Kenya vs Tanzania Safari

Will you be planning for an East African safari to Tanzania or Kenya, where your time will probably be spent throughout nature, game viewing of the best wildlife The African continent is offering, enjoying the radiant sunshine in addition to building everlasting human relationships along with your fellow Africa travelers?

I was often asked to compare Kenya versus Tanzania safaris in addition to tours to see which may offer the best African encounter. This is a great but challenging question as two Kenya and Tanzania are captivating African safari destinations with abundant associated wildlife, where one can have the Big 5 Safari Experience.

 Don’t hesitate to contact our qualified conductors to help you choose the best destination. 

People in the West are renowned for viewing Africa as a single, homogeneous land rather than a collection of distinct countries. Things get considerably worse when people try to distinguish between two states in the same zone, such as Kenya and Tanzania. That is why comparability guides are so helpful in determining the reality of Africa’s magnificent countries.

We’ve outlined the key differences between Tanzania and Kenya, Africa’s most famous safari locations. Landscape, temperature, costs, infrastructures, monuments, food, heritage, and animals have all been prioritized.

Kenya and Tanzania are identical in multiple ways because they share the same religion and are located on the Indian Ocean. The geography of Kenya is a combination of sandy beaches on the coastline, hills in the middle, and lush grasslands in the west. The region has two distinct seasons: rainfall, and dry seasons, with the rainy season lasting from April to June and the dry climate prevailing from December to March. There’s also a short rainy season in November and December for a few weeks and a mini dry season from July to October. The average temperature of Kenya is between 20°C and 28°C, with the coastline being warmer and much moister than the rest of the country.

Tanzania is comparable to Kenya, except it is half the size. Coastal areas may be found in the southeast, plains and plateaus in the west, and mountains in the northern and southern. Tanzania’s seasonality is strikingly similar to those of Kenya. The average summer temperature is 28°C, with the country’s coldest month being July, when temperatures hover at about 24°C. Tanzania’s coastline is tropical, similar to Kenya’s, but the interior is not as arid as Kenya’s, rather than more temperate. The main rainy season is from March-May, and the primary dry season lasts from Jun to Oct. In Kenya, for example, the short rainy season occurs in Nov and Dec, while the dry season occurs in Jan and Feb.

Because both Tanzania and Kenya are close to each other and share many physiological features, they have no significant temperature or geographic advantage. Take note of the tiny temperature fluctuations, location, and seasonality, so you know exactly what to expect if you visit one on your African trip.

During the rainy season in Serengeti, Tanzania, a group of cheetahs on extensive territory searched for prey.

Kenya and Tanzania are both economic destinations compared to most European or North American countries. Despite this, there is a significant cost distinction between the two.

Kenya is a more prosperous nation than Tanzania. Hence it is pricier overall. Your travel will be somewhat costly, with an economic journey from the United States to Nairobi costing, on average, roughly 1800 CAD. Once you’ve arrived, 3-star accommodations in Nairobi will set you back approximately CAD 100, while you can find far cheaper ones outside the urban centers. Higher-priced hotels are frequently safer.

The sidewalk dinners are reasonably cheap, costing roughly $1 per platter, whereas a ready meal costs around $6 and $12 per person.

Tanzania is the larger country, and it is not as wealthy as Kenya and is hence more affordable. An economy journey from North America to Dar es Salaam, on the other hand, will cost roughly CAD 1,900 compared to Nairobi. Otherwise, meals and housing are less expensive. 3-star accommodation in Dar es Salaam probably costs CAD 63, and lunch in a cafe will almost surely cost you less than $10, with street food being far less expensive.

Kenya has a more developed travel & tourism infrastructure, with more resorts, safari ranches, and guesthouses.

Any financial firm will happily swap US cash for shillings, taxis, and matatus plentiful in the metropolis. A vast railroad network connects major cities, and aircraft can take you almost anywhere, albeit this is a pricey option. Trains and plains are likewise the safest and most luxurious modes of transportation in Tanzania, but the transport systems are less dependable than in Kenya.

