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Kenya vs Tanzania: Which offers the better African Safari?

Kenya vs tanzania: which is better the african safari.

If you’re looking for the first time African Safari your first question is which is best destination Kenya Vs. Tanzania? When picking up the African Safari destination come across choosing between two side which Is Better for an African Safari? Is the best African country for safaris Kenya or Tanzania? Both are world class safari country offering outstanding holiday to tourists who come from different countries. Get free Quote for an African Vacations holiday all inclusive.

Many tourist are coming from Asia, America, USA, Brazil, Canada, Australia, and Europe exploring this two great wildlife safari countries. But a lot of questions still in mind of every tourist which one to choose Tanzania Safari vs Kenya Safari: Which Trip Is Better? Kenya vs Tanzania Safari | African Safari Destinations. Kenya vs Tanzania: Choosing the Ideal African Safari.

1. Full of gorgeous landscapes and views

Which safari is better Kenya or Tanzania? Kenya vs Tanzania — Choosing the Ideal African Safari. Kenya vs Tanzania — which offers the better African safari? When coming to landscapes and it’s viewing both countries are impossible to separate when thinking about East African Safari holidays. See beautiful sights and scenery Tanzania Safari vs Kenya Safari.

• Mount Kilimanjaro
• Ngorongoro crater
• Great Rift Valley
• Vast plain of Serengeti National Park

Both country have the stunning Great Rift Valley, beaches and particularly the best mountain. Kenya has list of

• Masai Mara Game Reserve
• Lake Nakuru
• Mount Kenya
• Diani Beach
• Different between these Country.

Tanzania is bigger than Kenya. Tanzania is East Africa’s largest country and boasts, in alphabetical order. Including Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro the Serengeti and Zanzibar.

Kenya on the other hand, while not as big, has a few big names: Amboseli, the Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru.

2. Kenya and Tanzania factsheet

3. kenya vs tanzania wildlife safari and game viewing.

Tanzania VS Kenya — A Point-by-Point Comparison of the Top 2 Safari Destinations. As far as best stunning landscapes and scenery ranging from great rift Valley. Both country offer  fantastic wildlife viewing and best game drive to top national parks. Spotting big cats in actions is phenomenas. Kenya vs Tanzania: Choosing the Ideal African Safari Destination.

There full suite of prey and herd animals like zebras, giraffes and wildebeest. See both big 5 to Serengeti National Park + Ngorongoro crater. Also you can spot it in Masai Mara Game Reserve, although it’s small in km2. Large group of elephants in Tarangire National Park plus flamingo in Lake Manyara are main attraction in Tanzania as well lion climbing trees.

4. Safari Cost and Prices

Is It Better To Go On Safari In Kenya Or Tanzania? Your African Safari depend on cost and price plan to be paid during your travel time . Tanzania safari prices is high to compare with Kenya safari. Compare accommodation level an average of Tanzania safari $350 — $2500 per person per nights while Kenya average safari cost $150 — $750 although both offer excellent safari adventures in Africa.

Additional VAT 18% and tremendous increase of entry fees each year even concession and accommodation increase by 10% make safari in Tanzania more expensive compare to Kenya. But Tanzania is top nortch wildlife destination which capture the soul of safari goer who wish to explore and spot wildlife in it natural habitat. With Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro crater one of Seven Wonder of world and top safari destination in Africa all the time. Including Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and staying in a white sand of Zanzibar beach.

5. Infrastructure and Accessibility

Kenya vs Tanzania Safari | African Safari Destinations. Going on Safari are every tourist bucket list lifetime journey. Kenya vs. Tanzania Safari — Our Comparison. Your all inclusive East Africa Vacation Packages depend on which and destination your looking to visit, number of days and accommodation level.

Kenya is wealthier than Tanzania and has a more developed infrastructure and tourism infrastructure when comparing Kenya vs Tanzania. You have a choice of more Hotels and Lodges in Kenya than in Tanzania. Game parks are more accessible. Nairobi is the capital and the hub of all flights. Both country have a good infrastructure which lead you to life change experience. Although Kenya has better infrastructure than Tanzania which make it easier to access the national Park

6. Best time to Visit Tanzania Vs Kenya

Thinking about the best time to visit both country Kenya and Tanzania are during the dry season. Kenya vs Tanzania vacation. Kenya vs Tanzania Safari — African Safari Destinations. Between late June to October when the bush is shorter and dry allowing superb game viewing and animal and scenery is easier to see. Temperate and where are similar to each even the time of rainfall sometime resemble. Are Kenya and Tanzania similar? Tanzania is similar to Kenya, but also around one and a half times larger.

You’ll find coastline in the east, plains and plateau running west across the country, and highlands in the north and south. The seasons in Tanzania are very similar to those in Kenya.

7. Accommodation setting

Ranging from basic, mid-range to high end accommodations. Both country Tanzania and Kenya offer the best place to stays. High end lodges and tented camp are built in and out of national park which mark this country be a beautiful African Safari hub.

8. Tanzania A Safer country

Interm of security and safety. At any point Tanzania is a safer country to visit than Kenya. Some of Kenya’s struggles have to do with city-based crime, political violence. Internally displaced peoples, and terrorism. In terms of crime, travelling with a reputable tour operator will help to mitigate your vulnerability. Your Africa Travel Expert for Luxury African Safaris – Best Safari Outfitter.

9. Top Tourist Attractions

Tanzania attractions..

• Serengeti National Park
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Selous Game Reserve
• Lake Manyara National Park
• Tarangire National Park
• Arusha National Park
• Lake Natron

Kenya Attractions

• Masai Mara National Reserve
• Amboseli National Park
• Lake Nakuru National Park
• Aberdare National Park

Which is better Serengeti National Park or Masai Mara?

In terms of wildlife density, Serengeti National Park is better for game viewing . Also Serengeti boasts massive wildlife populations the wildlife is spread across a far larger area because the park is so much bigger than Masai Mara. So Serengeti national park and Masai Mara game reserve one makes for the best safari in Africa bucket list.

10. Great Wildebeest Migration

More than 1.5 million wildebeest migrate in an enormous loop every year. The annual migration northwest, at the end of the rainy season (usually in May or June) is recognized as one of the “Seven Wonders of the Natural World.” The search for greener pastures does not come without danger.

Great Migration is an amazing phenomenon. Kenya vs Tanzania — which offers the better African safari? Stupendous to see hundreds of thousands of animals moving all together both country offer classic safari each side. Many animals rely on wildebeest and zebra for food. Migration attracts many other species while moving through the landscape. Making for unique sightings of diverse specie

Greatest show on earth. There are many different points to observe this mass movement of the wildebeest and all the drama it entails, but we’d recommend the flash-points of the Mara River, the plains of the Masai Mara National Park, and the Ndutu Plains of Tanzania’s Serengeti.

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Kenya vs Tanzania – Which is the Best Country to Visit?

Kenya vs Tanzania, which country do I choose? Which one is better? 

I get asked this a lot, especially when people are trying to choose between a safari in the Masai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti/Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania – which is one of the reasons why I do a Rock My Adventure tour that goes to all three.

Kenya and Tanzania are both are incredible countries to visit, as they have so much to offer and there are options for all budgets and travel styles. Each country has an abundance of national parks, plus lots of other attractions, so many people find it hard to choose between the two.

The two main draws for safari in this region are the Masai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania.

Both parks are part of the same eco-system, so when deciding where to go, you may want to look at a few other factors, such as the national parks, the time of year, the wildlife, the wildebeest migration, cost and what else the countries have to offer.

So in this post, I’m going to weigh up the great things about both countries and give you my honest opinions to help you make up your mind on whether to visit Kenya or Tanzania! 

Please Note:  Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which will earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate sales help with the running costs of this site, so thank you for your support!

Table of Contents

Kenya or Tanzania – Which is the Best Country for Africa Beginners?

When it comes to Kenya vs Tanzania for beginners, overall, I’d say that Kenya is a bit more ‘Westernised’ compared to Tanzania and English is more widely spoken in Kenya than in Tanzania, but you’ll find that all guides and most people can speak English to some degree unless in very rural areas.

Both countries are generally very safe for travellers and crimes against tourists are low, however, you need to exercise caution, especially in the major cities, such as Nairobi, Mombasa and Dar es Salaam.

Kenya vs Tanzania – Which Country Has the Best Safaris & National Parks?

Kenya national parks.

Kenya’s most famous national park is the Masai Mara. Now, I marginally prefer the Masai Mara over the Serengeti. The Mara is smaller and feels more intimate.

Taking a trip to the Masai Mara can easily be combined with Lake Nakuru (famous for flamingoes and white rhinos) and Hell’s Gate (famous for cycling safaris). Then there’s Nairobi National Park which is famous for rhinos and being the only national park to be located next to a major city, making for a very different experience. 

Heading towards the southeast, on the other side of Nairobi and close to the Tanzanian border, is one of my favourite safari destinations, Amboseli National Park . What makes Amboseli so amazing, is that it is home to a large elephant population and it lies at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, which creates an incredible backdrop for your photos.

Travelling onwards towards Mombasa, you’ll pass through Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks and just outside of Mombasa lies pretty Shimba Hills, which is full of wildlife, however, it’s very densely forested so the animals are a little trickier to spot.

To the north of Nairobi, there’s Aberdare National Park (with wildlife and tea plantations), Ol Pejeta Conservancy (I absolutely love Ol Pejeta, which is famous for rhinos) and Mount Kenya National Park. And if you continue further, you’ll reach Samburu National Reserve, one of the highlights of northern Kenya .

Samburu is home to the ‘Special Five’ the reticulated giraffe (also known as the Somali giraffe), Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, Grevy’s zebra and the gerenuk as well as having a healthy lion, leopard and elephant population.

Tanzania National Parks

Kenya may have an impressive selection of national parks, but then so does Tanzania, not quite as many, but they’re not far behind.

Taking a trip to the Serengeti can easily be combined with the Ngorongoro Crater , Lake Manyara (famous for tree-climbing lions), Tarangire (home to one of Africa’s highest concentrations of elephants) and Arusha National Park which together make up Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit. 

Further south, we have the Southern Circuit, which lies in the area of the country between Dar es Salaam and the Mbeya, near the Malawi border. This comprises Selous Game Reserve, Mikumi National Park, Udzungwa Mountains National Park and Ruaha National Park. On this route, you’ll also pass through the Valley of the Baobabs.

There’s also lesser know Saadani National Park which lies on the coast between Bagamoyo and Tanga, right on the Indian Ocean. This is a good place to see greater kudu, sable antelope and red duiker.

One thing Tanzania does have that Kenya doesn’t have is wild chimpanzees in Mahale Mountains National Park on Lake Tanganyika, where Jane Goodall did most of her research. The only downside is that it’s a pretty difficult place to get to (you can only go so far by road and then you have to take a boat which is super expensive) or you can also take a charter bush flight.

Safaris, Wildlife & Where to See the Big Five

Both Kenya & Tanzania have an abundance of wildlife, so you can’t really go wrong with either. 

You can see the Big 5 (elephant, lion, cape buffalo, leopard and black rhino) in a number of locations in both Kenya and Tanzania. But not all parks have the Big 5, so check before you book to make sure you’re not disappointed.

Lions, buffalo and elephants are frequently spotted in both Kenya and Tanzania in lots of different parks.

The Masai Mara is home to all of the Big 5 and whilst they say that the Big 5 are present in the Serengeti, I’ve never seen a black rhino there (and I’ve been to the Serengeti a lot). However, there are black rhinos in the Ngorongoro Crater, so if you combine the two, which most people do, you may be able to see one.

My best sightings of black rhinos have been in the Nakuru, Ol Pejeta (you are guaranteed rhino sightings in Ol Pejeta), the Masai Mara (I’ve seen them up close here a few times) and the Ngorongoro Crater (albeit from a distance most of the time). Rhinos are also common in other parts of Kenya, including Nairobi National Park.

My most frequent leopard sightings, however, have been in the Serengeti. But they’re usually far away. I’ve only seen a leopard once in the Masai Mara, but it was very close. 

If I had to vote for the best place to see the Big Five.. I’d say Kenya! 

The Weather & the Best Time to Visit Kenya & Tanzania

One super important factor when planning your safari to Kenya or Tanzania, is the weather. Kenya and Tanzania are quite similar, with long rains and short rains, and cool and hot seasons.

The problem we have now is that weather patterns are becoming more and more unpredictable, but here’s the general lowdown on when to visit Kenya & Tanzania (there will be some variations depending on the region so check before you go).

January & February

This is usually the hot, dry season. You may still experience some rain, but it’s not that common. On the coast, it can be pretty humid.

This is a great time to see the wildebeest calving in the southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, as the predators are really on the hunt for all the newborn babies. Bit horrible, but usually eventful.

March, April & May

This is when the long rains occur. It’s often cloudy and temperatures can be cool. Some roads might be muddy and flooding can occur. On the plus side, you might get cheaper rates across both countries as it’s low season.

June, July, August, September & October

These months are generally the dry, cool season. This is my favourite time to visit Kenya & Tanzania (temperature-wise) as I’m not fond of humidity.

It’s usually sunny, with little rain, hot on the coast, but not too humid. This is also the main high season.

Inland, it will usually get warm in the day, but early mornings and evenings can be cool, especially in places at altitude like Nairobi, Arusha or the Usambara Mountains.

Early mornings on safari can get really cold, I mean REALLY cold – as in down jacket, hat, thick socks kind of cold.

It’s coldest in July & August and starting to get warmer into September and October.

November & December

The time when the short rains usually make an appearance. It’s still a nice time to visit, but with intermittent rain and can be quite hot and humid. The rain shouldn’t really affect your visit.

Where & When to See the Wildebeest Migration in Kenya & Tanzania

If you are hoping to see the Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti or Masai Mara, you will need to plan your safari around where the migration is at a particular time.

Both parks are in the same ecosystem, so the animals move freely over an invisible, man-made border. The animals can go where they want but people can’t – unfortunately, the border crossing that lies within the parks is not open, so you have to go out of the parks and around if you want to get from one to the other which is a bit time-consuming.

The migration is always a little unpredictable, as the herds follow the rains, so nothing is guaranteed unless you splurge on a high-end mobile safari that moves with the animals.

January, February & March

During this time the wildebeest move down to the southern part of the park, near to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the entrance to the Serengeti.

Wildebeest calving season takes place between late January and February where around 8000 wildebeest are born every day which drives the predators wild.

April & May

This is a bit of a transitional time for the herds, as well as the main rainy season. They’ll be making their way upwards and along the western corridor up towards the Grumeti River.

June to July

Towards the end of June, the herds start to gather in the northern Serengeti, ready to make the crossing over to Kenya. This is a great time to be in the northern Serengeti.

August, September & October

This is the peak season and a very good time to spot the migration in the Masai Mara or just south of the Mara River on the Serengeti side. At this time of year, the herds are crossing over from Tanzania into Kenya, taking their chances in perilous rivers and trying to avoid being eaten by crocodiles. It’s pretty spectacular when you see a crossing.

If you are planning to visit the Serengeti at this time, you will need to do a more expensive fly-in mobile tented camp/lodge safari or take a longer driving safari.

So, if you’re coming from Arusha or Moshi plan to do a safari for at least 5 or 6 days on safari to allow you the time. Most shorter safaris only get you as far as the Central Serengeti. Check with your safari operator.

However, the Masai Mara is quite a lot smaller, so you should be able to see the migration (season permitting) regardless. And if you’re really lucky, you may even see a river crossing.

Another transitional period as the herds are moving back from the Masai Mara to the Serengeti and tend to be spread out throughout the north and eastern Serengeti, moving down towards the Ngorongoro Conservation area ready for calving season.

Kenya vs Tanzania – Which Has the Best Beaches?

Both Kenya and Tanzania have AMAZING beaches.

Kenya has Mombasa and the beaches around that area such as Diani Beach, Kilifi, Malindi and Watamu – all popular resorts for international travellers and holidaying Kenyans with plenty of great hotels, restaurants and lots of things to do.

Further north, you’ll find Lamu Island , a laid-back paradise. It’s a wonderful place to visit and rich in Swahili culture but much less visited than Zanzibar.

Tanzania has some wonderfully relaxed beaches around Tanga and Pangani if you want to escape the crowds. Or if you’re looking for a more local vibe (so less sunbathing, more culture), I love Bagamoyo, a bustling fishing town with a big heart and tons of creative energy.

But the main beach destination for most is the island of Zanzibar .

It’s no secret that I LOVE Zanzibar, and try to visit as often as I can. It feels like a second home to me and I love showing our tour groups around. There are so many great things to do in Zanzibar , that you will be spoilt for choice.

As well as the main island of Unguja (which is what everyone calls ‘Zanzibar’), there are also the quieter islands of Pemba and Mafia.

In season, whale sharks can be seen off the coast of Kenya and near Mafia Island. Both countries have dedicated marine parks which are great for snorkelling and dolphin sightings.

Zanzibar is an easy flight from any of Tanzania’s or Kenya’s main airports. But if you’re looking for a quiet place to hang out with a true Swahili vibe, then Lamu is probably the place for you.

Culture, Nightlife & Non-Safari Activities

Whilst many people are drawn to Kenya and Tanzania for safari, there are lots of other amazing things to keep you occupied once you’re there! 

In terms of cosmopolitans cities, Kenya definitely has the edge over Tanzania with hip and trendy Nairobi. There are loads of great things to see and do in Nairobi , including bars, restaurants, art galleries and social initiatives.

In Nairobi, you can get up close with giraffes and baby elephants at the Nairobi Giraffe Centre and Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage respectively – which kids and adults will both enjoy. And if you want to combine your stay with a trip to the fabulous Giraffe Manor , you can!

Mombasa is Africa’s largest coastal city, with a ton of history, Swahili culture and beautiful beaches nearby. The New Years party in Kilifi is legendary and celebrated with a big festival!

Kenya is also home to some of Africa’s best-hiking destinations , including Mount Kenya (Africa’s 2nd highest mountain), Mount Ololokwe and Mount Longonot.

If you want a real adventure, head up to Loiyangalani, on the southern shores of Lake Turkana where they hold the annual Lake Turkana Festival, a gathering of 13 of the local tribes.

A bit further north still is Sibiloi National Park, close to the Ethiopian border. The main downside is that it’s a bit of a mission to get to this region, but well worth the effort if you do make the journey.

In terms of cities, Tanzania doesn’t have the same cosmopolitan vibe as Kenya but Moshi , Arusha and Dar es Salaam are all fun cities to visit and there are lots of things to keep you busy in between safaris.

Two of my favourites things to do are hiking to the Materuni Waterfall (above) in Moshi and visiting the hot springs that lie between Moshi and Arusha.

And whilst Kenya has some great hikes, so does Tanzania, including Mount Meru, Ol Doinya Lengia and Africa’s highest and most iconic mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. I’ve climbed Kili twice and love writing about it , as it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.

If you love incredible scenery and hiking, the Usambara Mountains which lie between Moshi and Dar es Salaam are another place to add to your itinerary. I’ve written more about the Usambaras in my Tanzania Itinerary , and I definitely recommend a visit if you have the time.

Kenya and Tanzania share Lake Victoria and whilst Kenya has Lake Turkana, Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru, Tanzania has colourful Lake Natron, Lake Tanganika and chimpanzees.

Zanzibar has a few interesting festivals to visit throughout the year, including the Sauti Za Busara Music Festival, which usually takes place in February. 

In terms of nightlife, both Kenya and Tanzania are great. But, I marginally prefer Tanzania over Kenya and have had some of my best nights out in Moshi, Arusha and Zanzibar (for the record I’ve also had some VERY good nights out in Kenya too).

Kenyan & Tanzanian Tribes

A lot of people want to combine their safari tours with trips to see various tribes so Kenya and Tanzania are both perfect for this as there are lots of different tribal groups. Some of the tribes you can visit are listed here:

• Maasai: The Maasai people are pastoralists who live predominantly in the Masai Mara in Kenya and around the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Arusha and Moshi. But you will also find Maasai elsewhere in Kenya and Tanzania.
• Samburu: The Samburu people are closely related to the Masai, but live up in the Samburu region. I wrote a post some years ago about visiting the Umoja Women’s Village some years ago and I am hoping to go back there later in the year (so I will update this post).
• Turkana: The Turkana live in the far north in the area around Lake Turkana. They are very distinctive in appearance and spread out over the Turkana region.
• El Molo: The smallest tribe in Kenya, you can visit them up near to lake Turkana. They dress similar to the Samburu tribe.
• Hadzabe or Hazda: This hunter-gatherer tribe can be found near Lake Eyasi, just south of the Serengeti.
• Chagga: The Chagga people mostly live in and around Moshi., Tanzania They don’t really wear traditional dress anymore, but I always love taking a tour to a Chagga village which includes the Materuni Waterfall and a coffee making tour with singing.

The only thing I would say is to really research your tribal visits  to make sure they are ethical. Some are awful and just leave a bit of a sour taste in your mouth. This is why I’m always really careful about which tribes I visit on my tours as I want the experience to be two-way, non-voyeuristic and authentic.

The worst tribal visits I’ve done have been the ones where you stop for a quick visit on the way back to Arusha from the Serengeti/Ngorongoro Crater – avoid them at all costs. 

The Cost of Travel in Kenya vs Tanzania – Which is Cheaper? 

Whilst you can go on budget safaris in both Kenya and Tanzania, Kenya’s budget safaris tend to be cheaper than Tanzania’s. Especially in the most famous parks. This is due to the higher park fees in Tanzania and the remoteness of the Serengeti, compared with the Masai Mara, which is easier (and quicker) to get to by road.

A budget trip to the Masai Mara , will always be cheaper than a budget trip to the Serengeti due to the more remote location of the Serengeti, plus the park fees are higher in Tanzania.

For example, a 3-day Masai Mara safari staying in a glamping tented camp is generally cheaper than a 3-day camping safari in the Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater. Travelling in a group will also help to reduce costs.

You can get to the Masai Mara by public transport and organise game drives from the lodges, which will also save costs, but you cannot really do this in the Serengeti as there isn’t any public transport through the park. 

However, when it comes to the luxury end of the scale, the sky is the limit for both countries, although again, Tanzania tends to be at the higher end, especially with the logistics of the luxury mobile tented camps in remote areas.

