March 8, 2024

Safari in Tanzania or Kenya In a world where decisions can be daunting, the choice between a safari in Kenya or Tanzania ranks among the toughest. Both countries boast breathtaking landscapes, exhilarating wildlife encounters, unique glimpses of the Great Wildebeest Migration, and a plethora of unforgettable activities. For instance, did you know that in Tanzania, you can embark on an adventure to track chimpanzees? For over two decades, we’ve specialized in crafting bespoke safari experiences in Kenya and Tanzania for countless travelers worldwide. We understand the challenges of planning an African safari, which is why we’re here to lend a helping hand. To simplify your decision-making process, we’ve delved into the details of a Kenya versus Tanzania safari, providing insights to guide you toward the option that best suits your preferences. 1. Location & Landscape Situated in East Africa, both Kenya and Tanzania boast stunning coastlines along the inviting Indian Ocean and share the vast expanse of Lake Victoria. As neighboring nations, they naturally have a common border, a significant portion of which encompasses the renowned Serengeti National Park on the Tanzanian side and the iconic Masai Mara National Reserve on the Kenyan side. Together, these areas constitute the Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem, a vast and meticulously conserved natural wonder. Encompassing around 30,000 square kilometers (12,000 square miles), roughly equivalent to the size of South Carolina, this ecosystem stands as one of the most expansive and protected on the planet. Remarkably, the Serengeti and Masai Mara are part of a single contiguous ecosystem, with humans imposing artificial divisions. Although there are no physical borders, checkpoints regulate human movement, while wildlife continues to roam freely across these interconnected landscapes as they have for generations. Renowned for their vast savannahs and golden grasslands, both Kenya and Tanzania evoke images reminiscent of scenes from “Out of Africa” and “The Lion King.” This expansive terrain, characterized by its open vistas, provides ample grazing grounds for herbivores, inevitably attracting a diverse array of predators. In these landscapes, game spotting becomes remarkably effortless, as the expansive Serengeti and Mara offer virtually unobstructed views stretching to the horizon. This is the stage for the Great Wildebeest Migration, an awe-inspiring spectacle featuring the continuous movement of approximately two million predominantly wildebeest, alongside antelope and zebra, as they traverse the terrain in search of water and fresh pastures. In the northern region of Kenya, near Samburu, the landscape transitions to a drier and more rugged terrain, fostering the existence of unique species famously known as the ‘Samburu Special 5.’ These endemic creatures include the beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk (also known as the giraffe gazelle), and Grevy’s zebra. Each of these species has adapted to thrive in this distinct environment, making encounters with them a highlight of any safari experience in the area. On the western side of Tanzania, dense indigenous forests still flourish. Venture to the Mahale Mountains National Park to embark on thrilling chimp trekking expeditions amidst pristine rainforests. Further south in Tanzania, discover the wonders of Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park (formerly known as Selous), which collectively form one of the largest terrestrial conservation areas in Africa, if not the world. These expansive parks offer unparalleled opportunities to witness diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife in their natural habitats. 2. Costs & Your Budget Embarking on an East African safari might not be the most budget-friendly vacation you’ll ever embark upon, but that doesn’t imply that a safari in Kenya or Tanzania is beyond reach. We’ve assisted numerous individuals in uncovering these remarkable destinations by customizing each safari to accommodate their particular budgetary constraints. This involves closely collaborating with our clients to identify their non-negotiables and areas where flexibility is possible, ensuring that every safari experience aligns with their financial means. If You’re On A Tight Budget While both Kenya and Tanzania offer enticing off-season deals, opting for a Kenya safari might be more budget-friendly. It’s essentially a matter of numbers: Kenya has made significant strides on the international stage in terms of promotion, resulting in a wider array of flight options, diverse accommodation choices, and a larger community of safari enthusiasts. However, it’s worth noting that this doesn’t equate to overcrowding. Africa isn’t synonymous with massive hotels boasting thousands of rooms— even a lodge with 40 rooms in Kenya is considered sizable and unusual! The most bustling spot during your safari might be the Mara River during the Migration crossing, yet even then, it’s far less congested than your average city intersection. Our Africa Safari Experts are adept at helping you make the most of your budget, guiding you to select suitable accommodations in wildlife-rich areas. This may involve prioritizing experiences like additional days of game viewing over luxuries such as a private pool in your room, ensuring that your safari funds are allocated wisely for an unforgettable adventure. If You Want To Splurge When it comes to comparing costs, a Tanzania safari typically leans towards the pricier side, particularly if you’re aiming to explore exclusive reserves like Grumeti, Nyerere (formerly known as Selous), Ruaha, and Mahale. Tanzania’s expansive size plays a significant role in this aspect, as nearly all travel outside the Northern Circuit necessitates transfers via light aircraft. While similar arrangements exist for exploring northern Kenya, the distances involved are generally shorter. 3. Best Places To Stay Accommodations in both Kenya and Tanzania encompass a wide spectrum, ranging from traditional walk-in Meru tents to futuristic ‘space bubbles’ at The Highlands Ngorongoro and opulent suites seamlessly integrated into the rocks at Saruni Samburu. Much like budget considerations, choosing your preferred style of accommodation is a deeply personal decision, and our Africa Safari Experts are adept at helping you navigate this choice. It’s important to note that large hotels or resorts are scarce in both countries, resulting in lodges and camps filling up rapidly during peak safari seasons. If you’re eyeing a mid-year visit, it’s advisable to commence planning approximately a year in advance to secure your desired accommodations and ensure a seamless