How to pay for your Kenyan Safari
Seeking a bucket list adventure in Kenya , planning and understanding how to pay for your safari is very important.
First of all , the cost of a Kenyan safari depends on your travel style whether your seeking a budget safari , mid range safari or luxury safari .
A budget safari involves basic camping facilities like public camps , shared vehicles and park fees and costs around 150 to 300 dollars per person . Mid range covers more comfortable lodges , private guides and added amenities and costs around 300 to 600 dollars . Luxury covers exclusive lodges , gourmet dining and private game drives costing around 800 to 1500 dollars per person.
It’s important before lying that travelers research reputable tour operators and ask for theor paying terms and conditions. Most established companies require 20% to 50 % payment to secure your booking with the balance due payable a few weeks before travel . However in peak seasons that is in June to September and December to February companies may require full payment compared to shoulder seasons .
Most of the tour operators amd lodges in Kenya offer various paying options to travelers but the best depend on security , fees and convenience offered .
Credit cards or Debit cards are one of the widely used method of payment because of the security offered . These usually charge a 3-5% transaction charge so tourists need to confirm before makimg payment .
Bank transfers are also common and these need verifying the safari company’s bank details before payment . They usually take about 2-5 business days and are mostly used for large deposits or full payments.
Online payments are also available although not so common like other methods . These usually offer competitive exchange rates for international payments . Platforms used include ; PayPal , Wise or payoneer .
Cash is also readily acceptable by lodges and tour operators however not advisable in terms of security . It mostly used to make small payments to like tips , and mostly required by smaller tour operators.
Paying for your safari should be smooth as possible , research reputable companies and compare quotations before paying .
