A complete breakdown of costs for my trip to Kenya and Tanzania

When I first booked this trip (six weeks before I left – standard me), I knew this was going to be on the pricier side than the usual budget trips I plan. Not only because I left it a little last minute, but because Safaris can certainly add up quickly. Knowing this, I was really interested in tracking all of my spending for this trip and figured a complete breakdown of my costs could be beneficial for any else planning to travel to Kenya and Tanzania. From having a better idea of how much you’ll need to save or if you might need to budget more if you like a little more shopping than I do, here’s everything I spent in the 12 days:

Prior to leaving

Return Flights (Perth/ Nairobi) – AUD $3000
If you’re a Qantas Frequent Flyer, here’s a little tip: I used Qantas points that were soon to expire and got AUD $400 off. So my $3400 flights were reduced to $3000

“East Africa Highlights” 10-day Tour with Intrepid – AUD $3794
I booked it last minute so I managed to snag a deal with AUD $1626 off the price! But I paid for it with booking last minute flights, which were pricey to say the least.

Pre-booked arrival transfer from Nairobi Airport to hotel – AUD $64
You could grab a taxi on arrival and this would cost around USD $20-30.

Travel Consult* – AUD $82
This was a medical appointment with a registered medical practitioner.

Yellow Fever vaccination* – AUD $138.00

Hep A and Typhoid vaccination* – AUD $190.00

Malarone Tablets* – AUD $60-80
Sooo I’ve lost the receipt for this one so this is an estimation. I know they were quite pricey!

Visa for Kenya – AUD $79
Payment for this is USD $50. You’ll pay for this in USD so the conversion rate to AUD might differ from what I’ve written.

Visa for Tanzania (at the border) AUD $79
Payment for this is USD $50. You’ll pay for this in USD so the conversion rate to AUD might differ from what I’ve written.

Visa for Tanzania that I processed too late online so it didn’t come through in time (hence above) AUD $79
Payment for this is USD $50. This won’t apply to you unless you make the same mistake I did (pleaaaase don’t haha). Organise those visas 3-4 weeks before your trip and not days before like me (story for another time!)

At Dubai Airport

Nutella Cafe – AUD $14.75

Starbucks – AUD $6.32

Water – AUD $.85

Pre-tour

Pre-tour accomodation (1 night) – AUD $ 118.69

Dinner at hotel (Main and a drink) – AUD $ 13.42

Lunch at hotel (Entree and a drink) – AUD $12.87

Dinner at hotel (Main and a drink) – AUD $ 9.68

On the tour

Snacks and drinks for the bus – AUD $14.52

Lunch (day 2 of tour)- AUD $10

More snacks and drinks – AUD $25

Buffet Dinner (day 8 of tour) – AUD $23.62

Buffet Dinner (day 9 of tour) – AUD $23.62

Tipping kitty – AUD $79
Our group decided to do a tipping kitty for hotel staff, local tour guides, etc. We put in USD $50 each.

Tips for Tour Leader, Chef and Driver – AUD $120
I tipped in USD or KSh (Our crew were Kenyan and would be able to use the Kenyan currency. However, USD is preferred.

Post Tour

Post-tour accomodation (1 night) – AUD $120.48

Cost for taxi to and from Giraffe Centre – AUD $31.92
Cost split between two people. Total cost before splitting was USD $40.

Giraffe Centre Entry – AUD $15
Entry price is KSh 1500.

Lunch (fries and a drink) – AUD $8

Dinner (main and a drink) – AUD $15

Breakfast (with a drink) – AUD $12

Taxi to the airport – AUD $23.62
Split the ride with someone from my tour group who ended up on the same flight. Total cost before splitting was USD $30.

Lunch at Nairobi airport (main and a drink) – AUD $14.48

Shopping/ souvenirs

Bag of spice – AUD $9.93

Key rings, magnets etc – AUD $25.20

Bracelet from the Hadzabe tribe – AUD $20

Dubai Airport

McDonald’s fries – AUD $7.24

English Breakfast tea –  AUD $8.08

Total = AUD $8,368.29^

Hopefully, seeing a complete breakdown of costs for my trip to Kenya and Tanzania can help you save and have a better idea of a budget for your tip. Even if your budget looks a little different to mine, I hope this might give you a little more insight to plan according to your spending habits.

For tips about how to manage your money while in Kenya and Tanzania (as well as a few other money tips), be sure to read “8 money tips you NEED to know for Kenya and Tanzania“.

 

* This is not meant as medical advice, please always consult a doctor in relation to what vaccinations you will require according to the destinations you’re travelling to and your own vaccination history.

^ While the prices quoted are what I paid as at 17 October 2023, they may vary for you.