Activities tend to be cheaper in Kenya too. For example, taking a hot air balloon ride in Tanzania is around $100 more expensive in the Serengeti than it is in Kenya.

So for budget travel – Kenya is the better option overall.

Kenya vs Tanzania – Which is the Winner?

I’d say that Tanzania is slightly less commercial and less developed than Kenya, but Tanzania can also be more expensive, especially to visit the national parks. However, both are incredible places to visit.

The fact of the matter is, neither is really ‘better’ than the other. They’re just different. Both Kenya and Tanzania are awesome for safari (and everything else they have to offer) so you won’t be disappointed by either!

So you could do one or the other, or do both – as we do on the Rock My Kenya & Tanzania Adventure !

I hope this helps you make up your mind on the Kenya vs Tanzania debate! Any questions? Let me know in the comments! 

Other Kenya & Tanzania posts you might enjoy…

• The Perfect 2-Week Kenya & Tanzania Itinerary (Plus Map, Tips & Things To Do)
• Highlights of the Rock My Kenya & Tanzania Adventure (February 2022)
• 22 Awesome Things To Do in Arusha, Tanzania
• 24 Fun Things To Do In Moshi, Tanzania
• 40 Amazing Things To Do in Zanzibar
• An Awesome Tanzania Itinerary (Plus Map, Tips & Things To Do)
• How to Find a Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Safari (to suit your budget)
• A Magical Kenya Itinerary (Plus Map, Tips & Things To Do)
• Planning a Trip to Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya – Everything You Need to Know
• A Little Guide to Lamu Island in Kenya
• 10 Unique Places to Visit in Northern Kenya

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I love to travel all over the world, but it's Africa that holds a special place in my heart. My mission is to help people travel Africa in an authentic, safe, fun, adventurous and ethical way.

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Great post! Do you only do group tours, or do you ever set up a tour say for a couple?

At the moment I am just doing the group tours as I don’t really have the time to organise personalised tours. However, we do get a number of couples on the group tours if they interest you?

When is the next trip please . Can you send me all info please

Hi Sapphire,

The next available tour is supposed to be September but it’s all still TBC at the moment with travel restrictions. You can find all the details here: https://www.rockmyadventure.com/kenya-tanzania-group-adventure-solo-travellers/

I will also email them to you. 🙂

Both looks incredible… I think I must try to experience both 🙂

They both have their uniqueness. Kenya is preferred for the middle traveler, while Tanzania is known for Luxury Safari travellers. If one needs to intensively follow the Wildebeest Migration, then Tanzania is better to get this. Kenya offers that thrill experience of the wildebeest migration.

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Kenya & Tanzania Safari Tours

Find the best wildlife safari adventures in Kenya and Tanzania, visiting Serengeti , Masai Mara and Ngorongoro national parks. Discover even more safaris in Kenya and Tanzania only. Pick your favourite Kenya Tanzania safari tour operator now.

206 Kenya & Tanzania safari packages with 1,270 reviews

• Christmas & New Year

Road to Zanzibar

It was a great adventure, we were very lucky with the weather and seeing a lot of wild animals.

Nairobi to Zanzibar: Serengeti & Sunsets

Amazing sights and locations to experience. Fellow travelers were also good company.

Premium Kenya & Tanzania (11 destinations)

Masai & Tanzania Camping Safari

Saw the big 5 within the first 3 days we were there; experienced a small window into the precarious lives African animals live daily.

11 DAY COMBINED KENYA & TANZANIA WILDLIFE SAFARI

It was a great and unforgettable stay. Very well organised

• Great Migration

15 DAYS ESSENTIAL KENYA & TANZANIA EXPEDITION

Top people, top quality, top food and saw a lot. It was just great, thank you again for getting to know you.

16 Days Best Of Kenya & Tanzania Luxury Safari

From the moment we arrived in Nairobi to the final farewell, every day was filled with awe-inspiring moments and unforgettable experiences.

• Wildlife Trekking
• Gorilla Trekking

Premium East Africa in Depth

12 Days Best of Kenya and Tanzania

It was a good choice, we had a wonderful time in Kenya and Tanzania.

Real East Africa & Zanzibar

12 Days Best of Kenya and Tanzania Luxury Lodge Safari

The accomodations were just wonderful, the lodges very comfortable and nice, food was very good.

Eleven Day Kenya and Tanzania Circular Lodge Safari

Jeep Safaris gave my family and i an awesome bush experience covered by excellent expertise.

• €99 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Kenya & Tanzania 4WD Safari Adventure 12D/11N

It was nice to have a good tour guide to find the animals and guide us to the points of interest along the way.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Tanzania-Kenya-12-Day Spirit and Soul of Africa Safari

Just like my friend said would happen, 2 weeks later I was on a plane to Kenya.

Tanzania and Kenya Safari Combined - 12 Days

I had a nice and memorable trip with you.kudos guys!! World class service delivery.Thank you

Kenya and Tanzania Safari Tour Reviews

The Intrepid travel Road to Zanzibar was absolutely fantastic. The organisation of the whole trip was very good. I would highly recommend.

Great trip, solid tour guides and very fun group. Pre trip instructions were unclear and difficult to locate. Flying into Nairobi was unnecessary; the trip could have started in Arusha.

Upgraded tour. Simply, perfect. For me, this was all about animals and I was overwhelmed with the opportunities that the guides and drivers provided us while respecting the awesome individuals that oversee these beasts - the national park rangers who provide services in Kenya and Tanzania. Blessed with the time we spent with Masai; would love to come back for the opportunity to spend more time with people; I'm a loner, so animals came first, but loved the people I had the opportunity to meet.Saw the big 5 within the first 3 days we were there; experienced a small window into the precarious lives African animals live daily - just, simply, overwhelming. FYI, African elephants own my heart.

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Safari Kenya or Tanzania: Choosing Between 2 Awesome Safari Destinations

As two of the most iconic safari destinations on Earth, both Kenya and Tanzania are home to an abundance of wildlife. Together, the neighbouring East African countries form the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem – one of the world’s largest protected areas, spanning approximately 30,000 square kilometres.

I've done a combined Kenya-Tanzania safari before and it was an incredible experience. I found it really easy to start my tour in Northern Tanzania viewing the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti; then journeying alongside the mighty Mara River into Kenya to watch the completion of this amazing annual ritual. And this was just one of many amazing things I got to do during my trip. 

In this article, I'll share my best insights on Kenya and Tanzania as the ultimate destinations for your next and best safari experience.

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Safari Kenya or Tanzania FAQs

What makes kenya and tanzania so similar yet different .

While Kenya and Tanzania share similarities in climates, wildlife species, vegetation, and opportunities to witness the Great Migration , they are also each characterized by differences in unique wildlife spectacles and world-renowned landscapes. Ensuring that a visit to either country is equally as satisfying and yet different to the other.

Here are some of their other key similarities and differences:

Which country is better for your budget - Kenya or Tanzania?

Overall, Kenya is better for your budget as a potential safari destination. It's a smaller country than Tanzania, so it's quicker and cheaper to travel by plane, car or ferry to its national parks.

With its great investment in the tourism industry and wide range of options when it comes to accommodation and flights, Kenya is generally more budget-friendly. Kenya is also a wealthier country in comparison to Tanzania, so it is better equipped with airports, transport, hotels and guest houses.

However, Kenya also has less wildlife and national parks than Tanzania, so it would be a good idea to also spend time in Tanzania if you can afford it. We have created a guide for enjoying Tanzania on a budget .

Both Kenya and Tanzania offer great off-season deals and various accommodation options to suit your budget best. While the sky is the limit for both countries when it comes to organizing luxury safari packages, these can be easily avoided.

If budget isn’t the issue but rather safety, you’ll be happy to discover that both countries have a low crime rate against tourists. Precautions should always be taken, however, especially in the major cities like Nairobi , Mombasa and Dar es Salaam .

Which tour?  Here are 5 Kenya-Tanzania safaris I highly recommend: 

• Serengeti Trail Safari (incl. Nairobi, Kisii and Kisumu)  (8 days)
• Masai Camping Safari (incl. Serengeti and Lake Manyara)  (10 days)
• Best of Kenya and Tanzania (incl. Amboseli and Tarangire)  (12 days)
• Kenya and Tanzania Camping Safari (incl. Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru)  (14 days)
• Best of East Africa (incl. Subukloita Hills and Zanzibar)  (20 days)

See more  Kenya and Tanzania safari deals .

When is the best time of year to visit Kenya or Tanzania?

Kenya and Tanzania share similar climates, so the best time of year to visit either country is during the dry season (June-October) for more wildlife sightings and easier travelling conditions.

Both Kenya and Tanzania are notably marked by two distinct seasons: the wet season and the dry season.

Dry Season – Best Time for Safaris

The best and most popular times to visit Tanzania and Kenya  are generally from mid-June to October. As East Africa’s dry season, this time of year has the most predictable weather and provides ideal safari conditions.

While early mornings and evenings might be cold, the temperature during this season is fairly predictable. Thermometer readings are often around 23°C/73°F, reaching a high of 28°C/82°F in the coastal areas.

Wet Season – Best Off-Season Deals

During the wet season, the dry Tanzanian and Kenyan landscapes are transformed into a lush, green paradise. Temperatures increase during this period and usually range between 24°C/75°F and 27°C/81°F, reaching highs of 30°C/86°F along the coast.

There are two types of rainy periods in this season:

Short rains - November to December

Long rains - March to April

Short rains (November-December):

Afternoon thunderstorms are often expected to take place, but safaris are unlikely to be impacted. For this reason, the short rainy season is still considered an excellent time to plan a trip to Tanzania or Kenya.

Long rains (March-April):

The long rains usher in the peak of the wet season. While it may still be a good time to visit Tanzania or Kenya, your trip will be impacted by the amount of rain and the type of conditions the area receives that year. Tourists who find hot, humid conditions unpleasant should preferably avoid this season.

If you’re up for an adventure, there are major advantages of travelling here during this time. Prices are reduced dramatically and with crowds being dispersed – you’ll have thrilling wildlife sightings all to yourself.

Read our article on average safari costs in Tanzania .

Where to stay? Here are 5 of my favourite accommodation options in Kenya and Tanzania: 

• Talek Bush Camp (Masai Mara)
• Lake Nakuru Lodge
• Eco Camp (Amboseli)
• Mawe Camp (Serengeti)
• Serena Safari Lodge (Ngorongoro)

See more popular  Kenya  and  Tanzania safari accommodation options.

What are the most iconic National Parks in Tanzania and their main attractions?

The most iconic national parks in Tanzania are arguably Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Gombe and Mahale for their diverse wildlife and stunning locations. With that said, there are so many exceptional national parks to explore in Tanzania that makes for a unique safari experience. 

Serengeti National Park

As Tanzania’s conservation centrepiece, the Serengeti is home to one of the world’s densest wildlife populations . Serengeti is a local Masaai word that is used to describe endless plains – a perfect depiction of the park’s rolling golden grasslands.

While the main attraction of the Serengeti is the Wildebeest Migration , the park is an all-year-round safari destination with ample opportunity to spot the Big Five .

Ngorongoro Crater

Nestled below a heavily forested 600m volcanic rim is a wildlife wonderland called Ngorongoro - offering some of Tanzania’s best and most reliable safari sightings. Before the iconic volcano erupted, it once stood taller than the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro itself. The top of the ancient volcanic cone collapsed after the loss of its underlying body of magma and ultimately formed what is now recognized as the largest inactive caldera on earth.

Lake Manyara

In the rush to see the Serengeti and its famous Ngorongoro neighbour, Lake Manyara can easily be overlooked. Conveniently located on the road from the town of Arusha to Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara offers a magical stop for traveller’s looking to explore the more popular parks on the Northern Safari Circuit.

The park takes up a mere 330 square kilometres of which 230 square kilometres are covered by the shallow alkaline lake. The rest of the landscape boasts a remarkable mix of floodplains, acacia woodlands, and forests that supports an equally impressive variety of wildlife. Most notable is the park’s large elephant population, resident baboons and black-maned tree-climbing lions. The lake is also home to thousands of pink flamingos and over 400 bird species.

Tarangire National Park

As one of the untouched gems of Tanzania, Tarangire National Park sees fewer visitors than other parks on the Northern Safari Circuit. In stark contrast to the small crowds of tourists is the park’s teeming wildlife population that at the right time of year is believed to deliver some of the best game-viewing in Tanzania.

Not only does it tick off the classic safari sightings that every visitor hopes to see, but offers some unusual species to spot as well – like the long-necked gerenuk . With 550 species to encounter, Tarangire is a veritable bird-watching paradise.

Off-the-Grid National Parks

The lesser-visited national parks of Tanzania are hidden gems that offer some of the country’s most sought-after safari sightings. The mostly inaccessible tracks that lead to Katavi, Mahale Mountains, Selous and Ruaha National Park have deterred crowds of tourists and concealed some of Africa’s best-kept safari secrets.

As Tanzania’s third largest park, Katavi National Park is comprised of approximately 4,471 square kilometres of everything from open grasslands and forests to floodplains and seasonal lakes. As these floodplains retreat during the dry season, the sight of hippos by their hundreds cramming into dwindling pools is one of the main attractions of the park.

What makes Mahale Mountains National Park especially unique is that it does not boast the usual Tanzanian safari suspects such as lions and elephants. Instead, it is famously known for offering an enthralling opportunity to trek and get up close with its world-renowned population of chimpanzees.

Selous National Park holds the title as Africa’s largest game reserve and is nearly four times the size of the Serengeti. The park’s stand-out features include its resident Big Five population and the mighty Rufiji River that fills the landscape with interconnected lakes. Unlike Tanzania’s other national parks , Selous offers the unique opportunity to experience guided walks and fly-camping.

Home to sweeping herds of antelope, all-conquering prides of large carnivores, elephant families that churn up the river beds, as well as a vibrant bird population – the Ruaha National Park is one of our planet’s last remaining vestiges for nature in its rawest form. The park’s unparalleled predator sightings and resident lion population has put Ruaha in the spotlight in recent years.

What are the most iconic National Parks in Kenya and their main attractions?

The most iconic national park in Kenya is arguably Masai Mara for its unique perspective on the Wildebeest Migration and rich cultural heritage.

Masai Mara National Reserve

Holding a similar status as the Serengeti in Tanzania is Kenya’s flagship conservation area – the Masai Mara National Reserve .  While the park is most famously known for the role it plays in the Great Migration, it is also home to safari heavyweights like the Big Five and is especially popular for its big cat sightings.

But this doesn't mean there aren't other notable national parks with diverse ecosystems in Kenya. Here are a few more of them below: 

Amboseli National Park

With only the Masai Mara outshining the park in terms of popularity, the Amboseli National Park is one of Kenya’s main drawcards. Amboseli boasts an impressive population of elephants and is the only safari destination in Kenya that offers unparalleled views of the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro.

Nairobi National Park

As Kenya’s capital and the starting point of most safaris, a stop in Nairobi is almost inevitable. Contrasting the bustling city centre is the opportunity for a peaceful safari retreat set against the backdrop of skyscrapers.

In Nairobi itself is the famous Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and the world-renowned Giraffe Manor. Just outside of the town is the Nairobi National Park – home to everything from lions and giraffes to an impressive 550 species of birds.

Samburu National Reserve

Nestled on the edge of the Ewaso Ng'iro River is the Samburu National Reserve . With its diverse mix of grassland and forests, the reserve attracts all the big cats, huge herds of elephants and even a rare species of wild dog.

A major highlight is the ‘Samburu Big 5’ – a unique list of animals that aren’t found in the more popular reserves of Kenya. Adding a thrill to every Samburu safari is the chance to spot the Grevy’s zebra , the long-necked gerenu, reticulated giraffe, besia oryx and Somali ostrich .

A Private Kenyan Safari Experience

One of the most authentic ways to experience the African wilderness is by visiting private game reserves and conservancies. Far-removed from the fleet of safari vehicles is an opportunity to encounter wildlife in its truest and most untainted form.

Kenya boasts an array of popular conservancies. The Mara Conservancies are pieces of land that have been set aside next to the Masai Mara National Reserve – far removed from the crowds that flock to this area during the wildebeest river crossings. Other popular private reserves in Kenya include Selenkay Conservancy, Ol Kinyei Conservancy, Ol Pejeta Conservancy , Naboisho Conservancy, Olare Motorogi Conservancy and the rugged Laikipia .

If you’re looking for a unique safari experience, most private conservancies usually offer the added adventure of signing up for a walking or nighttime safari.

Which country is better for witnessing The Great Migration – Kenya or Tanzania?

Overall, Tanzania is better for witnessing The Great Wildebeest Migration because you can follow the wildebeest in more locations and for longer periods. In contrast, Kenya is the final destination when the wildebeest cross through the Mara River.  

The rolling grasslands of Kenya and Tanzania are most famously known for the Great Migration. Arguably, timing your trip to coincide with witnessing this unimaginably spectacular event is of paramount importance.

Understanding the pattern of the migration will help you decide where you’d like to witness it most. In general, the migration tends to be in Tanzania in the Southern Serengeti for the calving season from February to mid-March. From June-July , the herds can be spotted in the park’s Western Corridor as they gather near the Grumeti River.

From August-September , the grazers move into the Northern Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. During this season you have the chance of witnessing the famous river crossings across the crocodile-infested Mara River . The sweeping herds then head back down to the Southern Serengeti, and the cycle starts again.

To give you a better sense of locations and timing as the wildebeest make their way through Tanzania and Kenya, here is a handy map:

Calving season in the Serengeti – Late January-February

As the migration slows down, the calving season in the Serengeti offers the safari experience of a lifetime. Not only does this time of year give you the chance to witness the wildebeest drop their young, but also brings with it an unprecedented opportunity for predator sightings .

With up to 8,000 calves being born each day, many travellers rate the calving season as the greatest spectacle of the Serengeti. The calves are quick to their feet, standing within a few minutes of being born and learn to run within a few days.

With lurking big cats looking to strike when the herds are most vulnerable, the calving season ushers in a high concentration of predators to the Southern Serengeti and Western Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

As the grasses of the Southern Serengeti become depleted, the herds then make their way back to the Masai Mara.

Famous Mara River Crossings – August and September

From August-September , the grazers move into the Northern Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. Here they face the daunting challenge of crossing the notorious Mara River.

The best time to witness this iconic event is generally in August. It is important to note, however, that the exact time the herds cross the river is very unpredictable – not even the wildebeest themselves know! The nervous herds often spend anything from hours to days along the bank before they pluck up the courage to face the crocodile-infested waters, strong currents and looming predators on the other side of the river.

The river also has many crossing points into Kenya, so having the knowledge of an experienced safari guide is highly recommended. After the herd cross the Mara River, Kenya is the best place to continue to see them until they head back to the Serengeti once more.

I hope this article helps you choose between where to travel for your dream East African adventure. But why choose when you can have your cake and eat it? With the right budget, a combined Kenya and Tanzania safari is just one click away.  

Mark Whitman

Hi, I'm Mark! Welcome to Climb Kilimanjaro Guide - the Web's No.1 Trekking Guide to Mount Kilimanjaro. This site is your one stop shop for everything Kilimanjaro. To date over 5 million people have visited Climb Kilimanjaro Guide, many of which have gone on to summit Kili! I hope you find all the answers you are looking for, but if you have any questions don't hesitate to drop a comment below!

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Kenya Vs Tanzania: Travel Experts Decide

Written by BELLA FALK

When it comes to picking a destination for an African safari, for most first timers it usually boils down to a simple two-way choice: Kenya vs Tanzania.

Contents (click to view)

These two countries are the joint kings of the safari adventure; both have huge open savannas full of astonishing wildlife and accommodation to suit all styles and budgets, so if you’ve never been to either, choosing whether to base your safari in Kenya or Tanzania can be tough.

And don’t get me started on the non-safari attractions! Both countries have so much more to offer than just wildlife-spotting. With pristine white sandy beaches, turquoise seas, culture, landscapes and mountains to climb, both Kenya and Tanzania are dream travel destinations. So how do you choose between them?

I have been to both Kenya and Tanzania. On my first trip, I went to Tanzania for a month. I climbed Kilimanjaro , spent five days relaxing in Zanzibar, and then did a Tanzanian safari . I loved every second of it and would highly recommend a trip to Tanzania.

Then I went to Kenya for three weeks. I visited the Maasai Mara, the beaches at Vipingo and Diani, Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Tsavo National Park. I had an incredible time and can’t wait to go back.

So if you asked me to choose between a safari in Kenya vs Tanzania, I can’t! How do you pick between two places that are so incredible?

To help, I decided to ask some non-biased experts for advice. So I put the call out to travel bloggers and travel writers who have visited both countries, and asked them whether they would recommend Tanzania or Kenya for a first-time visitor. And here’s what they said…

Kenya vs Tanzania: which is best for safari?

Both Kenya and Tanzania are famed for their wildlife, and have plenty to offer. I’ve been on safari in both countries, and while they’re equally spectacular, when it comes to choosing between Tanzania or Kenya for safari, I find Kenya more alluring.

Even though Tanzania has one of the most well known national parks in the world, Serengeti National Park, Kenya’s efforts for wildlife conservation far surpass that of Tanzania. According to the Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association , there are 160 conservancies in Kenya covering 6.63 million hectares. Kenya is also home to 24 National Parks, compared to Tanzania’s 19, one of which – Nairobi National Park – is the only National Park in the world located next to a major city.

One of these conservancies is Ol Pejeta in Central Kenya’s Laikipia County. What makes this conservancy special is it’s the home to the last two Northern White Rhinos in the world, Fatu and Najin. They are kept under 24-hour surveillance and there are efforts to save the species using IVF. Ol Pejeta is also East Africa’s largest black rhino sanctuary and home to The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a refuge for chimpanzees rescued from the black market.

The Great Migration is a draw to both Kenya and Tanzania, but the best place to view it is in Kenya’s Maasai Mara. This is where the wildebeest cross the Mara River in droves making for a true National Geographic moment for visitors.

By Retha Charette from Roaming Nanny

Read more: A Kenya Safari Holiday: How To Plan The Perfect Trip For You

Kenya or Tanzania: the national parks

When it comes to Kenya vs Tanzania, there is no wrong choice. Both countries are beautiful and have so much to see and do. We spent a week in Tanzania and two weeks in Kenya, but I would go back to either one of them right away if I could.

