The cost of budget accommodation in Kenya is very reasonable as long as you're happy with communal showers and toilets. At the lower end of the Kenya experience, you could get by on about US$4-7 a day. Double this for comfortable travel and expect to pay anything from US$65-130 or more a day for a safari. Daily national park fees range from US$5-30 for the more popular parks. Every town has small cafés catering to local people where you can get a traditional meal for under US$2.50 . For just a little bit more, Kenya's Indian restaurants are great value.
With the deregulation of the money supply, foreign-exchange bureaus are the best places to change money, though they are only found in the largest cities. Their rates are competitive and they don't usually charge commission. Banks are more widespread, but can charge up to 5% commission on travellers cheques. The place to carry your money is in a pouch against your skin. Anything more obvious will only make a thief's job easier.
With such an active tourist industry, Kenya is a country where tipping is expected. In anything more than a basic eatery, 5-10% of the bill is the usual amount expected. On safari, drivers, guides and cooks often rely heavily on tips to get by. Around US$3 per employee per day is about the right amount.
Currency
Name Kenyan Shilling
Symbol KSh
Sample Price Guide
small bottle of beer
KSh 80.00
car hire per day
KSh 8040.00
cheap hotel room
KSh 400.00
cheap African meal
KSh 200.00
supermarket bottle of beer
KSh 50.00
top-end hotel bottle of beer
KSh 200.00
36 exposure roll of colour film
KSh 350.00
Average Room Prices
Low Mid High Deluxe
KSh300-1000 KSh1000-3500 KSh3500-32,000 KSh32,000+
Average Meal Prices
Low Mid High Deluxe
KSh80-500 KSh500-1000 KSh1000-2400 KSh2400+
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