As a result, Tanzania is generally more affordable, while Kenya seems to have a much better transport network. Several people travel to Eastern Africa for a safari, but excursions are not inexpensive. Kenya has better-developed tourist, transport, and recreation facilities, including more safari hotels to house globetrotters on Africa safaris; hence the cost of a safari in Kenya will likely be less than that of a safari in Tanzania. However, because Tanzania’s safari hotels are more elite, you’ll probably have fewer fellow visitors. Regardless of where you go on an African trip, you’ll spend a ton of money per person to view elephants and lions on the African savannah.

Tanzania and Kenya both have plenty of monuments. The Masai Mara, Kenya’s most extraordinary famous destination, is host to all African species and provides exciting safari experiences that people fantasize about when they imagine an African grassland. Beyond Masai Mara, there’s the River Nakuru, which would be known for its colonies of waterbirds that flock to its waters. With a populace of 5 million, Nairobi is a historical mark as one of Africa’s most dynamic and active capitals. Mombasa, a port on the coast, offers the opportunity to encounter a combination of African, Indian, and Middle Eastern cultures. It’s also adjacent to several beachfront hotel districts, such as Diani Beach.

Mt. Kenya, the African continent’s second-highest mountain, is located north of Nairobi. Let us recall the Masai settlements, which offer a luxurious place to explore an African safari.

Tanzania, just like Kenya, is rich in geographical treasures. The Serengeti is a well-known safari park on the planet, and it is the annual staging area for the Westward Expansion of wildebeest and zebra. The Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest non-active volcanic caldera, is also located here. Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s largest summit and one of the globe’s seven summits, is close to Ngorongoro. Mt. Meru, located mainly to the southeast, is another of East Africa’s magnificent summits.

Dar es Salaam, the administrative capital and one of East Africa’s biggest cities, is located all along the coast. Travel directly into the Indian Ocean to reach Zanzibar, which has a historic old Stone Town, an Old Fort, and sometimes even ancient traditions. On the other side of the nation, you’ll find Lake Tanganyika, home to some of the continent’s best lakefront resorts. Furthermore, the region’s biggest lake, Lake Victoria, maybe in the north.

Kenya and Tanzania, as one can see from this incredible assortment of sights, are rich in global resources. However, if you had to choose between two, Tanzania would most likely win.

Regardless of the reality that the major attractions of Tanzania and Kenya are the beauty and animals found on extensive lengths of savannah throughout an African tour, both nations have diverse cultural landscapes and a thriving food industry. The Bantu communities make up the plurality of Kenya’s population, yet there is a substantial British impact leftover colonial administration and the indigenous East African elements. As a result of marine trade, Middle Eastern and Indian influences may be found all along the east coast. Kenyan tradition is very family-centered and even welcoming. Yet, it is guarded, so don’t expect the people to be as direct or outgoing as you might expect in some western societies.

The nation’s music, dance, and clothing all exude a lot of emotions. Tanzania, the same as Kenya, has a diverse cultural heritage. Local East African communities make up the bulk of the country, although there seems to be a substantial impact from British, German, and Middle Eastern traditions. Because over a third of the population is Muslim, there are no monolithic Christian cultures as there are in Kenya. Tanzanian practice is also very family-centered and well-liked. But there is a new great emphasis on being friendly to people and honoring the elders, and individuals are attentive and kind.

