Table of Contents
Tanzania Vs Kenya Safari; Which is Better for African Safari?
Considering nature of trips offered in Tanzania vs Kenya Safari and their location, choosing where to visit between the two destinations is such a challenging part one has to go through when planning a trip.
Kenya and Tanzania have a lot in common including unique experiences (Big five game encounters, the Great Migration, sensational sceneries, and Landscape characterized by the breathtaking rift valley).
Planning a trip to destinations such as Tanzania or Kenya can be daunting but with assistance from the local experts, everything is made easier.
We are specialists in creating unique experiences with countless tailor-made African safari packages available to make your travel dream come true. This article brings to you detailed facts and other factors to guide you choose the right destination to spend your next vacation.
Ideal Tanzania Vs Kenya safari Package;
7 Days Kenya and Tanzania Safari
This Safari provides the once-in-a lifetime opportunity of driving through Kenya and Tanzania’s top wildlife safari destinations. It begins with some nights in Kenya’s Capital before proceeding to the popular Masai Mara National Reserve, then to Tanzania’s Serengeti and...
Facts about Tanzania vs Kenya
Facts about Kenya
- Kenya is home to over 62 languages all spoken across the country.
- Africa’s 2nd tallest mountain lies right in Kenya.
- Two rainy/wet seasons are all experienced in Kenya.
- Not only do you find the big five or wildebeest in Kenya, but also the spectacular Great Rift Valley.
Facts about Tanzania
- Africa’s tallest mountain straddles in Tanzania.
- Like Kenya, Tanzania is most popular for its powerful Great Migration experience.
- The world’s 2nd deepest lake (Lake Tanganyika) is found in Tanzania.
- Tanzania is home to unique tree climbing lions (thriving in the country’s spectacular Lake Manyara National Park).
Location and Accessibility of Tanzania vs Kenya
Tanzania and Kenya are the two leading East African destinations to enjoy a complete big five game experiences. They are all strategically situated with coastlines featuring finest beaches and tropical islands along the Indian Ocean.
Even in the central East African region, they encompass a good portion of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest freshwater Lake.
Both Tanzania and Kenya are most visited in East Africa thanks to their distinct Great Migration offered in the Serengeti National Park located in the Northern tourist circuit Tanzania and Maasai Mara National Reserve situated in the Southwestern side.
The 2 protected areas create the remarkable Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem, also listed among the world’s biggest and most protected ecosystems. The Serengeti-Mara ecosystem extends up to 30,000sq.km, almost the same area coverage of South Carolina.
Important Access Routes & Landscapes;
Kenya and Tanzania boast of their vast savanna and golden grasslands featuring typical of true African landscape.
If you watched the Lion King or Out of Africa, then you have idea about Tanzania’s and Kenya’s landscape. In the vast savannas, there roam freely grazers, predators and other wildlife.
The protected areas are strategically located with some providing a 360 degree wildlife encounter, especially in the Masai Mara and Serengeti National Park.
Access to Tanzania or Kenya safari destinations is easier by road and air.
The Northern tourist circuit in Tanzania allows nature enthusiasts to explore the country’s finest destinations such as Tarangire National Park, Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Conservation Area/Crater Area; the southern side, visit Nyerere National Park and Ruaha National Park (RNP).
Kenya offers ultimate big five game and wildebeest migration experience. Travel to Maasai Mara National Reserve located in the Southwestern Kenya. Navigate via the Narok area while enjoying the Great Rift Valley.
You may also like; Masai Mara vs Serengeti.
Attractions in Kenya and Tanzania;
Tanzania and Kenya feature diversity of attractions from mainland to coastlines on the Indian Ocean.
Wildebeest Migration
Tanzania and Kenya are East Africa’s best spots to observe the Great Migration experience. This is a lifetime experience, often occurs from July to October. In Tanzania, visit Serengeti National Park lying in the Northern circuit of Tanzania and while in Kenya, travel for 6 hours to Maasai Mara National Reserve.
During the Masai Mara or Serengeti NP migration, millions of wildebeest can be moved with company of 1000s of other grazers such as zebras, giraffes and Thomson’s gazelles.
The Great Rift Valley
Tanzania’s and Kenya’s landscape features extensive Great Rift Valley. Extending from Mozambique to the Dead Sea, the rift valley is 3700 mile fault line and its formation comes with unique features such as lakes, hills and volcanoes.
