The Complete Guide to a Tanzania Safari vs a Kenya Safari
If you’re thinking about heading to East Africa on safari, then you probably have two destinations in mind - Tanzania and Kenya. These neighbouring countries boast some of the most famous national parks and wildlife reserves on the continent, as well as collectively hosting the Great Wildebeest Migration.
Deciding whether you should embark on a Tanzania safari or head to Kenya might have you stumped, which is why we’ve created this guide with some of our expert insights. By breaking it down into different interests, you can figure out which destination will offer the safari experience you’ve always dreamed about.
The Great Wildebeest Migration
Traversing both Kenya and Tanzania, the Great Wildebeest Migration sees hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, zebras and opportunistic predators make a 3,000+ kilometre journey between the Serengeti National Park and the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Rather than following a set route, their movements are determined by rainfall as they go in search of new grazing pastures. Deciding whether to visit Tanzania or Kenya to see this wildlife spectacle will be largely determined by your travel dates or the part of the migration you’re most interested in seeing.
Beginning on the grassy plains of the southern Serengeti, the herds generally begin moving north around April, heading through the Moru Kopjes region and the central Seronera before arriving in the Western Corridor around June. It’s during this month they begin congregating on the banks of the Grumeti River before crossing and continuing into the northern Serengeti around July/August.
Travellers wanting to experience the legendary crossing of the Mara River should plan their visit for September, at which point the herds cross the border between Tanzania and Kenya. After arriving in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, they usually graze throughout October before beginning their return journey south when the rains begin in November. Their route usually takes them through the eastern part of the Serengeti and the Loliondo Game Controlled Area before arriving back in the southern Serengeti in December where they’ll graze until the process starts all over again.
With most of the action taking place in Tanzania, this is the best destination to visit on safari if you want to see the herds in motion (or watch as the newborns take their first steps on the grassy plains of the southern Serengeti). But Kenya is renowned for its huge gatherings of animals as they graze during October, which is an impressive sight to see.
It’s important to remember when planning a migration safari that the route and timings are not set in stone, and often the herds are spread across huge distances. If you want to ensure you’re in the heart of all the action, then you may want to consider a mobile migration Tanzania safari or Kenya safari that moves with the animals.
When you think of cultural experiences in East Africa, meeting the red-robed Maasai tribe probably comes immediately to mind. Many villages have opened their doors to tourists wanting to gain insight into their long-established customs and see their famous dances first-hand.
While large numbers live in and around the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, this tribal group is also scattered across northern Tanzania and village visits can be organised from many of the lodges and camps in the region. Aside from the Maasai, the Lake Eyasi region at the base of the Serengeti Plateau is home to the Datoga and Hadzabe tribes (both of which uphold rich cultural traditions) while the northwest of Kenya is renowned for its communities of Turkana people.
Both destinations offer fascinating cultural experiences for travellers wanting to incorporate this into their Tanzania safari or Kenya trip. But you should chat with a safari expert before booking to ensure your chosen lodge or camp has a relationship with local tribal groups and offers cultural encounters.
The Indian Ocean stretches along the east coast of both Tanzania and Kenya, with its idyllic beaches and offshore islands luring travellers to stay for a dose of relaxation after their safari. While Kenya boasts several attractive beach resorts, it’s hard to beat the exotic island of Zanzibar off the coast of Tanzania when it comes to a post-safari escape. Not only is it ringed by beautiful stretches of sand and several exclusive islands but it has an intoxicating history on show in the UNESCO-listed streets of Stone Town.
You can spend your days learning about the Omani Sultans and Portuguese colonisers who once controlled this paradisiacal gem or tour one of the island’s spice plantations. Alternatively, head below the water’s surface while snorkelling or scuba diving to explore the surrounding coral reefs. Zanzibar is just a short flight from the Serengeti or Kilimanjaro International Airport if you’re exploring the Northern Circuit or can be accessed following a short ferry ride from Dar es Salaam if you’re touring the Southern Circuit.
That being said, the beaches around Mombassa and in the Malindi/Watamu area of the Kenyan coast are a more affordable option for travellers who don’t want the added cost of a domestic flight. If you’re keen on another adventure after your safari, you might want to consider visiting the Swahili island of Lamu in northeast Kenya to relax on its beautiful beaches and explore its UNESCO-listed old town.
While some safari travellers are dreaming of a beach getaway, others have a goal to summit one of Africa’s two highest peaks - Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. At 5,895 metres in height, Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro tends to be the most popular and can be accessed along a variety of different trekking routes. It’s easily accessible from Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport, with it possible to reach the summit in around five days.
Slightly shorter in height, Mount Kenya takes as little as three days to summit and is accessed following a four-hour drive from Nairobi. Both mountains offer stunning scenery and sweeping views across the plains below from their summits.
Unlike Kili, you don’t have to secure a permit to climb the main routes up Mount Kenya and you’re unlikely to encounter the crowds that can be seen on its Tanzanian counterpart. But if you want to be able to say you’ve scaled Africa’s highest peak, then the choice is simple - Mount Kilimanjaro!
The best time to trek both mountains is generally between late-December and February when the temperatures are at their warmest and you can enjoy some of the clearest views. Rain usually descends between late March and mid-May, then again from the end of October to early December when the trails can get very muddy. The peak season usually coincides with the dry period from July to September when trekkers arrive on their annual vacation and it’s during this time that Kili, in particular, can get quite busy.
It’s important to remember that weather conditions can change dramatically on both mountains and you shouldn’t attempt to climb without a professional guide. Only attempt either mountain if you are healthy and fit, preferably with some experience trekking at altitude.
Both Kenya and Tanzania are served by international flights, with Jomo Kenyatta International Airport the main gateway to Kenya. Kilimanjaro International Airport offers the most convenient access for travellers exploring Tanzania’s Northern Circuit while Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam is preferable for those heading off on the Southern Circuit.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport generally has more international flights available, which means that airfares into Kenya may be slightly cheaper. But considering the close proximity of the two countries and the number of regional flights available, it’s easy to get from Nairobi to your preferred destination without breaking the bank.
If you want to visit numerous reserves during your Tanzania safari or Kenya trip, then it’s logistically easier in Tanzania due to the close proximity of the wildlife parks. After flying into Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport, you can easily drive through Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Serengeti National Park, as well as add on a visit to Tarangire National Park and/or Lake Manyara National Park.
The distances between parks in Kenya tend to be greater and you’ll more than likely need to backtrack to Nairobi along the way. That being said, there are plenty of airstrips in the national parks and wildlife reserves of both countries for travellers who are short on time or prefer not to spend their safari driving between destinations.
As you can see, there are a variety of pros and cons when it comes to a Tanzania safari vs a Kenya safari and the one that’s right for you will depend on your interests and preferences. If you can’t decide between the two destinations, it’s always possible to combine them on a Kenya-Tanzania safari. So get in touch with one of our safari experts today to start planning your customised adventure.
Enquire now and a Vencha Travel's Expert will be in touch within 24 hours!
Let's start planning
1-321-766-6821