Sukuma Wiki

Stews and various meat-and-vegetable combinations dominate Kenyan cuisine, frequently eaten with ugali, a paste-like flatbread produced from cereals or cornmeal. Dishes such as Sukuma Wiki, similar to collard greens made from boiled leaves of sweet potato, leaves of pumpkins, or leaves of cassava, are delicious. The red meats are mainly beef or goats, while seafood is famous around the shore. Coconut rice is also available, but sweet potatoes, cassava, and taro root are more commonly used in central Kenya. Tanzanian cuisine, like Kenyan cuisine, uses ugali as a staple. Grilled meats, dizi-name (green banana stew), biryani, and pilau are available on the continent. Like Kenya, coconut milk is a crucial ingredient all along the coast, while Tanzanian cuisine employs many more spices, owing to the country’s strong Indian local influences. In Tanzania, stews are common, and bananas and root crops are frequently used as components. 

Neither Kenya nor Tanzania have a significant edge in terms of cuisine and culture. They both have a wide variety of considerations and offer a unique cultural experience compared to what Europeans are used to at home.

Because Kenya and Tanzania are two of the most renowned African safari destinations, the wild lives in each country’s estate are the main attractions. Kenya is small than Tanzania. However, the diversity of plants found inside its borders is not deficient. Each Big Five (tiger, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos) can be found in Kenya’s game reserves, such as the National Reserves of Masai Mara. Antelopes, Hippos, cheetahs,  

giraffes, gazelles, servals, civets, caracals, bushbabies, impalas, wildebeest, zebras, waterbucks, baboons, and vervet monkeys, are among the animals you’ll see. Kenya also has 1,135 different bird species, like flamingos and antelopes. Kenya is also home to the threatened species black rhinoceros.

Tanzania is wider than Kenya, and the number of animals in the region reflects this: there are over 4 million species in Tanzania. You’ll see zebras, wildebeests, antelopes, cheetahs, hippos, giraffes, elands, dik-diks, kudu, hyenas, and wild puppies, crocodiles, gazelles, vervet monkeys, and even chimps. The grey-headed crane, fish eagles, and flamingo are among the roughly 1,000 bird species. 

Furthermore, the region is home to 60 000 insect species, with many others in the coastal seas. Although Kenya and Tanzanian are hosts to the Amazing Migration, they can both boast of being the best locations in the world to go on an African tour to see wildlife. Tanzania, on the other hand, has a minor advantage in terms of sheer numbers. There is a considerably bigger country, and the Serengeti is so famous that a globetrotter who is fortunate enough to see it will have an authentic experience.

There is much that is common between Kenya and Tanzania, but some slight differences distinguish these two countries. Much of their resemblance stems from their status as colonial states until the mid-twentieth era and their amalgamations of smaller parts and regional cooperatives; in many ways, they are not homogeneous countries. Nevertheless, after reading our analysis, you should have a better understanding of the fundamental differences between these countries and which destination to choose depending on the type of holiday you’re planning.

To clarify:

• Head to Kenya if you want an excellent climate, enhanced tourism infrastructure, more approachable towns, a plethora of natural wonders, and friendly culture with a thriving cuisine scene.
• Go to Tanzania if you want more exotic weather over a broader territory, many renowned natural sites, more animals, and a dynamic mix of social traditions.
• Kenya and Tanzania are two of the most dynamic countries you’ll ever visit. They both provide you the opportunity to see the magnificence of Eastern Africa on an unforgettable African safari. In front of Mt. Kilimanjaro, during a safari game drives with wildebeest.

You’ll discover some destination reviews below that will help you choose the finest Tanzania or Kenya safari approach for you.

Tanzania

• Regarding the quantity of wildlife, a Tanzania safari wins. One particular reason is that it’s an enormous country comparing a safari in Kenya vs. Tanzania.
• More of the Great Immigration takes place in Tanzania than in Kenya. Therefore you have an increased probability of seeing the great migration during more months of the year when you compare the safari of Tanzania with Kenya.
• Tanzania has fewer visitors than Kenya, National game parks, and safaris which are especially great considering covid-19 protocols.
• Accommodation on a Tanzania Safari is more expensive than a Kenya Safari when assessing a Tanzania safari vs. a Kenya safari.
• Because there are so few significant hotels or motels, cottages and campgrounds fill up quickly during high season.
• Vehicles used for a safari in game reserves are closed vehicles.
• More iconic natural attractions in Tanzania, like Mount Kilimanjaro, the vast plains of the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and, The Great Rift Valley Escarpment.
• A Tanzania safari is a safe place,
• National Parks are more prominent, and game drives will need longer to spot animals when comparing Tanzania vs. Kenya safaris.
• Visa and Yellow Temperature certificates are required.

