Kivuli Camp: a budget Kenyan Safari

How to experience a safari without breaking the bank

East Africa is the birthplace of safari. People travel to Kenya from all over the world to view the incredible wildlife. As locals, the sight of baboons, zebra and giraffe along the roadside become commonplace, but the thrill of a safari remains. There is nothing in the world that compares to the wide-open plains of Kenya and seeing some of the world’s largest and smallest predators in their natural environment.

Safaris are expensive

Safaris in Kenya are expensive.   You can easily throw away a couple of hundred dollars a night and often much more. I know a few people who don’t bat an eyelid at this but call me tight (and many will) but with 3 kids a long weekend can cost me over 1K USD… think of all the shoes I could buy!

Finding a low cost safari

There are ways to do safaris cheaper here and it nearly always involved driving yourself and looking for deals. Lots of parks and conservancies can be reached within a few hours of Nairobi. Tsavo is 4 hours, Ol Pejeta the same, the Mara about 5, and don’t forget our wonderful Nairobi National Park which costs no more than entrance fee if you are in the city.

Camping on safari

Camping is always a good option. Kenya has plenty of campsites ranging from those with hot showers, loos and braai pits to those in the bush with only your wits to keep you from the wild animals. There is a Camping in Kenya Facebook group where people share their experiences of campsites and is a great place to find lesser-known sites.

Airbnb

If you don’t feel like roughing it in the bush then Airbnb is another favourite of mine. You can find anything from high-end houses to single rooms in a village. Hot tip: check the reviews on the site and Trip Advisor, then Google the location on Google maps to find out where it really is.

Kivuli Camp at Tsavo Conservancy

It was through Airbnb that we managed to find a cheap and convenient safari for our extended family. We found a gem of a deal at Kivuli Camp, right next to the world famous Tsavo National Park.

Conservancy vs Park

A conservancy is a privately owned wilderness that exists with the purpose of protecting and nurturing wildlife and existing communities. Visiting a conservancy is on a par with visiting some of the larger parks but often for a fraction of the price.   Tsavo East and West Parks charge foreigners 80 USD to enter whereas the Tsavo Conservancy fees are just 30 USD.   Reducing park fees is key to a cheaper safari experience and so looking at conservancies instead of parks is a great start.

Ndovu House at Kivuli camp ticks a lot of boxes.

It’s a proper house.

The house is basic but comfortable. The large thatched banda has airy triple height ceilings and a raised sundowner deck for gazing over the savannah and spotting elephants. The 4 bedrooms are all ensuite, there’s a huge dining table and outside seating too.

It’s good value

Ndovu House sleeps 12 people and costs 180 USD per night. So for 12 people that’s 15 dollars a night give or take.

BLOG: BUDGET MAASAI MARA FOR UNDER $150 

It’s inside the Conservancy

It’s situated right Tsavo Conservancy – not next door or nearby. The house is built to blend in with its environment and its design invites a close up experience with the local wildlife. When I stayed there we had a big cat pad into our kitchen every night. Within Kivuli Camp is a schoolroom where you can take a look at the bones, shells and beaks of the conservancy’s animals. The rangers are happy to share their knowledge and experiences with you.

It’s convenient

It’s a 5-hour drive from Nairobi and 4 hours from Mombasa.

By train the Conservancy is a 45-minute journey from Voi Train Station. Catch the SGR from Mombasa (2 hours) or Nairobi (4 hours) and let all the stress of the Mombasa Highway pass you buy.

You can hire a driver for the length of your stay. Your driver will pick you up from the station and drop you off, take you to the local shops for food and take you on game drives all included in his daily hire price.   The charge for 24 hours was 120 (USD). In addition a ranger will come along on the drive. He’ll take you to out of the way watering holes that you would never spot on a self drive and entertain the kids by showing them how to track animals.

A budget Kenyan safari

At Kivuli camp you can get away for a night, though I’d recommend longer, for as little as per 63 dollars (6300 KES) person*. This includes transport to the Tsavo, overnight stay and game drive. It’s an unforgettable experience. Whist it lacks the utter indulgence of a 1000-dollar a night lodge it is in every way its equal if you are here for the animals.

* Based on a 10 person group

How to get there:

Drive: its midway between Nairobi and Mombasa along the Mombasa Road.

Train: SGR goes to Voi

How to book: through Airbnb here 

Sleeps: Up to 12 people

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