Where is better for safari: Kenya or Tanzania

Publication date: 02.06.2025

East Africa attracts lovers of exotic travel and wildlife enthusiasts. Exotic trips to Kenya and Tanzania immerse visitors in vibrant adventures with safaris, mountain climbs, and pristine Indian Ocean beaches. To make this difficult choice and get the most out of your experience, let's compare the opportunities in both countries.

Kenya and Tanzania are neighboring countries with very similar natural conditions, climate, and landscapes. Sometimes travelers combine visits to both countries in one trip. Tanzania is 1.5 times larger in area, with significant distances between points of interest. Vast wilderness areas require leisurely exploration. For shorter trips, we recommend Kenya, where safari destinations are more compact, minimizing travel time.

Protected areas span savannas with rushing rivers and expansive lakes, teeming with diverse animals and birds. Both countries have numerous national parks and reserves, with Tanzania dedicating over 100,000 square kilometers to conservation.

Tanzania's most famous parks:

Recommended places to visit include the Ngorongoro volcanic crater reserve, Lake Victoria, and Lake Tanganyika.

Notable sites in Kenya:

Note that entry fees for Tanzanian reserves are significantly higher. Due to the vastness of the national parks, overnight stays within their boundaries are also quite expensive. In Kenya, by contrast, you can find reasonably priced accommodations both within protected areas and beyond them.

The most spectacular natural event in Africa, capturing travelers' full attention, is the Great Migration of animals. This annual movement of hoofed mammals occurs across Tanzania and Kenya. For most of the year, vast herds traverse Tanzania's savannas, crossing Serengeti National Park from November through July.

The herds then migrate into Kenya. The peak viewing period occurs during river crossings of the Mara River, where thousands of antelope brave the rushing currents. Prime viewing locations sit directly on the border between the two countries, allowing observation from either side.

Completing a large loop around Masai Mara, the animals return to Tanzania by late October. Serengeti's Grumeti River serves as another migration crossing point during May and June.

The main goal of safari for tourists is observing diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. The Big Five animals hold special appeal: elephant, lion, buffalo, rhinoceros and leopard. These were considered the most prestigious hunting trophies in colonial times.

All five species can be seen in both Kenya and Tanzania. Serengeti, Nyerere and Masai Mara national parks showcase Africa's incredible biodiversity. Kenya's compact reserves increase chances of spotting iconic species, while Tanzania's vast terrain may require covering dozens of kilometers without guaranteed sightings.

Both countries prioritize tourism development with airports, decent roads, mobile networks and internet. Kenya - the only African country untouched by civil war - offers superior service and infrastructure: reliable electricity, wider English proficiency, and more entertainment options. Political stability and economic growth fuel continuous expansion of hotels, shops, restaurants and transport services.

International airports are located near national parks and local attractions. Domestic flights between tourist centers land at small airstrips within the reserves.

Tourists arriving in Kenya fly into Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, named after the prominent political leader. The second most important is Moi International Airport in Mombasa, voted Africa's best airport in 2020.

Tanzania welcomes travelers through three international terminals:

For visitors planning to explore both countries, arriving via Nairobi or Kilimanjaro on flights from Europe/Asia proves most convenient.

Kenya has a relatively developed network of roads and railways, and it's possible to rent a car for independent travel.

Foreign citizens are not advised to use public transportation. The vehicle fleet consists of old, rundown minibuses and pickup trucks, buses are usually overcrowded, and on intercity routes, tourists risk being robbed with the use of intoxicating substances. It's better to order taxis through official services like Uber or Taxify rather than hailing a car on the street.

In Tanzania, not all points of interest can be reached by car, but excellent roads have been built to the most popular destinations like Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Note that in this country, you'll spend a lot of time on the road due to the size of the national parks and their distance from each other.

For tours, tourists are transported in Toyota Land Cruisers, Overland Trucks, as well as open safari vans and safari vehicles.

Kenya and Tanzania offer tourists a wide range of accommodation options from budget tent camps to 5-star hotels. Tanzania has significantly fewer hotels, so booking several months in advance is recommended, especially when traveling during peak season or to popular destinations. Kenya offers more affordable lodging with a greater variety of options.

