Get a detailed estimate of your Kenya travel expenses from India, covering flights, accommodation, food, visa, insurance, and more.
Planning a trip to Kenya from India involves several cost components. These depend on travel dates, preferences, and location choices within Kenya. Here's a breakdown:
Flights are often the biggest upfront expense when planning a trip to Kenya from India. The most common international entry points into Kenya are Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi and Moi International Airport (MBA) in Mombasa.
Return fares in economy class typically range from ₹40,000 to ₹70,000, depending on your city of departure, time of booking, and travel season.
Departure Cities
Major Indian metros like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru offer the best international connections and most competitive fares. These routes often include a stopover in the Middle East (e.g., Doha, Dubai, or Abu Dhabi).
Seasonal Impact
Airfares tend to rise during peak tourist months like July to September and December to January. If you’re travelling during these times, book early to avoid higher rates.
Cheaper Windows
You’re more likely to get discounted fares in the off-season, particularly during April, May, and early November.
Booking Timeline
Booking 2 to 3 months in advance generally results in better prices and more airline options.
Flight Duration
The total travel time from India to Kenya varies between 10 to 15 hours, including layovers. There are no direct flights, so a one-stop route is most common.
Note: You can use tools to track fares or apps to monitor flight prices and set alerts for drops. Always check if luggage, meals, and taxes are included before finalising your booking.
Kenya offers a wide range of accommodation options suitable for every type of traveller. Prices as part of your trip cost to Kenya to India vary based on location, comfort level, and travel season:
Type of Stay |
Average Cost per Night (INR) |
Budget Hotel/Hostel |
₹1,500 – ₹2,500 |
Midrange Hotel |
₹3,500 – ₹6,000 |
Luxury Safari Lodge |
₹15,000 – ₹35,000+ |
Note: In national parks, lodges are priced higher due to the inclusive safari packages and limited access. Booking in advance helps get better rates, especially during high season.
Kenyan cuisine is diverse, with Indian, African, and Arabic influences. Eating out is generally affordable, especially in local settings:
Street Food & Local Eateries
Basic meals like chapati, rice, stews, and grilled meats cost around ₹300 to ₹500 per day if you eat local.
Midrange Restaurants
Dining in clean and comfortable restaurants may cost ₹800 to ₹1,500 per day, depending on the location and food choice.
High-End Dining
Upscale restaurants in hotels or tourist areas can cost ₹2,000 or more per day, especially if you opt for multi-course meals or international cuisine.
Note: Vegetarian food is available, but options may be limited outside Nairobi or Mombasa. Indian restaurants are also present in major cities, though priced slightly higher.
Getting around Kenya can be affordable if planned well. Public transport is cheap but not always comfortable. For tourists, safer alternatives are available, such as:
Local Travel
Minibuses called matatus are the most common way to get around cities, costing ₹50 to ₹200 per ride. However, they are often crowded and may lack safety standards.
Taxis and Ride Apps
Taxis are available in major cities. Ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt operate in Nairobi and Mombasa. Fares start from ₹300 to ₹600 for short trips.
Car Rentals
Renting a car with a driver is ideal for safari travel or regional trips. Expect to pay ₹3,000 to ₹6,000 per day, depending on vehicle type and distance.
Domestic Flights
Kenya has a few local airlines flying between major destinations. A one-way ticket from Nairobi to Maasai Mara can cost ₹5,000 to ₹10,000.
Note: For safaris, transport is usually included in the package cost.
Kenya is known for wildlife safaris, scenic landscapes, and cultural experiences. Many activities have fixed pricing, especially those regulated by the government:
Activity |
Approx. Cost (INR) |
Maasai Mara Safari (full-day) |
₹6,000 – ₹10,000 |
Amboseli National Park Entry |
₹3,000 – ₹5,000 |
Giraffe Centre / Elephant Orphanage |
₹500 – ₹1,000 |
Nairobi City Tour |
₹1,500 – ₹3,000 |
Note: Safari costs usually include park entry, guide charges, and transportation. Booking activities as part of a tour package may reduce total costs.
If you hold an Indian passport, you must apply for a visa before travelling to Kenya. Fortunately, the process is straightforward, completely online, and usually hassle-free:
Type
Most Indian tourists travelling to Kenya apply for a single-entry eVisa, which allows entry for tourism, sightseeing, or short visits. If you plan to enter Kenya once and return to India after your trip, this is the right visa type.
Single-Entry eVisa: Suitable for general tourism and valid for one-time use.
