Is Kenya Expensive?

Is Kenya expensive to visit?

Kenya is known as both a well-liked and moderately priced destination. It falls roughly in the middle range for overall travel costs. When compared to the rest of Africa, it is a moderately priced country. It places in the top 50% of countries in Africa for its travel costs. This puts it on par with destinations such as Uganda and Swaziland.

With a few popular places to visit for tourists, Kenya has some popular destinations with a variety of prices. The most expensive is Masai Mara. If you're looking for a cheaper place, you can visit Nairobi.


Average daily price of selected cities in Kenya, by affordability
City Average Daily Cost
Lake Nakuru $113
Masai Mara $111
Tsavo National Park $110
Mombasa $65
Nairobi $63
Diani $53


Flamingos at Nakuru National Park, Kenya

How expensive is Kenya?

The average daily spending amount for tourists in Kenya tends to be around $124 (U.S. Dollars). Keep in mind that your travel style, spending habits, and trip length will influence these costs. However, you can keep fairly close to this budget if you opt for moderately priced hotels, dine at economical restaurants, and make use of public transportation when available. See more travel costs for Kenya here.

How expensive is a one week trip to Kenya?

A one week trip to Kenya costs about $868 per person on average, based on the previous expenses of other travelers. This includes accommodation, sightseeting activities, transportation, food, and nightlife. For two people, a one week trip costs $1,736.

How expensive is a two week trip to Kenya?

Based on the travel expenses of others, a two week trip to Kenya costs around $1,736 on average, per person. This includes food, sightseeing, local transportation, accommodation, and nightlife. For two people, a two week trip costs $3,472.

How expensive is a month long trip to Kenya?

Based on our calculations from previous travelers, a one month trip to Kenya will cost around $3,720 per person. This amount includes sightseeing activities, hotels, restaurants, local transportation, and other travel expenses. For two people, a one month trip would cost $7,441.



Mombasa beach resort, Kenya

Is it expensive to backpack in Kenya?

Kenya is a somewhat popular destination for backpackers, offering over 20 hostels around the country. The average cost for a dorm room in one of these hostels is around $13 per night. (See details on hostel prices in Kenya here.) Backpackers often head first to hostels in Nairobi and Diani. For budget-friendly options, Nairobi offer some of the most affordable hostels, averaging $14 per night. Conversely, you'll find the most expensive hostels on average in Nairobi with an average cost of $14 per night.

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Kenya.

  • $14 for a dorm bed at Nairobi Backpackers Hostel in Nairobi
  • $14 for a dorm bed at Diani Backpackers in Diani
  • $10 for a dorm bed at TuliaHouse Backpackers in Mombasa

Where to find affordable hostels in Kenya
City Number of Hostels Average Price for a Dorm
Nairobi 12 $14

Are hotels expensive in Kenya?

Hotel prices in Kenya are moderately priced and fairly even compared to other countries around the world. You can expect to spend about $141 a night for a room on average. Some cities in Kenya are more expensive than others, like Masai Mara, where hotel prices average $535 a night. There are also even more affordable destinations such as Mombasa, averaging $76 per night for a hotel room.


Where to find affordable hotels in Kenya
City Average Hotel Price
Masai Mara $535
Tsavo National Park $249
Diani $232
Lake Nakuru $98
Nairobi $76
Mombasa $76

Milimani Road, Nairobi
Overall Rating 9.3
Bamburi Beach, Mombasa
Overall Rating 9.2


Tsavo National Park, Kenya

How expensive are sightseeing activities in Kenya?

In Kenya, the cost of activities and things to do can vary by the type of activity, its length, and the location. To provide an estimate of what to expect during your visit, below are several popular activities that are common in the country. On average, previous travelers have spent around $40 per day on sightseeing and entertainment.

    • Nairobi National Park and Giraffe Centre half day tour: $158
    • Ismael's Kibera Slum Tour : $65
    • Private day tour to hell's gate national Park and lake Naivasha : $135
    • 5 Hours Nairobi National Park Early Morning Private Tour: $100
    • Day Tour To Kiambethu Tea Farm in Limuru: $115
    • Private Nairobi National Park Day Tour : $150
    • Coffee farm tour, coffee roasting and tasting experience: $35
    • Nairobi City Guided Walking Tour: $40

    Is food expensive in Kenya?

    In Kenya, the cost of food can vary by the type of restaurant and food options available. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible. On average, previous travelers have spent around $28 per day on food, per person.

    • Nairobi Nightlife and Safari Park Hotel Dinner Experience: $155
    • Private Kenyan Cooking Class in Nairobi with a Local: $76
    • Traditional Kikuyu Cooking in Nairobi with a Local Family: $80
    • Safari Park Dinner with Safari Cats Dance Show: $91
    • Nairobi dinner and safari cat dancers : $97
    • Afternoon visit to Bomas of Kenya and Dinner Carnivore: $162


    A Masai Warrior near Masai Mara National Park

    Is transportation expensive in Kenya?

    Local transportation in Kenya can vary in price depending on the type of transit used. Generally, other travelers have spent $34 on local transportation per person per day. To save money, take public transit whenever possible, as it will almost always be cheaper than a taxi or private driver.

    Expenses for intercity transportation within Kenya can vary based on the type of transportation used and the distance traveled. On average, previous travelers have spent $82 per person per day for intercity transit. To save money, it's advisable to choose long-distance buses or trains over air travel. This is generally a more cost-effective choice despite the potential increase in travel time.

    More for Kenya

    If you're planning a trip to Kenya, check out these other informative travel guides.



    We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



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