Practical Guide: What Food And Drinks To Expect On A Kenya Safari Trip
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I didn’t know what food and drinks to expect on a Kenya safari trip before my 2-week vacation in both Kenya and Tanzania. I was afraid of not having sufficient protein and fiber intake during the trip, and I packed a lot of protein cookies back then.
In the end, it was totally unnecessary, because the food and drinks are just amazing, even for a budget safari campsite there!
During the time of my stay in the campsites near the Kenyan safaris like the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli. I had great meat, vegetables, and fruit every day. Every meal, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, there served in buffet style. There is a mix of local Kenyan flavors, such as ugali, nayama, choma, and also familiar international western options.
And even on that day that I need to be on the safari for a full day. The lunch box is also full of great food like chicken, fruit, juice, a sandwich, local yogurt, and potato chips. Food and drinks are abundant during the safari trip.
I joined an 11-day Kenya–Tanzania safari trip during my last visit for ~ 2,000 USD. On the Kenya part, I lived most of the time in a budget campsite and also spent a night in a hotel. This is a review of the food that I have had during the journey for your reference.
🐘🐃🦓🐆🦒🦏 Recommended African Safari Package
Tanzania 🇹🇿 :
✅ Same Day – Safari trip from Arusha to Ngorongoro Crater
✅3 Days 2 Nights – Safari trip including Serengeti & Ngorongoro
Kenya 🇰🇪 :
✅ Same Day – Safari trip from Nairobi:
Masai Mara / Lake Nakuru + Naivasha / Amboseli / Nairobi National Park
✅ 3 Days 2 Nights – Masai Mara Safari trip from Nairobi:
✅ 7 Days 6 Nights – Kenya Safari trip including Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli from Nairobi:
✅ 11 Days 10 Nights – Kenya & Tanzania Safari trip including Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli from Nairobi in Kenya; Serengeti & Ngorongoro in Tanzania with departure back to Nairobi:
✅ There are also other packages online (GetYourGuide / Viator) !
Buffets Are Served
Most Kenya overnight tours would include buffets for breakfast , lunch and dinner even if you are picking budget option like campsite. There are sufficient meat, vegetable and carbs.
In General, What Food & Drinks To Expect During A Kenya Safari Trip
On a typical budget to mid-range Kenya safari trip, meals follow a predictable rhythm tailored to the day’s activities, emphasizing buffet-style service for efficiency and variety. Breakfast and dinner are usually enjoyed at the lodge or camp, while lunch adapts to whether you’re out on a full-day drive or back at base. Expect locally sourced ingredients like maize-based ugali, beans, and fresh produce, blended with international touches to suit diverse palates. Drinks are basic—tea, coffee, and water predominate in budget options, with mid-range adding soft drinks or occasional alcohol. This setup keeps costs down while providing ample energy for wildlife spotting, making Kenya safari meals both practical and satisfying.
Typical Breakfast For a Kenyan Safari
The breakfast was all buffet style for both the campsite and the hotel. It usually happens around 6 am to align with early game drives. You can expect staples like eggs (fried, scrambled, or boiled), sausages or bacon for protein, and carbs such as bread, toast, or beans. Fresh fruits like watermelon, pineapple, and bananas add a tropical sweetness, sometimes with yogurt or cereals. Drinks include coffee, local Kenyan tea (often milky and spiced), and hot water for instant options.
In mid-range or luxury-leaning spots, the spread widens to include pastries, cheeses, fresh juices, soft drinks, and even a splash of alcoholic beverages like mimosas for those special mornings.
Typical Lunch For a Kenyan Safari
Lunch on a Kenya safari varies based on your itinerary—if you’re not on a full-day drive (usually for the first day arrival at the campsite/hotel), it’s back at the camp or lodge around noon to 2:00 PM, again in buffet form. Expect one or two meat choices like grilled chicken or beef, paired with steamed vegetables, beans, African fried rice (pilau with spices), and flatbreads like chapati. Drinks mirror breakfast: coffee, local tea, and hot water.
Mid / luxury range options elevate this with more variety, including local desserts like mandazi (fried dough) or fruit salads, additional meats, and soft drinks or beer.
For days spent entirely on safari with full game drives, lodges prepare packed lunches in advance—typically a yogurt, a piece of chicken, vegetarian sandwiches, a small box of juice, and fruit like an apple or banana, plus bottled water to stay hydrated under the sun. These Kenya safari lunch boxes are compact and no-fuss, designed for picnics at scenic spots.
