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A safari adventure in Africa is one of the most exciting getaways you could ever experience. The vast continent is world famous for its wildlife safaris, incredible landscapes, and options for adventure, from classic jeep safaris, to visiting local tribes. 

However, trying to decide on the best destination in Africa can be tricky. Each country that makes up the unique and culture-rich continent provides its own unique experience, though it’s important to decide on a destination that suits your individual requirements.

Both Kenya and Tanzania are the classic options for an African Safari; they both offer breathtaking scenery, amazing wildlife, and a long list of exciting activities from walking safaris to hot air balloon rides.

But, with both destinations sharing a border, they’re both incredibly similar. So, the inevitable question is, how do you decide? 

Kenya vs. Tanzania: Which Destination Is Best For An African Safari?

 Accommodation in Kenya vs Tanzania

African Safari RF

Both Kenya and Tanzania provide an array of hotels, resorts, and safari lodges, though with Kenya being a wealthier nation than Tanzania, you tend to have more choice when it comes to accommodation.  

That’s not to say that Tanzania doesn’t have plenty of options available, though it’s a lot more limited in certain National Parks. This does mean that you’re able to enjoy the experience with lesser crowds, even during peak season, though Kenya is often far cheaper because there’s more competition.  

Pro tip: If you’re planning your trip mid-year it’s best to book as far in advance as possible. These are popular destinations, and the closer you get, the more likely it is that accommodation will be sold out. 

Accommodation options in the cities range from backpacker hostels, mid range hostels, right up to luxury resorts. Once you’re out in the parks, you have the choice between camping, or setting up at a game lodge.

Angama Mara, recommended as one of the best sky high luxury resorts by Forbes is located in Kenya and it is a fantastic option for travelers who are hoping to stay at a game lodge. This type of experience includes mouth-watering African cuisine and a ton of exciting activities, like hot air balloon rides and safari drives. 

Getting There & Around

Airplane seat flight airport

Both countries are well connected to the rest of the world, and their airports see regular flights from most countries. That said, flights to Kenya tend to be cheaper because they have more flights available.

If you’re still keen on Tanzania despite the more expensive flight, consider flying into Nairobi in Kenya, and then catching a connecting to Tanzania – you might find that this is a much cheaper option.

You can do as I did and catch a bus from Kenya to Tanzania, as this is by far the cheapest option. That said, it’s a long and arduous journey via bus, and if you have the money I highly recommend saving yourself the inevitable pain, and opting for the flight.

In terms of flight times, the duration is pretty similar regardless of whether you’re visiting Kenya or Tanzania, though as with anything, your stopovers and route will greatly affect the overall duration.

Kenyan infrastructure is a lot more reliable than in Tanzania in terms of taxis, public transport, and domestic flights. But the country has just as many unmarked roads as Tanzania does, so there’s still plenty of options for off the beaten path adventure.

Wildlife Viewing

African Safari Cheetah RF

Wildlife is the biggest reason people travel to Africa, and there’s great wildlife viewing in both Kenya and Tanzania. However your choice of destination will depend on what kind of wildlife you want to see.

The Big 5, which refers to rhinos, leopards, buffaloes, lions, and elephants, can be found in both countries, however there are subtle difference between the two experiences when it comes to wildlife viewing. 

Tanzania wins for density and diversity of wildlife overall; it has the largest concentration of animals per square kilometer in the world. It is specifically known as cheetah country, and there are chimpanzee strongholds in various game reserves around Tanzania.

That said, Kenya is known as an excellent place to see big cats, and one of the best places to travel if you’re hoping to spot an endangered Rhino (this was the only member of the Big 5 that we didn’t see on our safari in Tanzania). 

In Kenya, the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is home to several rhinos that you may not be able to view elsewhere due to their status on the endangered species list. The species is still poached for its horn, though thrive in protected sanctuaries around the country. 

The Great Migration

The Great Migration Kenya vs Tanzania RF

The Great Migration is one of the biggest draws to both Kenya and Tanzania; this is the largest migration of wildlife in the world, and every year more than two million wildebeests, zebras and gazelles move between Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, and Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.

If you’re hoping to see the Great Migration, the time of year will dictate your answer to Kenya vs Tanzania. The herds are in Tanzania from December through June, but start crossing into Kenya come July and August.

The actual river crossing occurs twice a year, once in July, and then again in late November, at which point, visitors to both parks can witness the spectacle. The migration happens quite predictably every year, though the actual timing is dependent on rainfall patterns (they migrate in search of better water and grazing).

So, travel to Tanzania if your travel falls between December and June. Travel to Kenya if your travel falls between September and November. If you’re traveling in July or August, you’ll catch the migration in either country and can witness the Mara River crossing.

