Straight answers
The top end, answered plainly
Including where we would tell you to spend less.
Value
What price does and does not buy
At what point does spending more stop improving the trip?
In our view, around US$1,500 per person per night. Above that you are buying scarcity, architecture and a name. The marginal money goes further on a private guide, an extra night, or a second contrasting park.
Is a famous camp worth its premium?
Sometimes. Often the premium is reputational — the camp was genuinely exceptional a decade ago and is now merely very good at a much higher price. We will tell you when we think that is the case.
Should I book the reserve or a conservancy at this level?
A conservancy, almost always. At the top end you are paying for the absence of other vehicles, and the reserve cannot sell you that at any price. The exception is crossing season, when a river-front reserve camp buys proximity nothing else can.
What is actually included in a safari price?
A Kenya safari is usually quoted fully inclusive: accommodation, all meals, park and conservancy fees, your guide and vehicle, and transport between parks. Most camps include soft drinks, house wine, beer and laundry.
Not included: international flights, visas or travel authorisation, travel insurance, tips, premium drinks, and extras like balloon flights and spa treatments.
Practical
Booking and logistics
How far ahead should I book?
For July to October — the migration months in the Masai Mara — six to twelve months is normal, and the best small camps sell out first. Christmas and New Year book up just as early.
For the shoulder months, three to four months is usually comfortable. Inside eight weeks we can still put a very good trip together, but you are choosing from what is left rather than from everything.
Can you arrange private charter flights?
Yes. They are priced per aircraft rather than per seat, so they become sensible above about four people, and they buy back real time on a multi-park trip.
Do you handle special occasions?
Yes, and tell us on the form. Most camps will do something for a honeymoon, anniversary or significant birthday, and it costs nothing to arrange. It also changes what we suggest.
Do you charge for planning?
No. Sending your dates, getting an itinerary and getting a costed quote is free and carries no obligation. Money only changes hands when you decide to hold space at a camp.
Who actually arranges my safari?
This site is a planning guide. When you send an enquiry it goes to Nomad Africa, our partner travel agency in Kenya, who prepare your itinerary and quote and handle the booking, the payments and you on the ground.
You deal with one team from the first email to the airport transfer home.
More from our Kenya guides
Specialist guides across our Kenya network
Each of these is a focused guide we publish. Same Kenya specialist behind every enquiry.
Still weighing it up?
Send your dates and your party. We will tell you what your budget reaches, and where it would be wasted.