Hi Everyone,
I'm planning the following itinerary and received a quote of $3700 USD from a travel agent based in Nairobi. Can anyone share some feedback on whether the price is right? Its personally out of my budget and am hoping for a budget friendly version. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
DAY 1: Arrive Nairobi
DAY 2 : Samburu
DAY3 : Samburu
DAY4 : Samburu- Sweetwaters tented camp
DAY5 : Sweetwaters - Lake Nakuru ( Lion Hill )
DAY 6: Lake Nakuru- Masai Mara
DAY 7: Masai Mara
DAY 8: Masai Mara
DAY 9: Masai Mara- Nairobi
At Samburu / Sweetwaterstentedcamp / Masai Mara at Serena Lodges and Lake Nakuru at Sarova lion hill. Staying with friends in Nairobi so no hotel expenses.
SAFARI PRICES INCLUDES:-
- RELIABLE tourist type built minibus.
- Safari Starting/Ending in Nairobi
- Game drive/Game Viewing/
- - Experienced, English Speaking driver guide.
- Fuel.
- Park entrance fees for the vehicle and driver
- Accommodation with en-suite shower/toilet.
Thoughts on a)is the price right and b) are there other budget friendly options?
Thanks so much!
Is the price right? Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Sweetwaters, Masai Mara $3700USD
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I posted on your other thread but price to a large extent is determined by the number of people traveling. If it's just you that could account for the higher cost. If there are at least 2 of you, then I would say you should definitely get other quotes (I'm assuming this is an all drive itinerary but correct me if I'm wrong). What is your budget?
It appears to be all driving.
But - when are you traveling? and Is this for 1/pax or 2/pax.
If for peak-season between July/Sept. the price avgs $462/person which is in-line with this period.
Price includes: room, all meals on safari, daily park fees, private guide/vehicle, taxes.
Excludes: tips/gratuities for guide and lodge staff, beverages, personal items (laundry, email, phone), trip insurance, malaria meds and inoculations, entry Visa, Flying Doctor's Membership (see: www.amref.org).
Instead of Serena at Samburu, ask about the Sopa; At Mara, instead of Serena, ask about Keekorok or Simba Lodges... prices should be slightly lower.
HI Patty and Sandi,
Price is for one person and my travel dates are Dec 1-13th. My budget is $200/night. Is that reasonable for budget travel or should I be planning for at least $400/night?
Sandi: Thanks for alternate suggestions- are these places in the same area as my original choices but less luxurious therefore less expensive?
If you're traveling solo, $200/night won't be enough for a private safari. The vehicle cost and park fees added together would be more than that amount per night without adding accommodations/meals yet.
To bring your cost down, you could look at joining a group. The tricky part is finding one that offers an itinerary you like that you could join. Not all operators put groups together and even those that do may not know this far out if they have anything going for your time frame. You could try www.gametrackersafaris.com which I believe organizes group safaris though these are more commonly camping ones than lodge accommodated.
Good luck!