Kenya or Tanzania: Which is Better for Safari?

Written by: Joseph Mbotte, Local Expert

Choosing between the two superstars of East Africa safari tourism — Kenya and Tanzania — is one of the hardest decisions you’ll make when deciding on your safari vacation. Rest assured, you cannot go wrong with either destination. Both feature incredible game viewing, stunning scenery, and an array of safari opportunities that fit all budgets. And the best part is that many tour operators, including Natural World Kenya Safaris, offer trips that incorporate both countries.

Keep reading to learn more about how to choose between a safari in Kenya or Tanzania, and what to expect when visiting each of these incredible places.

National Parks and Wildlife

Kenya and Tanzania share a border and are home to one of the largest protected natural habitats in the world — Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Because there is no physical border separating these two areas, the animals are free to roam as they take part in an epic annual migration. Close to two million wildebeest, gazelles, and zebras make the arduous journey from southern Serengeti, crossing the Grumeti and Mara Rivers via the western corridor, and spend time in Masai Mara before returning back. Where there is prey, there is guaranteed to be predators and there is no shortage of drama unfolding on your safari during the migration.

Tanzania also boasts the largest intact volcanic caldera. This vibrant ecosystem enclosed by the high walls of the crater, teems with wildlife including the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and cape buffalo), giving visitors an opportunity to see the most coveted wild animals in a short time.

There’s more to Tanzania than Seregenti. Lake Manyara National Park features the famous tree climbing lions, large herds of elephants, and pink flamingos. Tarangire, with a high concentration of elephants congregating by the Tarangire River, is spectacular. In the western region, visitors can go trekking to see chimpanzees at the Mahale Mountains National Park.

Similar to Serengeti, Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve features the Big Five, the wildebeest migration, and opportunities for traditional safaris. Nairobi National Park, a quick drive from the bustling capital of Kenya, is considered one of the last rhinoceros sanctuaries, with guaranteed sightings of the endangered black rhino. For herds of free-ranging African elephants, head to Amboseli National Park in the shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Two of the largest national parks — Tsavo East and West National Parks — are located between Nairobi City and Mombasa in Kenya’s Coast Province known for their prolific large mammal population.

Best Time to Go

Both countries experience similar climates and have two distinct seasons: dry and wet. The dry season, from June to October, is the ideal time to visit for a safari. It’s also the high season with more expensive rates and larger crowds. The green season, between December to March, sees little rain and is a good time to see calves. Many accommodations are closed during the rainy season, from March to May.

When planning a safari in Kenya to see the migration, visit between August to October, when the herds are congregated in the Mara plains. The herds return to Serengeti by the end of October/early November; they spend their time traversing the vast savanna to the southern stretch of the national park until May. Because river crossings happen in both countries, you can’t go wrong with visiting during the high season. Plan your safari to see the wildebeest migration at least a year in advance.

Budget

Both Kenya and Tanzania are famous safari destinations, and almost on par with one another in terms of pricing, with Kenya being slightly less expensive. Nairobi, Kenya also offers more flights from international destinations, making airline tickets cheaper. Travel time to Nairobi is also shorter compared to Arusha or Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

As the more developed country, Kenya has varied types of accommodations (hotels, tent camps, and lodges) and more options for visitors on different budgets. If you are going on a safari in Tanzania, it is still cheaper to fly into Nairobi and take a connecting flight or drive to the parks.

Tanzania is larger than Kenya, making travel between national parks an expensive proposition, especially when factoring in local planes to get around.

Tanzania vs. Kenya: Accommodations

When it comes to safari camps in Tanzania vs. Kenya, there are plenty of fantastic options in both countries, from luxury tented camps and hotels to resort-style lodges. Lodging is more expensive in Tanzania and they offer exclusivity — an experience that is far less crowded than in Kenya. However, being crowded doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be rubbing shoulders with others; a typical large property has an average of 40 rooms or less.

Kenya vs. Tanzania: The Verdict

Kenya and Tanzania safaris guarantee sightings of the Big Five and the great wildebeest migration, either in Serengeti or Masai Mara. Choose either one of these countries for an adventure of a lifetime or, better yet, combine the two for an unforgettable experience. For a budget-friendly African safari, Kenya has more options, but both countries have tours/lodging at various price points, allowing safari goers to experience a once-in-a-lifetime journey, no matter the budget.