Similarly, Kenya provides visitors with a wide selection of shops and restaurants offering diverse goods and food. The quality of dishes and menu variety in local eateries is significantly higher than in Tanzania. However, since Kenya supplies products to tourist areas in the neighboring country, the difference isn't always obvious.

Local cuisine is quite simple but hearty, featuring meat from local animals, corn, seafood, fruits and vegetables. In Tanzania, fish is prepared in various ways: fried, boiled, baked.

Tourists are offered dishes like: ugali corn porridge, mukimo side dish of potatoes, peas and spinach,
nyama choma meat grilled over open fire. Exotic options include buffalo meat, bananas with beef, baobab seed sweets. Fishermen prepare freshly caught fish or seafood right in front of guests. However, buying ready-made street food, raw vegetables, fruits or water is not recommended to avoid intestinal infections.

English, along with the local Swahili, is an official language in both countries, but the level of its prevalence and proficiency varies significantly. Kenya's historical ties with Britain have led to widespread use of English in daily life. In Tanzania, communicating with locals is more challenging, and it may be necessary to learn a few Swahili phrases.

Kenya's strong modern economy and widespread English proficiency create an excellent foundation for service industry development and competition. Tourists find it relatively easy to exchange currency, rent a car, access the internet, order deliveries, or call a taxi.

Kenya is ideal for travelers who don't want to disconnect from modern life and familiar comforts. Tanzania offers complete immersion into authentic Africa, with its cultural richness and proximity to wilderness.

Overall, Tanzania and Kenya are considered safe destinations for tourists, with Tanzania ranking slightly higher than its neighbor in the Travel Safe service ratings.

Key recommendations for travelers are standard:

Local populations face significant poverty, and white tourists are often viewed as sources of money to be extracted by any means. Avoid displaying cash, expensive electronics, or jewelry. Pickpocketing is common in crowded areas, while armed robberies can occur during transit. Scammers frequently solicit money under pretenses of needing help. Always store valuables and documents in hotel safes.

Carry copies of important documents along with embassy and police contact numbers. During civil unrest or criminal incidents, calmly but quickly exit crowded areas and seek shelter in secure buildings.

The Maasai are the most famous and the most unmodern people in Africa. Nomadic pastoralists live far from cities in handmade huts, preserving ancient traditions. They sustain themselves through livestock herding, wield spears, bows, and swords, and create fire by friction. Their clothing consists only of red cloaks. During travels in East Africa, tourists can encounter the Maasai—experiencing the vanishing past of human civilization.

Tanzania is home to about 130 ethnic groups, including the nomadic Datoga and the Hadza hunters. Kenya has between 40 and 70 different ethnicities.

Special excursions and simple trips during travel provide immersion in local life and culture, as well as tastings of traditional cuisine. For a deeper dive into the local ethnic experience, Tanzania is the better choice.

East Africa invites you to unforgettable and diverse adventures, full of harmony with nature.

One of the main goals for travelers in Tanzania and Kenya is an exciting safari through national parks and reserves to encounter exotic animals in their natural habitat. Such an alternative getaway offers complete relaxation and a mental reset. At different times of the year, you can witness natural wonders, predatory animals, birds of paradise, and beautiful flamingos.

Classic safaris involve traveling in jeeps or open safari vans along the roads within national parks. Nature and wildlife can be observed up close or through binoculars, and visitors are free to take photos. If there are no predators or large aggressive animals nearby, tourists can go on walking safaris—though an armed ranger escort is mandatory.

A fresh and unique perspective on untouched landscapes can be experienced during a water safari, traveling by boat across lakes or rivers. Close encounters with hippos and crocodiles deliver unforgettable emotions.

A premium leisure option is a hot air balloon ride at the end of a traditional safari. Viewing the reserve from above allows you to fully appreciate the beauty and vastness of the African savanna.

The highest mountains in Africa are located in Tanzania and Kenya. Their peaks are covered with glaciers and snow, creating a striking contrast with the tropical temperatures below.

Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is the highest and most famous mountain on the African continent. Known as the "Roof of Africa," it stands at 5,895 meters and is part of the global Seven Summits challenge. Climbing the mountain is accessible even to tourists with basic fitness levels, and around 60,000 people reach its main summit each year.

Mount Kenya, with an elevation of 5,199 meters, offers a more relaxed climbing experience, allowing hikers to fully enjoy the trek and surrounding scenery. Other peaks, such as Nelion and Batian, are only suitable for professional climbers, while Point Lenana—the third-highest in Kenya—is accessible to hiking enthusiasts.

Both countries have access to the Indian Ocean with extensive coastlines.

Tanzania is home to the famous island of Zanzibar, boasting magnificent beaches, excellent diving, and an abundance of seafood. The nearby island of Pemba is surrounded by the best coral reef on the African continent. Mafia Island is a marine sanctuary teeming with tropical fish and whale sharks.

Mainland Tanzania offers beach getaways in Dar es Salaam's hotels, featuring developed infrastructure, numerous restaurants, and clubs. The resort areas are lined with well-maintained beaches of pristine white sand.

Kenya's most beautiful beaches are found around Mombasa. The fine sand and crystal-clear seawater recede over 100 meters during low tide, attracting photographers eager to capture unique shots of marine life stranded on the shore.

Kilifi provides excellent conditions for diving, fishing, and windsurfing, making it a favorite destination for Kenya's wealthiest. The Malindi resort is divided into two parts—visitors can choose between the lively Italian side with nightlife or the tranquil Arab quarter. The extraordinary natural beaches of Lamu Island are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

To enter Kenya, travelers must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). The application is submitted exclusively online, with processing typically taking around 72 hours. Required documents include a passport, photograph, return ticket, proof of accommodation booking, and other standard information. The visa fee is $30.

Tanzania issues entry visas either online in advance or upon arrival at the airport. A single-entry visa costs $50 per person. To save time, we recommend obtaining the visa beforehand, as airport procedures may take longer due to formalities.

No mandatory vaccinations are required for visiting Kenya or Tanzania. However, if traveling to other countries or remote areas in the region, a yellow fever vaccination may be necessary. This vaccine is administered once in a lifetime.

There is a risk of contracting malaria in Africa, as no fully effective prevention exists. The infection is treatable with medication, and the use of repellents is recommended as a preventive measure. High-quality hotels are typically located far from swampy areas where malaria-carrying mosquitoes breed.

Luxury and private tours in Kenya or Tanzania are nearly identical, offering premium accommodations and high-comfort transfers.

For budget-conscious travelers, Kenya provides more affordable options. Flights are cheaper, national park entrance fees are lower, and lodge accommodations cost less. These savings result from shorter distances between attractions, higher competition for tourists, and more developed services.

Each East African country offers unique and captivating experiences, delivering genuine emotions through encounters with breathtaking wildlife. Tanzania boasts vast landscapes and the iconic Kilimanjaro, while Kenya attracts visitors with diverse safari routes and vibrant scenery.

In Kenya, lodges are located much closer to wildlife habitats, minimizing travel time between destinations. In Tanzania, most lodges are situated in central Serengeti, requiring two-hour drives on rough roads to reach prime wildlife viewing spots.

Kenyan safaris typically feature morning and evening game drives, allowing guests to return to their lodges for midday rest. Tanzanian guides often take tourists out for full-day excursions, where heat and prolonged time in vehicles can lead to fatigue rather than enjoyment.

Interestingly, Amboseli and Maasai Mara National Parks have far fewer bothersome insects and biting flies compared to the Serengeti, which is often swarming with them.

Kenya offers greater flexibility in customizing safari routes to travelers' preferences, while its sparser vegetation provides better wildlife visibility during game drives.

Additionally, Kenya’s infrastructure is more family-friendly, an important consideration when planning trips with children.

We Sail invites you on an exciting Kenyan safari with a captivating program. Prepare for an unforgettable journey among like-minded adventurers.