If you are choosing between a Kenya safari vs Tanzania safari, I would say Kenya’s safari parks have the edge. Tanzania has the Serengeti, but Kenya has the Maasai Mara. Both are part of the same territory – you can actually stand on the line between the two countries where the park splits and it changes names.

Choosing which country to visit may depend on when you want to go, as the animals are free to roam throughout both parks. We ended up seeing the wildebeest migration and Mara River crossing in Kenya since we visited during the time of year when they were in the Maasai Mara.

Read more: Behind The Scenes On Safari In Tanzania

The other park we loved in Tanzania was Ngorongoro Crater . This natural caldera with steep sides keeps the animals contained all-year round, so they’re easy to spot. It was the park where we saw the most adult male lions which helped, but even though there is no guarantee you’ll see lions, it definitely should be on your Tanzania itinerary .

In Kenya two of our other favourites were Amboseli and Samburu parks. Amboseli is said to be the inspiration for the scenery featured in The Lion King and went on my bucket list as soon as I saw that film. From here you can see Kilimanjaro towering over the elephants, which makes for an incredible sight. Amboseli is special because of the range of unique animals found only in that park. While most people know the traditional Big Five, Samburu also has its own Big Five to try to spot.

If you have some extra time in Kenya, make sure to also visit Hell’s Gate Gorge. This landscape inspired the scene in The Lion King where the wildebeest stampede, and you can hike down into the gorge. You have to worry more about flash flooding than wildebeests here though.

If I have to choose between Kenya or Tanzania for safari, I would probably say that Kenya offers the best safari in East Africa. We did see more of the country, so there is a little bit of an unfair advantage, but I loved the variety in all the parks we visited and exploring some of the things to do in and around Nairobi as well. However, if the Great Migration is in Tanzania while you are visiting, I would let that be the deciding factor.

By Christine Wheeler from Live Love Run Travel

Read more: 46 Amazing African Safari Animals – A Photo Guide

Non-safari things to do in Tanzania or Kenya

When it comes to non-safari activities to enjoy, there are two main options which are both fantastic: visit the coast or hike a mountain.

In Tanzania the main non-safari attraction is Mount Kilimanjaro – known as ‘the roof of Africa’. Kilimanjaro is a bucket list item for many serious hikers and attempting to climb this giant really is a serious undertaking that takes some concerted training efforts, mostly because of the altitude. This is a seriously once-in-a-lifetime kinda trek!

If you don’t fancy Kilimanjaro, Tanzania is also home to Mount Meru and Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano – both of which, while smaller than Kilimanjaro, present their own challenges.

Over in Kenya, Mount Kenya is still a tough hike, but takes less preparation and is therefore an easier option for many, whilst still involving some epic views. 

When it comes to the coast, both Kenya and Tanzania have some seriously spectacular seaside scenery. 

The best spots on the Kenyan coast include the beachside resort of Diani, the alternative enclave of Kilifi and the remote island spot of Lamu, all of which offer white sandy beaches and Indian ocean splendour.

However in Tanzania, the coastal island of Zanzibar knocks it out the water with its amazing  UNESCO-listed capital of Stone Town  and the incredible diving opportunities in Paje, as well as beachside paradise in the north. Rich in Swahili culture, historic importance and stunning natural scenery, it’s hard to beat this uniquely epic destination.

Overall therefore, when it comes to Kenya vs Tanzania in terms of non-safari things to do, I have to pick Tanzania. With Africa’s tallest mountain and one of the most epic islands on earth, it takes some beating!

By Steph Parker of Big World Small Pockets

Read more: What To Wear On Safari: My Detailed Safari Packing List With Photos

Kenya vs Tanzania: getting around

Kenya and Tanzania offer much the same ways of getting around and demand similar safety considerations, but there are some key differences in infrastructure between the two countries. The most notable difference is that public transport is more readily available in Kenya and tends to be of a better quality.

Both Kenya and Tanzania offer good air travel between cities, with frequent flights and a smooth process. There are a number of small airports and airstrips within national parks for safari access in both countries. Trains in Kenya tend to be relatively fast, while trains in Tanzania are slow and can be unreliable with frequent delays. Nevertheless, Tanzanian train journeys are scenic and make for a fun cultural experience!

In both countries, the driving conditions are very similar. The roads have improved considerably in recent years, but they can still be quite sketchy once you get outside of the more built-up areas. You’ll probably come across a lot of potholes, and the roads are not well-marked in either country.

You can rent a car but you’d need to be a very confident driver as it’s likely to be a very different driving experience to what you’re used to. Taxis and minibuses will save you the trouble but they can be expensive. Buses are the cheapest way to get around in both countries, but they don’t have particularly good safety credentials!

In terms of accommodation, Tanzania has slightly fewer options but this also means smaller crowds and fewer tourists overall. The cost of accommodation in Kenya is generally more expensive than in Tanzania. All in all, due to being a richer country, Kenya is slightly further ahead in terms of its travel infrastructure. But the differences aren’t huge and more limited travel options bring their own unique advantages.

By Jessie Moore of Pocket Wanderings

Read more: How To Climb Kilimanjaro In 10 Steps

Which has the best beaches: Kenya or Tanzania?

One of life’s greatest privileges must be swimming in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Kenya or Tanzania.

The good news is that both offer beautiful beaches with turquoise waters and soft white sand. Which you pick really depends on whether you want to be relaxing on a beach with lots of resorts and many western conveniences or if you prefer a more authentic experience.

So when it comes to choosing between the beaches of Kenya or Zanzibar in Tanzania, to which country should you bring your bathing suit and sandals ?

In Kenya, the area around Mombasa and 30 kilometres both north and south from there, is home to the majority of beaches in Kenya. There is a wide variety of options, making Kenya safari and beach holidays extremely accessible and popular.

You can find luxury resorts and private homes tucked away in private settings or more budget-friendly larger resorts located in busier areas. Mombasa has an international airport and lots of roads and infrastructure to make this an easy beach destination.

Tanzania also offers many pristine beach destinations, although they are far less developed. This gives you the advantage of a more remote authentic experience at the expense of fewer western conveniences in resort towns.

The exception is Zanzibar, an island 395 km off the coast of Tanzania. Zanzibar has many beautiful and remote beaches with their own resorts, but also has the cool city of Stone Town to explore.

You can stay close to Stone Town, or head elsewhere on the island for that remote experience. Zanzibar also has an international airport or can be reached by ferry from Dar Es Salaam.

In a choice between beaches in Kenya vs Zanzibar in Tanzania, I would pick Kenya for its accessibility and the wide variety of choices available.

By Nicole Hunter of Comfy Feet Pro

Read more: Is Cardamom House In Vipingo The Best Beach Hotel In Kenya?

Tanzania vs Kenya: the cost of travel

Is Kenya cheaper than Tanzania? Kenya and Tanzania, despite being neighbours, have a huge difference in prices and the cost of travel varies a lot.

Kenya is considerably cheaper compared to Tanzania in almost every aspect, from food to tours to safari and spending money in the coastal areas. A lot of it comes down to the huge amounts the government of Tanzania charges to foreigners for entry fees and other taxes. 

A 3-day decent safari in Kenya with good lodging options currently costs from $600 whereas the same safari with camping costs roughly $900.

In Tanzania, one of the biggest attractions, Ngorongoro Crater , has twofold fees where you pay the entry fee for 24 hours and then you will need to pay for your jeep as well as an extra $250 charge to go down into the crater. Similarly Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti have different charges per day despite being essentially the same national park on different sides of the border.

Read more: Top 50 African Birds: A Safari Photo Guide

A car rental in Kenya during peak season costs roughly $65 with the driver (fuel costs separately) whereas the same thing costs $120 in Tanzania. 

The extent to which tourism is taxed in Tanzania is truly unique, the government even taxes the transfer cars to and from airport. A taxi transfer in Zanzibar starts at $50 whereas a transfer from the airport to Lamu in Kenya costs merely $5. Zanzibar also has a city tax of $11 per person per night which adds to the cost of accommodation.

If you’re wondering is Kenya or Tanzania better for safari when it comes to budget, Kenya is the best option without a doubt.

By Ucman Scher of Brown Boy Travels

Read more: Top 34 African Birds: A Safari Photo Guide

Kenya: hidden gems

I grew up in Kenya since my parents lived as ex-pats for much of their adult life. So I know first hand that Kenya and Tanzania are both amazing places to visit. 

Everyone knows about the absolutely incredible safaris and resorts but few tourists venture to the many other amazing places to visit in Kenya and Tanzania. Growing up as locals in Western Kenya, we spent more time visiting the non-touristy attractions of Kenya . These are hidden gems that only locals know about. Here are a few of my favourites. 

The tea gardens of Kericho feature rolling hills covered in lush green tea bushes, neatly organized in rows. Kericho has the cool mountain air all year and rain every afternoon. It’s just the place to be for a warm afternoon tea with baked treats in one of the cafes. If you have time, take the kids to one of the few tea factories and see how simple yet sophisticated the tea making process is. Be sure to buy Kenyan tea at the source. It’s the best. 

Other favorites of mine are the lush forests of Kaptaghat, the Webuye waterfalls, Kakamega forest, and Lake Victoria. On the drive from Nairobi to the western Kenya, you’ll drive through the great Rift Valley and cross the equator. Plan to take the time to stop, smell the crisp and fresh mountain air and take lots of pictures. All along, make an effort to talk with the locals, you’ll be surprised how friendly and warm the Kenyans are. 

For a traveler that has not been to either country and is wondering is Tanzania better than Kenya, I would recommend visiting both. While there is a lot of similarity, both offer unforgettable experiences unique to the culture. 

By Jyoti Baid of A Story At Every Corner

Culture, food and drink in Tanzania

If someone asked me to choose between Tanzania vs Kenya, I’d choose Tanzania because it has so many attractions that are worth exploring.

To better understand the Tanzanian way of life, I highly recommend a homestay in one of the villages off the tourist trail, either in mainland Tanzania or in Zanzibar. You can experience how people live around Kilimanjaro, in villages covered in red sand and surrounded by green, lush, vegetation, or in Zanzibar you can enjoy day-to-day life in a fishing village. They are both fantastic learning experiences. 

When it comes to getting away off the beaten track, the north of Tanzania has so many beautiful things to offer, from swimming in hot springs to hiking to hidden waterfalls, from kayaking on a lake dividing the border between Tanzania and Kenya to spending the night in a Hadza speaking community where people click when they speak. You can even get clothes tailored in Tanzania. There are so many talented tailors in Moshi that will transform the vibrant African fabrics into elegant dresses and skirts in just a couple of days. 

Another fantastic thing to do in Tanzania is learn about the Maasai culture. My recommendation would be to go on a day trip to a Maasai tribe , rather than just stop for an hour during your safari. The difference is that due to the popularity and the increased number of tourists coming to Tanzania, many of the Maasai tribes along the safari routes have become extremely money-orientated, losing their authenticity. There are Maasai villages in remote areas hard to get to, close to Kilimanjaro Airport, where you can experience the real culture of the tribe.

When it comes to food, Tanzania surprised me with delicious dishes, both for meat lovers and vegetarians. The staple dish of Tanzania is ugali, a white maize porridge-like dish, with a stiff texture, used to scoop sauces and stews from the plate. Other fantastic dishes to try in Tanzania are pilau – a spiced rice eaten as a side dish, banana and beef stew, mishkaki – delicious meat and vegetable skewers mostly served as street food, and chipsi mayai – a French fries omelette eaten with loads of ketchup. When you visit Zanzibar, you must try the seafood platters. They are expensive but worth every penny, with enough fish and seafood to share with at least one other person.

When it comes to drinks, Tanzania is the second largest wine producer in sub-Saharan Africa, after South Africa. The grapes grown here are processed into two main categories: a delicious bold, spicy red wine, and the most delicate natural sweet dessert wine. 

I highly recommend visiting Tanzania. It has so many beautiful places to see, traditions to discover and fantastic people to meet. Tanzania is so much more than a safari or a beach destination and I highly advise on adding an extra week to your holiday here so that you can get a glimpse of what the country has to offer.

By Joanna from The World In My Pocket

Is Kenya or Tanzania safer?

Declaring one country definitively “safer” than the other is tricky. Both Kenya and Tanzania are generally safe for tourists, particularly in popular safari areas. However as with travel in any country in the world, even your home city, some risks still exist.

• Past incidents: Kenya has experienced more terrorism-related events, though their vigilance has likely improved security.
• Specific areas: Avoid Kenya’s northern borders with Somalia, Ethiopia, and South Sudan due to potential instability. In Tanzania, steer clear of the southern border with Mozambique and avoid venturing far into the Indian Ocean due to piracy concerns.
• General precautions: As in any travel, exercise common sense. Be mindful of belongings, use reputable transportation, and stay informed about current events. Remember, both countries prioritize tourist safety within their safari industries, so if you’re on a normal safari holiday in Tanzania or Kenya, you’ll likely be fine.

Is Tanzania or Kenya better for the Great Migration?

The Great Migration is the largest terrestrial animal migration on Earth, involving over 2 million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle journeying between the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara in Kenya. So if you want to see it, where should you go?

Tanzania offers a longer viewing window – you can see the herds throughout most of the year, with different areas hosting them depending on the season. The Serengeti can also offer a less crowded and more secluded safari experience. Head to Tanzania if you prefer longer viewing opportunities and fewer crowds.

In Kenya, the Masai Mara offers a denser concentration of animals, particularly during peak season (July to October), making sightings and amazing safari photography more likely.

The Masai Mara is generally more accessible and cheaper, with better infrastructure and amenities. Pick Kenya for easier access and higher concentrations of animals.

Kenya vs Tanzania: the winner!

So there you have it! As many different viewpoints as there are things to do, and it really depends on what you are looking for.

If budget is an issue, you’re probably better off going to Kenya for your first safari. But if you want to get a bit more off the beaten track, maybe Tanzania is the one for you. If you’re into mountains and hiking, pick Tanzania.

For relaxation, both Kenya and Tanzania have amazing beaches, so it depends if you prefer fancy resorts or something a bit more culturally authentic.

But since both countries have incredible wildlife, scenery, culture and beaches, it doesn’t really matter which one you pick. Either way, you’re going to have an incredible trip.

Where to next?

If you enjoyed this Kenya vs Tanzania comparison, why not check out some of my other Africa safari posts?

• A Kenya Safari Holiday: How To Plan The Perfect Trip For You
• What To Wear On Safari: My Detailed Safari Packing List With Photos
• Ol Doinyo Lengai – Climb The Mountain Of God
• How To Climb Kilimanjaro In 10 Steps
• 28 Brilliant Things To Do In Uganda
• Chobe Safari Lodge In Botswana: A Complete Review With Photos

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An unhelpful guide to… tepoztlan mexico, 12 thoughts on “kenya vs tanzania: travel experts decide”.

This was interesting to read a comparison of the two places. I have no idea where I would choose but I would like to go on a safari at some point!

I do hope you manage to one day Krista. It’s such a wonderful experience.

This article is so thorough, I loved reading it! You covered all aspects and the day I can finally do a safari I will be able to choose wisely my destination bases on your reco!

Thank you! All credit goes to the travel bloggers who gave their input!

This was a really interesting and insightful post about Tanzania and Kenya! Doing an African safari has been on my bucket list for such a long time but I never knew where to go! This definitely helps to make a decision 🙂

I really hope you manage to one day. Safaris aren’t cheap but they are such an amazing experience.

I have always thought visiting Africa is a life-changing experience! I have done one safari in South Africa in Pretoria and look to explore east Africa on a future trip! Good to have info for both Kenya and Tanzania as safaris are on my bucket list!

I absolutely adore Africa and I cannot wait to go back just as soon as we are allowed. East Africa is wonderful!

Great post. I’ve been to both and it’s tough choice. For safari, I’d go with Kenya. but Tanzania has Zanzibar!

Interesting. I loved my safari in Tanzania. I loved Tanzania as a whole. But I haven’t spent as much time in Kenya. I need to go back and explore further!

Such a wild wonder Africa is! The pics are awesome! Views from Mount Kilimanjaro is awesome!

Thank you! Yes Africa really is a wonderful continent with so much diversity!

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A 10 DAY BLEND OF KENYA & TANZANIA 6 Parks and Reserves – 3 in Each Country 10 DAYS, 9 NIGHTS: LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK – MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE – SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK – NGORONGORO CRATER – TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK – AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK.

Daily Private Safari Tour by 4x4 jeep

Starts Nairobi. Ends Nairobi or Arusha – We’ll pick you up from the airport or your hotel. 

Enjoy this amazing safari in a customized pop-up roof 4×4 Safari Jeep that includes: Cooler Box, long-range high-frequency radio, Power Outlets AC 230V, First Aid Kit, and above all, a professional multi-lingual safari guide  who will ensure you have an unforgettable safari experience.

Option to start tour at Amboseli and finish in Arusha.

Kenya or Tanzania ? Which to visit? Choose both on this exciting 10-day African safari to the best national parks on both sides of the border. You’ll visit gems like Tarangire Park and Lake Nakuru with its population of rare Rothschild’s giraffe. At Lake Naivasha , relax on a sailing safari past curious hippos and grazing wildlife on the nearby shore.

How to describe the world-famous Masai Mara and its neighboring Serengeti Park – be prepared to witness the spectacle of the largest wildlife migration on the planet. And Ngorongoro Crater will present you with a dense volcano floor alive with its own world of highly concentrated wildlife.

Amboseli Park is so populated with elephant life you are guaranteed multiple sightings. This is a well-balanced tour spending equal time in both countries. You’ll be able to say you’ve seen and experienced the best of Kenya and Tanzania.

Let’s Begin this Journey

Your 10-day safari begins in Nairobi and takes an easy drive through the Rift Valley escarpment and its dramatic landforms. We’ll stop along the way to admire the towering ridges and cliff formations. Soon the blue waters of Lake Naivasha come into view inviting us to explore and take a sail past bathing hippos and nearby giraffe, zebra, and antelope.

It’s a quick trip to nearby Crescent Island Sanctuary and a guided walking safari past the grazing wildlife and colorful waterfowl. Then we’ll pack into the 4 x 4, headed for Lake Nakuru , passing Lake Elementaita and its hundreds of bird species.

Arriving at Nakuru, savor this beautiful park adorned with acacia forest and home to black and white rhino. You may also spot lion, leopard, and hippo. Season and weather permitting you’ll be treated to flocks of pink flamingos blanketing the lake.

Then it’s off to the king of Kenya parks, the Masai Mara National Reserve . The Mara never fails to impress with its intense concentration of big game wildlife. During the migration season, the animal population magnifies significantly into the millions. Wave upon wave of zebra, wildebeest, and eland cross the Mara River creating a spectacle that’s simply unforgettable.

Into Tanzania

Crossing into Tanzania brings us into the color and excitement of the immense Serengeti National Park . The great treeless savannahs here roll out past the horizon, hosting the largest population of lions in Africa – reportedly more than 3,000 in this ecosystem alone. During your game drives, you’ll also be tracking for leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo.

Besides those Big Five predators, your day will be filled with possible sightings of cheetah, zebra, giraffe, Thompson’s gazelle, eland, impala, hippo, and the irrepressible warthog.

Descending the Ngorongoro

Our next adventure is one of the most unique landforms anywhere, the Ngorongoro Crater . This is the world’s largest dormant, intact volcanic caldera. We’ll descend its walls down to the crater floor to a special place of intense wildlife concentration. We’ll be looking for the many prides of lion here as well as other big game – rhino, elephant, leopard, buffalo, hippo, cheetah and more.

As if your day couldn’t get any better, we’ll head back up in the late afternoon to catch Africa’s most dazzling sunset at the crater rim.

Now it’s a short drive to a very special wildlife preserve, Tarangire National Park , home to hundreds of species of birdlife, magnificent towering baobab trees, and great herds of elephants. Even the large termite mounds dotting the landscape are an unusual sight in this unique natural habitat.

Safari Back to Kenya

Then we’re crossing the border again, back into Kenya to visit our final destination, Amboseli National Park . Elephants abound here but also get ready for lion, cheetah, wildebeest, gazelle, monkeys, and lots of birdlife.

Amboseli also features Africa’s best views of Mt. Kilimanjaro . In the mornings and early evenings when the clouds clear you may get postcard views of the snow-capped summit of the highest peak on the continent.

Then, it’s an easy drive back to Nairobi and safari’s end.

All-Inclusive. Your 10-Day safari includes park entrance fees, accommodations, and meals. Natural World Safaris always offers a wide choice of accommodations. Depending on your budget and style choose from economy, comfort, or luxury safari lodges or tented camps.

Your Guide . For your entire 10-day journey you’ll be guided, hosted, and looked after by your own experienced driver/guide. And you’ll enjoy the adventure of your own private 4 x 4 Land Cruiser Jeep, the only way to safari.

Customize Your Safari

If you’d like to customize your safari or have any special wishes, please let us know. For example, you can begin your safari at Amboseli Park instead of Naivasha/Nakuru and finish up in Arusha . If you choose this configuration the tour order is as follows: Amboseli, Lakes Naivasha/Nakuru, Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Arusha .

