Mid-Range Safari Tours in Kenya: Tours with Mid-Range Costs

Our mid-range safari tours offer a balance of comfort and value for travelers, using quality lodges and tented camps in destinations like Amboseli National Park and the Samburu National Reserve. This option provides a significant step up from basic camping without the high expense of a luxury safari, making it a popular choice for visitors from the USA, UK, Asia, and Europe.

Let us explain the specific features of a mid-range safari, including the types of accommodation, transportation, and service levels you can expect. We provide clear information to help you understand the value and experience this category of travel offers.

Our Definition of a Mid-Range Safari in Kenya

A mid-range safari occupies the space between a basic budget trip and a high-end luxury tour. The main difference is the significant increase in comfort, privacy, and flexibility. On these trips, you stay in established safari lodges or permanent tented camps that feature private en-suite bathrooms, restaurants, and often swimming pools. The experience is less rustic than camping and focuses on providing a comfortable and reliable base for your wildlife adventures.

Most mid-range safaris are operated as private tours. This means your group has exclusive use of the vehicle and the services of a dedicated driver-guide. The standard vehicle for this category is a 4x4 Land Cruiser, which offers a more comfortable ride on bumpy park roads. This private arrangement allows for a flexible daily schedule tailored to your interests. A typical mid-range safari costs between $300 and $500 per person, per day, reflecting the higher quality of lodging and the exclusivity of a private vehicle. Our guide to the Cost of Safari in Kenya provides a detailed breakdown of what contributes to this price.

Mid-Range Accommodation: Safari Lodges and Tented Camps

The quality of your accommodation is a key feature of a mid-range safari. We select properties that offer excellent locations, great service, and comfortable amenities. These lodges and camps are often situated inside national parks or on private conservancies bordering them, which means less time spent traveling to the park gates and more time for game drives.

There are two primary types of mid-range accommodation:

• Safari Lodges: These are built with solid walls and are similar in structure to a small hotel. The rooms are spacious and include private bathrooms, comfortable beds, and often a private balcony or terrace. Lodges typically have larger common areas, including a bar, restaurant, lounge, and a swimming pool.
• Permanent Tented Camps: This is a classic safari experience that offers a close-to-nature feel without sacrificing comfort. The "tents" are large, canvas structures built on a permanent platform. They feature proper beds, an en-suite bathroom with a flush toilet and hot shower, electricity, and a private veranda. They provide an immersive bush experience with all the necessary comforts.

These properties provide a relaxing and secure environment to return to after a day of exploring destinations like Amboseli National Park.

The Advantage of a Private 4x4 Vehicle and Guide during Mid-Range Holiday Trips

The use of a private 4x4 Land Cruiser is a standard component of our mid-range safari tours. This provides several distinct advantages over the shared mini-vans used on most budget trips. A private vehicle ensures that the tour is exclusive to your party, whether you are a couple, a family, or a small group of friends.

The primary benefits of this private arrangement include:

• Flexibility: You have complete control over your daily schedule. You can decide what time to start your morning game drive, how long to spend observing a particular animal, and when to return to the lodge for a break.
• Comfort and Capability: A 4x4 Land Cruiser is built for rugged terrain, offering a more stable and comfortable ride. Its off-road capabilities can also provide better access to certain areas of a park, especially during the rainy seasons. You can find more details on our vehicle types in our guide to Getting Around in Kenya.
• Personalized Attention: With a dedicated guide, the experience is tailored to your interests. If you are a keen photographer, your guide can focus on finding the best light and positioning. If you have a passion for birds, the guide can dedicate time to seeking out specific species.

An itinerary like our 5 Days Comfort Safari to Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru & Naivasha is an excellent example of a tour that uses this private vehicle and guide model effectively.

Recommended Destinations for a Comfort Safari

While nearly any destination in Kenya can be visited on a mid-range budget, some parks are particularly well-suited for this travel style due to their excellent selection of lodges and camps. Our itineraries combine these destinations to create logical and efficient routes that minimize travel time and maximize your wildlife viewing experience.

Popular destinations for mid-range safaris include:

• Samburu National Reserve: Located in the arid north, Samburu offers a unique safari experience with its distinctive wildlife, including the Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, and Somali ostrich. The reserve has a fantastic collection of high-quality lodges and tented camps situated along the Ewaso Ng'iro River.
• Ol Pejeta Conservancy: This private conservancy in Laikipia is a leader in conservation and offers some of the most reliable rhino and chimpanzee sightings in Kenya. The conservancy has several excellent mid-range accommodation options and provides a wide range of activities beyond standard game drives.
• Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru: These Rift Valley lakes are often combined in a single itinerary. Lake Nakuru is a rhino sanctuary, while Lake Naivasha offers boat trips and walking safaris. Both have a good selection of comfortable lodges.
• Masai Mara National Reserve: As Kenya’s premier wildlife destination, the Masai Mara has a wide array of mid-range camps and lodges. A comfort safari here allows you to fully appreciate the reserve’s incredible animal density and the drama of the Wildebeest Migration.

Ideal Seasons for a Mid-Range Trip

A mid-range safari can be enjoyed at any time of year, but the experience can vary depending on the season. The best time for your trip depends on your priorities, whether they are ideal weather, lower prices, or specific wildlife events. Our Best Time to Visit Kenya page provides a detailed monthly breakdown.

Here is a summary of the seasons:

• Peak Season (June to October): This is the long dry season, and it is traditionally considered the best time for game viewing. Animals are easier to spot as they gather around water sources, and the weather is pleasant. This period also coincides with the Great Migration in the Masai Mara. Prices are at their highest, and advance booking is essential.
• Shoulder Seasons (January to March): This is the short dry season, and it offers excellent wildlife viewing with fewer crowds than the peak season. It is a great time to visit parks like Amboseli and Samburu.
• Green Seasons (April-May and November-December): These are the rainy seasons. While there will be afternoon showers, the parks are lush and beautiful, and this is the best time for birdwatching. Many lodges offer lower rates during this period, making it a good option for travelers seeking better value.

Sample Mid-Range Safari Itineraries

Our mid-range tours are designed to be logical, comfortable, and comprehensive. They are private tours, which means the itinerary can be customized to suit your interests and schedule. The following packages are well-tested routes that provide a fantastic and balanced experience of Kenya’s diverse landscapes.

Here are some of our most popular mid-range itineraries:

• 8 Days Safari – Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli: This is a comprehensive safari that covers Kenya’s most famous parks. It offers a great variety of wildlife and scenery, from the elephants of Amboseli with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background to the vast plains of the Mara.
• 9 Days Safari – Masai Mara, Ol Pejeta, Samburu, Lake Nakuru: This tour is perfect for the safari enthusiast who wants to see the unique wildlife of the northern reserves in addition to the classic destinations. It provides a deep and varied look at Kenya’s biodiversity.

These itineraries serve as excellent starting points. We can adjust the duration, add or remove destinations, and select specific lodges to match your preferences. Use our custom trip planner to start designing a mid-range safari that is perfect for you.