Where is best for Safari, Kenya or Tanzania?
Which place is best for a safari, Kenya or Tanzania? Are you planning an African safari and perhaps wondering which place is best? Comparing Tanzania and Kenya for the best safari experience can be challenging, and the task becomes even harder for first-time safari planners. However, each country offers its own unique and exciting experiences. From the great wildebeest migration to snow-capped mountains and scenic beaches, a trip to either Kenya or Tanzania promises a rewarding and the best safari experience.
This article delves into the differences and similarities between a safari in Kenya and Tanzania. By reaching the bottom of the page, you will have learned whether Tanzania or Kenya is the best safari destination. You will be one step away from booking the best Kenya or Tanzania safari or adventurous trips.
Comparing Wildlife in Kenya and Tanzania
For more than one or two reasons, Tanzania and Kenya remain the best places for wildlife experiences in Africa. These two countries can be compared with South Africa’s Kruger National Park and Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Undoubtedly, while on safari in Kenya or Tanzania, you are guaranteed views of multiple wildlife species. Tanzania is famous for having numerous big national parks. These include but are not limited to Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park, and Tarangire National Park. On the other hand, Kenya has national parks that are not so small but not as big as those of Tanzania. Some of the best national parks in Kenya include: Masai Mara National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, Tsavo East National Park, Tsavo West National Park, Amboseli National Park, and Hell’s Gate National Park.
A wildlife safari game drive in Kenya and Tanzania will introduce you to animals like lions, leopards, elephants, cheetahs, wildebeests, antelopes, buffaloes, zebras, and many more. If you are wondering about the best places to visit for wildlife views, Tanzania and Kenya are reliable wildlife safari destinations in Africa. The difference between the two countries is that Tanzania parks like Serengeti National Park are much broader than Kenya’s. This implies you might have to spend more days in the Serengeti than in the Masai Mara. A game drive in Serengeti stretches from the southern parts to the central Seronera sector and then to the northern parts near the Grumeti River.
Comparing the Great Wildebeest Migration Experience in Kenya and Tanzania
One of the highlights of an African safari is the great wildebeest migration experience in Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara National Reserve. However, choosing between a wildebeest migration safari in Kenya or Tanzania is daunting. The wildebeest migration safari in Serengeti National Park is best done during January, February, March, April, May, June, and July. On the other hand, the wildebeest migration safaris in Masai Mara National Reserve are best done in August, September, October, November, and December. This, therefore, implies that the question of whether Tanzania or Kenya is best for a wildebeest migration safari may be answered by your travel time. It’s crucial to consider your travel dates to ensure you witness this incredible natural phenomenon.
Additionally, Serengeti National Park is multiple times bigger than Masai Mara National Reserve. This means you need more days to explore Serengeti National Park to the maximum. Do not get me wrong, even short-term travelers can visit Serengeti National Park. Please let us know your travel dates, and we will plan the best Tanzania Safari. A safari to Masai Mara National Reserve guarantees animal views in the shortest time possible. This makes it a better place for a wildebeest migration safari trip. Additionally, an epic wildebeest migration experience comes with the Mara River crossing. The Mara River is inhabited by Nile crocodiles, making it Africa’s deadliest river. Compared to the Grumeti River crossing on the Tanzania side, Kenya’s Mara River is the best place for the great wildebeest migration experience.
For those running after the wildebeest calving season, Serengeti National Park beats Masai Mara National Reserve on that. The best calving seasons happen in the Southern sector of Serengeti National Park. If we are to leave this at that, both Kenya and Tanzania offer the best wildebeest migration safari experiences. However, you must consider a few factors, such as your travel period, to make the best choice.
Comparing Tanzania and Kenya in terms of Transportation
Undoubtedly, Kenya is much better than any other East African country in terms of infrastructural development. This implies you will not expect to hit so many potholes on a Kenya Safari. For many travelers, hitting the potholes and dodging the muddy roads on a Tanzania safari might be a rewarding experience. After all, you do not fly to Africa for a smooth ride on the road. An African safari is meant to get you out of your comfort zone. The bottom line is that both countries offer comfortable safari 4×4 vehicles with a pop-up roof for scenic landscape and wildlife viewing. The national parks in both countries provide navigable safari trails for amazing wildlife game drives.
Additionally, both Kenya and Tanzania offer domestic and international flight services. International flights in Kenya are conducted at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, while international flights in Tanzania take place at the Kilimanjaro International Airport. Domestic flight options are available to all major safari destinations in Kenya and Tanzania. Book a Kenya or Tanzania flying safari here and create a signature of memories on an African vacation trip.
Which country is more expensive for a safari, Kenya or Tanzania?
Comparing the safari costs for Tanzania and Kenya might be somewhat challenging, but I will give you some ideas on which to base your decision. Like any other African safari destination, Kenya and Tanzania safaris might not be as cheap as you imagine. However, this does not imply that Kenya and Tanzania safaris are not affordable. With its more developed infrastructure, Kenya is generally a more budget-friendly safari destination than Tanzania. The country boasts more camping sites, local tour companies, hotels, safari vehicles for transportation, and many more. This implies that the government has more visitors annually than Tanzania. Still, it’s important to note that Kenya’s tourism is regulated and conducted following modern sustainable tourism development goals.
If you are a luxury traveler looking for a high-end trip, Tanzania might be a better option than Kenya. The country offers some of the best safari experiences, which are best suited for luxury travelers. A good example is the hot air balloon safaris in Serengeti National Park. Additionally, the Tanzanian government charges higher taxes on travelers and asks for more park entrance fees, safari vehicle entrance fees, and many more. All these bring you to the point of believing that a Tanzania safari is more expensive than a Kenya safari trip. To sum up, if spending less money is your goal, choosing a safari to Kenya might be a better deal than a safari to Tanzania.
What is the best time to visit Tanzania or Kenya?
Another big question about Kenya and Tanzania is when to visit. It is worth noting that both Kenya and Tanzania are reliable tourist safari destinations open for travelers at any time of the year. Both Tanzania and Kenya can be visited on weekends and public holidays. However, Kenya and Tanzania can best be visited in the dry season. The season runs from June to September and from December to February. During this period, both countries have little or no chance of rain. This guarantees travelers the best animal and scenic views of the surrounding areas.
The wet seasons, on the other hand, offer a budget-friendly environment. Traveling in the low season implies low costs, especially regarding accommodation prices. In conclusion, the best time to visit Kenya and Tanzania entirely depends on your travel period and budget.
In conclusion, comparing Tanzania and Kenya to determine the best safari destination is challenging. However, with the above ideas, you are in a position to make a rational choice. Our goal is to ensure that you have the best safari experience in Africa, whether in Kenya or Tanzania.