Mountains
Tanzania vs Kenya safari, they host important mountains of climbers’ interest while on African holiday. In Kenya, visit Mount Kenya, the 2nd second tallest mountain with altitude rise of 3825m. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering the excellent hiking/walking trail experiences.
Ideal Trip; 9 Days Mt Kilimanjaro Climb – Rongai Trek in Tanzania.
The Maasai People
The Masai people are semi-nomadic people live in Kenya and Tanzania.
After wildlife safaris in Masai Mara or Serengeti, a visit to the Masai community should be a must-do.
Wildlife
Tanzania and Kenya offer enriching wildlife experience from the big cats, big five game and wide array of other mammal species.
On a guided game viewing, expect to see African bush elephants, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, buffaloes, gazelles, lions, leopards, cheetahs, gerenuk, beisa Oryx, sable, elands and others.
Beaches
Think of honeymoon or beach vacation in East Africa? Think of Kenya or Tanzania to experience the best of African beach holiday.
In Tanzania, the best beaches to visit span around the Zanzibar –Indian ocean and include Michamvi beach, Nungwi, Pongwe, Kendwa, Bwejuu, Matemwe, Kizimkazi, Paje and others.
Located in the Southeastern side, the Bwejuu are with no doubt one of the excellent beaches worth spending your beach vacation.
In Kenya, find a line-up of beaches along the coastline including Malindi, Diani beach, Watamu, Bamburi beach, Nyali beach, Shanzu beach, Manda Toto, Lamu and Tiwi beach. Of Kenya’s numerous beaches lined-up at the Indian Ocean coast, Diani is the most popular and explored by beach seekers.
The Diani is popular for its beach resort situated 30km South of Mombasa and records 1000s of visitors each year.
Vibrant Cities
On African safaris in Tanzania/Kenya, a visit to the parks alone isn’t enough. Go city tour in any of the cities in Kenya or Tanzania and spend quality time exploring their attractions.
The main cities/towns to consider visiting include Arusha, Dodoma, Dar-es-salaam, Stone town Zanzibar and in Kenya, don’t leave without embarking on a city excursion in Nairobi capital city, Mombasa and others.
Safari Experiences
Camping experience
Visit Kenya and Tanzania not only for normal wildlife viewing, but also enjoy camping holiday. Kenya’s finest camping destinations include Masai Mara National Reserve and Amboseli National Park.
In Tanzania, consider visiting Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation, Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara NP, etc.
Fly in Safaris
The fly-in-tours allow you to connect from furthest part to your preferred destination. The must-visit places on fly-in vacation: Tsavo West/East National Park, Masai Mara Reserve, Serengeti National Park, and more.
Game Drives
These offer visitors a chance to see the big five game –elephants, buffaloes, lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, leopards, wildebeest, and other antelope families.
Wildebeest Migration Safaris
Occurs once a year, Tanzania vs Kenya safari migration experience is a must-enjoy. Visit Masai Mara or Tanzania’s Serengeti or combine your trip and explore both protected areas.
Birding – Bird Watching
Both Kenya and Tanzania protect 1000s of bird species. A birding tour involves search for the birds such as rufous-winged sunbird, moreaus sunbird, banded green sunbird, Pemba green pigeon, rufous tailed weaver bird, and more.
The most rewarding birding spots include Saadani National Park, Serengeti National Park, Udzungwa Mountains, Usambara Mountains, and Nyerere National Park plus others.
In Kenya, travel to Lake Bogoria, Lake Nakuru, Lake Magadi, Buffalo Springs National Reserve, Amboseli and Arabuko and others.
Other interesting safari experiences;
Hot air balloon safaris, chimpanzee trekking in Goma National Park and Mahale Mountains National Park; climbing/hiking to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, cultural experience with the Maasai warriors, family safaris, and more.
Big five game safaris, the Great migration experience
There are many locations to find the big five game in Kenya or Tanzania. They include Ngorongoro Crater/Conservation Area, Serengeti National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park, and Nyerere National Park- Tanzania.
In Kenya, visit Masai Mara Reserve, Amboseli, Tsavo Parks, Lewa Conservancy, and Lake Nakuru National Park and others.
The Great Migration experience is best enjoyed while in the Serengeti National Park or Masai Mara National Reserve. Millions of wildebeest can be observed in the plains of Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.
Aside from wildebeests, keep an eye on other species such as Thomson’s gazelles, zebras, giraffes, and other mammals plus bird species.