Multiple-Entry or East Africa eVisa: If you plan to visit Rwanda or Uganda as well, you may consider the East Africa visa. However, that comes at a higher cost and is used mainly for cross-country safaris.
Validity: 90 days from the date of entry. Once approved, you must enter Kenya within 3 months of visa issuance.
Cost: Around ₹4,800 (US $51) including processing fees
Note: Apply only through the official Kenyan eVisa portal. You’ll need a passport, travel itinerary, and a digital photo. Processing takes 2 to 5 working days. Print a copy to carry during immigration.
Travel insurance is not mandatory but highly recommended, especially if your itinerary includes safaris or remote areas.
Coverage
Look for plans covering medical emergencies, evacuation, trip cancellations, and baggage loss.
Cost
A 6–7 day plan usually costs between ₹500 and ₹1,200 per person, depending on the insurer and coverage amount.
Note: Opt for a plan offering at least $50,000 in medical coverage with hospitalisation and emergency evacuation. Compare plans online and read the exclusions carefully before buying.
Apart from the major expenses, you’ll also need to budget for everyday travel essentials and small purchases:
SIM Card
Buy a local SIM at the airport or city shops for around ₹400 – ₹600 with basic data plans. Popular providers include Safaricom and Airtel Kenya.
Tips
It's customary to tip guides, drivers, and hotel staff. Keep ₹200 – ₹500 per day aside for tipping, especially on safari tours.
Souvenirs
Wood carvings, Maasai jewellery, and coffee are popular souvenirs. Budget ₹1,000 – ₹3,000 depending on what and where you buy.
Snacks & Water
Bottled water and packaged snacks may cost ₹100 – ₹200 daily, especially during travel days or safaris.
Note: Keep small denominations handy for local use, as change for bigger notes may be hard to find in rural areas.
A trip to Kenya can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it requires careful financial planning. If you’re managing monthly expenses or prefer not to dip into your savings, there are smart and flexible ways to fund your journey. Here’s how you can finance your trip without strain:
Using a credit card for international travel is one of the most convenient options. It allows you to spread out expenses over time while also earning rewards.
Foreign spending made easy
Most international credit cards are accepted widely in Kenya, especially in urban areas and hotels.
Earn while you spend
You could earn cashback, reward points, or air miles when booking flights, hotels, or even paying for safaris.
Emergency backup
A credit card can cover unexpected expenses like medical bills, last-minute bookings, or extended stays.
Things to keep in mind:
Opt for a card with low foreign currency mark-up fees, ideally under 2.5%.
Avoid cash withdrawals abroad—they attract higher charges and interest from day one.
Inform your bank about your international travel to avoid your card being blocked for suspicious activity.
Track your credit limit so you don’t overspend or miss repayments.
If you need funds in advance, a personal loan could be an option on Bajaj Markets:
Loans of up to ₹55 Lakhs are available
Tenures usually range from 3 to 96 months
Use EMI calculators to estimate monthly payments
Note: Compare interest rates and prepayment terms before applying.
This budget is for a moderate traveller spending 6 days in Kenya, excluding luxury lodges.
Expense Head |
Cost (INR) |
Return Flights |
₹55,000 |
Accommodation (midrange) |
₹24,000 (₹4,000/day) |
Food & Drinks |
₹6,000 (₹1,000/day) |
Transport & Transfers |
₹10,000 |
Safaris & Sightseeing |
₹15,000 |
Visa |
₹4,800 |
Travel Insurance |
₹1,000 |
Miscellaneous |
₹4,000 |
Total Estimate |
₹1,19,800 |
Note: This is a flexible estimate and may go higher with luxury stays or longer safaris.
Kenya is a diverse country with landscapes ranging from open savannahs and volcanic mountains to coastal beaches. Here are the must-visit locations:
Arguably Kenya’s most iconic wildlife reserve, the Maasai Mara is renowned for its exceptional population of lions, cheetahs, elephants, and leopards. It’s especially famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration, where over a million animals cross from the Serengeti in Tanzania into Kenya (typically between July and October). Guided game drives offer the chance to spot the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino.
Located in southern Kenya, this park is known for its large elephant herds and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. The best time to visit is early morning when the sky is clear, and Kilimanjaro provides a dramatic backdrop. The park also hosts giraffes, zebras, and various bird species, making it ideal for photographers and nature lovers.
