Kenya or Tanzania: Which is Best for Safari?

Whether or not you’ve been on a safari trip to Africa yourself, you’ve probably heard of both- Tanzania as well as Kenya- which are both considered extremely popular options among tourists planning a safari trip. But people often find themselves confused about which of the two is a better spot- and we are here with a comprehensive comparison of various aspects of a safari tour in both the countries to help you arrive at your decision better. Get ready for a Kenya vs.Tanzania showdown!

Location, Landscape and Geography:

Kenya and Tanzania are located right next to each other, and along with sharing a common border, also share the Serengeti- Mara Ecosystem, which constitutes the Serengeti National Park on the Tanzanian side and the Masai Mara National Reserve on the Kenyan side. Both the locations have rich expansive grasslands spread over large masses of land, and are home to an assortment of animals-  including the iconic wildebeest in Africa. Tanzania and Kenya safaris are both considered one of the best in the world.

As far as differences in both countries are concerned, towards the north of Kenya, the atmosphere is drier and hillier and the ‘Samburu Special 5’, that is Beisa Oryx, reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Gerenuk and Somali ostrich. Tanzania on the other hand, has the Mahale Mountain National Park, where  chimp trekking is a primary activity. Tanzania boasts Zanzibar and Mafia Island for beach holidays, while Kenya has Diani and Lamu islands. Though locations of both the countries provide massive advantages, in this Kenya vs. Tanzania guide, let’s look at the other aspects of a safari trip to both these places.

Costs and Budgeting

On an average, a Tanzanian wildlife safari is likely to cost you somewhere around $1250 if you opt for 5 star luxury accommodation. while a 4 star accommodation may bring it down to around $900. In Kenya, a safari can be relatively easier on the pocket. Again, if you opt for 4 star accommodation, then costs can be around $500, while for 5 star luxury accommodation, they can cost around $1000. Though both countries and their locations.

While both countries offer amazing safari packages and itineraries, a tour in Kenya does cost relatively less, so if you’re planning a holiday but also want to keep your budgeting promises to yourself,  Kenya might be your pick. However, if cost- cutting is not a priority, then you may choose to visit Tanzania, which offers a greater variety of locations to visit, promising the best safari holiday to you.

Best Accommodation Options:  

Good accommodation options are plenty in Kenya as well as Tanya. From lavish, luxury hotels to more affordable places too, both the places have it all!

In Kenya, some popular places to stay include JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, Fairmont Mara Safari Club, Hotel Lion Sands Masai Mara Club,  Encounter Mara, Naboisho Camp and Rekero Camp.

On the other hand, in Tanzania, some tourist favorites include Jabali Ridge, The Highlands, Ngorongoro, Usangu Expedition Camp among many others. Whether you’re enjoying game drives at Serengeti or Masai Mara, a relaxing stay at Zanzibar or other activities at Mahale Mountains, you can be assured of the many options you will have of staying in comfortable locations throughout your trip.

What is there to See and Do?

Whether it is the Big Five in Tanzania or the Samburu Special 5 in Kenya, the iconic wildebeest migration or the amazing game drives in general, Tanzania and Kenya have it all.

• Since Serengeti and Masai Mara practically share the same border, wildebeest migration can be viewed at both locations.
• ‘The Big Five’ can be spotted mostly in Tanzania, while in Kenya, the ‘Samburu Special 5’ can be spotted easily.
• Chimpanzees, in particular, are found often in Mahale Mountains, Rubondo Island, and Gombe Stream, aloof which are in Tanzania.
• Both countries also boast elephant strongholds of their own- the Nyerere in Tanzania and the Amboseli in Kenya.

Though a variety of wild beasts can be found at locations in both countries, and safaris in Kenya and Tanzania are amazing experiences, it would be safe to conclude that Tanzania is home to a relatively larger number of these wild beasts, and therefore your chances of actually being able to witness them are higher in Tanzania than in Kenya.

When To Go?

Generally, it is during the rainy seasons that the safari camps take a blow because game driving is not really possible. Around April and May, the places experience heavy downpours which result in a few camps even closing. Additionally, in November and December, the countries experience what is commonly known as ‘short rains’, and business takes a brief hit then as well.

The best time to visit any of these countries is during June to October, which is the dry season.

The iconic wildebeest migration, which is actually a part of both- safaris in Kenya and Tanzania-  is found for a relatively longer period of time in Tanzania and Kenya. In Tanzania, the iconic beasts can be found enroute on the expansive greenlands from January to March as well as during July and August. On the other hand, in Kenya, you may be able to get a glimpse of the large throngs of wildebeests moving in their herds around August to October.

In Conclusion: 

At the end of this Kenya vs. Tanzania showdown, we hope you have a better idea of everything that these countries offer to their tourists. Safaris in Kenya and Tanzania are both amazing holiday plans, and you may make a decision based on your preferences, the length of your trip and what your budget allows.