Top 10 Tanzania and Kenya Safari Packages;
- 3 Day Masai Mara Safari from Nairobi.
- 3 Days Serengeti National Park Safari.
- 4 Days Zanzibar Beach Escape Tour.
- 5 Days Kenya Family Safari.
- 5 Days Budget Tanzania Safari.
- 6 Days Tanzania Wildlife Safari.
- 7 Days Best of Kenya Safari.
- 8 Days Luxury Tanzania Safari.
- 10 Days Best of Tanzania Safari.
- 10 Days Luxury Kenya Safari.
Cost of a Tanzania vs Kenya Safari;
African safaris to Tanzania and Kenya can be arranged ranging from budget to luxury options. All our Tanzania or Kenya safaris are available at the most affordable prices and you can travel as an individual or a group.
Tanzania
| 4-STAR COMFORT | 4-STAR LUXURY | 5-STAR LUXURY | |||
| Low | High | Low | High | Low | High |
| $500-$675 | $550-726 | $800-$1200 | $950-$1350 | $1250 | $1850 |
Kenya
A 4-Star Comfortable accommodation can go for USD375 to $450 (Low), high USD500-600. 4-Star Luxury at low price available at $600-$700 & high rate at $750-$950 and 5-Star Luxury low rate $1000-$1150.
Kenya and Tanzania combined
| 4-Star Comfort | 4-Star Luxury | 5-Luxury | |||
| Low | High | Low | High | Low | High |
| $450 | 600 | $650-$1050 | $1100-$1250 | $1300 | $1900 |
NOTE: The above rates are average cost for room sharing in low and high season. The prices exclude visas, permits, passports and other requirements.
Accommodation of Tanzania Vs Kenya Safari:
Both countries have long list of accommodation facilities worth booking for visitor night stay. When choosing a place to stay, first, consider their location from where you plan to do your activities from and amenities to make your stay memorable.
The ideal places to book on Kenya trip includes The Giraffe Manor –a perfect to spend a night and enriches your travel experience.
Our top picks; Naboisho Camp with possible activities for you to engage such as game drives, cultural visits, birding, guided walking safaris, picnicking, sundowner, bush dining: Rekero Camp and has safari activities to enjoy include game drives, hot air balloon, bush dining, cultural visit.
TANZANIA –Jabali Ridge (possible activities to do: birding, bush dining, game drives, guided walking, sundowners, bushwalks, picnics, night drives, star gazing and others.
At Ruaha –Stay at Usangu Expedition Camp and expect to be part of boat-based tours, guided walking safaris, and game drives.
Stability and Safety
In general, we can affirm that Kenya and Tanzania are all safe and secure destinations to visit on a tour in East Africa. However, Tanzania is considered to be safer than Kenya given its location nearby the countries such as Somalia, South Sudan and Ethiopia.
When you think of spending a holiday in Kenya or Tanzania, first, get current security updates from your tour operator on ground.
Kenya and Tanzania are safe not only for the great migration and big five game, but also for you to walk around.
Traveling from the city centers to your destinations is all safe and secure by car or flight. En route, there are plenty of things to enjoy and a chance to interact with the friendliest people.
Travel Requirements
What do I require to travel to Tanzania and Kenya? Kenya or Tanzania visas are essential if you plan to go for a vacation.
Visitors in Kenya with plans to continue to Tanzania can make the best of use of a single visa. You can apply for the visas online with an experienced expert on ground. You may also have need valid passport,
Best Time to Visit Tanzania vs Kenya Safari
The peak season in Tanzania and Kenya falls from June, July, August, and September to October.
Low or green season runs from November to May and wildebeest migration starts from June to September –perfect for observing the River crossing. Wildebeest calving –excellently experienced from January to March.
Getting Around Tanzania vs Kenya Safari
Tanzania and Kenya are complete destinations with several sites to explore. Getting to and around Tanzania/Kenya is possible in a comfortable 4×4 tourist vehicle and an experienced expert on the ground.
Rental cars to hit the road to your destination; 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser, Safari/Tourist Van, Land Cruiser Prado, 4×4 Land Cruiser with rooftop tents and others.
In conclusion, Tanzania and Kenya are East Africa’s premier destination and each has a lot to offer the world.
From the big five game, great migration, hiking/mountaineering adventures to authentic African cultural experiences, Kenya or Tanzania vacation is worth. Plan and book your African holiday with tested and trustworthy tour operator on ground.
