Kenya vs. Tanzania Safari: Which is Better?
When deciding between a Kenya vs Tanzania Safari, several factors come into play, including accommodations, landscapes, wildlife experiences, and costs. Let's break down the key points for each destination to help you make an informed choice.
Varied Landscapes and Unique Wildlife
Kenya Wildlife and Landscapes:
Landscapes: Deserts in the north, forests in the central west, grasslands, and mountains.
Unique Wildlife: Special Five in Samburu (reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, and beisa oryx).
Tanzania Kenya Wildlife and Landscapes:
Landscapes: Serengeti plains, Ngorongoro Crater, Nyerere (Selous), and Mahale Mountains.
Unique Wildlife: Great Migration, diverse wildlife areas, and excellent chimpanzee tracking in Mahale.
Accommodations and Exclusivity
Kenya:
Small, family-owned camps and lodges offering personalized experiences.
Private concessions around Masai Mara and Laikipia for exclusive safaris.
Tanzania:
Various safari circuits with a wide range of accommodations.
More extensive and diverse options for different experiences.
Conservation Efforts and Wildlife Sightings
Kenya:
Renowned for excellent conservation efforts.
Notable rhino sightings and strong wildlife protection initiatives.
Tanzania:
Home to some of Africa's best wildlife areas.
Continuous efforts to protect and preserve diverse ecosystems.
Accessibility and Convenience
Kenya:
Better international flight access.
Easier to reach popular safari destinations.
Tanzania:
Good connections from safari areas to Zanzibar and other islands for a safari and beach combo.
Some areas may be more remote and harder to access.
Comparative Costs Kenya vs Tanzania
Category | Kenya | Tanzania |
Mid-range | $350 to $750 per night | $400 to $800 per night |
Luxury | $750 to $1,500+ per night | $800 to $1,600+ per night |
Pros and Cons (Kenya vs Tanzania Safari)
Kenya:
Pros:Â Personalised lodges, exclusive safaris, diverse landscapes, strong conservation efforts, easier access.
Cons:Â Can be more expensive, some areas crowded during peak seasons.
Tanzania:
Pros:Â Witness the Great Migration, diverse safari circuits, great safari and beach combination, renowned wildlife areas, chimpanzee tracking.
Cons:Â Some areas more remote, higher costs for premium experiences.
When to Choose a Kenyan Safari?
Great Migration (August - November):
Best time to see the Great Migration in Masai Mara.
Shorter Trips:
Higher wildlife densities in Masai Mara mean more sightings in a short period.
Cultural Experiences:
Opportunities to interact with the Maasai tribespeople.
Budget-Friendly:
Generally lower costs for flights, accommodation, and safaris.
Better Infrastructure:
Easier transportation, more accommodation options, and better road conditions.
See our article on the great wildebeest migration here.
When to Choose Tanzanian Safari
Great Migration (December - July):
Witness the herds in the Serengeti for the rest of the year.
Extended Safaris:
Larger Serengeti National Park is ideal for longer safaris.
Diverse Wildlife Areas:
Ngorongoro Crater, Selous, and Mahale for diverse wildlife and landscapes.
Beach and Safari Combo:
Combine safari with a beach holiday in Zanzibar.
Chimpanzee Tracking:
Best place for chimpanzee tracking in Mahale Mountains.
Conclusion
When chosing between Kenya and Tanzania Safari, both Kenya and Tanzania provide exceptional safari experiences, each with unique features. Kenya's diverse landscapes, private conservancies, and strong conservation efforts make it ideal for exclusive, personalised safaris. Tanzania, with its varied safari circuits, the Great Migration, and combination of safari and beach options, offers a comprehensive and diverse safari experience. Your choice ultimately depends on what type of adventure you seek and your budget preferences.
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For more detailed planning and to book your dream safari, contact us at African Safari Mag. Happy travels!
Article by Craig Howes
Editor of African Safari Mag