Things to note:

• Optional: Masai Mara – Serengeti flight at USD 550 Per person (one way). Timings: 0815Hrs – 1120Hrs.
• Safari tour departs daily
• Set and advise on your preferred safari tour dates
• Safari tour prices are indicated in USD.
• Kenya visa is currently applied online latest 72 hours before travel dates at US$ 50 Per Person.
• Single Entry allows visitors to enter Kenya for a short term.
• The visa is valid for three months and allows re-entry to Keya from Tanzania & Uganda.
• The multiple-entry visa is mainly for business people who need to make numerous trips to Kenya for work purposes.
• For Tanzania you can get visa on arrival at the border , but you must be willing to queue and wait for a short period (can take long if there are many people on the queue). To avoid this, apply and get an evisa before your departure.
• Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory to enter Tanzania and you shall need to get the vaccine from your country of origin before travel.
• Safari can be extended to include more days if you prefer
• Driving times during safari in Kenya/Tanzania are estimates and can vary due to narrow roads, density of traffic and general road conditions
• Safari is private per booking in own tour vehicle and your dedicated driver/ guide-not a group sharing tour
• Safari can include local flights to cut on driving time if required (extra price)

Tour Highlights:

• 1 Night at Lake Nakuru National Park - Kenya -Sailing Safari at Lake Naivasha -Guided walking safari at Crescent Island – giraffe, zebra, buffalo -Rhino sanctuary – guaranteed viewings of black and white rhinos -View the magnificent expanse of the Great Rift Valley -Rothchild’s giraffes -Flamingos and other birdlife
• 2 Nights Masai Mara Game Reserve - kenya -Iconic world-famous game park - unlimited drives - The Big Five -Immense herds of wildlife -Unforgettable savannah vistas -Maasai people and culture
• 2 nights Serengeti National Park - Tanzania - The great migration – vast herds of wildebeest & zebra moving on to Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya - Famous for its dense and varied wildlife - The Big Five – largest population of lions in Africa
• 1 Night at Ngorongoro Crater - Tanzania - World’s largest intact volcanic caldera - 8th Wonder of the World & UNESCO World Heritage Site - Dense concentration of easily accessible wildlife - Olduvai Gorge – site of pre-historic man
• 1 night at Tarangire national park - Tanzania - High density of elephants & baobab trees - Immense herds of zebra, wildebeest and Cape Buffalo can be seen June – November - Incredible birdlife – over 550 species - Famous for termite mounds over the landscape
• 2 Nights at Amboseli National Park - Kenya - Views of snow-capped Mt. Kilimanjaro – highest peak in Africa - Observation Hill – view marshes with herds of elephants, buffalo, hippo & many waterfowl such as pelicans and Egyptian goose - Possible lion, cheetah and hyena sightings - Experience local villages and culture
• Astounding Wildlife Throughout - Lion, elephant, cheetah, giraffe, buffalo, warthog, ostrich, pelican and so much more!
• Local Tribes and Cultures – Maasai & Others
• Hot air balloon ride at Masai Mara. See vast wildlife herds and landforms below. An unforgettable experience. Please enquire with us. Cost: $420 per person.
• We offer an optional visit to a Masai village at Masai Mara. Please arrange this with your driver/guide. Cost: $20 per person.

10 Day Combined Kenya & Tanzania Wildlife Safari

Nairobi – Lake Nakuru National Park (160km-3 hours)

Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner

0730hrs: Pick up from your Nairobi hotel or Nairobi airport

Proceed to  the lake Nakuru national park.

An easy relaxed  sightseeing drive takes you via the great Rift valley escarpment

You shall make some stops to marvel at the escarpment

Along the route  you shall catch glimpses of the rift valley lakes Naivasha and Elementeita.

Arrive at the Lake Nakuru in the late morning.

Lake Nakuru national park hosts large flocks of flamingoes (Currently there are few numbers as large numbers have migrated to neighbouring saline lakes due to lack of food as Lake Nakuru water level is gradually raising due to global warming), pelicans and other bird species.

The adjacent national park is home to rhinos, warthogs, lions, zebra giraffe and many more animal species.

Overnight at your Lake Nakuru safari lodge or tented camp

What you may  see at Lake Nakuru national park ……

Flamingo, unique vegetation, View- points of  lion hill & baboon cliff ,56 different mammal species , Rhino and waterbucks.

Lake Nakuru – Masai Mara (290km- 6-7 hours with stops)

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Short early morning game and bird watching drives at the lake Nakuru national park

Proceed to the Masai Mara game reserve.

There shall be stops at scenic places along the way.

Afternoon game viewing drives at the Masai Mara.

Overnight at your Masai Mara safari lodge or tented camp.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Today  shall be spent at the Masai Mara on unlimited game viewing drives.

(Opportunities for optional balloon ride excursion)

The Masai Mara ecosystem hosts the highest concentration of wild animals per sq km than any other game reserve in the region..

Elephant, lion, cheetah, buffalo, antelope, warthog, hyena and many more animal species may be seen.

Simply stated, the Masai Mara is a one stop for game and scenery viewing.

You shall carry a picnic lunch  and spend entire day on game viewing drives for maximum  wildlife sightings

Overnight at your Masai Mara safari lodge/ tented camp.

Masai Mara – Serengeti Game reserve (appr. 370km 6-7 hrs with stops)

Depart Masai Mara and proceed to the Serengeti in Tanzania

The drive is via the Isebania Kenya / Tanzania border town.

The Serengeti shares the same ecosystem with the Masai Mara game reserve.

Ideally Masai mara is the smaller extension of the Serengeti

It is well located for game viewing drives together with optional activities including  guided nature / bird walks.

Afternoon game viewing drive at the Serengeti.

Overnight at your Safari lodge/ Tented camp

Serengeti Game Reserve

A full day game viewing drive as we explore this vast nature endowed   wildlife reserve.

Options of morning and afternoon or full day game viewing sessions  are available to you.

The annual wildbeest migration is Serengeti’s most famous attraction.

It is  also home to a pride of its lions which have been fitted with radio-transmitter collars so that their movements may be tracked.

Other wildlife you may see includes cheetah, zebra, giraffe, Thompson and Grant’s gazelle, Eland, Impala, Klipspringer, Hippo and Warthog.

Overnight at your Safari lodge or tented camp

Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater (200km: 3-4 hours)

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Depart the Serengeti with a game viewing drive en-route

Descend to the floor of the crater  for game viewing in this unique caldera park.

We shall look out for  Rhino, Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Cheetah, Buffalo and Hippo.

Later we ascend to the crater rim

Catch a glimpse of the most magnificent sunset views in Africa from the crater rim!

Overnight at your Ngorongoro crater safari lodge or tented camp.

Ngorongoro – Tarangire (150km-3 hours)

Sunrise views from the crater rim

Proceed to the Tarangire National Park .

An afternoon game drive gives you a chance to see different types of wildlife  which inhabit this small but beautiful park.

Overnight  at your Tarangire safari lodge or tented camp.

Tarangire – Amboseli  (310km 5-6 hours)

Meal plan: breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Short morning game viewing drive at the Tarangire.

Drive to the Amboseli National park via the Namanga Kenya / Tanzania border town.

The Park is home to Elephant, Wildebeest (Gnu), Buffalo, Gazelle, Lion, Cheetah, monkey families and rare bird species.

In the early evenings and mornings, the clouds may clear, exposing the snow –capped dome of the  Mount Kilimanjaro.

Overnight at your Amboseli safari lodge/ tented camp.

What you may  see at Amboseli national park…….

Buffalo, Elephant, Lesser Kudu, Mongoose, Zebra, crocodile,plain game, Hyrax, nocturnal porcupine,variety of bird species.

Early  morning game viewing drive at the Amboseli national park.

Weather permitting the clouds will shear off, leaving you mesmerized at the majesty of the Kilimanjaro and its gleaming snow capped peaks.

Today shall be spent exploring the park on unlimited game viewing drives.

Overnight at your Amboseli safari lodge or tented camp.

Amboseli National Park – Nairobi (240km 4 hours)

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Early pre-breakfast game viewing drive in search of the predators and grazers..

Extra final game drive at the Amboseli national park.

Later depart  for Nairobi to arrive in the late afternoon.

Transfer to Nairobi hotel or Nairobi  airport for outbound flight.

What you could see on a Kenya Tanzania Safari Tour...

• Nocturnal Porcupine
• Lesser Kudu
• Unique Vegetation
• View points of Lion Hill & Baboon Cliff
• 56 Mammal Species
• Variety of Bird Species

SAFARI PRICE GUIDE BY SEASON,NUMBER OF PERSONS,LODGE/CAMP CATEGORY

Accommodation

Tour Price Includes

• Nairobi-airport-hotel shuttle transfers (complimentary for safari participants)
• Transport in a customized 4x4 pop up top Land Cruiser jeep in Kenya
• Pop up top 4 x4 Land Cruiser Jeep in Tanzania
• Services of an experienced English or other language speaking safari tour/driver.
• Private game viewing drives in a 4x4 pop up top Land Cruiser jeep
• Stay in economy, comfort, or luxury lodge / tented camps. ( please choose )
• Park entrance fees.
• All meals on safari in Kenya and Tanzania.
• Bottled drinking water in safari vehicle.
• The flying doctors emergency medical evacuation/ rescue insurance cover.
• Pick up and drop off at respective hotel, residence.

Not Included In the Tour Price: Items and Services of a personal nature, Tips & Gratuities, Visas and International Flights.

Additional Extras

Frequently Asked Questions

IMPORTANT So that you may know... click to view

Our Accreditations and Booking Security

We are fully accredited by and proud members of the following industry organizations.

Natural World Kenya safaris is Member No.FA/440 - Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO) bonding scheme . The scheme is insured to guarantee your holiday safari in the unlikely event that a bonded KATO member ceases operating.

Natural World Kenya Safaris is Member No.FA/440 Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO) bonding scheme . The scheme is insured to guarantee your safari in the unlikely event that a bonded KATO member ceases operations.

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Kenya Vs Tanzania Safari: The Better African Safari Experience

• ~ mins read

East Africa's abundant wildlife, hot climate, and rich culture make it one of the best safari regions in the world. When deciding exactly where to go, many tourists ponder the distinction between a Kenya tour and a Tanzania tour , both renowned globally for their safari experiences with commonalities such as well-developed safari tourism, big-five game opportunities, and the Great Migration.

This Kenya vs Tanzania safari guide highlights the two geographical areas. It compares key features such as location, budget considerations, activities, and popular safari regions to help you decide which country is best for your trip.

• Veronicah James
• From Austria

Kenya and Tanzania Safari: An Overview

Kenya Vs Tanzania Safari: Location

Kenya and Tanzania share many geographical similarities, making them appealing destinations for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Positioned near the equator, both countries share similar climatic conditions throughout the year, so their border doesn’t draw a difference in weather. Kenya and Tanzania's expansive grasslands and savannahs provide habitats for diverse wildlife populations. Additionally, both nations feature large national parks, serene lakes, and pristine white sandy beaches along their respective coasts.

Concerning differences, Kenya is smaller than Tanzania, resulting in a potentially more crowded safari experience, especially during peak seasons. You are less likely to face traffic congestion in Tanzania due to its larger landmass. Our winner: Tanzania In terms of location, Tanzania emerges as the more favorable option for those seeking a less crowded and more expansive experience. Tanzania's vast landmass, being roughly one and a half times larger than Kenya, means that even during peak tourist seasons, safari-goers are less likely to be hassled or overwhelmed by crowds.

Kenya Vs Tanzania Safari: Cost and Budgeting

Both Kenya and Tanzania are the top destinations in the world for a safari adventure. While Kenya has a better-developed safari tourism infrastructure, Tanzania has better-governed safari tourism, contributing to a transparent breakdown of costs and activities within your itinerary planning.

Cost Benefits of Safari in Kenya

A budget safari in Kenya is roughly 1.67 times cheaper than in Tanzania; a luxury safari in Kenya is half the price compared to Tanzania

A wider range of accommodations in Kenya provides better cost flexibility 

Cost Benefits of Safari in Tanzania

Tanzania maintains a fixed concession fee for its National Parks, ensuring price consistency, unlike Kenya, which employs a variable entry fee structure that can vary across national parks

The Tanzanian Shilling has a higher value than the Kenyan Shilling and offers more stable exchange rates

Our Winner: Kenya Better tourism infrastructure, a higher range of accommodation, and lower transportation costs in Kenya outweigh the relatively small cost advantages that Tanzania holds, establishing Kenya as the preferred choice for a safari when considering a cost and budget advantage.

COMPARING POPULAR SAFARIS IN KENYA AND TANZANIA

1. serengeti national park (tanzania) vs maasai mara national park (kenya).

Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya are two popular destinations renowned worldwide for their exceptional safari experiences. What unites these magnificent landscapes is their exceptional wildlife content, including the big five and their shared role as witnessing grounds for the awe-inspiring Great Wildebeest Migration—a spectacle that unfolds from late June to August each year. While these parks share some similarities, they also offer unique features that set them apart, choosing between them a delightful dilemma for travelers.

Advantages of a Serengeti National Park safari

Can witness wildebeest breeding and birthing seasons

Encompasses 14,763 square kilometers with five distinct habitats

Offers a less crowded safari experience even during peak season

Proximity to the Ngorongoro Crater 

Advantages of a Maasai Mara National Reserve safari

Is the endpoint for the great wildebeest migration

Smaller park of 1,510 square kilometers, potentially providing denser wildlife sightings

Generally offers more budget-friendly safari options

Home to the Maasai tribal group provides a rich cultural experience amidst safari excursions

Our pick: Serengeti National Park, Tanzania While both Serengeti National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve offer remarkable safari experiences, our choice leans towards a Serengeti safari for the unmatched size and terrain diversity advantage Serengeti has over the Maasai Mara.

2. Lake Manyara National Park (Tanzania) Vs Lake Nakuru National Park (Kenya)

Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania and Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya are two iconic safari destinations in East Africa that offer unique wildlife experiences and breathtaking landscapes. While both parks share similar safari experiences, including witnessing tree-climbing lions and flamingos, they each have distinct advantages that make them special in their own way. Advantages of a Lake Manyara National Park safari

Boasts abundant elephant herds, and even though it once had a high rhino population, they are no longer present

November to April is the prime time for birdwatch flamingos

The lush landscape in Lake Manyara National Park is free from any fencing, giving it a more natural and unrestricted ambiance

It has a scenic treetop walkway, which is a major attraction

You can opt for a Northern Circuit safari package that covers Lake Manyara and most of the popular Tanzania safari destinations

Advantages of a Lake Nakuru National Park safari 

Boasts both black and white rhinos and hosts no elephants

November to May is the prime time to watch flamingoes; the park can sometimes host up to a million flamingos

Most of Lake Manyara National Park is fenced, resembling a zoo-like setting

It has 500 bird species which is higher than the 400 species available in Lake Manyara National Park

You can opt for a combined Kenya safari that includes Lake Manyara National Park, Maasai Mara National Reserve, and Amboseli National Park

Our pick: Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya Our pick is Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya due to its better birdwatching opportunities and the presence of rare white rhinos, making it a top choice for wildlife enthusiasts.

KENYA VS TANZANIA: ACTIVITIES BEYOND WILDLIFE SAFARI

In addition to the world-renowned wildlife encounters, both Kenya and Tanzania beckon with a wealth of activities to satisfy diverse interests. Below are some common activities in Tanzania and Kenya that visitors can indulge in apart from their safari-focused tours and the primetime to enjoy them.

Choosing between Kenya and Tanzania for your African safari experience ultimately depends on your preferences and circumstances. If you are on a strict budget, Kenya may be the better choice. But if you want to explore more of the East African terrain, then you should pick Tanzania. If you have the budget, we suggest a combined Kenya and Tanzania trip, a popular choice for many safari enthusiasts. For more information on the two countries, check out our Kenya travel guide and Tanzania travel guide .

With us, you have the option to personalize your trip to both countries! You can also fill out our separate forms to customize a trip to Tanzania or customize a trip to Kenya . To travel to both countries, simply select the additional country while filling out either of the forms. 

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Safari Guide to Kenya and Tanzania: The Heart of Africa’s Wildlife

Introduction to the wonders of kenya and tanzania safaris.

In our “Safari Guide to Kenya and Tanzania,” we delve into the heart of Africa, a land of vast landscapes and untamed wilderness, holding the secrets of nature that many travelers yearn to uncover. Kenya and Tanzania, two countries at the core of this exploration, together offer an unparalleled safari experience. But what makes these nations stand out amid a continent renowned for its wildlife adventures?

Beyond the majestic wildlife and breathtaking vistas, Kenya and Tanzania boast a rich tapestry of culture, history, and hospitality. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic wedding on the serene beaches of Zanzibar or seeking a vacation that melds adventure with relaxation, these destinations offer memories that linger for a lifetime. Dive deep into the rhythm of Africa and discover why Kenya and Tanzania are jewels in the crown of global travel destinations.

Why Venture on a Safari in Kenya and Tanzania?

Venturing on a Kenya and Tanzania safari isn’t just about witnessing wildlife; it’s an immersion into a unique abundance of nature and culture . With a trustworthy safari guide at your side, you’ll uncover hidden gems that go beyond the iconic Big Five .

Kenya safari offers vast savannahs dotted with acacia trees, while Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater serves as nature’s amphitheater, teeming with diverse wildlife. Opt for a Kenya-Tanzania safari tour, and you’ll bridge the beauty of both lands, gaining insights into their distinct environments and traditions.

Whether it’s the great wildebeest migration in the Serengeti or meeting the Maasai Mara tribes, the Kenya and Tanzania tours promise more than just sights – they offer transformative experiences. So, if you’re debating Tanzania or Kenya safari, why not choose both and double the wonder!

Picking the Perfect Season: Best Time to Embark on a Kenya Tanzania Safari

The Ideal Time For Your Visit

Kenya and Tanzania, two gemstones of East Africa, offer varying climates throughout the year. As a safari guide might advice, the season you choose can drastically influence your experience. Dry seasons, from late June to October and January to February , offer optimum wildlife viewing with less vegetation obscuring your sight.

The Great Migration Timing

The grand spectacle, The Great Migration , is a scene like no other. From July to September , a mesmerizing display of over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move between the Serengeti in Tanzania and Masai Mara in Kenya. If a Kenya and Tanzania safari tour is on your bucket list, timing it with this natural wonder is a must.

Yet, every season has its charm; a Kenya safari might allure with calving in February, while a Tanzania safari entices with predator action during migration. Regardless of when you plan your Kenya and Tanzania tour, nature’s raw beauty promises to captivate.

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Highlights and Attractions: From the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara

Maasai Mara National Reserve

Dive deep into Kenya’s pristine wilderness at the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Often highlighted by any seasoned safari guide, this reserve stands as a crowning jewel of Kenya safaris. Less commonly known, the Mara offers unique nocturnal safaris, unveiling a secretive world where nature’s nocturnes come alive.

The Serengeti National Park

Across the border, Tanzania offers the vast expanse of The Serengeti National Park. While many associate this park with the Great Migration, fewer realize that it houses one of the largest lion populations globally. A Kenya and Tanzania safari tour bridges the experience of both these iconic locations, showcasing diverse ecosystems.

Embarking on a Kenya Tanzania safari, travelers not only witness wildlife but also immerse in the age-old dance between predator and prey. Whether your heart is set on a Kenya or Tanzania safari, each destination offers unparalleled moments. Choose your adventure, and let the wonders of East Africa captivate your spirit.

Experiencing the Delightful Kenya and Tanzania Cuisine

Kenya’s Signature Dish: Ugali

A trip to Kenya isn’t complete without tasting Ugali, a staple maize porridge. Paired often with sukuma wiki (collard greens) or Nyama Choma (grilled meat), it captures the essence of Kenyan comfort food. Each bite not only offers a taste of home-cooked goodness but also provides insights into Kenya’s culinary heritage. It’s a must-try during any Kenya safari, adding a flavor-packed experience.

Tanzania’s Culinary Gem: Zanzibar Pizza

Tanzania surprises with its Zanzibar Pizza, a delightful street food unique to the islands. Unlike any traditional pizza, this treat is a blend of meat, veggies, and egg wrapped in thin dough, fried to perfection. It’s a testament to Tanzania’s blend of cultures and flavors. Dive into this dish during a Tanzania or Kenya and Tanzania tour, and savor a piece of Zanzibar’s heart.

The heart and soul of Kenya and Tanzania aren’t just in their vast landscapes and wildlife, but also in their rich, flavorful dishes. As you journey through these lands, let your taste buds explore as fervently as your eyes do. Delight in the traditional flavors, and leave with a gastronomic memory as vivid as the safaris themselves.

Seeking Accommodations Amidst Wilderness: A Mix of Luxury and Budget Options in Kenya and Tanzania

Indulge in opulent lodges offering unparalleled experiences, with panoramic views and top-tier amenities. Alternatively, discover budget-friendly gems that provide a cozy touch, ensuring comfort and authenticity on every step of your African adventure.

Luxury Accommodations

Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge

For those on a Kenya and Tanzania safari, Kenya opens its arms with premium accommodations like the Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge. Nestled amidst the Amboseli National Park, this lodge offers a vantage point to the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro while ensuring luxury and comfort. It’s more than just a stay; it’s an experience that a safari guide often touts as unmatched.

Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

On the flip side, in Tanzania, travelers are welcomed with distinct elegance, especially at places like the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge. Strategically situated at the edge of the renowned Ngorongoro crater, this haven offers breathtaking vistas and an intimate proximity to native wildlife. It’s not merely a place to rest, but a destination in itself for those on a Kenya and Tanzania safari tour. Experience Tanzania’s splendor wrapped in luxury.

Budget-Friendly Stays

Kibo Safari Camp

Kibo Safari Camp in Amboseli strikes a balance between budget and experience. With traditional tented accommodations set against a backdrop of the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro, guests can immerse themselves in nature without sacrificing essential comforts. The camp’s ambiance is perfect for those wanting an authentic yet pocket-friendly Kenyan retreat.

Panorama Campsite

Panorama Campsite, located near Ngorongoro, promises visitors an intimate Tanzanian experience. Its rustic charm, with basic tents and campfires, allows travelers to connect deeply with the wild. The serene surroundings, coupled with starry nights and echoing wildlife calls, make it an affordable yet enriching choice for many.

Kenya and Tanzania have something for every traveler, with both luxury spots and budget-friendly places to stay. No matter where you choose to rest, the magic of the safari stays the same. Every place, whether pricey or affordable, adds to the adventure. Go on a journey that fits your budget, and make memories that last forever.

Estimating Your Adventure: Average Costs in Kenya and Tanzania Safaris

Embarking on a Kenya and Tanzania safari tour promises unforgettable encounters with Africa’s diverse wildlife. But, how do you estimate the expenses?

Key Considerations in Navigating Your Safari Budget

Typical Safari Pricing Breakdown

Safari costs in Kenya and Tanzania aren’t just about spotting majestic lions. You’re also investing in a holistic experience: from knowledgeable safari guides offering lesser-known wildlife insights to access to untouched natural parks. Additionally, prices incorporate park entrance fees, camping or lodge accommodations, and sometimes even meals. It’s essential to understand the full spectrum of costs to ensure a seamless, hassle-free safari experience.

