Backpacking Kenya. Budget for low cost travellers.

¿ How much money do you need to travel in Kenya ?

We visited Kenya in May 2015, moving with public transport, sleeping in small local hotels, eating in local restaurants and doing couchsurfing. No activities. Cheap country this way!
You can see all the details on the right sidebar menu.

Kenya is a famous destination in Africa. At least some of its game parks, like Masai-Mara, Nakuru, Naivasha Lake, not too far from its big capital, Nairobi. But visiting a game park in Kenya is quite expensive as entrance fees are high. Even if you rent a car! And to visit game parks joining a safari tour will cost at least 100-150 $/pp/day. Activities are always expensive in East Africa!


   MONEY IN KENYA

Kenya currency is the Shilling (KSh or Sh)
In May 2015, the exchange rate was 1 € = 103 Sh. Good ATM rate.
 
For tourist activities (national parks, safaris, etc.) and in some tourist hotels, US$ are also used. But also possible to pay in Shillings.  
 
   Reference prices when planning a budget trip in Kenya   

In Kenya, there are 2 galaxies: the cheap everyday´s life and the expensive tourist prices.
If you are a foreigner, you will always pay much more than locals or residents in national parks.

Accommodation in Kenya:

- Room in local lodges: 600-1000 Sh (6-10 €), medium size bed.
- Room in tourist camp/place: from 4.000-5.000 Sh (40-50 €).
- Camping in a national park: 20$/pp (and basic!).

Food in Kenya:
- Dish in a local restaurant: 100-350 Sh (1-3.5 €).
- "Nyama choma" (meat restaurant): 500 Sh/1 kg for 2 (5€).
- Snacks: cheap, less than 1 €.
- Take away food in supermarkets: correct price.
- Supermarkets: well supplied, price is OK. But not cheaper than Spain, similar!

Transport in Kenya:
Matatus are around 200 Sh (2 €) for a 1 hour trip (around 50-80 km). The most normal way to move from A to B in Kenya. Correct.

National Parks in Kenya:
Famous and popular parks have expensive fees, 50-80 $/pp/day (plus at least 4 $/car/day). Smaller parks around Naivasha cost 30 $/pp/day. Not the cheapest place to see wild life in Africa!

OUR BUDGET IN  KENYA (19 days/ 18 nights), for 2 people:
Average change: 1 € =  104 Kenya Shilling
  • Accommodation: 11.500 Sh ( 111 €)
          Note:  2 nights couchsurfing in Nairobi.
  • Food/drinks: 8.300 Sh ( 80 €)
  • Transport: 6.500 Sh ( 63 €)
  • Mixed: 500 Sh (5 €)
  • Visa: 55 €
          East Africa visa (Rwanda + Uganda + Kenya) 100 $/pp
  • Insurrance:  10 €
Total: 324 € for 2 people for 19 days/18 nights

Average budget /day in KENYA: 18 € for 2 people.
Average budget /month in KENYA: 539 € for 2 people.

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