Safari in Kenya or Tanzania: which one is the best

Deciding whether to go on a safari in Kenya or Tanzania is often one of the first questions when planning a trip of this nature. Both Kenya and Tanzania are two of the most iconic countries when it comes to the African savanna and its big mammals like lions and elephants. Both are excellent options for enjoying the thrill of a safari.

Both countries share the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, home to the Great Migration. Only the animals, who don’t understand borders, can move freely between the Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya) and Serengeti National Park (Tanzania). It is prohibited to drive between the countries within this ecosystem, so you need to drive almost 15 hours to move from one reserve to the other. For this reason, it’s often better to choose between doing a safari in Kenya or Tanzania rather than trying to visit both countries in a single trip.

Deciding Between a Safari in Kenya or Tanzania: 10 things to consider

1. Where Can You See More Animals: Kenya or Tanzania?

On a safari in either Kenya or Tanzania, wildlife viewing is guaranteed. Both countries feature some of Africa’s most exceptional reserves, offering memorable sightings.

In Kenya, the Masai Mara National Reserve boasts an impressive animal density. During safaris within the reserve, animals are constantly visible, and lions are frequently spotted. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is also known for its abundance of wildlife.

In contrast, Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater is the area with the highest animal density, with about 25,000 mammals in less than 264 km². Safaris there are extraordinary. However, in Serengeti National Park, due to its vast size, wildlife is more dispersed. As a result, there may be periods during safaris with fewer sightings.

If I had to choose between a safari in Kenya or Tanzania based solely on the quantity of animals visible, I would choose Kenya.

2. Safari in Kenya or Tanzania: Which is More Affordable?

Given that the safari experience in Kenya and Tanzania is quite similar, the economic factor can be decisive in choosing one country over the other.

For solo travelers or couples looking for the most economical safari, Tanzania is better. Many agencies organize group safaris with six people, where camping inside national parks significantly reduces costs. Moreover, sleeping in a tent within the reserves is an authentic and exciting experience.

On the other hand, if you prefer a private safari with mid-range accommodations, there’s little difference between Kenya and Tanzania. While Kenya may offer more accommodation variety, Tanzania has also made significant improvements in this aspect in recent years.

3. Which Country Offers More Reserves to Visit?

In Kenya, the most common routes include visiting Lake Nakuru National Park, Amboseli National Park, Lake Naivasha, and Masai Mara National Reserve. The Samburu Reserve or Ol Pejeta Conservancy can easily be added to the itinerary.

In Tanzania, safaris usually focus on the northern part of the country. This includes Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti National Park. Additionally, other areas less focused on wildlife viewing can be visited, such as Lake Natron or Mount Kilimanjaro (which requires at least six days for the ascent).

From my perspective, Kenya offers more diverse landscapes and ecosystems on the usual safari circuits. However, Tanzania allows for a broader range of activities during your trip. You can also go on safaris in the country’s south, a much less touristy area, with exciting reserves such as Nyerere National Park, Ruaha National Park, and Mikumi National Park. Furthermore, Tanzania is also a great destination to see wild chimpanzees in Mahale Mountains National Park (especially from June to November).

4. Which Country Feels More Untouched?

Kenya has a more developed infrastructure and tourist promotion than Tanzania. This results in more tourists, especially during peak season (particularly from July to September), and in some cases, overcrowding (mainly in Masai Mara).

On the other hand, safaris in Tanzania provide a greater sense of being in a pristine, wild area, especially when exploring Serengeti National Park, which covers almost 15,000 km² and requires passing through Ngorongoro Conservation Area to reach it.

5. Where Can You See Animals Up Close?

When thinking of a safari, you likely dream of seeing animals up close. While most animals completely ignore vehicles, the proximity depends on luck. It’s prohibited to drive off the paths, so animals can only be seen closely when they are walking or resting along the paths inside the park.

However, from my experience during a trip to Kenya, animals are generally seen more closely there than in Tanzania, especially when comparing Masai Mara to Serengeti. This is because Masai Mara is much smaller, and there are many more paths running through it, increasing the chances of encountering animals.

6. Which Country Is Safer: Kenya or Tanzania?

Both Kenya and Tanzania are quite safe for safaris. While these two countries do not have the best overall security, and it’s important to gather information before any trip, the natural reserves are generally safe areas.

Currently, Tanzania is considered slightly safer than Kenya, but the difference is minimal and shouldn’t be a significant factor when planning a safari.

