spending in Kenya

Hey, I will be going to Kenya in july, I was wondering if anyone know that amount I will probabaly spend while out there.
I am going on a four day safari that's all inclusive and then spending ten days in a hotel in Mombasa which is also all inclusive. Also what is a good tipping rate? thank you

It will depend on the type of facility you are using,budget middle or luxury,tip cannot be rated it depends on you,how you appreciate the service from the bottom of your heart and your financial ability.Welcome to Kenya the Land of Opulence!

hi, I am also pretty interested in the budget issue. I will spent me last money on the flight and intend to go on a buget travel then...
In terms of security - is it ok to take the local busses? I guess they might be the cheapest...How much e.g. will cost an overland line: nairobi -mombasa, or n-arusha...?
and how much a bed per night? Are there hostels? Or where should i stay when travelling low budget?
Thanks already for some advice!
Stephy

Hi Melorious,
If you are going on an all inclusive trip you shouldn't spend much money at all. Souvenirs, drinks, extra outings (of which the hotels in Mombassa have many and know how to charge for them too).

Actually if I was to stay in Mombassa again, I'd get to know a taxi on day one and tell him how much you're willing to spend, if it's too little for him he'll quickly recommend someone to fill his shoes. Once you have a driver you can decide what you want to see and exactly how much it will cost you. The taxis outside your hotel will be expensive but be firm and let them know that you know they'll charge too much.

The 'Beach Boys' in mombassa have some interesting ways of making money and one of them is a Beach Safari where for small money they'll show you the creatures and plants living in the vast rock pools when the tide is out. A really cool and interesting few hours I guarantee, plus you're putting money directly in the hands of the locals.

Tipping is at your discretion, if it's deserved give something small, if it's not deserved, don't. The average salary is about $30 a week for hotel workers, and that's quite high so you can work it out from there.

When I've been on Safari before I try to judge how much of my experiences were down to the driver/guide before tipping. A good guide is worth every penny he gets. I've seen guides who go through the motions with tourists only pointing out the very big and the very obvious animals but if you happen to get one who shows you the small stuff like bat-eared foxes, civets, gennets, porcupines, snakes and all the hundreds of bird varities and knows all about them, tip well, they've learned their stuff.

If you have any specific quesitons feel free to PM me.

As for staying in Nairobi Stephy.
You can find every level of price range for accommodation in Nairobi from 1Euro per night to the rip off hotels charging 300/400 per night.
I have been hearing great reports about Wildebeest Camp in Nairobi. It appears to be a very well run, very clean hostel/hotel/tented village right in the affluent part of the city. The prices on their website look reasonable too, starting around E15 per night for a single room.
As I said I've never used them but I certainly will next time around.

Hi!

I have been in Nairobi for the last 10 days and though I cannot say Im an expert I guess I might have some input.
I originally come from India and since Kenya and India are developing countries I expected them to be on the same level in terms of costs. I was shocked to say the least and find Kenya to be more expensive in many aspects (bottled water, sodas, even basic food items, MOBILE calls (this is very expensive)) and even in terms of facilities they seem to be a little behind.

Anyway, like someone pointed out its not right to make the comparison. I haven't been very wise with spending since I have exhausted 250 pounds in a span of 11 days but here's hoping I've learnt from my mistakes and will spend more wisely in the future.

If you are looking for accommodation in Nairobi, might I recommend Bermuda garden hotel...Its a lovely place more like a guest house but the place is clean and you can get a single en-suite room with breakfast included now (which is not the season apparently) for 1500 shillings (which is approx 12 pounds) and a twin room for 1000 shillings each.

They tend to be a little flexible on the price as well if you are staying longer. They are very hospitable and very friendly and have gone out of their way to do things for me. I strongly recommend staying there. Its not too far from the city centre as well. Its a 20 min walk to the centre or you can take the matatus.

The most important thing is to be able to find food that's reasonable and would definitely recommend traveling by public transport (Matatu) which is by far cheaper than the only other alternative they have - taxis (they are a rip off) and wouldn't recommend that to a budget traveller unless u cannot avoid it.

The hotel has a travel section which I think is pretty reasonable as well....For about 9000 shillings they can arrange a 3 day safari (with a group, tent camp and food inclusive) which seems to be the cheapest I have found so far.

Like I said, Im not expert but make sure u shop in Tuskys (which is their local supermarket) instead of Nakumutt (which is for the higher end).

Hope that was of some help. I am waiting to start on a voluntary program which is cost effective. Im still looking...

If there are any other travellers in Kenya at the moment , I would like to hear frm you.

Cheers!

Sorry to hijack this post briefly but I think Tina's answers after only ten days in Nairobi are really spot on. Well done Tina. Keep the posts coming, or better still write a blog when you can (if you can, I know getting to a computer can be very difficult, especially in rural areas).
Your perception of Kenya coming from India is really great to hear.
Enjoy your visit.