A safari quote can look complete and still leave out things that matter. The best safari package is the one where you know, before you pay a deposit, exactly what’s covered and what shows up as a separate line item later. Here’s what a properly built package should include, based on real terms rather than a rough estimate.
Core inclusions you should expect
| Included | Detail |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Curated lodges, tented camps, or eco-friendly bush resorts |
| All meals | Full-board — breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily |
| Transport | Custom 4×4 Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs for wildlife viewing |
| Guiding | Professional, English-speaking driver-guide |
| Park & conservation fees | Pre-paid entry fees for reserves like the Masai Mara or Amboseli |
| Game drives | Multiple daily outings timed for sunrise and sunset light |
| Airport transfers | Pickup and drop-off at Nairobi (JKIA) or your hotel |
| Drinking water | Unlimited bottled water in the safari vehicle |
Every named package at Frame The Wild Moments builds in exactly this list as standard, plus one or two camp-specific extras — game drives at Mara Siligi are timed around actual light conditions each morning rather than a fixed departure time, which is a small detail that matters more than it sounds once you’re the one waiting for golden hour.
What’s typically excluded
International airfare, Kenya entry visas, travel insurance, alcoholic beverages, and staff gratuities are standard exclusions across most well-built packages — worth confirming this list matches whatever you’re being quoted before you compare two prices directly.
Optional add-ons worth knowing the real cost of
- Safari massage at camp: around USD 40 per person
- Sundowner experience: around USD 40 per person
- Hot air balloon safari, Maasai village cultural visit, and guided nature walks are also commonly offered as extras rather than built into the base price
Cancellation terms — read this before you pay a deposit
| Timing before trip | Cancellation charge |
|---|---|
| 70–46 days before | 50% |
| 45–31 days before | 75% |
| 30 days or less | 100% |
This scale matters more than it might seem at first glance — a change of plans 40 days out costs three-quarters of the trip price, not half, which is exactly the kind of detail worth knowing before you commit dates.
Payment methods
Most operators accept card payment (Visa, Mastercard, or Amex) through secure online checkout, alongside direct bank or wire transfers with details provided at booking. If a quote only accepts an unusual payment method, that’s worth questioning.
Group safari or private safari — how it affects the price
A shared group safari generally costs less per person since vehicle and guide costs are split across more travellers, but your schedule bends to the group’s pace rather than your own. A private safari costs more but gives you control over timing — staying longer at a sighting, adjusting the day around a child’s nap schedule, or chasing a specific animal your guide has spotted. Neither is objectively the better package; it’s a trade-off between cost and control that’s worth deciding on deliberately rather than defaulting to whichever is cheaper.
Why this level of detail matters more than the headline price
A quote that’s cheaper than the others you’re comparing is often missing one of the line items above — usually park fees or airport transfers, both of which get added back on once you’re already committed. Asking for the full breakdown before comparing two numbers is the only way to actually compare like with like.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s usually NOT included in a Kenya safari package price?
International airfare, entry visas, travel insurance, alcoholic drinks, and gratuities for guides and camp staff are standard exclusions.
What’s a typical cancellation policy for a Kenya safari?
A common structure charges 50% of the trip cost for cancellations 46–70 days out, 75% for 31–45 days out, and 100% inside 30 days — always confirm the specific terms before booking.
Are park fees included in the package price?
Usually yes, for genuinely well-built packages — but it’s worth confirming explicitly, since park fees can otherwise appear as a separate cost once you arrive.
Can I pay by card for a Kenya safari?
Yes, most operators accept Visa, Mastercard, and Amex online, as well as direct bank transfers.
Want to See the Full Breakdown on the Best Safari Package for You?
Ask us for a line-by-line quote before you book anything. If something’s missing from it, we’ll tell you before you find out at the airstrip.