7. Where Can You See the Great Migration?

The Great Migration of wildebeests across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem is an endless cycle in which millions of wildebeests (and also zebras) move in search of fresh pastures to feed on. They travel clockwise, moving from Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya) to Serengeti National Park (Tanzania), continuing to the Ndutu area in Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Tanzania). They then move back north through Serengeti National Park before returning to Masai Mara.

The best location to witness the Great Migration depends on the time of year:

• January: Wildebeests begin arriving in the southern Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
• February-March: Wildebeests concentrate around the Ndutu area, south of Ngorongoro. Calving takes place, with around half a million wildebeests born.
• April-May: Wildebeests start moving north, with large concentrations found in the central and western Serengeti.
• June-July: Most wildebeests gather in central Serengeti before moving north towards Masai Mara.
• August-September: By early August, wildebeests reach northern Serengeti and begin the famous river crossings at Mara and Talek. The Great Migration reaches Masai Mara in August.
• October-November: By early October, the Great Migration heads back to Tanzania. In these months, northern Serengeti is the best spot to see this spectacle.
• December: As December progresses, wildebeests move south through Serengeti to reach Ndutu.

8. Which Country Has Better Accommodation?

Kenya has a wider range of accommodation options than Tanzania, partly due to easier access to the parks.

For example, Serengeti National Park is quite far from any towns, so lodges are more exclusive, and booking them can be more complicated.

In Kenya, the most popular reserves are closer to towns, so it’s possible to stay outside the parks, where accommodations are more affordable.

9. Where is it Easier to See the Big Five?

If one of your goals is to see the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino), Kenya is slightly better, especially when it comes to spotting rhinos.

Elephants are common in both countries, and lions are prominent in Masai Mara and Serengeti National Park, making both countries great for observing these magnificent animals.

Leopard sightings are always more difficult and depend largely on luck. The chances are similar in both Kenya and Tanzania, but Masai Mara and Serengeti are two of the best places to search for them.

Rhinos are more commonly seen in Kenya, particularly in Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Lake Nakuru National Park. In Tanzania, rhinos are typically found in Ngorongoro Crater, but encounters are not guaranteed.

10. Is it Easier to Travel Independently in Kenya or Tanzania?

Although it’s less common, it is possible to travel independently in both Kenya and Tanzania. If you lack experience, I recommend renting a car with a driver.

Organizing a trip to Kenya independently is slightly easier due to most accommodations being listed on platforms like Booking.com and can be easily reserved. Additionally, you don’t need to acquire permits in advance, and fees can be paid at the national park entrances.

Traveling independently in Tanzania can be a bit more complicated, particularly when booking accommodations. You also need to pay a $295 vehicle fee to visit Ngorongoro Crater, which must be arranged in advance in Arusha.

However, I believe that the best option is still to organize the entire safari with a trusted local agency.

Recommended Local Operators for Safaris in Kenya or Tanzania

Regardless of which country you choose, the safari experience will be extraordinary. If you don’t want to go independently, organizing the trip with a local operator is a more affordable and beneficial option for locals. Many agencies now offer combined trips between Kenya and Tanzania, though I believe it’s better to visit just one country if your trip is less than 10 days.

In recent years, the number of local operators has significantly increased, so it’s important to choose one with experience, good itineraries, and positive reviews. If you want to save time selecting one, you can request a personalized safari quote from my trusted agencies.

You can also learn more about how to prepare for a safari with a local operator in Tanzania. Additionally, I have written this article featuring the best local operators in Kenya.

Safari in Kenya or Tanzania: Which one would I choose?

Starting from the premise that both Kenya and Tanzania are exceptional destinations, if I had to choose one, I would likely opt for Kenya, but avoiding the months of July, August, and September.

In Kenya, I fell in love with the Samburu National Reserve; the semi-arid ecosystem in this area is very different from anything I had seen before. I also found it extraordinary to do a safari in Masai Mara, especially to see felines. I traveled to Kenya in February.

On the other hand, if I were to do a safari during July, August, or September, I would prefer to go to Tanzania, even if that meant not seeing the Great Migration. The Serengeti National Park is much larger, and there isn’t as much vehicle congestion.

Also, in February, Tanzania is an unbeatable destination if you can visit the Ndutu Lake area. During the calving period, there are many predators in the area, and consequently, lots of action scenes. The downside is that camping is not allowed in the Ndutu Lake area, and all accommodations are mid-range or higher.