Travel Budget for Tsavo National Park Visit Tsavo National Park on a Budget or Travel in Style

Tsavo National Park, Kenya
Africa / Kenya /
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Tsavo National Park is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.

How much does it cost to travel to Tsavo National Park?

You should plan to spend around $140 (KES18,045) per day on your vacation in Tsavo National Park. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $66 (KES8,465) on meals
  • $60 (KES7,714) on local transportation
  • $65 (KES8,429) on hotels

A one week trip to Tsavo National Park for two people costs, on average, $1,955 (KES252,630). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $140
    KES18,045
  • One Week Per person
    $978
    KES126,315
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $1,955
    KES252,630
  • One Month Per person
    $4,190
    KES541,350
  • One Week For a couple
    $1,955
    KES252,630
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $3,910
    KES505,260
  • One Month For a couple
    $8,379
    KES1,082,700
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Tsavo National Park cost?

A one week trip to Tsavo National Park usually costs around $978 (KES126,315) for one person and $1,955 (KES252,630) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Tsavo National Park on average costs around $1,955 (KES252,630) for one person and $3,910 (KES505,260) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Tsavo National Park will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Tsavo National Park on average costs around $4,190 (KES541,350) for one person and $8,379 (KES1,082,700) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Tsavo National Park expensive to visit?

Tsavo National Park is a smaller destination that attracts a range of visitors, each with distinct travel styles, spending habits, and budgetary requirements. Budget-conscious travelers will find suitable hotel options, but there are also high-end hotels for those seeking luxury, plus mid-range accommodations for families or couples.

Tsavo National Park can certainly rack up expenses, but there are strategies to minimize costs, including looking for discounts and coupons.

On average, budget travelers spend $61 (KES7,895) per day, mid-range travelers spend $140 (KES18,045) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $268 (KES34,483) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Tsavo National Park.

Within Africa, Tsavo National Park is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Cape Town or Serengeti National Park.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Tsavo National Park Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Tsavo National Park?

The average Tsavo National Park trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Tsavo National Park travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Tsavo National Park cost?

Tsavo National Park on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$14
(KES1,844) 		$33
(KES4,214) 		$62
(KES8,053)
Local Transportation 1 $26
(KES3,375) 		$60
(KES7,714) 		$114
(KES14,741)
Food 2 $29
(KES3,703) 		$66
(KES8,465) 		$125
(KES16,175)
Entertainment 1 $20
(KES2,641) 		$47
(KES6,036) 		$89
(KES11,534)
Alcohol 2 $5-15
(KES656-1,969) 		$12-35
(KES1,500-4,500) 		$22-67
(KES2,866-8,599)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget in Tsavo National Park. While many think they can cut costs for many things, the reality is that most people won't enjoy such a low-budget experience. Consider your preferences and travel style. Do you like resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are activities and dining out a big part of your travel plans? Your answers will shape your budget and itinerary.

What Defines a Budget Traveler?

You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $61 that backpackers often get by on.

Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.

So, are you average?

Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. Most tourists in Tsavo National Park are inclined to explore its main attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $140 per person, per day.

Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?

If a complete vacation with all amenities and a higher level of service is what you want, expect to allocate around $268 per day. To stay in nicer hotels, dine at award-winning establishments, treat yourself to extravagant excursions, and hire taxis or private drivers to navigate the destination, a luxury budget will be necessary.

Accommodation Budget in Tsavo National Park

The cost of hotels in Tsavo National Park can be quite surprising. Luxury accommodations come with higher prices and more amenities, especially during peak season. Off-season rates average $249, but peak season () average prices jump to $465. Overall, prices range from $194 to $565. Hostels are often the cheaper option, especially in dorms. You can save by booking early, traveling in the off-season, or taking advantage of promotions.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Tsavo National Park for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $65 (KES8,429). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $33 (KES4,214) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $33
    KES4,214
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $65
    KES8,429

Hotels in Tsavo National Park

Looking for a hotel in Tsavo National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Tsavo National Park

The average hotel room price in Tsavo National Park based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $249 in the low season and $465 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Tsavo National Park

Traveling during the shoulder or low season (instead of ) means you'll get lower prices on accommodations and have fewer crowds to deal with.



Transportation Budget in Tsavo National Park

In Tsavo National Park, the public transit system is not very good.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $60 (KES7,714) per person, per day, on local transportation in Tsavo National Park. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Tsavo National Park is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $60
    KES7,714



Flights to Tsavo National Park
How much does it cost to go to Tsavo National Park? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Tsavo National Park
The price of renting a car in Tsavo National Park will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Tsavo National Park

Tasting the local cuisine is a key reason for travel, so be sure to sample the unique dishes offered in the area.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Tsavo National Park can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Tsavo National Park is $66 (KES8,465) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $66
    KES8,465

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Tsavo National Park is around $66 (KES8465) per person, with previous travelers spending from $29 to $126. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Tsavo National Park are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $7 to $20
  • Lunch: $10 to $26
  • Dinner: $20 to $46
  • Coffee: $5
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $10

Food options within the park are entirely based on your accommodation. There are plenty of lodges and camp sites throughout the park that include food in the cost of your stay.

