Safari concept was born in east Africa in 1850 Kenya and Tanzania are among the best tourists destinations in east Africa safari. Choosing a safari, however, can be a mind-scrambling affair, with a jeep-load of options available across a wealth of wildlife destinations. Africa holds a world of safari possibilities, from never-ending savannah plains to sun-scorched areas and zig-zagging deltas, so selecting the perfect one for you can be tricky . We’ve been through it ourselves, so we know exactly how much head-scratching it can involve!
When you think of an African safari, East Africa’s Kenya and Tanzania always stand out each has unique destinations and iconic natural wonders. Both countries feature a sensational African scenery, superior game-viewing, and a series of bucket-list activities that defy comparison. Not to mention these are the only places where you can see the iconic Great Wildebeest Migration. However, due to its prestige that echoes throughout the world, many people are left with the question: Which of the two offers the best safari experience, Tanzania or Kenya?
A safari in both countries will let you experience view of snowcapped mountains, wildebeest migration, tented camps, grassland savannah and crocodile infested rivers. The major question is which country between the two offers the best safari experience, both have different experience. .
When is best time to travel to Kenya and Tanzania?
Kenya and Tanzania are year-round destinations. The rains come March-early May, but there’s still wildlife around, particularly in the Ngorongoro, where the crater keeps animal in one place! Unlike in Kenya, the Great Wildebeest Migration can be seen most of the year somewhere in Tanzania, but to catch it at its most dramatic, the best time to go is late June-Sept, when animals cross the Mara River, with the weeks outside August school holidays quieter. The short rains Nov-Dec don’t cause much disruption, while Jan and Feb is green . Feb is hottest, at max 25°C, July is coolest, around 20°C.
Accommodation
Accommodation options in Kenya and Tanzania are varied and will typically depend on your budget and taste. From basic tents and camps to lodges and luxurious hotels and private reserves, you have a wealth of options at your disposal. Both Kenya and Tanzania provide a range of hotels, resorts, and safari lodges, though with Kenya being a wealthier nation than Tanzania, you tend to have more choice when it comes to accommodation. That’s not to say that Tanzania doesn’t have plenty of options available, though it’s a lot more limited in certain National Parks. This does mean that you’re able to enjoy the experience with lesser crowds, even during peak season, though Kenya is often far cheaper because there’s more competition.
Getting there and around
Both countries are well connected to the rest of the world, and their airports see regular flights from most countries. Kenya is a more accessible country, with better tourism infrastructure and a good balance between modern cities and natural attractions.However, if you’re looking for a more adventurous experience, with lots of open roads and an authentic African bush appeal, then Tanzania is the place. Kenya has excellent hospitality infrastructure , Nairobi can accommodate large incentive groups. That said, flights to Kenya tend to be cheaper because they have more flights available. Kenyan infrastructure is a lot more reliable than in Tanzania in terms of taxis, public transport, and domestic flights. But the country has just as many unmarked roads as Tanzania does, so there’s still plenty of options for off the beaten path adventure.Tanzania lacks infrastructure such as highways, railway lines, and airports. This means transportation from one place to another would be pricier as some places require charter flights instead of road travel which is usually a cheaper option. Flights to Tanzania, although ample and available in most major cities in the world, are still scarce compared to flights heading to other touristy places. For this reason, flights to Tanzania are more expensive.
What the cost of safari to Kenya & Tanzania?
Depending on the time of the year, the amount of visitors each country receive varies. Generally, the highest tourist influx is during peak seasons. 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 to the larger national parks in Tanzania Many of the parks in Kenya are small . Tanzania safaris are generally pricey compared to other holiday destinations. There is little or no difference in terms of accommodation and activities, with the same standards and prices on offer in the two countries.
