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What an incredible question to answer for these two beautiful safari destinations. Kenya or Tanzania, which offers the best safari?
Most of the time, when we are asked about this question, we find ourselves in a dilemma.
Because each of these countries is the spearhead of the African safari experience.
Both of these countries are epic tour and safari destinations in East Africa.
The wildlife, beautiful beaches, mountains, authentic cultures, and the big five.
The natural reserves and the biggest national parks are the hallmarks of these countries.
Think of the Maasai Mara or the Serengeti National Park; are these parks not magical?
To connect the dots and help you make a wise decision on where to visit, we should compare these two countries.
This will help you to see which is the best destination based on your preferences.
Tanzania Travel Facts
Wildlife density
Tanzania is the leader in this category. With 22 national parks and game reserves like Selous, which is the largest game reserve in Africa. 40% of its land is dedicated to conservation
Great migration duration
Wildebeest spend 90% of their time migrating within the Serengeti National Park. So visiting Tanzania offers a greater chance to experience migration than in Kenya.
See the wildebeest migration calendar
World-renowned destinations
Tanzania has more iconic destinations in Africa, including Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Mount Kilimanjaro.
Accommodation expenses
There are few hotels, lodges, and camps in Tanzania compared with Kenya. Full booking during peak season is very common.
The cost of accommodation in Tanzania is a bit higher compared with Kenya
Tourist traffic
Kenya receives a high number of visitors compared to Tanzania. Which is ideal for luxury safaris, either in game parks oron beaches.
Size of national parks
Tanzania has bigger national parks compared with Kenya. If you intend to spot animals all the time may take a bit longer during game drives.
Though it depends on the park you decide to visit.
Safety in Tanzania
Tanzania is a very peaceful country, ranking 14th safest country on the GPI. Global Peace Index studies 23 key metrics to determine the country’s position on the index.
All the indicators are grouped into three broad categories, which are:
- Ongoing International and Domestic Conflict
- Societal Safety, and
- Security and Militarization
These scores were merged to create a GPI value for each country. The lower the score, the more peaceful and safe the country is. Read more about African safety countries to visit.
Safari Gears and Transport
This includes safari jeeps for game drives. Many cars used for game drives are closed cars with open roofs.
However, it’s possible to request open-sided cars. The best safari cars are 4X4 WD Land Cruisers and Land Rovers.
A certificate for Yellow fever and a visa is required for check-in to Tanzania.
Kenya Travel Facts
Developed infrastructures
The fact is that Kenya’s economy is better than Tanzania’s. The tourism facilities are quite developed compared to Tanzania.
Safari expenses
Kenya offers less expensive options for accommodation than Tanzania. Is it a budget-friendly country because of the high number of developed facilities?
Lodges, resorts, camps, and hotels are available in large numbers compared to Tanzania.
Size of national parks
The size of game reserves and national parks is smaller in Kenya compared to Tanzania. It takes a short time to spot wildlife.
This creates a difference between a Kenya safari and vs Tanzania safari.
Tourist destinations
Well-known attractions include Amboseli, Mount Kenya, Lake Nakuru, and the Maasai Mara.
Kenya Tourist Arrivals
Kenya is leading in the number of tourist arrivals. The well-developed domestic travel is also a key factor in a high number of tourists. Learn more
Maasai Mara Great Migration
Kenya also hosts the migration of wildebeest from the Serengeti in Tanzania. The Maasai Mara is the hotspot to witness the Mara River crossing from August to October.
But also, wildlife tourism in other parks is growing so fast. When comparing a Kenya safari vs a Tanzania safari. Learn more about the wildebeest migration
How to visit Kenya for a Safari?
Nairobi, as its capital city, boasts both a local and international flight hub.
Many flights to East Africa land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
When comparing the flight cost to Tanzania, you will realize some differences.
Kenya Airways connects to 56 destinations across the globe with a direct flight to the USA.
Safety in Kenya
Kenya is a safe destination in Africa, like other East African countries. A VISA and a Yellow fever certificate are also required.
Tour Options available in Kenya
Optional tours like walking, cruises, and eco-tourism are available for visitors.
Which offers the best safari?
After going through the highlights, let’s center this discussion around our key question: Tanzania vs Kenya: which offers the best safari?
Both of these countries offer outstanding safari destinations in East Africa. Both are prime destinations for Big Five safaris.