Kenya’s capital is more than just a gateway to safaris. Nairobi offers a mix of urban attractions and conservation centres. You can visit the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, the Giraffe Centre, and the Nairobi National Museum. The Kenyatta Market is ideal for buying crafts, fabrics, and local snacks. Despite being a city, Nairobi allows a soft landing into Kenyan culture.
Mombasa sits along the Indian Ocean and is a hub of Swahili culture, history, and relaxation. The old town features Arab-inspired architecture, while Fort Jesus, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, offers insight into colonial history. Mombasa is also known for white sandy beaches like Nyali Beach and Diani Beach, ideal for sunbathing and water sports.
Situated in the Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru is one of Kenya’s lesser-known gems. The lake is famous for its pink flamingos, pelicans, and black and white rhinos, often seen around the water’s edge. The surrounding Lake Nakuru National Park also offers sightings of lions, zebras, and baboons.
Spot lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo in their natural habitat on a guided game drive through Kenya’s iconic national parks.
Get up close with endangered giraffes and orphaned baby elephants while learning about Kenya’s wildlife conservation efforts.
Taste the bold flavours of coastal Kenya with dishes like biryani, samaki wa kupaka, and fresh chapatis from local vendors.
Sail along the Indian Ocean at sunset aboard a traditional wooden dhow, often with dinner and live music on board.
Visit Maasai or Samburu villages to explore indigenous culture, watch traditional dances, and buy handmade beadwork or wood carvings.
Kenya has two dry seasons ideal for wildlife viewing.
Short dry season
Good for birdwatching and newborn wildlife sightings
Some rain in March and April
Fewer tourists, lower hotel rates
Peak tourist season
Great Migration in Maasai Mara takes place during this time
A trip to Kenya can be a rich experience without being heavy on your wallet—if you plan smartly. Whether you're travelling solo, with family, or in a group, small steps in planning and spending habits can lead to significant savings.
Here are some practical and effective ways to reduce costs without missing out on the Kenyan experience:
International airfares can vary drastically based on how early you book. Planning ahead is one of the most reliable ways to save money on flights.
Kenya’s peak travel season — especially July to September — can cause a spike in accommodation and safari package rates. Travelling during less busy months helps you save significantly.
For intra-city travel or short-distance trips, Kenya’s public transport is cost-effective—if used wisely.
If you're planning to visit multiple national parks or want a full safari experience, it’s better to book combo or bundled safari tours.
Small expenses like bottled water and frequent snacking can silently add up, especially when travelling long distances or going on full-day safaris.
Kenya is a popular destination for international travellers, and like many tourist-heavy countries, it has a few scams that target unsuspecting visitors. Being aware of these ahead of time can help you avoid inconvenience, financial loss, or safety risks during your trip.
Here are the most common scams to watch out for and how to stay protected:
In Kenya, especially in cities like Nairobi or Mombasa, it is not uncommon for taxi drivers to quote inflated prices to tourists who are unfamiliar with local rates. It is advisable to always confirm the fare before the ride.
Safari experiences are one of Kenya’s main attractions. However, some unlicensed or fraudulent agents may approach tourists with “last-minute deals” or offer safaris at suspiciously low prices. Thus, it is suggested to book tours through verified operators only.
Currency exchange scams are a common concern, especially in busy areas or street-side kiosks where tourists may be offered attractive rates. Therefore, it is recommended to exchange money only at authorised forex centres.
Open-air markets and crowded public spaces are hotspots for petty theft. Tourists are often targeted due to visible valuables or distracted behaviour. It is a best practice to keep your valuables secure in crowded areas by keeping them in secured bags.
Here’s a quick comparison of estimated travel budgets for different comfort levels.
Travel Style |
Cost for 6 Days (INR) |
Inclusions |
Budget |
₹80,000 – ₹95,000 |
Hostels, local food, public transport |
Midrange |
₹1,10,000 – ₹1,30,000 |
Hotels, group safaris, occasional private taxi |
Luxury |
₹2,00,000 – ₹3,50,000+ |
Lodges, private safaris, gourmet dining |
A 6-day trip may cost between ₹80,000 and ₹1,30,000 depending on travel preferences and safari activities.
Group tour packages generally start at ₹90,000 per person, excluding flights. Prices vary based on itinerary and season.
Yes. You must apply for an eVisa online. It costs around ₹4,800 and is valid for 90 days.
Kenya can be budget-friendly if you plan wisely. Safari experiences increase costs but are often worth the expense.
Yes, many travel platforms offer group tours and early-bird discounts, especially during off-peak months.