Two quotes for the “same” Kenya safari can be thousands apart and still both be honest. The difference is usually in what each one leaves out. Before you compare prices, compare what the prices actually cover.
Line up the same things
| Item | What to check |
|---|---|
| Park and conservancy fees | Are they included, and for how many days and people? |
| Accommodation | Camp or lodge names, number of nights and room type |
| Transport | Vehicle type, driver-guide, airport transfers |
| Meals and drinks | Which meals are included, and which drinks |
| Flights | Any domestic flights, and baggage limits |
| Activities | Game drives, balloon flights, village visits and which are extra |
| Taxes and charges | Whether all government taxes and service charges are included |
What is usually excluded
Most quotes leave out international flights, visa or entry authorisation, travel insurance, tips and personal spending. A good quote says so clearly. If it does not list exclusions at all, ask for them in writing.
Why park fees change the picture
Park fees are charged per person and per day. At the Maasai Mara National Reserve, according to the reserve’s fee page, tickets are 12-hour day tickets, valid from 06:00 to 18:00, and children aged 8 and under enter free, while children from 9 to 17 pay a reduced rate. A separate fee applies to each vehicle, based on its seat count. The page also notes that leaving by road after 10:00 on your departure day adds another day’s fee, so how many days a quote counts matters. See our Maasai Mara park fees guide and our Kenya safari cost breakdown for the details.
Red flags worth a second look
- A single price with no breakdown of what it covers.
- No camp or lodge names, only “standard” or “luxury”.
- Unclear group size: is the price per person, and for how many people?
- No exclusions listed.
- Pressure to pay quickly, or payment requests that are not to a company account or a recognised payment platform.
Questions to ask every operator
- Is the operator licensed? Our guide to choosing a licensed safari operator explains how to check.
- What exactly is included each day?
- What are the payment terms, and what happens if I cancel?
- Who is the driver-guide? See how to choose a safari driver-guide.
How we present a quote
Our itineraries are tailor-made and shown day by day, with what is included and excluded set out before anyone pays. You can pay by card or mobile money through Pesapal. If you want to compare our quote with another, send both and we will help you line them up.
Frequently asked questions
Why are safari quotes so different?
Usually because they include different things: accommodation level, park fees, flights, vehicle type and activities.
What is usually not included in a Kenya safari quote?
International flights, visa or entry authorisation, insurance, tips and personal spending are commonly excluded.
Are park fees included?
It depends on the quote. Always ask, and ask for how many days and people they are calculated.
How can I tell if an operator is legitimate?
Check that it holds a valid licence, has a real business address and uses recognised payment methods. See our guide to licensed operators.
Want help planning? Talk to our team and tell us your dates, who is travelling and what you would like to see.
Maasai Mara fee structure checked on 5 November 2026 on the reserve’s entry fees page. Fees change, so confirm current rates before you pay.
