What we talk about when we talk about a luxury safari
A luxury safari in Kenya is not the same product as a mid-range group tour, even if both visit the Masai Mara. The difference lies in the type of lodge, the guest-to-guide ratio, the use of private light aircraft between concessions, the quality of gastronomy on board, the flexibility to personalise the itinerary and the exclusive experiences only offered in private concessions.
At Luxury Atelier we design safaris with an indicative price from €7,950 per person in a double room, all-inclusive except for personal expenses, on itineraries of 10-15 days. The upper range can reach €18,000-25,000 per person on safaris of maximum exclusivity with properties such as Segera Retreat, Singita Sasakwa or Richard Branson's iconic Mahali Mzuri.
What defines the "luxury safari" category in Kenya
Private concessions vs. national parks
The great national parks (Masai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli, Tsavo) are public heritage and therefore accessible to all operators. The adjacent private concessions (Mara North, Olare Motorogi, Naboisho, Ol Pejeta) are managed by consortia of local communities that limit the number of vehicles per sighting and allow experiences that are forbidden in the public parks: night safaris, guided walks, sundowners in the bush, sleeping under a sky-bed.
Premium lodges with their own safari house
The top-category lodges have between 8 and 24 tents/suites, personalised service (each guest is assigned a butler), a private chef and rangers with 10-30 years of experience in the region. A few references:
- Angama Mara — 15 tents overlooking the Oloololo escarpment, 360° balcony. Unforgettable.
- Mara Plains Camp (Wilderness) — 7 tents, one of the most intimate properties in Africa.
- Solio Lodge — rhino sanctuary in Laikipia, 6 cottages.
- Sirikoi — Laikipia, awarded by National Geographic, 5 villas and family house.
- Segera Retreat — art collection, landscaping by Vladimir Sitta, maximum exclusivity.
- Mahali Mzuri — 12 suites with balcony, owned by Virgin Limited.
Private light-aircraft flights
Overland transfers in Kenya are long and dusty. Luxury safaris move by private light aircraft (Cessna 208 Caravan) between concessions. Flights cost between USD 400-650 per person per leg and are indispensable for an efficient itinerary.
Price per night by lodge
Prices are per night per person, in a double room, all meals and drinks included, two game drives daily, private ranger at top properties, transfers and conservation fees. International flights not included.
- Premium boutique: USD 800 – 1,100 per person/night (Sirikoi, Ol Pejeta House, Solio)
- Premium: USD 1,100 – 1,500 per person/night (Angama Mara, Mara Plains, Cottar's 1920s, Sasaab)
- Ultra-luxury: USD 1,500 – 2,500 per person/night (Segera, Mahali Mzuri, Sanctuary Tambarare)
- Fully private (entire lodge hired): USD 30,000 – 60,000/night for groups of 8-16
Sample itineraries and total prices
Classic 10-night safari: €8,500 – 11,500 per person
Nairobi (1n) + Masai Mara (4n) + Amboseli (3n) + Laikipia (2n). Can be combined with a 4-5 day extension to Zanzibar or Mauritius.
Premium 12-night safari: €11,500 – 16,500 per person
Nairobi (1n) + Laikipia/Lewa (3n) + Masai Mara (5n) + Amboseli (3n). Premium lodges such as Sirikoi + Angama Mara + Tortilis.
Ultra-luxury 14-night safari: €16,500 – 25,000 per person
Nairobi (1n) + Segera Retreat or Ol Jogi (4n) + Mara Plains (5n) + Amboseli with Tortilis (3n) + Zanzibar extension (5n). Private light-aircraft flights between every stage.
The great migration: when and how much it costs
The great wildebeest migration crosses the Mara river between July and September. It is the absolute high season and prices can rise by 30-40%. Booking 12-18 months in advance is the norm. September is slightly more affordable than August and sightings are still spectacular.
If the migration is not a priority, October-November and January-March offer greener vegetation, better light for photography, abundant wildlife and prices 20-30% lower. It is our favourite time of year.
What is included and what is not
Included in our luxury proposal: international business class flights, private transfers, all lodges on a full-board basis with drinks, two daily game drives, private ranger (where applicable), light-aircraft flights between destinations, special safari insurance, 24/7 assistance.
Usually not included: tips for rangers and staff (USD 50-100 per person/day as a reference), additional experiences (hot-air balloon in the Mara: USD 450, walk with orphan elephants: USD 200), personal expenses.
Family with children? Yes, it is worth it
Most premium lodges accept children from age 6-8 (Singita Sasakwa, Mara Plains family, Sirikoi). They run "little rangers" programmes with tailored activities: tracking, bush cooking, workshops with Maasai guides. A life-defining experience.
If you want a bespoke proposal with a closed budget for your safari, write to us.
About the author
Inma Alonso
Travel designer specialising in premium family travel, private safaris in Africa and experiences in South-East Asia.
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