Kenya is one of the easiest and most rewarding international trips for Nigerians. You no longer need a visa or travel authorisation for a short visit, Kenya Airways flies direct from Lagos to Nairobi, and a safari in the Maasai Mara is a bucket-list experience you can do in a few days.
This guide breaks down how much it costs to travel to Kenya from Nigeria in 2026 — flights, entry requirements, accommodation, safari and park fees — with a sample one-week budget in naira.
How we calculated: Kenyan tourism prices are usually quoted in US dollars. We converted at roughly ₦1,400 to $1, close to open-market rates in early October 2026. Flight and hotel prices are typical ranges, not quotes.
Quick answer: cost of a 7-day trip to Kenya
| Trip type | Estimated total per person |
|---|---|
| Nairobi city break (no safari) | About ₦1.4 million – ₦2.2 million |
| Nairobi plus 3-day Maasai Mara group safari | About ₦2.2 million – ₦4.1 million |
1. Entry requirements: no visa fee for Nigerians
Since 2025, Kenya has exempted visitors from most African countries — including Nigeria — from its visa and Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) requirement. Nigerians can visit for up to 60 days without applying in advance and without paying the old $30 eTA fee.
You still need:
- A passport valid for at least six months, with a blank page.
- A valid yellow fever certificate, as Nigeria is a yellow fever risk country.
- A return or onward ticket and details of where you will stay.
- Proof that you can support yourself during your visit.
Read our full guide to Kenya entry requirements for Nigerians for details.
2. Flights from Nigeria to Kenya
Kenya Airways flies non-stop from Lagos to Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in about 5 hours 20 minutes. Other airlines, such as Ethiopian Airlines and TAAG Angola Airlines, offer connecting flights that are sometimes cheaper.
| Fare type | Typical return price | In naira (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest fares (often connecting) | About $670 – $700 | ₦940,000 – ₦980,000 |
| Typical economy fares | About $680 – $1,010 | ₦950,000 – ₦1.41 million |
Booking several months ahead usually gets you a better fare.
3. Accommodation in Nairobi
| Type of stay | Price per night | Four nights (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget hotel or guesthouse | $35 – $60 | ₦196,000 – ₦336,000 |
| Mid-range hotel | $90 – $150 | ₦504,000 – ₦840,000 |
Popular areas for visitors include Westlands, Kilimani and the city centre. Choose somewhere with good security and easy access to ride-hailing services.
4. Safari and park fees
A safari is usually the biggest cost of a Kenya trip after your flight.
Kenya Wildlife Service parks: Since October 2025, KWS has used a four-tier pricing system. Citizens of African countries outside the East African Community — including Nigerians — pay a dedicated African-citizen rate in US dollars, which is lower than the full non-resident rate. For comparison, non-residents pay about $80 per day at Nairobi National Park and about $90 at Amboseli and Lake Nakuru.
Maasai Mara: The Mara is managed by Narok County, not KWS, and has its own fees. For non-resident adults, the daily fee is about $100 from January to June and $200 from July in 2026. Ask your tour operator which rate applies to you as a Nigerian citizen.
Safari packages: Most visitors book a package that includes transport, accommodation, meals, game drives and park fees.
| Safari type | Typical price per person |
|---|---|
| 3-day Maasai Mara group safari (budget camp) | About $500 – $1,000, depending on season |
| Half-day Nairobi National Park tour | About $100 – $200 including park fees |
Book with a licensed operator, check exactly what is included and confirm whether peak-season park fees are covered.
5. Food and getting around
| Daily expense | Budget | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Food and drinks | $15 – $25 | $35 – $55 |
| Local transport (ride-hailing, matatus) | $5 – $10 | $10 – $20 |
| Activities and extras | $5 – $10 | $10 – $25 |
| Daily total | About $25 – $45 | About $55 – $100 |
Try Kenyan staples like nyama choma (grilled meat), ugali, sukuma wiki and pilau. Mobile money (M-Pesa) is used almost everywhere, so ask your hotel how visitors can pay if you do not have a Kenyan line.
Sample 7-day budget: Nairobi plus a 3-day Mara safari
| Item | Budget | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (visa/eTA) | ₦0 | ₦0 |
| Travel insurance | ₦20,000 | ₦50,000 |
| Return flight | ₦950,000 | ₦1.41 million |
| Nairobi hotel (4 nights) | ₦280,000 | ₦672,000 |
| 3-day Maasai Mara safari | ₦700,000 | ₦1.4 million |
| Food, transport and extras in Nairobi (4 days) | ₦170,000 | ₦360,000 |
| SIM card, airport transfers and tips | ₦70,000 | ₦150,000 |
| Estimated total | About ₦2.2 million | About ₦4.1 million |
Remember to budget for your yellow fever certificate if you do not already have a valid one.
Best time to visit Kenya
- July to October: Peak safari season and the time of the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara. Prices and park fees are at their highest.
- January to March: Dry, warm and good for wildlife, with lower Mara fees than the second half of the year.
- April to May: The long rains. Some camps close or offer big discounts.
Tips to save money
- Travel between January and June to avoid the peak Mara park fee.
- Join a group safari rather than a private one.
- Book flights early and compare direct and connecting options.
- Use ride-hailing apps in Nairobi instead of hotel taxis.
- Carry some US dollars in clean, recent notes for tips and safari extras.
Frequently asked questions
Do Nigerians need a visa to visit Kenya?
No. Nigerians are exempt from Kenya’s visa and eTA requirement for visits of up to 60 days. You still need a valid passport, a yellow fever certificate and a return ticket.
How much is a flight from Lagos to Nairobi?
Typical return fares range from about $680 to $1,010 (₦950,000 to ₦1.41 million), with occasional cheaper deals.
How much does a Maasai Mara safari cost?
A 3-day budget group safari from Nairobi typically costs about $500 to $1,000 per person, depending on the season and what is included. Peak-season park fees make July to December the most expensive period.
Is ₦2 million enough for a week in Kenya?
It can cover a budget trip, especially if you skip the safari or travel in low season. For a week that includes a Maasai Mara safari, plan for about ₦2.2 million to ₦4.1 million.
Final word
With no visa fee, direct flights and a world-class safari on its doorstep, Kenya offers great value for Nigerian travellers. Budget around ₦2.2 million for a week with a group safari, or more if you want comfort and peak-season wildlife viewing.
Compare other destinations: Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Dubai.
Last checked: October 2026. Sources: KAYAK Lagos–Nairobi fares, Kenya’s 2025 eTA exemption for African nationals, KWS 2025 tariff summary and exchange-rate trackers. All costs are estimates.
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