The golden grasslands and savannahs are the identity of these big safari destinations.
The countless number of grazers and predators is the wild magic you won’t afford to miss on an African trip.
The pride of lions, leopards, and herds of wildebeest, big elephants, and birds.
Tanzania safari will always be more expensive than a Kenya safari.
The high number of lodges, resorts, and camps in Kenya was the main reason for the low prices.
Despite the budget variation when visiting these two countries.
But we should also focus on understanding the quality over quantity perspectives.
Kenya Safari is well known for being busier than Tanzania Safari. The main focus is on mass tourism in Kenya, which helps us to see where the priority is for the Kenya safari.
Quantity over quality is unavoidable to that extent, delivery of low value.
On the other side, the Tanzania safari is a more conservative mode. Tanzania subscribes to high value with the low-impact tourism model.
The park fees are high compared to Kenya; this could make you pay more, but in return, you will enjoy the luxury.
Most of the protected parks in Tanzania are less crowded throughout the year.
Sticking to the facts, Kenya is more advanced than Tanzania.
It could be either in transport or accommodation facilities like lodges, camps, and resorts.
On the other side, Tanzania is the largest country in East Africa, and 40 % of its land is dedicated to conservation.
Thinking of the largest parks like Ruaha, Selous, Nyerere, and Serengeti. But also marine reserves and the Great Lakes are the checklists you should not miss in Tanzania.
Now you have a clue of what it feels like to visit Africa for either a Kenya Safari or a Tanzania Safari.
Conclusion
To drive this topic home, our vote should go to Tanzania. If you’re looking for serene, silent, remote, and luxurious places far from the crowd.
For the Kenya safari, we will cast our vote for people who are looking for vibrant destinations. Kenya is the father of eco-tourism in Africa.
No wonder cultural experience is on the rise across East Africa.
Both Tanzania and Kenya are magical destinations for a safari if you want to visit Africa. The generosity of its people.
Beautiful culture and unique experiences are the hallmarks of these countries.
Combining safaris for wildlife and the beach is very possible. You could spend time at Serengeti National Park and combine it with Zanzibar.
Or you could visit Amboseli and rest on Diani beach in Mombasa.
You have endless options for combined trips. You can climb Mount Kilimanjaro and visit the Maasai people at Ngorongoro.
Or you can do walking safaris at Oldonyo Lengai and rest along the shores of Lake Natron, home to flamingos.
Kenya Safari is proud of the country’s slogan, “Magical Kenya”. While Tanzania Safari stands firm with its slogan “Unforgettable Tanzania ”
The takeaway from this discussion is that there is an opportunity to visit these countries all at once.
In case you have any interest in doing so, feel free to contact us.
Are Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is better for safari, Tanzania or Kenya?
There’s no single ‘better’ destination, as it depends on your priorities.
Tanzania is renowned for the vast Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, offering immense scale and the Great Wildebeest Migration’s river crossings.
Kenya is famous for the Maasai Mara’s rich wildlife density, excellent predator sightings, and its more established, easily accessible safari circuit. Kenya can be more budget-friendly, while Tanzania offers a greater sense of raw, untouched wilderness.
Is the Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania or Kenya?
The Great Wildebeest Migration occurs in both countries. The herds spend most of the year in the Serengeti (Tanzania) and cross into the Maasai Mara (Kenya) typically from July to October, in search of fresh grass. The river crossings are a major highlight in both ecosystems.
Which country is more expensive for a safari, Tanzania or Kenya?
Generally, Tanzania tends to be slightly more expensive due to higher park fees and a focus on longer, more remote itineraries. Kenya has a wider range of options, including more budget and mid-range accommodations, making it easier to plan a cost-effective trip. However, both countries offer options for various budgets
Can I combine a safari in Kenya and Tanzania in one trip?
Yes, it is possible and can be a fantastic way to experience the best of both worlds. Many travelers combine the Maasai Mara in Kenya with the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania. This typically involves a road transfer or a short flight between the two regions. We can help you plan a seamless cross-border safari itinerary
What is the best time of year to go on a safari in Tanzania and Kenya?
The best time for general wildlife viewing is during the Dry season (June to October). This is when animals gather around water sources, and vegetation is sparse, making them easier to spot. To witness the Wildebeest Migration river crossings, aim for July-October in the Mara region. The Calving season (January-February) in the Serengeti is also a spectacular time to visit
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