Just outside the park, in the city of Voi, there is the New African Smile Tabasamu Restaurant which serves delicious African cuisine. Here, you'll also find small restaurants and little grocery stores to stock up on snacks before heading out to safari.

Food & Dining Tips

Numerous hotels offer breakfast as part of the room rate, but some might charge extra for it. The cost and quality can differ from one hotel to another. Being aware of this beforehand can help you determine if you need to allocate additional funds. It could be worth it for a fantastic buffet at the hotel, or you might want to opt for a nearby bakery or cafe that's more budget-friendly.

Use a water bottle instead of splurging on drinks everywhere you go. It's a smart choice for the environment, too.

If you're thinking about taking a tour, it's wise to check in advance which meals are covered. You may need to cover some of your own food costs, which could increase your overall budget.



Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Tsavo National Park

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Tsavo National Park typically cost an average of $47 (KES6,036) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $47
    KES6,036

Tsavo boasts many stunning natural landscapes, with one of the most popular being the Mudanda Rock. The Mudanda Rock measures almost a mile in height and collects water from rainfall which then flows through the rock to the dam below. The dam is often where you'll find large wildlife such as elephants coming to drink during the dry season.

The Aruba Dam is another hot spot for game viewing and bird watching. The dam, built in 1952, runs across the Voi River and attracts animals such as lions, elephants, and cranes especially in the dry season. From here, head to the Yatta Plateau which was formed by the world's longest lava flow. The Plateau runs on the western part of the park above the Athi River and was formed by lava from the Ol Doinyo Sabuk Mountain.

Tsavo is quite a large park and therefore has been divided into East and West parks.

East Park is flat with dry plains and home to the Lugard Falls. The East Park is often considered to have the most quintessential African Safari experience thanks to their wide variety of wildlife and landscapes.

West Park is more mountainous with swamps, Lake Jipe, and the Mzima Springs. The West Park is also known for their black rhino sanctuary and for being home to many of the large mammals.

It is important to note that there are daily park fees for both parks which are best paid through the KWS Smartcard. The KWS is a card that can be purchased by your tour guide, or even your accommodation, to get you into the park. Make sure to have your card prepaid before arriving in Tsavo, otherwise you'll be going on a long, out of the way, trip to the park's headquarters.

The main city outside of the park is Voi, which has become a major tourist hub thanks to its close proximity to Tsavo and other famous Kenyan landmarks. You'll find grocery stores, markets, and a few restaurants in the city center while most tourist lodges are located on the edge of the town.



One of the best activities to do in Tsavo is game viewing, especially with Tsavo being one of the largest game reserves in Kenya. Here, you'll find the "Big Five" game viewing animals which are the Tsavo lion, black rhino, cape buffalo, elephant, and leopard. Tours can be booked through either your accommodation or a local tour guide. A great spot to see some of these animals is at the Mzima Springs in the West Park. The springs are made up of two large pools which are fed by underground streams running from the Chyulu Hills. Many hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and other such wildlife come here to drink the fresh water and cool off.

If you're feeling adventurous, go rock climbing on the cliffs scattered throughout the park. You can contact the Mountain Club of Kenya (MCK) for more information on where to climb and get a guide if needed.



Nightlife Budget in Tsavo National Park

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $23 (KES3,000) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Tsavo National Park per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $23
    KES3,000
Nightlife Tips

While nightlife can be a blast, skipping a few rounds can significantly lower your travel expenses.



Budgeting and Travel Tips for Tsavo National Park

  • Peak season brings higher prices and more people to the destination. To avoid the chaos and save some money, consider a trip during the shoulder or low seasons.
  • By opting for a more leisurely travel pace, you can save money while enjoying the area's beauty. If you try to squeeze too many activities into your schedule, expenses can climb quickly. On the other hand, slowing down often allows for a more enjoyable and cost-effective experience.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Tsavo National Park offers limited public transit options. Having a pre-arranged ride, such as a private driver or tour, could be a wise choice. Just remember, this might take a toll on your budget in other areas.
  • There aren't many hostels in Tsavo National Park, so if you're hoping for a budget dorm, it's best to rethink your plans. Instead, look for inexpensive hotels or an apartment rental.
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Traveling in Tsavo National Park
Tsavo National Park Tsavo National Park, Kenya

Tsavo National Park is one of the largest and oldest parks in Kenya, located in the central part of the country in what was once known as the Taru Desert. Human activity in the park dates back to the Late Stone Age making the park a major archaeological and historical site. Tsavo is known for having beautiful natural landscapes and excellent game viewing.

Tsavo experiences warm weather all year round, with temperatures ranging from 80-90° Fahrenheit during the day and dropping to the mid-70's at night. It tends to get very humid from December to April and their rainy period runs from March to May. January and February tend to be the best months to visit, with June through September being a good alternate option.



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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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