KENYA

• Kenya is more affluent than Tanzania and has a more developed infrastructure and tourism infrastructure when comparing Kenya versus Tanzania.
• The Kenya Safari is also bursting with African wildlife and hosts the excellent migration river crossings of the wildebeest.
• You have a choice of Hotels and Lodges in Kenya and Tanzania.
• Game reserves are easily accessible. Nairobi is the hub of most flights.
• beautiful Attractions in Kenya are Amboseli, The Masai Mara with the Mara River, and River Nakuru.
• Accommodation in Kenya is less expensive than in Tanzania and offers more budget-friendly safaris than in Kenya with Tanzania.
• Accommodation can differ from walk-in Meru shelters to luxury Africa lodges.
• Vehicles used for safari are closed vehicles.
• National Parks are smaller, easier and faster to identify animals when evaluating a Kenya safari vs. Tanzania safari.
• Kenya is a safe place to go for your African safari.
• More safari activities are offered in Kenya, including walking safaris, boat cruise trips, and village trips.
• Visa and Yellow-colored Fever certificate is required.

Both nations are found in East Africa and have shorelines alongside the Indian Ocean. It is usually intelligent to end your African Safari with a couple of days enjoying Zanzibar beach resorts alongside its pristine coast.

Want to find out more about organizing your Great wildebeest migration Safari adventure? Get an email from Sight View Safaris, and we will manage you a wildebeest migration safari adventure.

 General Tips on Accommodation

• Popular accommodations like The Giraffe Manor in Nairobi are trendy, with an extensive waiting list, so learn more and reserve ahead of time.
• Popular accommodations like The Giraffe Manor in Nairobi are trendy, with an extensive waiting list, so learn more and reserve ahead of time.
• A limited number of inter-leading or group suites are accessible, so inquire as soon as you know you’ll be coming on safari.
• If you’re touring with kids, a walled lodge is preferable to an unfenced one where wildlife can roam freely. Find more about our top ten East African family safaris.
•  Let your Africa safari specialist know if you have any special dietary needs (vegan, kosher, or halal) or if you’re enjoying a special event so they can inform your hosts. Most East African lodges, unlike those in South Africa, do not fully utilize a tracker; instead, the operator will most often ride and trace. Automobiles are also more often ‘closed’ than ‘open,’ as they are in Southern Africa.

Kenya and Tanzania are not Big 5 locations in the same way South Africa’s Sabi Sands Special Game Reserve and Kruger National are Recreational Parks. On every safari, you’ll almost certainly encounter rhinos, leopards, lions, buffalos, and elephants. Some visitors are lucky to see them together on the same game drive!

Things are a little more challenging in Kenya and Tanzania, but trying hard to find the Big 5 makes it all the more wonderful. Rhinos are threatened animals on the planet, making it more challenging to observe these magnificent beasts. The Ngorongoro Crater is the best site in East Africa to see the Big 5.

The Crater, part of Tanzania’s renowned Northern Circuit, holds about 25,000 creatures in the protection of the uninterrupted crater walls, making it a tourist spot for those looking for the Big 5.

The Lewa Wildlife Reserve, a private reserve with a few excellent lodges, is home to Kenya’s rhino population. In Tanzania, chimp settlements can be found on Rubondo Island, the Mahale Mountains, and Gombe Stream.

Safari Activities

The twice-daily game treks in search of animals are always the main attraction. This is a traditional, time-honored way to use your days on safari. But for extras like guided walks, night drives, or hot-air balloon safaris, you’ll need to decide whether to go to a public park, privatized conservancy, or reserve.

