Kenya and Tanzania are two magnificent epic countries that offer globetrotters an authentic safari experience. Both countries have iconic landmarks, phenomenal sceneries, and an immense concentration of wildlife. It is a daunting task for visitors to choose the best place for a magnificent African safari. Nonetheless, Kenya is identified as the home of a walking Safari and an ideal destination for a sensational fantastic holiday. This review will help you pick a suitable wilderness safari.
Landmarks
Kenya and Tanzania possess several breathtaking landmarks. Tanzania is a prodigy of nature. Welcome to Mount Kilimanjaro, ‘the world largest free-standing mountain’ and the tallest peak in Africa. It is among the seven summits and is best for hiking. Serengeti Park is the epicenter of many tourists. Tour the Ngorongoro Crater, which is the planet’s most enormous inactive abyss. Tanzania has the largest city in East Africa, Dar es Salaam. Zanzibar is a city that provides the tourist with a bespoke safari. The adventurous island comprises beautiful sandy beaches, pristine waters, myriad cultures, and wondrous faunas.
The peninsula islands have unique creatures. At Jozani Forest, you can spot the endangered red colobus monkey. The stone town is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Zanzibar is popularly known for its spices. Lake Tanganyika has some exotic lodges and resorts on the continent. Both countries share the largest freshwater lake, Lake Victoria. Nairobi, the ‘green city in the sun, is a lively city with the fantastic art of the matatu is full of vim and vigour. The reputation of the city makes the headway. The Nairobi National Park is an ideal sightseeing area for wildlife. It provides a skyline view of the great town.
Fort Jesus in Mombasa is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The place played a significant historical role during the Indian Ocean Trade. Once you visit this scenic spot, you will acquire adequate knowledge. Tsavo National Park is the predominant largest park in Kenya that hosts the big five. It is a great sightseeing area, and tours can take mountain climb to the west.
The prominent Mount Kenya is found in Mount Kenya National Park. The landscape has many faunas. It is the second tallest mountain in Africa. There are several bucket list activities that you can do, like mountain climbing or camping. For a bonafide wilderness experience, visit Kenya. On your way to the peak of the mountain, you will encounter lakes, forests, and wildebeests. Do not miss the Great wildebeest migration in Maasai Mara. If you do, there is a large herd of elephants awaiting at the Amboseli.
The Sun-soaked land of Nakuru has a sensational lake bespeckled with thousands of flamingos. The terrains of Kenya are outstanding. The Great Rift Valley cut off bifurcate the country. Hell Gates National Park oozes with hot springs, buzz with natural geysers, and the obsidian caves.
Expenses and Infrastructure
Kenya is more advanced in terms of infrastructure and amenities. Nonetheless, you don’t have to break the bank to visit Tanzania or Kenya. You can have an affordable trip. There is a significant variance in cost for the two. Kenya provides an opulent safari. A four-star luxury hotel will charge $160 to $700 per night. For cheaper options, you can check out accommodation on the outskirt. In Tanzania, the average accommodation price is $80 for a three-star hotel.
Food is cheap, going for $10-25 in both countries. A Kenya Safari comes with a wide range of lap of luxury guesthouses and hotels. Without any trouble, you can exchange the USD for the local currency in various financial institutions. There are multiple means of transportation you can use to move around. The local flights, trains, taxis, and matatus are at tourists’ disposal.
For the most part, Tanzania safari is more affordable, but Kenya is rich in tourism infrastructure. The latter get more tourists. An East African safari is never cheap; have an itinerary that enables you to appreciate the unique features.
Landscape, Flora, and Fauna of Kenya and Tanzania
Kenya and Tanzania share a bonder, and they are geographically located in East Africa. They sit along lake Victoria and the Indian ocean. The Serengeti National Park extends to Masai Mara National Reserve. Kenya and Tanzania form a vicinal Ecosystem. One of the significant safeguarded ecosystems on the planet. The unfenced border allows animals to move freely. Their main flora is the golden grasslands and savannah. The lively rustic beaches on the coastline have exotic luxury restaurants with fresh, mouthwatering seafood. Tourists can promenade or sunbathe at the different bays.