Accommodation, Travel, and Guided Tours

When budgeting, consider three pivotal aspects: where you’ll rest after a day’s adventure, your travel logistics within and between Kenya and Tanzania, and the expertise of your chosen kenya tanzania safari guide. Opting for package Kenya and Tanzania tours can sometimes provide better value, merging accommodation, travel, and guided explorations into one cohesive, memorable experience.

Daily Costs and Budgeting Tips

Daily Expenses: Food, Travel, and More

When exploring Kenya and Tanzania, daily expenses are more than just accommodation. Savory local dishes, intra-region travel, and unexpected souvenirs can quickly add up. Sample traditional meals like “ugali” or “nyama choma” in Kenya, and perhaps “chapati” or “ndizi kaanga” in Tanzania. Additionally, consider the costs of short flights, local taxis, or buses connecting popular safari destinations.

Making the Most of Your Budget

Maximizing your safari budget means prioritizing experiences that matter most. Perhaps splurge on a hot air balloon ride over the Masai Mara but economize with budget-friendly lodges. Engage with local communities for authentic, cost-effective experiences. Remember, with careful planning and a keen eye for value, every penny can stretch further, enhancing your African adventure.

Estimating safari costs in Kenya and Tanzania goes beyond simple numbers—it’s about a rich, holistic experience. With Allied Travel , there’s no need for guesswork. We guide you every step of the way, ensuring your safari is not just an adventure, but a lifetime memory. Let’s journey together!

Tips and Tricks for an Unforgettable Kenya and Tanzania Tour

An exhilarating Kenya and Tanzania safari tour offers some of the most captivating sights in Africa. Yet, as with any journey, there are ways to elevate the experience. Dive into these insider insights for a more memorable encounter.

Maximizing Your Safari Experience

The magic of a Kenya and Tanzania safari lies beyond the well-trodden paths. Opt for dawn or dusk excursions; this is when wildlife is most active. Additionally, patience is key. Spend more time at fewer spots, allowing nature to unfold before you. Interestingly, many overlook the wonders of the smaller fauna and flora, so keep an open eye!

The Right Safari Guide and Company

Your safari guide is your gateway to the majestic landscapes of Kenya and Tanzania. Prioritize hiring experienced guides from reputable companies, such as Allied Travel , as they possess invaluable local knowledge. Did you know that the best guides have an uncanny ability to spot hidden creatures miles away, enriching your Tanzania or Kenya safari manifold?

The essence of an unforgettable Kenya and Tanzania tour is in the details. Savor each moment, trust expert guides, and let the unparalleled beauty of Kenya and Tanzania sweep you away.

Preserving the Environment: Sustainable Safari Practices

In the heart of Kenya and Tanzania, safaris allow travelers to witness the raw beauty of nature. However, it’s crucial that our passion for adventure aligns with practices that conserve these awe-inspiring habitats. Dive deep to learn how we can merge adventure with responsibility.

The Importance of Eco-friendly Travel

Safaris have become synonymous with the Kenya and Tanzania tour experience. With the surge in popularity, the commitment to eco-friendly travel is paramount. It’s less of a commonly known fact that sustainable lodges and camps in these regions use solar energy and rainwater harvesting. Opting for such accommodations can significantly reduce your carbon footprint on your next Kenya or Tanzania safari.

Leave No Trace Principles in Safaris

While the role of a safari guide is to enhance your experience, their teachings on Leave No Trace principles are golden. These guidelines, although simple—like not feeding animals or littering—ensure the pristine nature of the wild remains undisturbed for future Kenya and Tanzania tours.

When embarking on a Kenya and Tanzania safari tour, your choices matter. Through sustainable practices, every traveler can play a part in safeguarding the treasured ecosystems of Kenya and Tanzania.

Travel Considerations: Health, Safety, and Visas

Embarking on a Kenya and Tanzania safari tour is the stuff of dreams. Yet, beneath the majestic wildlife encounters, meticulous planning ensures your journey is magical and worry-free. Dive into the essentials that shape the perfect Kenyan or Tanzanian experience.

Ensuring a Smooth Trip

Navigating the diverse regions of Kenya and Tanzania may require specific permits and visas. While many are aware of tourist visas, fewer realize the special permissions some regions demand. But with Allied Travel by your side, you’re covered. We’ll undertake all the research, ensuring all necessary permits and visas are secured in advance for a seamless Kenya and Tanzania tour.

Vaccinations, Insurance, and Local Norms

Before jetting off on your Kenya and Tanzania safari, certain vaccinations, like yellow fever, are essential. A lesser-known tip: comprehensive travel insurance can cover unforeseen safari disruptions. Furthermore, respecting local customs and etiquettes not only safeguards your experience but also deepens your connection with the destination.

Thorough preparation is the cornerstone of adventure. Let Allied Travel be your compass, guiding your Kenya or Tanzania safari to be an unforgettable, hassle-free journey.

Diving Deeper: Optional Safari Add-ons and Extensions

The quintessential Kenya and Tanzania safari tour offers an unparalleled wildlife spectacle. But what if you could amplify the experience, delving beyond the traditional? Let’s journey into unique, lesser-known safari extensions that elevate your adventure.

Beyond the Traditional Safari

Your expert safari guide might let you in on a secret: there’s more to a safari than the usual game drives. Some less-traveled paths in Kenya and Tanzania offer immersive experiences, providing intimate connections with nature and local communities.

Balloon Safaris, Beach Extensions, and More

Imagine floating over the Serengeti in a balloon, witnessing the Great Migration from a bird’s eye view. Or after your Kenya safari, unwinding on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar. These extensions are not just add-ons, but curated experiences that enrich the soul.

There’s a universe beyond the classic safari. With the right choices, your Kenya and Tanzania tour can become a tapestry of unforgettable moments.

Crafting Memories in the African Plains

As we conclude this guide, we’ve delved into preparing for your safari adventure: from ensuring health and safety to embracing sustainable practices. Now, we shine a light on the transformative experiences you stand to gain and the beckoning allure of the African wilderness. Before you immerse yourself in the wonders of Kenya and Tanzania, let’s anticipate the moments that will etch themselves into your memory. Poised for the journey of a lifetime? Let’s seal our preparations.

The Ultimate Safari Reflection

With every step led by a seasoned safari guide, the landscape unveils its secrets. From the rhythmic dance of the Maasai Mara’s wildebeests to the quiet majesty of Kilimanjaro silhouetting the Amboseli, this journey is more than sightseeing – it’s soul-touching.

The Call of the Wild

In the hushed whispers of the Serengeti night or the lion’s roar echoing through the savannah, the call beckons. Not just to observe, but to connect, embrace, and remember. It’s a symphony of nature, from the cascading waterfalls of Tsavo to the vast plains of the Ngorongoro Crater, all harmonizing in perfect rhythm.

A Kenya and Tanzania tour transcends itineraries; it crafts eternal memories in the heartbeats of the wild. Ready to create your own tales? Allied Travel is your trusted partner for this journey, ensuring each moment becomes an unforgettable memory.

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• Africa Landmarks & Icons

Kenya vs Tanzania: Choosing the Ideal Safari Destination

• By Aren Bergstrom
• On June 13, 2018
• Read Time 12 mins

Home / Africa & Middle East / Kenya vs Tanzania: Choosing th…

If you’re planning an African safari in the near future, let our comparative guide help you choose between Kenya and Tanzania.

People in the west are notorious for looking at Africa as one homogenous land and not a series of distinct countries. This becomes even worse when people try to tell the difference between two countries in the same region, as is the case with Kenya and Tanzania. That’s why comparative guides are so useful to figure out the truth about the incredible nations in Africa.

Here, we’ve broken down the essential differences between two of Africa’s most popular safari destinations: Kenya and Tanzania . We’ve focused on landscape and climate, expenses and infrastructure, landmarks, food and culture, and wildlife.

Landscape and Climate

There are a lot of similarities to Kenya and Tanzania, as both countries share a border and sit along the Indian Ocean. Kenya ’s landscape is a mixture of sandy beaches on the coast, highlands in the centre, and fertile plains in the west. The country’s seasons are split between wet and dry, with the main wet season running from April through June and the dry season running December through March. There’s also a mini wet season for a few weeks in November and December, and a mini dry season from July through October. The average temperature in Kenya is between 20°C and 28°C, with the coast being both hotter and more humid than in-land.

Tanzania is similar to Kenya, but also around one and a half times larger. You’ll find coastline in the east, plains and plateau running west across the country, and highlands in the north and south. The seasons in Tanzania are very similar to those in Kenya. The average temperature in summer is 28°C while the country gets coldest in July when it sits around 24°C. Like Kenya, the coastal region is tropical, however the inland is not arid in Tanzania, instead being more temperate. The main wet season runs March through May, while the main dry season runs June through October. Like in Kenya, the shorter wet season comes in November and December, while January and February constitute the short dry season.

There’s no great temperature or geographic advantage between Kenya and Tanzania since both countries are so close to each other and share so many physical similarities. Just note the slight variations between temperature, geography, and the seasons, so you know what you’re going to get when you visit one or the other.

Expenses and Infrastructure

Both Kenya and Tanzania are affordable countries when compared to the vast majority of European or North American nations. However, there is a notable difference between the two in terms of costs.

Kenya is a wealthier nation than Tanzania, so it’s generally more expensive. Your flight will be one of your most expensive costs, with an economy flight from North America to Nairobi costing around $1,800 CAD on average. Once you’re there, you’re looking at around $100 CAD for a 3-star hotel in Nairobi , although you can get substantially cheaper options if you look outside the cities. That being said, more expensive hotels are generally safer. Food is fairly cheap, with street food costing around $1 CAD per plate and a sit-down meal at a restaurant running between $6 and $12 a person.

Tanzania is the larger country, but it’s not as wealthy as Kenya and is generally cheaper. However, an economy flight from North America to Dar es Salaam will be slightly more expensive than to Nairobi, costing around $1,900 CAD on average. Otherwise, food and accommodations are cheaper. A 3-star hotel in Dar es Salaam costs around $63 CAD on average, and a meal will cost you under $10 in a restaurant, with street food significantly cheaper.

In terms of infrastructure, Kenya has a larger tourism industry with more hotels and guesthouses. You can easily exchange US dollars into shillings in any of the major banks, and taxis and matatus abound in the cities. There’s a large network of trains between the big cities, and flights can take you most anywhere, although they are the most expensive way of getting around. Trains and flights are also the safest and most comfortable way of getting around Tanzania, but the transit networks are less reliable than in Kenya.

So in general, Tanzania is more affordable while Kenya has a better travel infrastructure. That being said, most people go to East Africa to head on safari… and safaris are never cheap. Kenya has the larger tourism infrastructure and has more lodges to accommodate globetrotters, so the cost of a safari in Kenya will likely be less than one in Tanzania. However, the fact that Tanzania is relatively more exclusive in terms of safari lodges means that you’ll likely end up having fewer fellow tourists to jockey alongside. No matter which country you to head to, you’ll be spending thousands of dollars per person for the chance to see lions and elephants on the African savannah.

Both Kenya and Tanzania are not lacking for landmarks. The most famous site in Kenya is the Masai Mara , which is home to all manner of animals and offers the sort of picturesque safari experiences people dream of when they think of the African savannah. Beyond the Masai Mara, you’ll find Lake Nakuru , which is famous for its flocks of flamingos that stand in its waters. Nairobi itself is a landmark as it remains one of Africa’s most vibrant and bustling cities, with a population of four million. The port city of Mombasa sits on the coast and offers you a chance to experience the mix of African, Indian, and Middle Eastern traditions. It’s also close to many beachside resort areas like Diani Beach. North of Nairobi, you’ll find Mt. Kenya , which is the second tallest mountain on the continent. And let’s not forget the Masai villages that offer a chance to experience a traditional manner of East African life.

Like Kenya, Tanzania is bursting with natural wonders. The Serengeti is the most famous safari park on the planet and remains ground zero for the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra each year. You’ll also find the Ngorongoro Crater , the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera. Nearby Ngorongoro, you’ll find Mt. Kilimanjaro , the tallest mountain in Africa and one of the world’s Seven Summits. Just to the southwest, you’ll also find Mt. Meru, which is another of East Africa’s impressive peaks. Along the coast, you’ll find Dar es Salaam, the effective capital and one of the largest cities in East Africa. Continue into the Indian Ocean and you’ll reach Zanzibar , which is home to the ancient Stone Town , with its Old Fort and ancient traditions. On the opposite end of the country, you’ll find Lake Tanganyika, which is home to some of the best lakeside resorts on the continent. And finally, to the north, you’ll find Lake Victoria, the continent’s largest lake.

As you can see from these impressive collections of landmarks, Kenya and Tanzania abound with world treasures. However, if you had to pick between the two, Tanzania likely has the advantage. Its combination of the Serengeti, Mt. Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar is unbeatable.

Food and Culture

Although the main pleasures of Kenya and Tanzania come from the nature and wildlife that you’ll find on its stretches of savannah, both countries are also home to some pretty incredible cultures with a robust culinary scene. In Kenya , people from the Bantu tribes make up the majority of the population, but in addition to indigenous East African influences, there’s also a strong British influence leftover from colonial rule. As well, along the east coast, you’ll find Middle Eastern and Indian influences due to maritime trade. Kenyan culture is family oriented and friendly, but reserved, so don’t expect people to be blunt or outgoing in the manner you’d expect in certain western countries. That being said, you’ll find a lot of emotion in the country’s music, dance, and clothing. Like Kenya, Tanzania has a lot of cultural influences. The majority of the country consists of local East African tribes, but there’s also a sizable influence from British, German, and Middle Eastern cultures. Over a third of the nation is Muslim, so there’s no monolithic Christian culture as in Kenya. Tanzanian culture is also family-oriented and respectful. People are gracious and friendly, but there is a strong emphasis on being polite to strangers and respecting elders.

Kenyan food largely features stews and other mixtures of meat and vegetables that are usually served with ugali , a paste-like dough made from millet or cornmeal. You’ll find grilled meats ( nyama choma ) and vegetable dishes like Sukuma Wiki , a dish of cooked sweet potato leaves, pumpkin leaves, or cassava leaves that is similar to collard greens. Beef or goat are the main red meats, while seafood is eaten on the coast. Also, along the coast you’ll find coconut rice, while central Kenya is more known for its use of sweet potatoes, cassava, and taro root. Like Kenyan food, Tanzanian food also uses ugali as a staple. On the mainland, you’ll find grilled meats, biryani, a green banana stew ( ndizi-nyama ), and even pilau . Like Kenya, along the coast, you’ll find coconut milk as a key ingredient, although Tanzanian food tends to use more spices, lending to its robust Indian influences. Stews are also common in Tanzania, with bananas and plantains often used as ingredients ( supu ya ndizi has plantains cooked down into a paste and turned into a soup along with veggies and meat).

In terms of food and culture, neither Kenya nor Tanzania has a clear advantage. They both have so many myriad influences and offer a different sort of cultural experience to what westerners are used to back home.

Since Kenya and Tanzania are hugely popular destinations, the animals that call each country home are some of their biggest draws. Kenya is smaller than Tanzania, but it isn’t lacking for the number of species to be found within its borders. You’ll find all of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) at game reserves in the country, like Masai Mara National Reserve. You’ll also find hippos, cheetahs, servals, civets, caracals, gazelles, impalas, antelopes, zebras, wildebeest, waterbucks, giraffes, baboons, vervet monkeys, and bushbabies. There are also 1,135 species of birds in Kenya, including flamingos and ostriches. As well, you can also find the highly-endangered black rhinos within Kenya.

Tanzania is larger than Kenya, and the number of wild animals in the country reflects just how large it is: there are more than 4 million wild animals here. You’ll find the Big Five, as well as zebra, wildebeest, hippos, giraffes, antelopes, dik-diks, gazelles, elands, kudu, cheetahs, hyenas, wild dogs, crocodiles, vervet monkeys, and even chimpanzees. There are over 1,000 species of birds, including grey crowned cranes, fish eagles, and flamingos. There are also 60,000 types of insects in the country and countless species in the waters along the coast.

As both Kenya and Tanzania are home to the Great Migration, they can both claim to be one of the best countries in the world for wildlife encounters. However, if you have to go by sheer numbers, Tanzania gets the slight edge. It’s a larger country and the Serengeti is so iconic that it essentially guarantees a life-changing experience for any globetrotter who is lucky enough to visit it.

Related Article: What is the Great Migration and When is the Best Time to Go on an East Africa Vacation?

Which Destination Is Right for You?

There’s so much that’s similar about Kenya and Tanzania, and yet, there are so many subtleties about these countries that make them so distinct. Much of this similarity is a result of their being colonial states until the mid-20th century and the fact they’re conglomerations of smaller regions and tribal collectives; in many ways, they are not homogenous countries in the least. However, after reading our breakdowns, hopefully you’ve got a better understanding of key differences between these countries and which country to choose depending on what type of vacation you’re focusing on.

To clarify:

• If you want a temperate climate with a better tourism infrastructure, more accessible cities, plenty of natural landmarks, and a polite culture with a robust food scene, head to Kenya .
• If you want a more tropical climate spread over a larger landscape, more iconic natural sights, more animals, and a vibrant blend of cultural influences, head to Tanzania .

Both Kenya and Tanzania are some of the most vibrant countries that you’re ever likely to visit and offer you the chance to experience the majesty of East Africa.

Discover Kenya or Tanzania

When you are a Goway Globetrotter you become part of a special fraternity of travellers about whom we care very much. Our company philosophy is simple – we want you to be more than satisfied with our services.

Looking to travel to Kenya, Tanzania or both? Get a Free Quote by filling out the form below:

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Aren Bergstrom

Globetrotting Editor - You might say that Aren was destined to become a Globetrotter after his family took him to Germany two times before he was four. If that wasn’t enough, a term spent in Sweden as a young teenager and a trek across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand confirmed that destiny. An independent writer, director, and film critic, Aren has travelled across Asia, Europe, and South America. His favourite travel experience was visiting the major cities of Japan’s largest island, Honshu, but his love for food, drink, and film will take him anywhere that boasts great art and culture.

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Kenya or Tanzania: Which Wilderness Safari is the One for You?

Have you been dreaming of an Africa safari tour but can’t decide between Kenya or Tanzania? Let’s help you choose the perfect wilderness safari destination for your luxury African tours.

Vast rolling grasslands ringed by the towering snow-capped  Mount Kilimanjaro , lush valleys criss-crossed by gushing streams, sprawling crater lakes and golden hills dotted by the occasional acacia – with thousands of wild animals roaming diverse terrains,  Kenya  and  Tanzania  have pioneered the concept of a quintessential African  wildlife safari  since the 1980s! At both countries you can go on the classic wilderness safari circuit or venture off the beaten path.

Given the sheer variety of experiences available, choosing between Kenya safaris and Tanzania safaris can be a daunting task. Let us make the decision easier by helping you plan the best African safari tours for you.

Kenya or Tanzania: Where the Wild Things are

Wild and wonderful kenya.

Step away from the urban jungle of Nairobi and Kenya offers you a treasure trove of landscapes and wildlife experiences. In its swampy marshlands, golden grasslands and bush landscapes interspersed with moringas and acacias, giants have roamed for centuries. With some of the best known national parks in the world, a  Kenya safari  offers an astounding concentration of big and small game amid relatively smaller, stunning national parks. Think acacia grasslands under Mount Kenya when you think of buffalo sightings, the lush green pastures of  Amboseli  for elephants, and the dry Savannahs of  Tsavo East  for lions and cheetahs. And let’s not forget that jewel in the crown of Kenya –  Masai Mara , which offers some of the best opportunities to see the  African big five  in action.

With some of the best known national parks in the world, a Kenya safari offers an astounding concentration of big and small game in smaller concessions and reserves as well.

Typically,  Kenya safari holidays  begin in the spectacular dry deserts of the North, where the Adamsons raised Elsa the Lioness – a story documented through the book and film ‘ Born Free ’. In stark contrast to this heartland of native African species is the  Masai Mara  – your quintessential Africa of documentaries, this vast, awe-inspiring Savannah is where you can watch a wildebeest river crossing during the  Great Migration . In the shadows of the Great Rift Valley, discover pink flamingos add an eerie glow to the waters of  Lake Bogoria  as zebras and wildebeest carefully skirt the shoreline. Or go off the beaten path in  Laikipia  – a rugged, hilly terrain punctuated by dense acacia bush which offers diverse experiences such as horse rides, camel treks and bush walks for the adventurous.

Or go off the beaten track to the private wildlife sanctuaries of  Laikipia , exploring the rugged landscape on the back of a horse (or camel!). One of Kenya’s best-kept secrets, marvel at  endangered rhinos , elephants, giraffe and a host of other wildlife on your game drives in Laikipia with no other soul around!

Whether you drive through, fly in on a chartered aircraft, or soar amid the clouds in a hot air balloon,  Kenya’s national parks  and community reserves guarantee unforgettable moments.

Tantalizing Safari Moments in Tanzania

A  Tanzania vacation  takes you to the heart of the African wild. Just outside the busy port city of Dar Es Salaam, await some of the largest national parks in all of Africa. Nestled in the shadows of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro and Meru,  Arusha ,  the wilderness safari capital of Northern Tanzania  is the perfect gateway to the country’s best known national parks. Just next door, the tall baobabs of  Tarangire  offer welcome shade from the scorching sun to huge herds (the largest in East Africa) of ambling pachyderms who are often found gathering at the river in the heart of the park. Many a smaller creature, including wildebeest, eland, gazelles and zebra, walk amid these grasslands that may be less known but are no less beautiful.

With fossilized evidence of life dating back three million years, Ngorongoro is truly the cradle of life.

Cozily ensconced by the Great Rift Valley,  Lake Manyara National Park  and  Ngorongoro Crater  on the other hand, offer a stunningly unique ecosystem that shelter the  largest number of predators in Africa , apart from the  African big five . With fossilized evidence of life dating back three million years,  Ngorongoro  is truly the cradle of life. Lake Manyara on the other hand, is just as famous for its intrepid  tree-climbing lions , and over  400 species of birds !

Here, you can yourself in the lush, undulating landscape, stretching from escarpment to grass-laden escarpment, marveling at gentle pink flamingos, enjoying glorious sundowners by the lake, watching giraffe squat by the water and wildebeest flee in panic as baboons signal the arrival of large predators.

