The short answer
- Check
- Reviews, KATO membership, written quote
- Red flag
- Prices below the park fees
- Pay
- By card or bank transfer, not cash to touts
- Ask
- Vehicle, camps, group size
Hundreds of companies sell Kenya safaris, from tiny Nairobi offices to international brands. Most are honest, but very cheap offers and touts at the airport or on the street are where problems start.
Seven checks before you book
0 of 7 done
Red flags
- A price that can't cover the park fees. Test it in our safari cost calculator.
- Pressure to pay cash today, or to pay a person rather than a company account.
- Vague answers about camps, vehicles or what's included.
- Approaches on the street, at the airport or through unsolicited messages.
Booking through a platform
Booking through a large platform adds verified reviews, secure payment and a clear cancellation policy. The safaris on this site come from booking partners, with real traveller reviews and prices shown in your currency.
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Frequently asked questions
What is KATO?
The Kenya Association of Tour Operators, a trade body whose members agree to a code of conduct. Membership is a useful, though not the only, sign of a reputable operator.
How much deposit should I pay for a Kenya safari?
Deposits of 20 to 50% are common, with the balance before travel. Pay by card or bank transfer to a company account and get a written receipt.
Sources we checked
Kenya month by month
More Kenya guides
Best time to visit Kenya: safari seasons, rains and the migration
June to October and January to February are the best months for a Kenya safari, with dry weather and animals gathered near water. July to October adds the Great Migration in the Masai Mara, at peak prices.
Updated 16 October 2026
The Great Migration in Kenya: when and where to see it
Around 1.5 million wildebeest, with zebras and gazelles, circle between Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara. They are usually in the Mara from July to October, with river crossings peaking in August and September.
Updated 16 October 2026
How much does a Kenya safari cost? Prices, park fees and a calculator
Expect about US$150 to 250 per person per day on a budget safari, US$300 to 500 mid range and US$700 or more for luxury, including park fees. Park fees alone can be US$200 to 600 per person on a short Masai Mara trip.
Updated 16 October 2026
Masai Mara safari guide: reserve or conservancy, how long and how to get there
The Masai Mara is Kenya's most famous safari, with big cats all year and the Great Migration from July to October. Choose between the busy national reserve and quieter private conservancies, and allow at least two or three nights.
Updated 16 October 2026