Seasons in Tanzania and Kenya

African elephant RF

Both Kenya and Tanzania are incredibly similar, and in terms of temperature and climate, they are very much the same. Both country’s have two distinct seasons: the wet and dry seasons.

The best wildlife viewing months are considered to be between late June to October, during the dry season. There’s then a short wet season in November and December, followed by a short dry season in January and February, before the real wet season kicks in, in March through late May.

Kenya vs Tanzania

Kenya and Tanzania are very similar destinations, and to be honest, you can’t really go wrong with either. That said, you might end up with a more enriching experience depending on which country is more suited to your interests.

If you’re after a more accessible country, with better infrastructure for tourism, a good balance between modern cities and natural attractions, and a more affordable vacation, choose Kenya. 

If you’re after a more adventurous experience, in a country more traditional than modern, more remote, and don’t mind the cost difference for a higher concentration of wildlife, and more iconic natural sights, choose Tanzania. 

Kenya is usually a more suitable option for family vacations because it offers several age-appropriate activities for children, family-friendly options such as private vehicles, and most accommodations provide family suites.

If you’re still undecided you can of course combine both countries quite easily, and if you’re feeling super adventurous, maybe even climb Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania!

ESSENTIAL ITEMS YOU NEED FOR SAFARI: CLICK PHOTO ↓

Salewa Mountain Trainer

Compact First Aid Medical Kit

LE Rechargeable LED Flashlight

Megan is an Australian Journalist and award-winning travel writer who has been blogging since 2007. Her husband Mike is the American naturalist and wildlife photographer behind Waking Up Wild; an online magazine dedicated to opening your eyes to the wonders of the wild & natural world.

Having visited 50+ countries across all seven continents, Megan’s travels focus on cultural immersion, authentic discovery and incredible journeys. She has a strong passion for ecotourism, and aims to promote responsible travel experiences.

    

    16 Comments

  1. Good comparison. You only compared safari and did not touch beaches and other experiences, Mombasa vs Dar Diani vs Zanzibar etc.

    • Thanks Mchechu :) Yes, we only compared safaris in this post, but great idea to go into more detail about the other draws to each country as well – I was quite disappointed at having missed Zanzibar when I spent time in Tanzania, I’ll have to get back at some point soon!

  2. They both equally seem like great countries to visit for a safari. I’ve heard a lot of fellow travelers compliment both and say that each one was a unique experience. I guess it would be best to make time for both then, right? Thank you for this post by the way. It was fun to read and very informative too! I’d like to share it with my friends who are planning to travel to Africa soon.

    • Absolutely Ana, both have an incredible amount going for them, you really can’t go wrong with either option to be honest! And for sure, my choice would be combining them both :D

      So glad you enjoyed the post, thanks for your comment!

    • Tanzania is far much better to visit,it will offer you vast choices to choose from and incredible experience

  3. A incredible safari start with a great team of your safari specialist, and a great guide,with a good and professional guide you may have the best experience the wild has to offer.

    • Hello Jackson,
      Would you recommend the place to stay in Tanzania for 3/4days safari or safari company to go with.
      I wanted to do it before catching a flight from Nairobi To Seychelles on August 26.

    • Hi Ilona, if you’re looking for a game lodge in Tanzania for safari, some really great ones to check out are Hatari Lodge (has a view of Kilimanjaro), Mwiba Lodge (has luxury tents as opposed to cabins), Wayo Green Camp is a more rustic accommodation if that’s more your style. You can take drives throughout the parks from each.

      Have an amazing trip!

  4. The information imparted was very useful, it was a great help.

    • You’re welcome Anna, so glad you enjoyed the post :)

  5. Thanks for your insights, it was an enjoyable read. I’ve had some tremendous wildlife experiences in Zimbabwe, where the qualified guides in national parks have tremendous knowledge. Simply sitting and chatting with them can be rewarding.

    • You’re welcome Stuart, so glad you enjoyed the post :) I would love to get to Zimbabwe at some point – it looks like an incredible country. Right on re chatting to the guides in the parks – always the best getting info directly from locals who are there day in day out! So glad you had a fabulous trip!

  6. Great insight to both countries. I have had the privilege to guide in both countries and well conversant with the attractions. Both Kenya and Tanzania have a different feel and aspect to their attraction. We are truly privileged to have wildlife roaming in abundance and welcome to visit east Africa again.

    • You live in a truly beautiful region of the world that’s for sure! So glad you enjoyed the post Karanja – hopefully we’ll have the chance to visit your beautiful region again soon :)

  7. Excellent analysis

    • So glad the post was helpful for you :) Which country did you choose? :D

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