.
- Accommodation outside the park boundaries may come at a lower cost but often entails longer drives into wildlife areas and less immersive experiences.
Seasonality
The time of year plays a big role in safari costs:
- High Season (June–October, January–February): Greater wildlife visibility during events such as the Great Migration pushes demand (and prices) higher.
- Low Season (March–May, November–December): Fewer tourists and discounted rates make this a cost-effective time to visit.
Group vs Private Safaris
Joining a group safari (shared with other guests) reduces costs but sacrifices privacy and flexibility.
Opting for a private safari allows complete personalisation and ensures you experience the wilderness at your preferred pace.
What’s Included
Each safari package varies, so pay attention to what’s included:
- Game drives (shared or private)
- Guides (local expertise matters)
- Meals (basic vs gourmet)
- Park fees
- Airport or park transfers
A comprehensive package simplifies the process, so there are no surprise costs during your trip.
Here’s a quick cost breakdown to give you a clearer picture.
Safari Cost Ranges in Kenya (Per Person Per Night)
| Type of Safari | Price Range (USD) | What’s Included |
| Budget Group Tour | $150–$300 | Shared transport, basic tents, group guide |
| Mid-Range Lodge | $400–$600 | Comfortable lodge, some meals, shared safari |
| Luxury Safari Camp | $700–$1200 | Premium location, private guide, gourmet meals |
| Enkewa Camp | €500 (~$540) | All-inclusive, private safaris, eco-luxury experience, personalised Maasai-guided safaris |
What You Get at Enkewa Camp
At Enkewa Camp or at Little Enkewa, you’re not just booking a place to sleep; you’re signing up for an authentic, intimate connection with the heart of Masai Mara and its vibrant wildlife. Here’s what sets Enkewa apart:
- Prime Location: Nestled within a remote area of Masai Mara National Reserve, far from the crowded tourist hubs.
- Exclusive Safaris: Personalised, private adventures guided by highly knowledgeable Maasai guides.
- Eco-Luxury Accommodation: Only five intimate tents promise unparalleled privacy and connection to nature.
- Wildlife Encounters: Exceptional opportunities to spot rare species, including the elusive black rhino.
- All-Inclusive Pricing: Accommodation, private game drives, gourmet meals, cultural visits, and park fees are all covered. No hidden extras.
- Cultural Immersion: Visit authentic Maasai villages to experience their traditions and way of life.
At Enkewa, your experience is enhanced by its founder’s personal touch and a deep commitment to sustainability, ensuring that every visit supports both conservation and the local community.
Why Some Safaris Are Cheap and What That Means
For travellers enticed by lower-cost options, it’s essential to understand what’s being sacrificed. Cheaper safaris often mean:
- Crowded Experiences: Up to six people cramped into a single jeep with rigid schedules.
- Out-of-Park Accommodation: Staying further away leads to hours on dusty roads before reaching wildlife areas.
- Minimal Respect for Wildlife: Poorly managed operations can unintentionally harm ecosystems and disrupt animals.
- Generic Meals and Comfort: Forget fresh, locally-inspired meals or thoughtful service.
- Silent Cultural Disconnect: Often lacking real respect for local traditions.
Choosing a Safari That’s Worth It
When planning, the decision isn’t about spending less but about gaining more. A safari is, for many, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether you spend three days or two weeks in the heart of Africa, it’s the depth of your connection to the environment, wildlife, and culture that makes it truly unforgettable.
Enkewa, with its deliberately low-impact and high-value ethos, provides an unmatched opportunity to combine intimacy, adventure, and meaning into one extraordinary trip.
The Value Behind the Price
A safari tells a story of discovery—not only about wildlife but also about yourself. The value of a safari is not found in the cost alone but in the memories you collect, the people you meet, and the respect you develop for nature.
At Enkewa Camp, your investment goes far beyond comfort. It supports sustainability, nurtures culture, and offers you the rare chance to experience Africa at its most breathtaking. If you’re ready to escape the ordinary and set foot in a world that truly feels alive, we’d love to welcome you to our home.
Explore your perfect stay with Enkewa by visiting these pages:
- Your Stay
- Activities and Experience
- Cuisine
- Meet the Founder
Your Journey Awaits. Shall We Start?