Further east, watch large families of lions go about their daily business chasing an astounding number of grazers—zebra, wildebeest, gazelle—over 10,000 square miles of seemingly endless plain dotted by occasional rocky outcrops at the  Serengeti . While thousands of animals are easily spotted on any given day, it’s most famous for the  Great Migration , when over two million animals, stalked by their predators, move en masse, in search of pasture and water.

To the south, enjoy rare, private wilderness safaris undisturbed by other vehicles at  Ruaha , the largest  Tanzania national park . And then there’s  Selous , where nearly 10% of the world’s wild lions and numerous leopards, cheetahs and packs of wild dog, walk in vast plains dotted with occasional baobabs and palms that are typical of Central Tanzania.

As part of the same ecosystem, many of of your wilderness safari tours in Tanzania may seem similar to those in Kenya.

As part of the same ecosystem, many of of your wilderness  safari tours in Tanzania  may seem similar to those in Kenya. While just as many animals roam this vast land, in some parts of both countries such as Laikipia, Ruaha and Selous, tourists are few and far between. This is your exclusive and  luxury African safari , with remote camps in pristine reserves that few visit. Meet the big five in the  Serengeti , walk along the rim of the  Ngorongoro Crater , watch hippos bubble underwater, or go on a  Kilimanjaro trek  with only a handful of fellow travelers –  our destination experts are happy to help you find the perfect safari camp for you.

Kenya or Tanzania: The Best Safari Stays

Just as important as choosing the right wilderness safari destination is selecting the right accommodation for you. While Kenya and Tanzania both offer something to suit every budget, the location and experiences offered at each can vary considerably.

Often perched on the edges of popular  Kenya national parks  with wildlife casually strolling by, or set amid picturesque locales with easy access to superb game viewing opportunities, Kenya’s  safari lodges and camps  offer authentic and diverse experiences and plenty of opportunities to bond with fellow travelers over the day’s adventures.

From affordable luxury to the exclusive and high end, Kenya offers them all. Fancy waking up to the sight of giraffes gliding across the Mara, and then nibble on a homemade breakfast? We recommend  Tipilikwani , where cozy, ensuite tents set on the fringes of a vast national reserve offer you every comfort of a home away from home. Or would you rather clink glassfuls of delicious champagne over stunning sundowners enjoyed from your sparkling infinity pool? Then the luxurious  Angama Mara  overlooking the Mara is just what you need.

Try  fly camping  in the Savannas, flitting from one location to the next, following in the trail of the wildlife.

Tanzania too offers accommodation to suit every safari enthusiast, especially near the more frequented national parks such as the Serengeti and the  Ngorongoro Conservation Area . If you’re looking for a wilderness safari on a budget, we recommend the  Serengeti North Wilderness Camp  – overlooking the crocodile-infested Mara River, this is your front row seat to river crossings during the Great Migration! Or try  fly camping  in the Savannas, flitting from one location to the next, following in the trail of the wildlife.

Lesser-visited, remote national parks and conservancies of Tanzania on the other hand, are known for exclusive high end accommodation, such as those in the  Selous Game Reserve . Nestled in the heart of wildlife-rich areas, camps such as  Siwandu  and  Roho ya Selous  offer blissful cocoons of luxury amid an untamed wilderness.

Kenya and Tanzania are both destinations of choice for holidaying with your kids.

With several family-friendly accommodations on offer, Kenya and Tanzania are both destinations of choice for holidaying with your kids. Most safari lodges and camps offer the option of  private guided safaris , so even the young safari-goers with you can discover the local wildlife at their own pace.

Unique Things to do in Kenya and Tanzania

What can make or break a safari? Only the opportunity to live your safari dreams, of course! Despite their proximity to one another, safari experiences in Kenyan and Tanzanian game reserves can be surprisingly different. While watching river crossings during the  wildebeest migration  in Kenya can be a thrilling experience, Tanzania is just as special with the calving season at the end of the migration. So, before you decide on which wilderness safari is for you, consider what experiences you would prefer.

In the  Ol Pejeta Conservancy of Kenya , set out lion tracking armed with antennas that alert you to the whereabouts of these sneaky big cats! Set out on a camel safari and tackle the plains of Laikipia, or go horseback riding alongside endangered rhinos! Ride through the golden grasslands of the Mara, and visit local villages where children welcome you with open arms. At the giraffe center, your time is well-spent watching these elegant creatures while enjoying a pleasant meal, and at the elephant orphanage, you can do your bit to help rescued babies literally find their feet! End with a  beach vacation  amid the swaying palms of pristine  Diani  – soaking in the sun and the surf, this is your perfect  honeymoon safari !

End your vacation amid swaying palms and clear blue waters of the pristine Kenyan Coast.

Pristine Diani Beach on the Kenyan Coast is ideal for your safari honeymoon.

Tanzania on the other hand, offers a wonderful  combination of wildlife safaris and cultural encounters.  Walk alongside gentle giants in  Serengeti National Park  or tackle the precarious pathway atop the Ngorongoro Crater.  Climb Mount Kilimanjaro  – the highest peak in all of Africa. Swim with whale sharks, snorkel in coral wonderlands or picnic on sandbars – your options are many. Or laze your days away on pristine  Zanzibar beaches  and your evenings aboard a cruising dhow by the azure waters of Pemba or Mnemba, soaking in the allure of the distant Spice Islands.

Soak in the allure of the Spice Islands as you walk, swim, snorkel, or cruise around Zanzibar.

Best Time to Visit Kenya or Tanzania

Long Rainy Season:  March – June Winter:  June – October Short Rainy Season:  November – December Summer:  December – March

Set in the tropics, temperatures in both Kenya and Tanzania are well over 20 ° C throughout the year, climbing up to 33 ° C in the hot months. The highlands, encompassing northeastern Tanzania and southwester Kenya, are relatively cooler, and in some regions temperatures may dip below 10 ° C during the cold months of June to August. It is best to visit Kenya and Tanzania during the dry months.

Travel Tip:  Expect brief spells of rain and pleasant temperatures during the short rainy season. This is also the time when fewer tourists visit the national parks.

Click here for the  best time to visit Kenya Click here for the  best time to visit Tanzania

Great Migration in Kenya and Tanzania

December to March:  Many a baby wildebeest is born in the southern Serengeti May to June:  The herd splits up. While one group heads west to cross the Grumeti River, the other makes its way to the central Serengeti. July:  The herd meets again in the northern Serengeti July to October:  Over 1.5 million strong, the wildebeest herd makes its way to the Masai Mara. You can witness this spectacular journey in the northern Serengeti or at the Masai Mara Game Reserve.

Travel Tip:  Experience the Great Migration from up close at the  Mara Under Canvas  Camp. This camp changes its location several times in a year, hard on the heels of the wildebeest herd. Your front row seat to the migration is guaranteed no matter when you travel!

Read more about the  Great Migration

Security in Kenya and Tanzania

The Both Kenya and Tanzania offer the same level of safety and security to visitors, with the exception of the border areas that are far from interesting travel destinations. Rely on your common sense and follow the basic safety rules and nothing can stand in the way of your relaxed safari vacation.

Read more about  safety in Kenya Read more about  safety in Tanzania

Cost of Safari in Kenya and Tanzania

Both Kenya and Tanzania offer safari experiences to suit all budgets and are among the most affordable safari destinations in Africa. In principle, Kenya may be less expensive than Tanzania, owing chiefly to the larger national parks in Tanzania. There is little or no difference in terms of accommodation and activities, with the same standards and prices on offer in the two countries.

Similarities and Differences between Wilderness Safaris in Kenya and Tanzania

As part of the same ecosystem, the two countries are similar in terms of biodiversity. You will find the following wildlife in both countries:

The Big Five:  Lion, Rhino, Elephant, Leopard and Buffaloes Other Animals:  Zebra, Giraffe, Wildebeest, Antelope, Hippo, Crocodile

Plenty of bird and animal species wander freely through both Kenya and Tanzania.

Having recognized the potential of tourism early on, Kenya boasts better infrastructure compared to neighboring Tanzania. This is why travel in Kenya is often considered more comfortable. The distance between national parks is shorter in Tanzania, which makes it particularly attractive for family safaris as well as for first-time safari goers. In terms of animals welfare, Kenya is far ahead, but this is also because of the larger national parks in Tanzania which make it slightly more difficult to monitor wildlife activity.

Tanzania may have vaster reserves but traveling within them can take longer than in Kenya. Apart from popular destinations such as Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, you will find few travelers on safari in Tanzania’s national parks.

Kenya or Tanzania: Which wilderness safari is the one for you?

So where will you go for your African safari? We recommend a bit of both. With diverse landscapes and game drives on offer at each destination, combine your  Kenya safari  with a beach vacation at the Zanzibar islands. Or time your vacation to follow in the trail of the discerning wildebeest during the  Great Migration , who travel to Kenya in July and return to the Tanzanian wild after a few months! Or enjoy a  walking safari in Masai Mara  and follow it up with a visit to the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater. Whatever your wilderness safari style and preference, we are happy to customize it for you according to your specific interests.

Customize your private, safe and seamless safari in East Africa.

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¿Cuál es el mejor Safari? ¿Kenya o Tanzania?

Para todos aquellos que tenéis pendiente un safari en África, resurge la pregunta: ¿Qué destino escojo para mi próximo safari? ¿ Viajo a Kenia o es mejor elección un safari en Tanzania ? Esta es una pregunta recurrente y habitual que tratamos de responder de la mejor manera, aunque honestamente, no hay verdades absolutas ni una única respuesta.

Kenya vs. Tanzania ¿Cuál es el mejor Safari?

¿Un safari en Kenya o en Tanzania?

• ¿Dónde voy a ver más animales?
• ¿Dónde es la Gran Migración de rebaños infinitos?
• ¿Dónde están los principales Parques y Reservas?
• ¿Dónde hay más turismo?
• ¿Cómo son los alojamientos?
• ¿Cómo son las playas del Índico?
• ¿Cuánto cuesta un safari?
• ¿Cómo son los Masai en el lago Natron?
• ¿Cómo son nuestros viajes a Kenya y Tanzania?

¿Cuál es el mejor pais para un Safari? Tanto Kenya como Tanzania comparten una área geográfica común en África, y ambos países cuentan con un paisaje parecido y atractivos similares.

Vida salvaje en abundancia, varias etnias y playas que se bañan en el Océano Índico.

Kenya o Tanzania. ¿En qué lugar voy a ver más animales?

Si nuestro plan es realizar un safari  lo normal es preguntarse, ¿cómo es un safari? ¿Dónde voy a ver más animales? ¿Se pondrán los big five delante de mi cámara?

Para ver animales en Kenya querremos visitar los territorios de Samburu, Nakuru, Masai Mara y Amboseli. Para ver animales en Tanzania , los mejores lugares serán Tarangire, Lago Manyara, Serengeti y Ngorongoro, nuestras zonas predilectas.

Los animales no están limitados por fronteras, y en el caso de la migración entre Kenya y Tanzania, atraviesan libremente de un país a otro.

Cualquiera de estos destinos será satisfactorio, independientemente de la época del año , pero la clave principal es saber en qué lugar están las grandes manadas de herbívoros en el momento de nuestro viaje. Hablamos de la Gran Migración, que regula el paso cíclico de las manadas de un país a otro, de Kenya a Tanzania. Esta información añade valor al viaje, y aunque es imposible anticipar al 100% el momento en que cruzan el río Mara (un espectáculo mayúsculo), el éxito de la expedición estará asegurado.

Un espectáculo impresionante que resalta la movilidad y la libertad de la vida salvaje.

Hay otros parques, menos visitados y conocidos tanto en Kenya (Tsavo y Meru) como en Tanzania (Selous Mikumi y Ruaha) pero puesto que la presencia humana los ahuyenta, el avistamiento de animales es más dificultoso.

La Gran Migración, rebaños infinitos de ñus y cebras

El movimiento masivo de animales es un ciclo infinito que no se detiene. Las lluvias y los pastos que riegan marcan el ritmo de este gigantesco éxodo de vida animal. Es uno de los mayores espectáculos de la vida salvaje en el continente africano. Hay un movimiento constante de grandes herbívoros acompañados o recibidos en cada parque  por depredadores hambrientos.

La Gran Migración es una peregrinación circular sin inicio ni final. Los animales van viajando en el sentido de las agujas del reloj desde el área de conservación del Ngorongoro al Parque del Serengueti, desplazándose hacia el norte con destino al Parque de Masai Mara, en Kenya ; regresando a Tanzania por la parte oriental del Serengeti y completando el ciclo en las llanuras de Ndutu, al pie del Ngorongoro.

Así pues, acertar en elegir la zona oportuna en los meses adecuados va a permitir añadir un valor extra al viaje soñado y es lo que recomendamos asegurar consultando a los expertos en la materia. Toma nota también de las normas a seguir en un safari para sacar el máximo partido de la experiencia.

Safari en Kenia o Tanzania: Localización de los principales Parques y Reservas

Los principales Parques y Reservas Naturales en Kenya y Tanzania ofrecen experiencias únicas de vida salvaje, atrayendo a visitantes de todo el mundo en busca de aventuras inolvidables en la naturaleza africana.

Hay más turismo en Kenia que en Tanzania, ¿o no?

En términos de turismo, Kenia históricamente ha atraído a más visitantes que Tanzania, gracias a destinos emblemáticos como el Masai Mara y la costa de Kenia. Conforme pasan los años parece que el número de visitantes se va igualando a ambos lados de la frontera. En Tanzania los parques del norte han visto como aumenta su afluencia, precisamente bajo la etiqueta de menos concurridos.

Tanzania ha ganado popularidad debido al Serengeti, al Monte Kilimanjaro, la montaña más alta de África, que atrae a muchos excursionistas y alpinistas cada año, y al Cráter de Ngorongoro, un lugar único que alberga una concentración excepcionalmente alta de vida silvestre.

Hay que saber que el Parque de Serengeti supera en 10 veces la extensión de la Reserva Masai Mara, por lo que matemáticamente la proporción de visitantes por kilómetro es sensiblemente inferior. Esta menor densidad de visitantes, y sus vehículos 4×4 o camiones adaptados, se pone de manifiesto y se nota en los game drives .

Alojamiento en la sabana africana

La afluencia superior de turismo conlleva también una mayor oferta de servicios en Kenia , con una mayor tradición y calidad. Esto no quiere decir que en Tanzania no encontraremos un buen hotel o un buen lodge, pero aquellos que busquen servicios de alto nivel deben saber que son más escasos en Tanzania.

Kenia dispone de una mayor variedad de alojamientos y mejores precios; incluso los lugares de acampada están acondicionados en mejores condiciones. Y para aquellos capaces de afrontar el precio de la exclusividad, en las concesiones privadas se encuentran algunos de los alojamientos más espectaculares de todo el continente. Un viaje a Kenia puede ser de corte exclusivo y elevadas atenciones.

Las playas del Océano Índico

Una vez más los dos países coinciden; ambos comparten hermosas playas bañadas por las aguas del Océano Índico. En Kenia destacamos la pequeña isla de Lamu y el litoral cercano a la ciudad de Mombasa.

Por contra en Tanzania tenemos una isla que es un destino turístico por si misma. Y es que las aguas turquesas de  Zanzíbar tienen fama a escala planetaria. En este apartado sobre la costa y las playas nos inclinamos abiertamente por Tanzania . Tanto es así que en muchas de nuestras propuestas, ya sea un safari o la ascensión al Kilimanjaro , recomendamos finalizar el viaje con una escala a Zanzíbar.

¿Es más barato Kenia o Tanzania?

Primero vamos a establecer algunos criterios para poder saber qué es lo que pagamos en un safari , dejando la duración del viaje como variable por definir. En primer lugar está el transporte. Es muy distinto el coste de un 4×4 o el precio de un camión que se puede repartir entre más viajeros. Otro componente a valorar es el tipo de alojamiento que contratemos, que se puede mover entre acampada, lodges, o luxury tented camps. Y para terminar, mencionar que una buena parte del presupuesto de un safari será la partida destinada a abonar las tasas de los parques y reservas que visitaremos.

Con todas estas consideraciones previas, y comparando viajes con un mismo nivel de servicios, según nuestra experiencia la opción de Kenia resulta sensiblemente más económica.

Pueblos Masai y Lago Natron. Más allá de un «clásico safari»

No todos los viajes a Tanzania o a Kenia tienen que estar exclusivamente centrados en un safari. Se entiende que un viaje a esta zona africana no finalizará sin al menos una jornada de safari en alguno de sus famosos parques, pero hay mucho más que ver y alternativas para el viajero inquieto. Un buen ejemplo es el Lago Natron y el volcán Ol Doinyo Lengai, lugar sagrado de los Masai. Es una excelente alternativa o complemento, pues acercarnos a esta zona permite adentrarse en los territorios de los Masai que no han tenido tanto contacto con el turismo. Muchas aldeas bordean los caminos y el ganado, fuente de riqueza principal, pasta en las laderas de la gran montaña sagrada de los Masai.

El Lago Natron, muy cerca de la frontera con Kenia , sorprende por el color de sus aguas salobres pobladas de algas rojizas. Miles de flamenco han adoptado el mismo color en su plumaje, dibujando una escena digna de los mejores documentales. La época de las lluvias marca el ciclo de todas las criaturas a kilómetros a la redonda con la subida del nivel de las aguas y la renovación de la vida.

Nuestros viajes a Kenia y Tanzania

Ahora que ya tenemos toda la información para elegir entre un safari Kenia o Tanzania , vamos a ver cuáles son nuestras propuestas y qué diferencias hay entre nuestros viajes.

Safari Tuareg: Lago Natron, travesía del Serengeti y Ngorongoro

+Info del viaje

Safari Ugunduzi. El pais que quieres conocer

Memorias de África opción Clásico o Confort

Safari Kidogo

Llanuras de Ndutu y Serengeti

Otros viajes a Tanzania

Ascensión al kilimanjaro: trekking ruta rongai.

Al decidir entre Kenya y Tanzania para un safari, es crucial considerar tus preferencias individuales y lo que deseas experimentar en tu viaje. Ambos países africanos ofrecen una riqueza incomparable de vida silvestre y paisajes impresionantes. Mientras Kenya destaca con el icónico Masai Mara, Tanzania cautiva con el imponente Cráter de Ngorongoro. Sea cual sea tu elección, tanto Kenya como Tanzania garantizan un safari con recuerdos duraderos de encuentros con la vida salvaje en su hábitat natural.

La inscripción en estos viajes a Kenya y Tanzania está sujeta a las Condiciones Generales  publicadas en la página web de Viajes Tuareg

• ¿Buscando un viaje para las vacaciones? Consulta nuestros viajes verano 2024
• Haz clik en el enlace para ver la mejor época para viajar a Tanzania

Viajes Tuareg

En 1982 se abrió una pequeña agencia de viajes, en el barcelonés barrio de Gracia, con el nombre de Tuareg. Actualmente Viatges Tuareg es un equipo de 15 profesionales dedicados a la organización de viajes y a la innovación en el terreno de las rutas turísticas. Aquellas primeras rutas por el desierto del Sáhara se han convertido en una programación consolidada de casi 200 alternativas de viaje por todos los continentes. MÁS INFORMACIÓN

9 comentarios en “¿Cuál es el mejor Safari? ¿Kenya o Tanzania?”

Hola, ¿si tienen programación de Safaris empezando en los primeros días de diciembre de 2024?

Hola Fernando, Hay salidas en el viaje « Memorias de África opción Clásico o Confort » con guía de habla hispana Saludos cordiales

Buenas tardes, Estamos pensando en hacer un safari el año próximo, con fecha de inicio aproximada el 4 de noviembre de 2024 y alrededor de 10-15 días. ¿Qué destino nos recomendáis y qué parques naturales? (nuestra idea es Kenya o Tanzania pero estamos abiertos a propuestas) Muchas gracias!

Hola Ferran,

Hemos compartido la información con nuestro colega especializado en Kenya y Tanzania. Estará en contacto contigo pronto.

Hola Buenas tardes, Mi nombre es Oscar soy de argentina.- Viajo con dos sobrinas, y queremos hacer un safari, nos gustaria hacer kenia, tanzania y zanzibar.- no tenemos mucho tiempo.- estaremos en roma y debemos volver a roma.- la idea es hacerlo entre el 12/11 o 13/11 hasta el 26/11 o 27/11.- saber de precios.- lo mas económico posible.- desde ya muchas gracias

Hola Oscar, Un compañero se pondrá en contacto contigo para ver más detallles. Saludos cordiales

Buenas noches. Solicito información para un safari en Kenia y tres días en Zanzíbar. Total unos 12 días. Ruego contacten conmigo en el 696893033 Un saludo

Hola Francisco, Un compañero se pondrá en contacto contigo para ver más detallles. Saludos cordiales

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Kenya vs Tanzania – which offers the better African safari?

The two countries where you can see the Great Wildlife Migration are Kenya and Tanzania. To help you decide which one to visit, we look at considerations like cost, safety, accessibility, crowds and more!

Going on an African safari is always a good idea! The time spent in nature, the magnificent animals, the sunshine, the relationships with your fellow travellers … it’s all positives. 😄

If you're keen to see the Great Wildlife Migration , then you need to head to Kenya or Tanzania. And that being the case, we’re often asked if Tanzania or Kenya is the better country for an African safari. And that’s a great question.

Both Kenya and Tanzania host the Great Migration and both are epic safari destinations. EPIC.

So to help you decide which country to choose, we look at the pros of each, while also making plain the assets that they share. Working from this info, you can decide which country's safari offering would work better for you.

Kenyan vs Tanzanian safaris

So here are the pros of each country as a safari destination, as well as their shared assets ...

We now introduce you to the geography and similarities of each country, but if you'd just like to know more about the pros of each, please skip ahead!

A Cape buffalo, one of the Big Five

Kenya and Tanzania on the map

Unsure where exactly in Africa to find the two countries? Check out the map below.

As you can see, Kenya and Tanzania are neighbours, with a long shared border. As we discuss a little further down, the Great Migration ecosystem straddles this border.

Map showing locations of Kenya and Tanzania in East Africa

Right, so let's elaborate on the ways that each country (and its safari offerings) edges out the other. And we then also discuss the assets that the two countries share!