A cycle of life takes place in the riverine, woodlands, and plains of Serengeti. The rainforest of Mahale Mountains National Park allows tourists to have a chimp trekking. A Kenyan Safari in the north part host endemic species such as the Samburu Special 5; the Grevy’s zebra, beisa oryx, gerenuk, Somali ostrich, and reticulated giraffe. In Masai Mara, you will learn the culture of the Maasai community who lives harmoniously with the wildlife. Have a memorable wilderness holiday. The topography of both countries allows a heap of grazing animals to feed while being hunted by predators. Tourists have a panoramic view for game viewing. Serengeti in Tanzania and Masai Mara in Kenya offer a scenic view of the Great Wildebeest Migration. You can spot close to two million creatures in search of food and water.
Climate
Tanzania has a mid-wet season from November to December, just like in Kenya. It is hot mainly in the land. The country has an average temperature of 24°C to 28°C. The dry season is best for game viewing from December to March, while from April to June, it’s wet. The temperature in Kenya mainly ranges from 20°C and 28°C. The country has two seasons the dry and wet. From December to March, it’s dry, while from April to June, it is wet. The coastal region is humid and hot. Both countries are all-year-round destinations. None of the countries has a superior advantage over the other when it comes to their temperature. There is a minute variation of seasons, geography, and temperature.
Game Viewing in Tanzania and Kenya
Both countries are wilderness and burst with big five and other wildlife. Kenya and Tanzania preserve the creatures, most especially rhinos. Suppose you want to see the newborn beast head to southern Serengeti from December to March. The Ngorongoro Crater is the best spot for the big five. The migration is unpredictable as the animals follow the rain. In August, September, and October, they are mobbing from Serengeti to Masai Mara. Catch the spectacular moment at the Mara River. The beasts are careful and mindful of the starving crocodile. From November to December, the beast head back to Serengeti using the same route.
The best place for game viewing as they migrate is at Mara under Canvas camp. The operators of this camp switch locations to give the tourist a spectacular, memorable experience. Birding is ideal, and the birds roam freely throughout Tanzania and Kenya. The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is an indigenous area to locate the endangered rhino. The private conservancies in Mara have a fantastic view of the migration. Some of the activities you can engage in include taking a game drive and a guided walking safari.
Tourists can also take a hot-air balloon safari or night drives. Kenya safaris are best for family tours, and you can visit with kids. The majority of destinations have appropriate facilities and activities suitable for the young ones. Couples on a romantic holiday can visit either Tanzania or Kenya. Both countries have dazzling honeymoon suites for the lovebirds. A wedding trip to Zanzibar grants a glamorous experience. Spend time at the sapphire water, sunbathing at the virgin beaches, and admire the scenic view of endless palm. Consult our expert African Safari team to help you plan an exotic trip.
Security and Nightlife in Kenya and Tanzania
Both countries are safe and conducive to tourism. Crime rates are low, but you must also be mindful of pickpockets. Tourists should be cautious while in the major cities like Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, and Nairobi. In Kenya, English is widely spoken, and the country is more western. Tanzania does not have a cosmopolitan aura like Kenya. Moshi, Dar es Salaam, and Arusha are amusing cities. Nairobi has several entertainment centres. Art galleries, bars, social initiatives, and bars are everywhere. Visit the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage with your kids. The Nairobi Giraffe Center is another destination for families. Mombasa has superb beach resorts. The Swahili cultural melting pot is the largest port in East Africa. The delicious cuisine is another reason the town has a large troop of tourists. Get to feel the city by tasting mouth watering dishes.
Kilifi holds a fable festive for the New Year’s celebration. At the shore of Lake Turkana, there is another iconic festival. The 13 indigenous tribes come together, giving the tourist a memorable adventure. Both countries provide a majesty safari experience. Kenya and Tanzania are vibrant destinations. None is better than the other is the places are only different. It all depends on tourist preference. There is no absolute answer which is the best for East African Safari. If you find it hard to decide, contact us to discuss it further!