🐘🐃🦓🐆🦒🦏 Recommended African Safari Package
Tanzania 🇹🇿 :
✅ Same Day – Safari trip from Arusha to Ngorongoro Crater
✅3 Days 2 Nights – Safari trip including Serengeti & Ngorongoro
Kenya 🇰🇪 :
✅ Same Day – Safari trip from Nairobi:
Masai Mara / Lake Nakuru + Naivasha / Amboseli / Nairobi National Park
✅ 3 Days 2 Nights – Masai Mara Safari trip from Nairobi:
✅ 7 Days 6 Nights – Kenya Safari trip including Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli from Nairobi:
✅ 11 Days 10 Nights – Kenya & Tanzania Safari trip including Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli from Nairobi in Kenya; Serengeti & Ngorongoro in Tanzania with departure back to Nairobi:
✅ There are also other packages online (GetYourGuide / Viator) !
The Packed Lunch Is Also Very Fulfilling
For full day of gamedrive you will have packed lunch. The drivers would usually stop at the most scenic view of the safari (of couse safe as well) for a picnic.
Typical Dinner For a Kenyan Safari
Dinner is the most consistent meal, almost always buffet-style at the lodge from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM, except perhaps on free days in urban hubs like Arusha during a combined Kenya-Tanzania safari. In my example, the first day in Tanzania was a self-guided city center visit, and dinner was not included. Or probably the reverse is also true if there was a free day in Nairobi.
Similar to lunch, offerings include one or two meats such as chicken or beef, or local lamb, steamed vegetables, beans, African fried rice, and naan. Drinks are standard: coffee, local tea, and hot water.
Mid-range lodges amp it up with wider selections, local desserts like kaimati (sweet dumplings), more meat varieties, soft drinks, and alcoholic options like Tusker beer or wine. If your safari spans multiple days, expect this routine most evenings, often with communal seating for sharing game drive stories. It’s a relaxing end to the day, focusing on fresh, filling fare that reflects Kenyan culinary staples.
Should I Upgrade My Accommodation Option For Better Food And Drinks
In general, a mid/high-end hotel or lodge provides more variety of food but a similar lunch box on safari. Based on my experience, the food at the campsite was more than sufficient. If you like it, you would like it. If you don’t upgrade to a high-end resort would not make a difference. You may at best have a couple of more soft drinks or alcoholic drinks.
However, the cost of an upgrade per night is usually ~ 200 USD plus. So I don’t think it offers good value compared to the price.
Some Other First-Hand Experience On Kenya Safari Food
Below is the campsite/hotel I stayed at during the Kenyan part of my safari trip for Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli, respectively. Photos alone shall give you a good sense how what it is like.
Manyatta Camp – Masai Mara
Manyatta Camp in the Masai Mara stands out as a budget-friendly option, with nightly rates around $100 per person. Food quality is solid for the price: buffet-style with healthy, well-made options like fresh fruits, eggs, and simple meats, though nothing extravagant—plenty to satisfy after a day of drives. Drinks include tea, coffee, and water, with beers available at extra cost (~ 3 USD ). If you have free time, you can even walk around a nearby Ololaimutiek Village to check out the local life.
Jambo Mara Safari Lodge – Masai Mara
Jambo Mara Safari Lodge leans mid-range, with prices from $200-300 per night, offering good value for its eco-friendly vibe near Sekenani Gate at the Masai Mara. The food is also buffet style with a greater variety. My friends stayed there during our visit to the Masai Mara for an upgrade of 200 USD per night. I don’t think it is worth though.
🐘🐃🦓🐆🦒🦏 Recommended African Safari Package
Tanzania 🇹🇿 :
✅ Same Day – Safari trip from Arusha to Ngorongoro Crater
✅3 Days 2 Nights – Safari trip including Serengeti & Ngorongoro
Kenya 🇰🇪 :
✅ Same Day – Safari trip from Nairobi:
Masai Mara / Lake Nakuru + Naivasha / Amboseli / Nairobi National Park
✅ 3 Days 2 Nights – Masai Mara Safari trip from Nairobi:
✅ 7 Days 6 Nights – Kenya Safari trip including Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli from Nairobi:
✅ 11 Days 10 Nights – Kenya & Tanzania Safari trip including Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli from Nairobi in Kenya; Serengeti & Ngorongoro in Tanzania with departure back to Nairobi:
✅ There are also other packages online (GetYourGuide / Viator) !
The Accommodation Upgrade Is Over Priced
Upgrading your accommodation would also put you in better buffet options, too. However, it is just more food variety (which I don’t think you would have that much appetite). However, the cost is over 200 USD per night and I suppose it is not worth.
Buraha Zenoni Hotel & Resort – Lake Nakuru & Lake Naivasha
Buraha Zenoni Hotel & Resort is another mid-budget hotel for ~ 60 USD per night, conveniently near Lake Nakuru for easy park access. I stayed there during my visit to Lake Nakuru and Naivasha.
Food quality excels: excellent, flavorful meals including continental or English breakfasts, dinners with variety, and vegan options—all well-prepared. Drinks feature buffets with teas, coffees, and soft options, with alcohol on offer.