Wildlife viewing
There’s definitely great wildlife viewing in both Kenya and Tanzania. From your first glimpse of lions prowling the sweeping Savannah to antelope bounding through cool rainforests, from the birds and baboons filling the tropical jungle to the dolphins leaping about you in a dazzling marine reserve, these national parks are a life-sustaining marvel and a source of awe for all who visit. However your choice of destination will depend on what kind of wildlife you want to see.The Big 5, which refers to rhinos, leopards, buffaloes, lions, and elephants, can be found in both countries, however there are subtle difference between the two experiences when it comes to wildlife viewing. Tanzania wins for density and diversity of wildlife overall; it has the largest concentration of animals per square kilometer in the world. It is specifically known as cheetah country, and there are chimpanzee strongholds in various game reserves around Tanzania .Kenya, on the other hand, is an excellent place to see big cats (lions, leopards, Serval cats, caracals) as well as some endangered species like rhinos.
The great migration in Masai Mara & Serengeti.
The Great Migration is an overwhelming, exciting and amazing wildlife experience, and the stunning landscapes of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara form dramatic backdrops to the event. Over two million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles move through the Serengeti and Masai Mara ecosystems in search of green pasture, in a regular pattern. This is surely one of the greatest wonders of the natural world. The time of year will dictate your answer to Kenya vs Tanzania great wild beast migration. The herds are in Tanzania from December through June, but start crossing into Kenya come July and August. The actual crossing occurs twice a year, once in July, and then again in late November, at which point, visitors to both parks can witness the spectacle. The migration predictably happens every year, though the a timing is dependent on rainfall patterns they migrate in search of better water and greener pastures .
So, travel to Tanzania if your trip falls between December and June.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. Travel to Kenya if your travel falls between September and November. During these months, herds of wildebeest tend to make their way from Tanzania’s Serengeti to Kenya’s Maasai Mara. If you’re traveling in July or August, you’ll catch the migration in either country and can witness the Mara River crossing.
Climate of the countries
Climate is one of the factors that you can use to choose the country to visit for your African safari. However both Kenya and Tanzania are mostly similar in climate conditions. Both countries are really hot and there are two visible seasons. Usually from April to May it is wet season with long time rains. Therefore these months are not suitable for safari tours .Terrain wise, both countries offer beautiful landscapes and views that you can enjoy during your safari. Basically there is no significant difference in both Kenya and Tanzania when climate is a factor to consider. Both countries experience dry and wet seasons almost during the same time of the year.
Safari experience in Kenya Tanzania
Kenya safari experience
Kenya is one of Africa’s finest safari destinations. Starting from the endless Savannah plains to its mountains and hills, the country offers all who come here a magical experience and memories to last a lifetime. Kenya is the hub of all wildlife safaris in Africa and the world at large. With Parks like Maasai Mara where the great wildebeest migration happens, to Amboseli National Park where you literally rub shoulders with the Elephants, Ol Pejeta Conservancy where you interact closely with the chimpanzees…there is no other place in the world that you will find such a combination of adventurous, and educational safaris. Join us for your Kenya Safari experience.
Tanzania’s safari experience
Tanzania combines superb wildlife, vast expanses of wilderness, and excellent small safari lodges and camps.With seven of its national parks offering world-class wildlife viewing, a Tanzania safari offers a rich feast of choices for anyone seeking an authentic experience of Africa. These are some of the Tanzania safari highlights :Climbing Kilimanjaro, the highest peak on the continent, Ngorongoro crater with its abundant water and wildlife, Archaeological sites at Olduvai Gorge, The rhinos of Lake Manyara National Park, Snorkeling and diving at Mafia Island Marine Park, Tarangire National Park with its massive herds of plains game, Birding in Selous Game Reserve .The list goes on … offering a vast range of habitats to explore in Tanzania. Learn more about our Tanzania Safari packages.
We hope we have made the choice between a Kenya safari vs. Tanzania easier .You can even combine the tours to visit both countries and experience safari in both Kenya and Tanzania. A combined safari will be a great way to experience the countries, culture, attractions and wildlife.
