Tanzania vs Kenya: Which offers the best safari?

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 countries are major tourist 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 an informed decision about where to visit, we should compare these two countries.

This will help you identify 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, including Selous, 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.  Visiting Tanzania offers a greater chance to observe migration than visiting 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 fewer hotels, lodges, and camps in Tanzania compared with Kenya. Complete booking during peak season is very common.

The cost of accommodation in Tanzania is a bit higher compared with Kenya

Tourist traffic

Kenya receives more visitors than Tanzania, which is ideal for luxury safaris, either in game parks oron beaches.

Size of national parks

Tanzania has larger national parks than Kenya. If you plan to spot wildlife throughout, game drives may take a bit longer.

It depends on the park you choose to visit.

Safety in Tanzania

Tanzania is a very peaceful country, ranking 14th-safest on the GPI. The Global Peace Index uses 23 key metrics to determine a 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 which African countries are safe to visit.

Safari Gears and Transport

This includes safari jeeps for game drives. Many game-drive vehicles are closed cars with open roofs.

However, you can request open-sided cars. The best safari cars are 4WD Land Rovers and Land Cruisers.

A certificate of yellow fever vaccination and a visa are required for check-in to Tanzania.

Kenya Travel Facts

Developed infrastructures

Kenya’s economy is stronger than Tanzania’s. Tourism facilities are more developed than in Tanzania.

Safari expenses

Kenya offers more affordable accommodation options than Tanzania.  Is it a budget-friendly country because of the high number of developed facilities?

Lodges, resorts, camps, and hotels are more widely available than in Tanzania.

Size of national parks

Game reserves and national parks in Kenya are smaller than those in Tanzania. It takes a short time to spot wildlife.

This distinguishes a Kenya safari from a Tanzania safari.

Tourist destinations

Well-known attractions include Amboseli, Mount Kenya, Lake Nakuru, and the Maasai Mara.

Kenya Tourist Arrivals

Kenya leads in tourist arrivals. 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 Serengeti wildebeest migration. The Maasai Mara is the hotspot to witness the Mara River crossing from August to October.

But wildlife tourism in other parks is also growing rapidly. When comparing a Kenya safari vs a Tanzania safari. Learn more about the wildebeest migration.

How to visit Kenya for a Safari?

As the capital, Nairobi has both domestic and international flight hubs, with many flights to East Africa landing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

When comparing flight costs to Tanzania, you will notice some differences. Kenya Airways serves 56 destinations worldwide, including direct flights 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, such as walking tours, cruises, and eco-tours, are available to visitors.

Which offers the best safari?

After reviewing the highlights, let’s focus this discussion on 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 defining features of these major safari destinations.

The countless grazers and predators are the wild magic you won’t want to miss on an African trip.

The pride of lions, leopards, and herds of wildebeest, enormous elephants, and birds.

The 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 quality over quantity.

Kenya Safari is well known for being busier than Tanzania Safari.  The primary focus is on mass tourism in Kenya, which helps us determine the priority for the Kenya safari.

Quantity over quality is unavoidable to that extent; the delivery is low value.

On the other side, the Tanzania safari is a more conservative mode. Tanzania subscribes to the high-value, low-impact tourism model.

Park fees are higher than in Kenya; this may mean you pay more, but in return, you will enjoy the luxury.

Most protected parks in Tanzania are less crowded year-round. Sticking to the facts, Kenya is more advanced than Tanzania.

It could be either in transport or in accommodation facilities such as lodges, camps, and resorts.

On the other hand, 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 must-see highlights 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 point home, our vote goes to Tanzania if you’re looking for serene, silent, remote, and luxurious places far from the crowd.

For the Kenya safari, we will vote 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, and the generosity of their people.

Beautiful culture and unique experiences are the hallmarks of these countries.

Combining wildlife safaris with beach time is possible. You could spend time in Serengeti National Park and combine it with a visit to Zanzibar.

Alternatively, you could visit Amboseli and stay 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 simultaneously.

If you’re interested, please get in touch with 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 known for the Maasai Mara’s high wildlife density, excellent predator sightings, and 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 typically cross into the Maasai Mara (Kenya) from July to October in search of fresh grass. The river crossings are a significant highlight in both ecosystems.

Which country is more expensive for a safari, Tanzania or Kenya?

Generally, Tanzania is slightly more expensive due to higher park fees and a focus on longer, more remote itineraries. Kenya has a broader 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 a range of budgets.

Can I combine a safari in Kenya and Tanzania into a single 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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