NATIONAL PARK            PRIVATE RESERVE / CONSERVANCY

Morning and Afternoon Games          ✔         ✔

Directed Nature Walks                                   ✖         ✔

Off-road Game Drives                                  ✖         ✔

Night time Drives                                                    ✖         ✔

Self-driving                                                      ✔         ✖

Excursion Groups                                                     ✔         ✖

Right of entry to National Parks                               ✔         ✔

Right of entry to Conservancies                               ✖         ✔

Automobile Limit at Sightings                             ✖         ✔

Hot-air Ballooning                                           ✔         ✔

Cultural Exc

ursions                                          ✖         ✔

Fly-camping                                                      ✖         ✔

Chimp or Camel Trekking                             ✖         ✔

Kenya has more privately-owned wildlife preserves than Tanzania, so if you want to expand your trip outside the game drives, think about staying in personal portions of the Mara. If you wish to observe the Wildebeest migrations, go off-road, view luminous animals, and learn much more about Maasai culture.

When it comes to things like finances and vacation accommodations, when to go relies a lot on your preferences. Going during the lower or Green Season is significantly less expensive than traveling during peak season.

Kenya and Tanzania have two rainy seasons: one in the summer and one in the winter.

• The ‘long rains’ (April-May)

• The’short rains’ (Nov to Dec)

Tips when to book

• During the primary monsoon season (the long rains), tropical rain storms are common in the evenings, prompting the closure of specific safari sites. Although there are sporadic light showers during this short rainy season, safari camps remain open, and animal watching is excellent.

• Start arranging your Kenya or Tanzania trip a minimum a year early if you want to observe the Wildebeest Migration during peak season. This is a common attraction, although there is limited housing near the Mara River in both Tanzania and Kenya. You must attempt to start preparing 3 to 6 months ahead of time for the rest of the year. 

Traveler Types: the best option.

Kenya is generally considered the preferable choice for parents with young kids, as many hotels and lodges offer family-friendly amenities, including personal vehicles, age-appropriate programs, and family suites. Tanzania is improving, but Kenya still has the upper hand regarding family travel.

Married people and travelers are spoilt for choice in Tanzania and Kenya, which both offer fantastic honeymoon suites, exciting activities such as chimpanzee or camel riding, and superb migration viewing. Kenya has more privatized conservation areas than Tanzania, though if you’re willing to spend, Tanzania has excellent possibilities.

If you know how much money you have, choose Kenya first because it is affordable. However, if you wish to go to Tanzania, don’t lose hope: talk to your Africa Tour Expert about your money and expectations. Let him help you create a tailor-made itinerary that checks as many of your boxes as feasible.

Combines Best With

If you have the time and money, an African trip should be your absolute favorite if you want to extend your trip beyond Kenya or Tanzania to other countries. All you have to do is communicate with your private Africa Tour Expert.

There are some ‘add-ons’ that are more common since they are more cost-effective and time-effective logistically:

• Uganda is home to gorilla trekking; it is also located in East Africa and maybe the next stop on an East African trip. 
• Rwanda is home to gorilla trekking; it is also cited in East Africa and maybe the next stop on an East African trip. 
• Victoria Falls: Several daily flights make it easier to visit the largest global waterfall. It’s a short journey to popular safari destinations, including Botswana, Kruger, and Namibia. Then, in Cape Town, take part in an unusual city tour.
• Seychelles is ideal for couples looking for a romantic getaway once-in-a-lifetime island holiday.
• Zanzibar is ideal for those on a budget, Mnemba is perfect for those looking for a luxury resort trip, and Pemba is known for its unspoiled, down-to-earth ‘live like a local’ ambiance.

Itinerary Ideas

About all of our sample itineraries are completely customizable and easily modified to your financial plan and preferences. Search these for ideas for your Kenya or Tanzania trip on our tours and travel website.