Pros of Kenyan safaris

Let's start by looking at the ways in which Kenya has the edge as a safari destination, which are:

• Easier international access
• Quicker access to game parks
• Better tourism infrastructure
• Cheaper safaris

If the lions want your 4x4, let the lions have your 4x4!

1. Easier international access

The capital of Kenya, Nairobi, is home to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the busiest airport in East Africa. It has direct connections to over 50 countries. This means many foreigners are able to fly straight to Nairobi and, once there, as we discuss in the next point, the most famous game parks aren't far away.

Nairobi has East Africa's busiest airport

Importantly, Maasai Mara National Reserve, where you can find the Great Migration herds, can be reached from Nairobi within 5.5 hours by car. You can also hop on a small plane and be flown to an airstrip within the reserve.

Kenya's biggest and best game parks can be reached far quicker and more cheaply than their Tanzanian counterparts.

In Tanzania, on the other hand, those wanting to visit Serengeti National Park for the Great Migration must either:

• Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport, and then embark on an eight-hour drive to get to southern Serengeti.
• Fly into Arusha Airport and do a nearly seven-hour drive to get to southern Serengeti.
• Fly into Nairobi and drive across the border (which means having an East African visa versus just a Tanzanian one). This usually takes about five hours, but depends on how long you spend at the border.

Note that as with Maasai Mara National Reserve, you could opt to catch a small plane ride to one of the airstrips in Serengeti from Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airports instead of driving there.

Mt Meru as seen from Arusha Airport

Finally, be be aware that you usually have to catch a connecting flight in Nairobi or Dar es Salaam to reach Kilimanjaro International Airport. And the same applies for Arusha Airport, as this is only a regional airport.

2. Quicker access to game parks

Kenya is quite a lot smaller than Tanzania, helping to make its game parks more accessible. And as mentioned above, it also has a better road network, making for quicker and smoother drives.

As discussed, most visitors to Kenya fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, the capital city. Nairobi is in the south of the country, an area of the country rich in game parks – and where you want to be to see the Great Migration.

A giraffe munching on an umbrella thorn acacia

The famous Maasai Mara National Park is only 270 km from Nairobi, though many people choose to fly to one of the local airstrips there given the poor condition of the road leading there (remember that we said the roads in Kenya are better than in Tanzania – not that they're perfect!).

If you want to head to north-central Kenya to see the Samburu Special Five , you can catch a short plane ride or drive north for five to six hours.

There's also Nairobi National Park just to the west of the city, so you could even land in the country's capital and start looking for rhinos, lions, leopards and the rest of the gang within hours of your arrival!

Endangered black rhinos in Nairobi National Park

Most visitors to Tanzania enter the country through Julius Nyerere International Airport just outside of Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam, the country's largest city, is on the east coast of Tanzania, a reasonable distance from most of the country's national parks.

For this reason, most safari-goers opt to then fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in the northeast of the country. Or they fly to JRO via Nairobi. But you need to make a transfer somewhere within the region before heading to JRO. This means adding a short flight to your travels.

A lilac-breasted roller in flight

Kilimanjaro International Airport affords you relatively easy access to the Northern Circuit, the name given to the collection of game parks in the north of Tanzania .

The most famous park in the Northern Circuit is Serengeti National Park , while the nearby Ngorongoro Crater is a world-class showstopper. To reach the Serengeti from JRO takes a whole day of driving, much of which is along a deeply rutted dirt road. (If you don't like long and bumpy rides, we recommend that you fly to one of the airstrips in the Serengeti.) Ngorongoro Crater is a little closer to JRO, but still requires five hours of driving.

3. Better tourism infrastructure

Kenya is wealthier than Tanzania and has more developed infrastructure and tourism infrastructure.

For instance, while Kenya is noticeably smaller than Tanzania, it has about twice the length of paved roads as its southerly neighbour. Kenya also has more trains, and these are a good way of getting around the country. Train travel within Tanzania to reach the Northern Circuit safari destination isn't possible.

So getting around is easier in Kenya.

An early morning hot air balloon ride is an incredibly special way to see the Great Migration

Kenya also has more choices when it comes to accommodation, having more hotels and lodges than Tanzania. That said, both countries have numerous accommodations ranging from camping to five-star lodges, so you won't have trouble finding a place to stay in either.

4. Cheaper safaris

If you're on a budget, Kenya is probably the right choice for you since Tanzanian safaris are definitely more expensive.

A herd of elephants in Amboseli National Park in Kenya

We must just point out, as you probably already know, that African safaris aren't cheap in general. But accommodation in Kenya, for instance, tends to be more affordable than that of similar quality in Tanzania.

While accommodation prices vary wildly in both countries, a five-star hotel stay in the Maasai Mara region of Kenya, for instance, is likely to be around half the price of a five-star hotel stay in Tanzania's Serengeti. The same goes for camping accommodations.

Mara Engai Lodge in Kenya is a mid-range accommodation option

The reason for this price differential is that Kenya has a larger and more developed safari industry, which fosters greater competition and so drives down prices.

Pros of Tanzanian safaris

Let's now look at the following ways in which Tanzania has the edge as a safari destination:

• A safer country overall
• More animals
• Fewer visitors
• A longer Great Migration window
• More iconic natural landmarks

The flamingoes of Lake Natron in northern Tanzania

1. Tanzania: A safer country overall

Firstly, we must say that the parts of both Tanzania and Kenya where visitors go for Great Migration safaris are very safe.

Safety concerns should only pay a part in your thinking if you're planning to travel to other areas of either country. The southern part of Tanzania, on the border with Mozambique, for instance, has recently experienced some troubles. And while Zanzibar itself is very safe, you shouldn't necessarily sail too far into the Indian Ocean as piracy is an issue.

Stone Town in Zanzibar is an international tourist hub

For Kenya, most travel advisories suggest staying away from the country's northern borders with Somalia, Ethiopia and South Sudan.

That said, at present, Tanzania is rated a safer country overall to visit than Kenya. But both countries are really safe for visitors going on safari. Both have very well-developed safari industries where visitor safety is kept paramount.

Furthermore, if you travel with a tour guide, you can feel really safe, as looking after you is the key aspect of a tour guiding job! And with a tour operator like Follow Alice, your guide is there at all times outside of the hotels and resorts to ensure your safety and enjoyment of the trip. 😀

Arusha is the main city in the Northern Circuit region of Tanzania

Just a note that you should be vigilant about your personal belongings while in towns and cities in both Tanzania and Kenya, just as you would in any city around the world.

2. More animals

When it comes to sheer quantity of wildlife, Tanzania comes out on top.

Tanzania has around 4 million wild animals!

One reason for this is that it's the larger country. Tanzania also dedicates far more of its land to conversation than does Kenya.

Did you know that hippos can gallop at a speed of 30 kmph on land??

In fact, no other African nation has dedicated as much of its land to conservation as Tanzania! In addition, you can see chimpanzees in Tanzania, but not in Kenya.

That said, Kenya certainly doesn't have a shortage of wildlife! Both countries have some of the greatest densities of large mammals like elephants, lions and leopards, which is why both are such globally recognised safari destinations.

A safari drive is an experience like no other

3. Fewer visitors

Another factor in favour of Tanzania as the better African safari destination is that it has fewer visitors than Kenya. This tends to mean less crowded game parks and safaris.

Given that wildlife can easily be scared off by vehicles, smelly humans, and the cries of "Look, over there!", the fewer the people, the better the game spotting.

That said, there are parks and reserves in Kenya that limit the number of daily visitors to ensure there isn't overcrowding. So it can also depend on where exactly you go game viewing if there'll be crowds or not.

Great Migration river crossings can be pandemonium!

Note that Great Migration river crossings will always attract crowds, no matter which country you're in. We do, however, encourage you to travel with a tour operator that engages in ethical safaris, by which we mean their tour guides are respectful of the wildlife and their habitat, refraining from engaging in habits like hooting (honking) at wildlife or trying to drive too close to the animals.

4. A longer Great Migration window

And finally, as mentioned above, more of the Great Migration takes place within Tanzania than in Kenya. This means there are more months in the year to see the Great Migration within Tanzania.

Wildebeests of the Great Migration on the move

July to October are the months when the bulk of the herds can be see in Kenya. During the other months, you should head to Tanzania to see the herds.

Kenya has a far shorter Great Migration window: roughly July to October. In Tanzania you can see the herds throughout the year.

– Lyubka Sokolova

5. More iconic natural landmarks

When you travel all the way to East Africa to go on safari, you also want to see beautiful sights and scenery. You're only human, after all! Fortunately, we can assure you that both Kenya and Tanzania are chock-full of gorgeous landscapes and views.

That said, Tanzania takes the prize for having more natural stunners, among which are:

Mt Kilimanjaro

Ngorongoro crater.

Here's a short enticement for each wonder listed above!

Mt Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, as well as the tallest mountain in Africa. It rises up out of the African plain to reach a staggering 5,895 m above sea level.

Mt Kilimanjaro rises a mighty 5,895 m above sea level

As you may well already know, we regularly take groups of trekkers on Kilimanjaro climbs . Standing atop the Roof of Africa is a truly memorable moment in your life!

You can actually see Mt Kilimanjaro from Kenya, and go on a safari in its northern foothills. So if seeing this famous mountain is all you're after, either country will do. But if you actually want to walk it – albeit on a day hike in the forest or to climb to the top – then you need to visit Tanzania.

Map showing location of Mt Kilimanjaro near the Tanzania–Kenya border

Ngorongoro Crater is a true wonder. The crater (which is between 16 and 19 km wide) was formed when a volcano collapsed in on itself.

Since then, the bowl of the crater has developed into a wildlife haven, offering a natural area of protection for many diverse species of wild animals.

It's incredibly hard to capture the immense scale of Ngorongoro Crater in just one photo!

Today, visitors can drive down into the crater and find a staggering density of animals, including the Big Five (lions, elephants, black rhinos, leopards and Cape buffaloes), hyenas, zebras and baboons.

The birdlife is also amazing, and includes flamingoes, secretary birds, kori bustards and grey crowned cranes.

Zanzibar is a major feather in the cap of Tanzanian tourism.

A breathtakingly beautiful archipelago off the east coast of the country, Zanzibar has much to offer, including:

• Stone Town. Centuries of maritime trade with the Middle East and India has resulted in a fascinating mix of foreign cultures and languages with the local ones. The archaeology, architecture and culture of Stone Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) all point to this rich history.
• A spicy cuisine. The food of Zanzibar reflects its multicultural history and proximity to the sea. Some of the famous dishes to try include Zanzibar pizza (a savoury crêpe), octopus dishes, mishkaki (meat skewers) and mandazi ('Swahili doughnuts').

The warm, calm and strikingly blue waters of Zanzibar

• Beautiful beaches. The white-sand beaches of Zanzibar's islands are lapped gently by the clear, warm waters of the Indian Ocean. The activities here are many, from the relaxing end of the spectrum (sunbathing and paddling) to the highly active (waterskiing and parasailing).
• Incredible marine life. Zanzibar has some of the world's best coral reefs and most diverse marine life. Snorkellers and divers are in for a real treat, while scuba divers will find themselves in heaven!

To learn more, read 15 truly unmissable things to do in Zanzibar .

We love safaris in both countries!

At Follow Alice we feel the pros and cons of the two East African countries as discussed make each the better option depending on what it is that you most want out of your holiday, coupled with the time of year that you can travel and what your budget looks like.

At Follow Alice, we feel that both Tanzania and Kenya are perfect safari destinations!

And that's why we offer both Tanzanian and Kenyan safari trips. Take a look at our suggested Tanzania safari itineraries and Kenyan safari itineraries , noting that they're not fixed in stone. We're flexible and happy to tailor all of our trips to suit your needs and preferences.

A safari vehicle in Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania

Two countries, many things in common

Finally, Kenya and Tanzania have so much in common, as already mentioned. Both countries have similar climates, seasons, temperatures, wildlife and vegetation. Both also have well-organised and safe safaris industries. And safari guides in both nations tend to speak very good English.

Obviously we're not suggesting things are the same in Kenya and Tanzania – of course not! Just that the differences in the main safari region of each country aren't very great, relatively speaking.

Here are five important things they have in common:

• A shared language (Swahili) and history
• A shared culture (Maasai)
• A shared Great Migration ecosystem
• Shared Mara River crossings
• A claim to having one of Africa's greatest game parks

What this means is that you can visit either country for safari and enjoy experiencing these four things. Bonus!

The Maasai live in northern Tanzania and in Kenya

We delve into each shared asset in a little detail below ...

1. Shared language and history

There is significant overlap in terms of the languages, histories and cultures of parts of Tanzania and Kenya.

For starters, Swahili is an official language in both nations, as is English (as a result of British colonialism). Incidentally, the prominence of English in both countries means that tour guides invariably speak good English, which allows them to communicate well with many international visitors.

Kenya is home to over a million camels

Then there's the shared legacy of maritime trade with India and the Middle East in the coastal regions of both Tanzania and Kenya. The architecture and spicy cuisine of Zanzibar in Tanzania are potent examples of this influence.

2. Maasai communities

The Maasai people live in both Kenya and northern Tanzania. The Maasai are arguably the most famous of Africa's countless tribes, and we find many clients enjoy including a cultural visit to a Maasai community in their African safari trip.

The heights reached by the Maasai during their traditional jumping dance are phenomenal!

During a cultural visit to a Maasai community, you're invited to take part in a jumping dance as well as tour the village, speak with one of the elders, and more. There's also the opportunity to buy some of their colourful beaded jewellery and carved wooden figurines. (A warning: most communities expect you to purchase something to the point that you could well feel pressured into it even if you weren't planning to buy anything.)

3. Shared Great Wildlife Migration ecosystem

As you can see in the map below, Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya are both part of the Great Migration ecosystem.

The animals are compelled to migrate by their need for the essentials of life: water and green pasture.

Every year this trans-frontier habitat sees well over a million wildebeests, zebras and other antelopes move across the land in mass transit as part of the Great Migration. (That said, the animals group themselves into various herds that move together roughly as a whole – the Great Migration isn't strictly speaking one enormous herd.)

Map showing the movements of the Great Migration

The Great Migration – also sometimes called the Great Wildlife Migration or the Great Wildebeest Migration – is the second-largest mammal migration in the world . It's outstripped only by the Kasanka Bat Migration, which sees 10 million fruit bats head to the small swamp forest of Kasanka National Park in northern Zambia.

The Great Migration herds include not just wildebeests but also other antelopes as well as zebras

The border between Kenya and Tanzania where the herds cross is marked simply by stone cairns, as both countries are committed to ensuring the animals can move freely along their ancient migratory path.

– Caitlin Summers

4. Shared Mara River crossings

While the Great Migration is a spectacle wherever you see it, of particular note are the river crossings that take place as part of the migration.

These crossings are a fascinating sight. The herds charge across the croc-infested waters in a desperate attempt to reach the other side, some being taken out by the crocs, others by the stampede.

A Mara River crossing by a section of the Great Wildebeest Migration

The carcasses of those that don't survive the river crossings are an important part of the ecosystem, as they become a vital food source for scavengers. And speaking of food sources, another of the treats of witnessing the Great Migration are seeing the lion prides tracking the migrating herds to take out the stragglers and infirm.

A lion cub, the poster child for African safaris

While the Grumeti River crossings can only be seen in Tanzania, the Mara River crossings take place on the Tanzania–Kenya border. This means visitors in both countries can see and marvel at this spectacle of nature!

5. A claim to having one of Africa's greatest game parks

Both Kenya and Tanzania can boast having one of Africa's truly greatest game parks. We're talking here about Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.

As mentioned, these two parks share the Great Migration ecosystem. But both are also home to the Big Five, which are the animals that are the most dangerous to hunt on foot. The Big Five are lions, leopards, black rhinos, elephants and (most dangerous of all) Cape buffaloes. In fact, both parks are among the best parks in Africa for seeing lions .

A hot air balloon ride is a must in both the Serengeti and Maasai Mara

The Maasai Mara and Serengeti both play home to numerous other fascinating species, as well as some incredible birdlife and gorgeous scenery. And you can do hot air balloon rides over both parks, which lets you appreciate the wildlife and scenery from a whole other perspective. For these reasons, and more, these two parks our among our picks for the five best African safaris .

Pair an East Africa safari with a mountain climb or gorilla trek

If you want to also climb Mount Kilimanjaro or climb Mount Meru during your trip to East Africa, we can arrange that for you!

This is something we do all the time at Follow Alice – take clients on a Kilimanjaro climb and then whisk them away on a safari afterwards!

Alternatively, you might like to pair your safari with another incredible animal encounter or two, like trekking to see mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in Uganda or Rwanda. Again, just give us a virtual wave, so to speak, and we're happy to chat more about pairing your safari with another of our exciting East Africa adventure trips!

• € EUR

Kenya vs Tanzania: Guide to the Great Migration

Published on: March 4th, 2019

Last modified: April 19th, 2024

The Great Migration is one of the greatest spectacles in the world, with thousands of wildebeest migrating from Tanzania’s plains across Kenya’s Mara River each year.

The migration is epic in scale; around 1.5 million wildebeest, 400,000 zebras and 200,000 gazelles travel across the plains of East Africa during the months from July to October.

As it’s a once in a lifetime experience, it’s often difficult to choose between Kenya and Tanzania when it comes to where to witness this other-worldly event.

To help with the paradox of choice, our expert travel designers have pitted Kenya and Tanzania against one another, so you can choose the migration safari that best suits your needs.

Best time to visit for the Great Migration

With Kenya being the go-to destination to catch a river crossing during migration, July to October is the best time to visit. During these months, herds of wildebeest tend to make their way from Tanzania’s Serengeti to Kenya’s Maasai Mara , so this is when you’ll have the best chance of seeing a river crossing. Once they reach Kenya’s plains, the wildebeest graze between different grasses and feed on the rich grass found here. After the grasses of the Maasai Mara have been depleted, the herds then make their way back south to the Serengeti and leave Kenya behind.

Tanzania has more options in terms of when to see the migration, although it’s advisable to avoid the rainy season that runs from April to May. After giving birth during the winter months, wildebeest tend to start travelling north towards Kenya through Tanzania’s Grumeti Reserve in June and July. From August to September, most of the herds will be in Kenya but they return to Tanzania from October onwards. The wildebeest follow the rain back into Tanzania from October to December, although it is hard to predict exactly where they’ll be as the weather is an unreliable force of nature.

Where to stay to see the Great Migration

As Kenya is a popular safari destination, it can easily become overrun with crowds. For the most peaceful experience possible, we suggest staying in a private conservancy. Avoiding the hordes of tourists, private conservancies are great places to enjoy the local wildlife in a responsible and hassle-free way. Our expert travel designers have stayed in all of the private conservancies that the Maasai Mara has to offer, so they’ll be happy to advise on the best camp for your individual needs. 

With the Maasai Mara’s conservancies bordering the park itself, travellers can combine an exclusive safari experience with beautiful, peaceful surroundings. As well as the opportunity to avoid crowds, private conservancies offer night drives and walking safaris, which aren’t allowed in national parks and game reserves due to their busy nature.

Due to the unpredictable nature of the migration in Tanzania , the key to experiencing it is combining staying in mobile camps and luxury lodges across two locations. Mobile camps are great options for those looking for the ultimate detox safari – a lack of WiFi and electricity forces you to disconnect with technology and spend some one-on-one time with nature. 

These mobile camps base themselves wherever the herds happen to be, so they offer an unrivalled chance of viewing the migration. While these mobile camps excel in giving travellers the chance to see the migration, it’s a good idea to spend a portion of your trip in a luxury lodge in a different location, so that you can relax in style and double your chances of seeing the migration.  

Things to do in Kenya and Tanzania

With an endless list of things to do in Kenya , you don’t have to count on seeing the migration for an exhilarating trip. Kenya is an incredibly wildlife-rich nation, so it’s fairly easy to spot the Big Five no matter what time of year you go. Although the plains of the Maasai Mara are most commonly visited on migration safaris, there’s also plenty to fill the time when you’re not out chasing wildebeest. Hot air ballooning, horse riding, walking safaris, night drives and bush breakfasts are all excellent ways of spending time here.

Away from the plains of the Maasai Mara, the diverse corners of Kenya all offer something a little different from one another. In Amboseli , adventurers can take on the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro whilst the eastern Chyulu Hills are a fantastic place to delve into Maasai culture. In the north, the northeastern Laikipia region is the go-to place to spot black rhinos, whilst the open bushland of the Samburu National Reserve is home to lions, leopards and cheetahs. Kenya is a country that caters to everyone, so your trip can be as action packed or as laid back as you’d like.

A vastly diverse country, Tanzania has much to offer travellers. While you’re there, combining your migration safari with other destinations allows you to fully experience all that this wonderful country has to offer. The Ngorongoro Crater , a huge volcanic crater that is an important conservation area, is a must see in Tanzania and just a stone’s throw from the Serengeti, so it’s easy to add on to the end of a migration safari. Other don’t-miss destinations in Tanzania include the flamingo filled Lake Manyara , Tarangire National Park for a walking elephant safari or Mount Kilimanjaro for a challenge.

Kenya vs Tanzania: where should I go?

While each country offers its own benefits to seeing the migration, the key difference is how busy the national parks tend to be. In Tanzania , the Serengeti is far less accessible than the Maasai Mara, so it’s not a great option for families but it caters to those looking to get off the beaten track well. In this isolated part of Africa, you could have a river crossing or migration sighting all to yourself, or share it with just one other vehicle.

While it’s not as secluded, Kenya offers a much higher chance of actually seeing the migration, due to the concentration of wildebeest in specific areas. It’s easier to predict where the wildebeest will be in Kenya, and the Maasai Mara is easily accessible, which makes it great for families. The Maasai Mara also houses every member of the Big Five, so if a variety of wildlife is what you want from your safari, Kenya takes the crown.

Begin your Great Migration adventure

Embark on the journey of a lifetime with a safari unlike any other. The spectacle of the Great Migration offers an unforgettable adventure through Kenya or Tanzania. Witness the diverse wildlife of the Maasai Mara and explore the serene expanses of the Serengeti.

Discover the Great Migration in Kenya or Tanzania

¿Kenia o Tanzania?: ¿Cuál es mejor para hacer un safari y qué destino elegir?