Nyati Safari Camp – Amboseli National Park
Nyati Safari Camp is a budget-oriented campsite for less than 50 USD per night, ideal for those prioritizing affordability near Kimana Gate. Accommodation quality is functional—clean tents or stone rooms with comfortable beds in a bush setting overlooking Kilimanjaro. Food quality is good for the level: local, tasty buffets with plentiful portions, though packed lunches are basic; breakfast stands out. Drinks include tea, coffee around the clock, and water, with extras available.
Kenya Safari Food And Drinks will Exceed Your Expectations
In wrapping up, the food on a Kenya safari trip is great, whether you’re on a budget or mid-range package—sufficient, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared to complement the wilderness experience. From buffet breakfasts bursting with fresh fruits to dinners featuring local staples like pilau and chapati, it all adds up to nourishing meals that keep you energized. Drinks, while basic, ensure hydration with teas, coffees, and waters, plus occasional treats in mid-range spots. It’s not gourmet extravagance, but the quality and cultural touch make it memorable, proving safari dining is a highlight in itself.
So don’t make the mistake like I did. There is no need to over-prepare for food, and for water, it is also sufficient in the jeep. So just grabbing a bit of snacks to avoid getting bored during a long drive is more than sufficient!
🐘🐃🦓🐆🦒🦏 Recommended African Safari Package
Tanzania 🇹🇿 :
✅ Same Day – Safari trip from Arusha to Ngorongoro Crater
✅3 Days 2 Nights – Safari trip including Serengeti & Ngorongoro
Kenya 🇰🇪 :
✅ Same Day – Safari trip from Nairobi:
Masai Mara / Lake Nakuru + Naivasha / Amboseli / Nairobi National Park
✅ 3 Days 2 Nights – Masai Mara Safari trip from Nairobi:
✅ 7 Days 6 Nights – Kenya Safari trip including Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli from Nairobi:
✅ 11 Days 10 Nights – Kenya & Tanzania Safari trip including Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli from Nairobi in Kenya; Serengeti & Ngorongoro in Tanzania with departure back to Nairobi:
✅ There are also other packages online (GetYourGuide / Viator) !
Enjoy Your Safari Trip With Great Food
My food and drinks experience during my 11-day safari trip in both Kenya and Tanzania well exceeded my expectations,. I was so worried about food during the planning stage and the quality of food I had during my trip surprised me. I highly recommend the tour to you to!
Frequently Asked Questions About Food And Drinks On A Kenya Safari Trip
What food and drinks should I expect on a Kenya safari trip?
On a budget to mid-range Kenya safari, expect buffet-style meals with local flavors like ugali and nyama choma mixed with Western options. Breakfasts feature eggs, fruits, and tea; lunches are buffets or packed boxes with chicken, sandwiches, and juice; dinners include meats, veggies, and basic drinks. Mid-range adds variety like desserts and alcohol.
Is the food on a Kenya safari sufficient for dietary needs?
Yes, even in budget campsites, there’s plenty of protein from meats and beans, plus fiber from veggies and fruits. I worried about this on my trip, but found it more than enough—no need for extra snacks beyond a few for long drives.
What’s a typical breakfast on a Kenyan safari?
Buffet-style around 6 AM: eggs, sausages, bread, beans, fresh fruits like pineapple, and drinks like Kenyan tea or coffee. Mid-range spots offer extras like pastries or juices.
How does lunch work during a full-day game drive?
Lodges prepare packed lunches with yogurt, chicken, sandwiches, fruit, juice, and water—simple but filling for picnics in the bush.
Are dinners included on every day of a Kenya safari?
Usually yes, buffet-style from 6:30 PM with meats, rice, veggies, and basic drinks. But on free days in cities like Nairobi or Arusha, it might not be included.
Should I upgrade to mid-range lodges for better food?
Not necessarily—the food in budget campsites like Manyatta is solid and sufficient. Upgrades add variety and drinks but cost $200+ per night, which I didn’t find worth it.
What drinks are available during the Kenya safari meals?
Basic options like tea, coffee, and water in budgets; mid-range includes soft drinks, juices, and alcohol like Tusker beer or wine.
Is vegetarian or vegan food available on Kenya safaris?
Yes, buffets often have beans, veggies, rice, and fruits; many lodges like Buraha Zenoni offer vegan options—just mention preferences when booking.
How much does accommodation with meals cost on a Kenya safari?
Budget spots like Nyati Camp are under $100 per night, including meals; mid-range like Jambo Mara is $200-300.
Do I need to pack extra food for a Kenya safari trip?
No, like I learned—meals are abundant. Just bring light snacks for boredom on drives; water is provided in the jeep.
