How much does a trip to Kenya cost?

A tailor-made Kenya holiday with travoHolidays starts from US$3,426.40 per person for a seven-night safari, and our nine-night Masai Mara and Diani Beach trip starts from US$3,895.60 per person (travoHolidays package prices, November 2026). Prices are per person, two sharing, land only, and vary by travel date and hotel. Add international flights, the eTA and Kenya's government travel health insurance.

travoHolidays package prices

The first itinerary links three of Kenya's classic parks: Amboseli for elephants beneath Kilimanjaro, Lake Nakuru in the Rift Valley and the Masai Mara. The second pairs the Mara with time on the coast at Diani Beach. Both can be adjusted for lodge class, length and travel style, and your quote will list which park fees are included.

Official fixed costs

Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)

Most visitors need an eTA, applied for online before departure through the official Kenya eTA portal. The portal's FAQs say fees depend on the type of application, with standard processing starting at US$30 and an extra US$100 for expedited processing, as of November 2026. Applications are usually processed in about three working days, and the authorities advise applying at least two weeks ahead. Citizens of several East African countries and some other nationalities are exempt for set periods, so check your own status.

Government travel health insurance

According to the UK Foreign Office, from 5 October 2026 most visitors staying under 12 months must buy Kenyan government travel health insurance, either during the eTA application or through the eCitizen insurance portal; foreign travel insurance is not accepted in its place. The official FAQ document says the premium is displayed on eCitizen at purchase and that cover totals up to US$50,000 per person for medical costs, evacuation and repatriation. The African Travel and Tourism Association, citing that guidance, reports the policy at US$44. Citizens of East African Community partner states, residents and children under three are exempt.

Park and reserve fees

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) sets fees for national parks, which apply per person for each 24-hour visit, while the Masai Mara is run by county authorities with its own tariff. Nation reported in July 2026 that Mara entry for non-resident adults is US$200 per 12-hour ticket from July to December and US$100 from January to June.

Cost components at a glance

What drives the price

• Season: July to October is the peak, and Mara fees double from July. Our month-by-month guide to Kenya explains the trade-offs.
• Where you stay in the Mara: camps inside the reserve, on its edge or in private conservancies differ in price and in the fees you pay.
• Road or air: flying between Nairobi, the Mara and the coast saves long drives but adds flight costs.
• Lodge class and room type, including private vehicles and guides.
• Number of nights inside parks, since each day carries a conservation fee.

Ways to save

• Travel in January, February or the shoulder weeks around the rains, when Mara fees are lower and lodges often reduce rates.
• Spend part of the trip at the coast; beach nights usually cost less than nights in reserves.
• Keep the route compact. Amboseli, Nakuru and the Mara work well by road from Nairobi.
• Choose a mid-level lodge in one park and save your splurge for the Mara.
• Book early for July to September, when the best-value camps fill first.

Money on the ground

The local currency is the Kenyan shilling (KES). The US State Department notes that you can bring in any amount of currency but can take out no more than KES 100,000 when you leave. Cards are widely used in cities and lodges, but carry some cash for markets and small purchases. For entry, health and transport basics, see our first-time visitor's guide to Kenya and the Kenya destination overview.

Want a firm price for your dates and preferred lodges? Request a costed Kenya itinerary and a specialist will itemise every fee.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

1. Republic of Kenya eTA — Frequently asked questions
2. Republic of Kenya eTA — General information and exemptions
3. GOV.UK (FCDO) — Kenya travel advice: entry requirements
4. ATTA — Inbound Travel Health Insurance FAQs (Kenya Tourism Board document, PDF)
5. ATTA — Kenya issues new FAQ guidance on mandatory visitor health insurance
6. Kenya Wildlife Service — Conservation fees 2025 (PDF)
7. Nation (Kenya) — Wildebeest migration season kicks off in Maasai Mara
8. US Department of State — Kenya international travel information