¿Kenia o Tanzania? Esta es la gran duda que nos surge a todos a la hora de decidir el destino para hacer un safari en África . En este artículo vamos a contaros los pros y los contras de hacer un safari en Kenia o Tanzania , en cuanto al precio, alojamientos, dónde ver más animales, los paisajes más bonitos, la seguridad y mucho más.

Antes de empezar os diremos que tanto Kenia como Tanzania son dos destinazos con mayúsculas y decidáis el que decidáis estamos seguros de que tendréis una experiencia inolvidable . Nosotros le dimos muchas vueltas y, como no logramos decidirnos por ninguno de los dos destinos hicimos un viaje a Kenia y Tanzania en 19 días , por los parques y playas más emblemáticos de cada país. Sin duda, la mejor decisión.

➡️ Os recomendamos leer nuestra guía para viajar a Kenia y la guía para viajar a Tanzania donde encontraréis toda la información necesaria para organizar el viaje.

➡️ Podéis ver todo nuestro safari en Kenia y Tanzania en nuestras historias destacadas de Instagram .  

Índice

Cuadro comparativo para elegir Kenia o Tanzania a la hora de hacer un safari

¿dónde se ven más animales en kenia o tanzania, ¿dónde ver la gran migración en kenia o tanzania, ¿kenia o tanzania en agosto: ¿cuál elegir, ¿qué parques están más concurridos: ¿los de kenia o los de tanzania, ¿dónde hay mejores alojamientos a la hora de hacer un safari: ¿kenia o tanzania, ¿cuál es más barato a la hora de hacer un safari: tanzania o kenia, ¿dónde se pueden hacer más visitas culturales, ¿es más seguro kenia o tanzania, ¿dónde son más largos los trayectos en tanzania o kenia, tanzania o kenia, ¿dónde hay mejores playas, ¿qué país es mejor para viajar por libre, kenia o tanzania, ahorra ✈️🌎: descuentos y hoteles para hacer un safari en tanzania.

En este cuadro podréis ver una comparativa , a modo resumen, de ambos países para que os sea más fácil elegir si Tanzania o Kenia a la hora de hacer un safari . Cada punto está más explicado en el apartado correspondiente.

Kenia o Tanzania, ¿cuál es el mejor safari?

¿Qué es mejor Kenia o Tanzania? Es una de las preguntas que más nos hacéis y, lo sentimos, pero es imposible elegir uno.

Nosotros vimos un montón de animales en ambos países . En Kenia tuvimos la posibilidad de hacer un safari a pie por Naivasha y en Tanzania , además de ver el rinoceronte negro y los baobabs , disfrutamos de las paradisíacas playas de Zanzíbar . Cada país tiene sus particularidades, pero ambos son espectaculares.

Los mejores safaris de Kenia para ver animales abarcan los parques de Masai Mara, Nakuru, Amboseli y Samburu .

Lo primero que tenéis que saber es que Masai Mara y Serengueti son el mismo parque , pero la frontera entre ambos países es lo que hace que cambien de nombre. Serengueti es mucho más grande que Masai Mara , lo que hace que la concentración de animales sea mayor . Aunque nosotros no apreciamos esta diferencia durante nuestro viaje.

La Gran Migración es un fenómeno natural impresionante que tiene lugar en las llanuras del este de África, principalmente en Kenia y Tanzania . Se trata de una de las mayores migraciones de mamíferos en la Tierra y es un espectáculo único en la vida salvaje .

Durante la Gran Migración, millones de ñus, cebras y otros herbívoros viajan en busca de pastos frescos y agua en un ciclo estacional que abarca varios meses. La migración sigue un patrón circular que involucra movimientos entre las llanuras del Serengueti en Tanzania y el Masai Mara en Kenia .

Sabemos que la mayoría de vosotros tenéis las vacaciones en agosto  por lo que es más común hacer el safari en ese mes . Realmente ambos países, tanto Kenia como Tanzania, son muy similares .

Os dejamos algunos puntos a tener en cuenta a la hora de elegir si viajar a Kenia o Tanzania en agosto :

Kenia en agosto:

• En agosto, Kenia experimenta su temporada seca , lo que significa que es un momento ideal para hacer safaris ya que la vegetación es más escasa y la vida salvaje tiende a congregarse cerca de las fuentes de agua restantes.
• Durante este mes, es probable que puedas presenciar la Gran Migración en el Maasai Mara , donde millones de ñus y cebras cruzan desde el Serengueti en Tanzania hacia el Maasai Mara en Kenia en busca de pastizales frescos.
• Las temperaturas en Kenia en el mes de agosto suelen ser cálidas durante el día y más frescas por la noche , lo que proporciona condiciones agradables para los safaris y otras actividades al aire libre.
• Las playas de Kenia en agosto, como Diani Beach y Watamu , ofrecen excelentes condiciones para practicar deportes acuáticos y disfrutar del sol durante esta época del año.

• Agosto marca el comienzo de la temporada seca en Tanzania , lo que significa que las condiciones para el safari son óptimas . La vegetación se vuelve más escasa, lo que facilita la observación de vida silvestre .
• En agosto es un momento ideal para presenciar la Gran Migración en el Serengueti . Los ríos están bajos, lo que hace que los puntos de cruce sean más predecibles y aumenta las posibilidades de presenciar la emocionante escena de los animales cruzando los ríos infestados de cocodrilos .
• Las temperaturas son cálidas durante el día y frescas por la noche , lo que brinda un clima agradable para los safaris y otras actividades al aire libre.
• Las playas de Zanzíbar y la costa de Tanzania ofrecen aguas cálidas y claras, perfectas para el buceo, el snorkel y la relajación en la playa.

Kenia siempre ha sido el destino de safaris por excelencia , pero hoy en día la cantidad de turistas que hacen un safari por Kenia o Tanzania está más igualada.

Al ser Kenia un país más turístico que Tanzania durante muchos años, las infraestructuras turísticas son mejores . Hay más variedad y cantidad de alojamientos en Kenia que en Tanzania .

Además, hay más alojamientos de lujo en Kenia y con precios bastante más económicos que en Tanzania .

En líneas generales es más barato hacer un safari en Kenia que en Tanzania . La entrada a los parques suele ser más barata en Kenia , aunque en 2024 el gobierno han subido los precios muchísimo.

Los vehículos de safari también suelen ser más económicos en Kenia que en Tanzania .

A la hora de hacer visitas culturales en Kenia o Tanzania , veréis que hay varias tribus interesantes que se pueden visitar en ambos países . Pero, Tanzania ofrece experiencias más interesantes .

Lo que hay que tener claro es que ni Kenia ni Tanzania son los países más seguros del mundo , pero la inseguridad no la vais a apreciar haciendo un safari sino recorriendo las grandes ciudades como Nairobi o Dar es Salaam.

Tanzania es un destino con una mayor estabilidad política que Kenia . Aunque en ambos países hay determinadas zonas con amenazas terroristas, Tanzania es un poco más seguro que Kenia .

Tanzania , generalmente, se considera más seguro en términos de delincuencia violenta en comparación con Kenia . Sin embargo, los viajeros deben estar atentos a la delincuencia común , como el robo de bolsos y los robos de oportunidad, especialmente en áreas urbanas concurridas como Dar es Salaam y Arusha . Se recomienda mantenerse alerta y tomar precauciones normales de seguridad.

Los parques de Kenia están más lejos unos de otros que los de Tanzania , ya que se encuentran repartidos por todo el país.

Aquí si que no tenemos duda, las playas de Zanzíbar en Tanzania son el paraíso en la tierra .

La costa de Kenia también ofrece muy buenas playas como Watamu, Kilifi, Diani beach o la encantadora isla de Lamu . Además, es mucho más barato recorrer esta zona que Zanzíbar .

Aunque nosotros siempre viajamos por libre, consideramos que para hacer un safari por Kenia o Tanzania lo mejor es reservarlo por agencia o alquilar un coche con conductor (esto es lo que hicimos nosotros).

Si aún así queréis hacerlo a vuestro aire, hay más opciones de alquiler de vehículos en Kenia que en Tanzania . Además muchos hoteles de Tanzania no están en booking, por lo que os resultará más sencillo reservar los de Kenia .

Esperamos que nuestro post para elegir viajar a Kenia o Tanzania para hacer un safari os ayude a decidir vuestro destino. Si tenéis cualquier duda o sugerencia podéis escribirnos en los comentarios.

No olvidéis compartir con los demás viajeros y seguirnos en Instagram !!! 🙂

  Podéis ver todas nuestras guías de Tanzania , aquí las más importantes:

• Viajar a Tanzania
• Safari en Tanzania y Zanzíbar
• Viajar a Zanzíbar por libre
• Dónde alojarse en Zanzíbar

  Podéis ver todas nuestras guías de Kenia , aquí las más importantes:

• Viajar a Kenia por libre
• Cómo hacer un safari en Kenia
• Mejores safaris en Kenia
• Viaje por Kenia, Tanzania y Zanzíbar

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Global Connect Travel and Tours

7-Day Exciting Kenya and Tanzania Safari

5.0 /5 – 3 Reviews

$2,420 to $3,025 pp (USD)

Your request will be sent directly to the operator

If preferred, you can contact the operator directly

Global Connect Travel and Tours welcomes you to Kenya and Tanzania, to enjoy a wonderful 8 days/7 nights safari in our most reputable national parks. In this safari, you will enjoy what both countries have to offer in terms of wildlife, along with scenic views.

Tour Features

Budget tour.

This budget tour includes camping and lodges.

Private tour

This tour will be organized exclusively for you. However, wildlife viewing activities are run by the lodges/camps and will be shared with others.

Can start any day

If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.

Can be customized

You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.

Suitable for solo travelers

Solo travelers can book this private tour.

Minimum age of 1 year

The minimum age for this tour is 1 year.

Activities & Transportation

Accommodation & meals.

• Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
• Day Accommodation Meals

• 3 Parachichi House Mid-range lodge in Arusha (City, Tanzania) – Breakfast & Lunch Included Breakfast & Lunch Included

• 5 Ngorongoro Simba Campsite Budget camping on the crater rim of Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania) – All Meals Included All Meals Included

• 7 End of tour (No accommodation) – Breakfast Included Breakfast Included

Interested in This Tour?

Request a Quote

• We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators ( Learn why )
• Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
• If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly

Best price guarantee

• This tour is offered by Global Connect Travel and Tours , not SafariBookings.
• This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
• If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
• The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
• If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
• What is included in this tour

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Customer Reviews

Fast, efficient and reliable..

I gave the company a brief on what I was envisioning for my birthday trip. They got back to me with various options within my budget. They did a really great Itinerary. My trip was just what I imagined it would be, hassle-free. I really...

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Ep8: Wild Safari Stories (Part 2 - Tanzania!‪)‬ These Corners of the World Travel Podcast

• Places & Travel

A few years ago, I spent an amazing month travelling between Kenya and Tanzania. A large part of that time was spent on safari. This is a podcast about that experience. If you haven't yet seen part one of Wild Safari Stories, check it out here: https://youtu.be/tKXRSWX2vwU?si=qWkPSGxSGPYgfjYD Here's the full itinerary of my epic safari: Nairobi - Great Rift Valley viewpoint - Narok - Masai Mara National Reserve - Lake Nakuru - Amboseli National Park - Namanga - Arusha - Tarangire National Park - Hell's Gate National Park - Tarangire National Park - Ngorongoro Crater - Olduvai Gorge - Serengeti National Park - Lake Manyara - Arusha - Kilimanjaro - Nairobi The safari was organised by Erick from Ewamann's Safaris, and cost me a total of $1,720. In this podcast (which is two of two continuing podcasts!) I talk about the Tanzanian part of the trip, from Arusha to the Serengeti, and back to Arusha and Kilimanjaro. As expected, it includes encounters with elephants, lions, vultures, hippos, and more. I'm your host Kelly O'Brien, and this is These Corners of the World. Let me know what you think in the comments below, leave this podcast a review, or connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter).

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Things To Know Before Going On A Safari In Africa: 13 Top Tips

E mbarking on a safari in Africa is high on many people’s travel bucket list . Ever since we’re children, we are exposed to stories and cartoons of wild animals roaming freely through the plains of Africa, from hungry lions to majestic giraffes and wise old elephants.

If you’re about to make your Discovery Channel viewing a reality, then you will want to come make sure you go in knowing the important things to know before going on a safari in Africa.

We’ve been really lucky to have experienced several safaris in Africa, from the Masai Mara in Kenya, the iconic Kruger National Park in South Africa, and even the vast expanse of the Serengeti in Kenya.

There is nothing more wide-eye inducing than watching as a cheetah, in a 70mph predator run, chase and bring down a small springbok, or watching lions eat their freshly caught breakfast, or see baby zebras learn to walk.

But not everyone is lucky on a safari when it comes to wildlife viewing, especially if you plan to self drive, so we’ve put together this list of tips and important things to know before a safari.

1. Plan Your Safari Destination & Dates in Advance

2. make a list of animals you want to see, 3. know the best time for animal viewing.

• 4. Don't Get Fixated On Seeing ALL The Big 5

5. Get A Good Camera

6. take a guided night drive, 7. take a guided walking safari.

• 8. Know That Monkeys Can Be "Cheeky"

9. Be Prepared For A Lot Of Hiking On A Gorilla Trek

10. pack light, 11. be quiet at water sources, 12. be prepared for dust, 13. take note of these safety tips for game drives, group tours of africa, final thoughts, more africa travel tips, things to know before going on a safari.

Before any game drive, careful planning is essential for making the most of the safari experience. You need to choose your destination wisely, and you also need to choose the right time of year.

Typically, the best time of year for wildlife viewing in Africa is late June to October, which is Africa’s winter season.

This time of year the wildlife are on the move as the weather is not too hot. If you have opted for a safari in Kenya or Tanzania, then time your safari for July through November, when the Great Migration takes place.

This is when hundreds of thousands of wildebeest migrate thousands of miles across the savannah, which attracts predators such as lions and cheetah.

In the dry season, the grass is short making it easier to spot wildlife, but it does also mean the choice of drinking water sources for the animals will be fewer.

This may increase your chances of watching them socialise at flood lit waterholes opposite your campsite, with an ice cold beer.

We learned this safari tip the hard way.

We visited Etosha NP in Namibia during the wet season. Etosha is notorious for brilliant water hole animal viewing, except we didn’t see much at all. The campsite water holes that usually see an abundance of wildlife were empty due to the abundance of water around the park.

You then need to decide what wild animals you want to see, as some animals are only found in certain parks.

For example, if you really want to see elephants, then the best place to go would be Addo Elephant Park in South Africa .

Typically, private game reserves have the best wildlife viewing as they are smaller, but you do need to consider they are smaller in land mass which might not be as eco-friendly as a national park.

If it’s gorillas you want to see, then plan to visit Uganda or Rwanda, or if you want to see a place teeming with everything, Kruger National Park or Masai Mara in Kenya are great all-round game reserves.

Going to many different parks all over the continent will wipe out your budget. The best way to decide which game serve or national park to visit is to consider where the animals you most want to see are location.

Animals are most active at dusk and dawn. It is very hot in Africa, so during the day the animals are usually hibernating in the shade.

Be sure to do the same thing yourself. If your excitement is too hard to contain and you go out during the day, the only result will be that you chew up your fuel budget, and an eventual visit to the chiropractor for neck strain.

Get up early to catch the animals at play, rest during the day, and then go out again just before sundown.

You have a much better chance of seeing them up close and personal on the road.

There were several times we turned a corner to find a lioness resting on the warm tar. It was a magnificent sight to see her suddenly jump into launch mode, and stare us down through our front windscreen.

TIP: Lions like to sleep on the road at night to soak up the day’s heat trapped in the tar. If you’re up early enough you

4. Don’t Get Fixated On Seeing ALL The Big 5

The excitement of seeing the Big 5 is very enticing i.e. rhino, buffalo, leopard, lion, and elephant.

Why are these animals called the Big 5? It has nothing to do with size, these animals were the most prized trophies of hunters years ago.

Please don’t get fixated on the Big 5 and think this is all that matters. Remember travel is not about checking things off your list.

There are so many different animals for you to discover and learn from, and each is valuable in its own right.

Spend time appreciating them all. I used to even love watching the dung beetles. They were fascinating and I learned so much about them in the process.

Dung beetles are also dying out, so if you see one, you’re more lucky than seeing a rhino. Wild dogs are also super rare, though they don’t get the same fan-fare as lions and cheetahs.

Sadly, black rhinos and white rhinos are dying out and near extinction, so the chances of seeing these animals are rare. Don’t forget these are wild animals and you can’t control where they go – so don’t beat yourself up if you spend 5 days in a game reserve and don’t see a rhino.

Do yourself a favour, spend the money to buy some good zoom lenses. We opted for a a 600mm zoom lens.

Animals are scared of you, they won’t come close for a portrait, and you won’t sneak up closer to them (I hope).

You’ve spent all the money, time, and energy to put yourself in a place of contact with these wild animals, you want to have something to take away from it and keep with you for memories and reflection.

Read more: Here’s what’s in our camera bag

You might think that a night drive wouldn’t be much fun, after all, how much can you see in the dark? You’d be surprised!

Once night falls you can jump in an open topped vehicle, with a huge spot light, and a guide to tell you more about what you see as you drive around the park, hearing the sounds of nighttime Africa, and seeing only the red eyes of creatures in the dark.

This is the time when leopards usually hunt, and you may see some other noctural animals like porcupines and jackals.

Note that you can only go on night drives organized at your safari lodge. All gates to accommodations close by nightfall, and so you better be locked safe and sound inside them.

Just do it! Getting on the ground with these magnificent beasts in their territory will get your heart pumping.

We didn’t have as much action as anticipated, but we did get close to rhinos (downwind) and we smelled the fear of the lions running away from us in the distance.

If you take a tour please make sure they are eco-friendly and protect the animals and their habitats from these dangerous human encounters.

Alternatively, a horse ride is a relaxing and pleasurable way to see the stunning scenery with friendly herbivores by our side. We went horse riding through the valleys in Swaziland amongst warthogs, zebra and deer.

If you’re out walking amongst lions and rhinos, you might want to make sure you have adequate travel insurance! Check V isitor’s Coverage and World Nomads , and SafetyWing for prices and policies.

8. Know That Monkeys Can Be “Cheeky”

Monkeys in all shapes and forms are hilarious. Sit and watch them and be highly entertained.

We saw them arguing, b***slapping one another, picking each others nits, jumping over our car trying to take it hostage, and yes doing it like they do on discovery channel- over and over again!

It’s not uncommon for monkeys to get curious with safari goers and may even jump on your vehicle and try to swipe your camera.

If you encounter monkeys, keep all food and water locked away in your bags and keep an eye on your belongings.

If your plan is not to go on a safari, but to go on one of the iconic gorilla treks, go in prepared to do a lot of hiking.

These gorilla treks can be anywhere from 30 minutes in the jungle to 8 hours. It really depends on where the gorillas are and how quickly they move.

You really don’t need to pack much when you’re going on a safari, since you spend all day in a vehicle being driven around the wilderness.

Bring snacks and plenty of water, but make sure you bring a bag that closes so nothing can fall out.

If you are going out for sunrise to sunset, you will need to pack a picnic for breakfast and lunch (sometimes it’s provided as part of a tour).

Some game reserves have a restaurant (Kruger NP has a really nice one) but not all of them have these facilities.

There are usually hides next to a water source where you can safely exit your vehicle and walk into.

These hides are for viewing hippos and crocodiles, and they sit right by the water so you get an amazing view.

If you have small kids, please, please, ask them to be quiet. The hippos will duck under the water if they start screaming. I know it’s exciting, but remember you are in wildlife’s home and these animals are easily spooked.

The savannah is a dry, barren landscape, and it has a lot of dust. These safari vehicles are usually open top, or at least, don’t have windows, so dust gets everywhere.

It will be all over your clothes, all over your skin, in your hair and in your eyes.

I recommend you wear sunglasses to protect your eyes, and bring a scarf or something to wear over your mouth if it becomes unbareable.

Never, ever, ever, and I mean ever, get out of your car. UNLESS in a safe designated area, or with an armed ranger present.

This is the wild, don’t mess with it.

I know this sounds a bit like a ‘No Sh*t, Sherlock’ kind of statement, but you will be surprised at how many people get eaten by lions trying to get that perfect shot.

Keep a safe distance when you encounter a wild animal and when in your vehicle keep your windows rolled up

If you get stuck between a herd of elephants (this happened to someone we know) turn off your engine, keep your windows up, and wait patiently for them to move on before driving past.

Elephants feel vibrations through their feet, and the car engine could spook them or cause them to feel threatened.

Zip your tent up at night. Nothing beats hearing the roar of a lion in the middle of the night, but you don’t want to invite it in for dinner.

We rented a car for most of the safaris we visited. Check Discover Cars for best prices and availability .

If you’re considering joining a group tour for Africa, consider our long-term partner Globus family of brands. We have a discount in the blue box below.

• Globus tours of Africa
• Cosmos tours of Africa

GLOBUS DISCOUNT JUST FOR YOU!

We’ve secured an exclusive yTravel discoun t: Save $100 per person on select 2024 Globus and Avalon Waterway Vacations. Use the code: YTRAVEL when booking online at the Globus , Cosmos , and Avalon Waterways websites, by calling Globus and Avalon Waterways directly, or booking with a preferred Travel Advisor. Terms & Conditions .

As you prepare to leave for Africa, you may have come to realize Africa is a long way from home, it’s rough travel, and safari’s are expensive.

Good for you for deciding to do some research, and for making a plan. This is the first step to ensuring you see the best African wildlife encounters and make the most of the experience.

We hope these African safari tips has helped you plan ahead, avoid making the usual safari mistakes, and gave you the insight to ensure that your dream African adventure brings you the most amazing wild animal encounters you can brag about for years to come.

Need more inspiration for your trip to Africa? Then these other guides might be helpful to you…

• Top 5 Things in Botswana to experience the natural beauty
• 7 Reasons to visit Mozambique
• 13 awe-inspiring things to do in Eastern and Southern Africa
• Africa Travel Safety Tips
• Helpful tips for getting around East and Southern Africa
• How to travel Africa on a budget
• Ep 02 Podcast of our 5 year honeymoon (6 months in Africa)