Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Kenya

Accommodation

$8-25 per night

Dorm beds in backpacker hostels, basic guesthouses, budget hotels with shared bathrooms, camping sites

Food & Dining

$5-15 per day

Street food, local markets, nyama choma joints, basic cafeterias, self-catering from supermarkets

Transportation

$3-12 per day

Matatu shared minibuses, public buses, boda boda motorcycles for short distances, walking

Activities

$5-20 per day

Free walking tours, public beaches, local markets, occasional budget safari day trips, community cultural centers

Use matatu shared minibuses instead of taxis - typically 70-80% cheaper for city transport

Eat at local nyama choma joints and street food stalls rather than tourist restaurants - usually 50-70% less expensive

Book safari tours directly with local operators instead of international companies - can save 30-50% on package costs

Travel during shoulder seasons (March-May, October-November) for accommodation discounts of 20-40%

Stay in Nairobi suburbs rather than city center - accommodation typically 40-60% cheaper with easy matatu access

Buy food from local markets and supermarkets for self-catering - reduces daily food costs by 60-80%

Use boda boda motorcycles for short distances instead of taxis - usually 3-5 times cheaper

Taking taxis everywhere instead of learning the matatu system - can increase transport costs by 300-500%

Eating only in tourist areas and hotel restaurants - typically doubles or triples daily food expenses

Booking last-minute safari tours at tourist centers - usually 40-80% more expensive than advance booking

Staying only in Nairobi city center - accommodation costs 2-3 times higher than suburban areas with good transport links