Our Guide to Wildlife Safaris in Tanzania and Kenya
Africa is famed for its wildlife safaris and numerous world-class national parks. Its high concentration of wildlife, stunning landscapes and great safari infrastructure are huge draws for visitors from all over the world. But Africa’s a big continent, so where exactly should you go for the best safari experience?
The Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya are renowned locations for the Great Migration. During this epic circular 800km journey, millions of animals migrate to find better water and grazing. It’s no wonder then that Kenya and Tanzania are the top destinations for viewing amazing wildlife.
We drill down into the differences between safaris in Tanzania and Kenya to help you decide which is best for your next adventure.
Tanzania vs Kenya safari - what is the difference?
To understand the difference between Tanzania vs Kenya safari experiences, you should learn a bit more about each country. This will help you see what sets them apart.
Tanzania Safaris
In Tanzania, you can spot exciting wildlife in national parks such as the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Both parks play a vital role in the Great Migration. Here, millions of wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, eland, and impala follow the rains across East Africa in search of grazing and water.
The safari regions in Tanzania are vast, remote and wild. It’s here that these animals calve every spring. The young animals attract predators such as lions, hyenas, cheetahs, leopards, wild dogs and crocodiles who track the herds in search of prey. The diversity of wildlife is huge here, which is why Tanzania is so popular as a safari destination.
More of the Great Migration takes place in Tanzania than in Kenya, so it’s a good option for year-round safaris.
Kenya Safaris
The same migration goes through Kenya. However, the Masai Mara National Reserve is smaller. This means the viewing experience is more focused, the time is shorter, and the action is more intense.
Many other national parks in Kenya offer safaris, but none match the diversity and wildlife concentration of the Masai Mara. National parks here are more compact, so it’s easier to travel further in shorter amounts of time.
And while Tanzania is covered in endless savannah and open plains, Kenya’s terrain is more varied with mountains, lakes and savannah.
Kenya is usually busier from June to September than Tanzania. It also has better infrastructure and more options for game drives and wildlife viewing. Although there are more budget-friendly options, congestion during busy periods can impact sightings and delay journeys to and from game parks.
When choosing between Kenya vs Tanzania safaris, consider your budget, the time of year, and what you want to see. This will help you decide which option is best for you.
Tanzania or Kenya for safari - which should you choose?
An awesome safari experience is pretty much guaranteed in both Tanzania and Kenya. Which you choose will largely depend on personal preference.
Safari in Kenya
- More budget-friendly
- Shorter travel distances
- Varied landscapes
- Faster-paced encounters
- Busier
Safari in Tanzania
- Park fees are more expensive
- Much more remote and wild
- Immersive encounters
- More safari options
- Fewer crowds
Kenya might be a bit cheaper. The distances are shorter, and prices change with the seasons. This gives more options for those on a budget. But it’s generally busier for this reason. Visiting Tanzania can be more expensive due to longer distances and travel times. However, the scenery is wilder and larger, offering more chances to spot wildlife.
When choosing between Tanzania and Kenya for safari adventures, this table helps with a direct comparison.
Safari in Kenya vs Tanzania - which is better for wildlife?
Both Tanzania and Kenya let you see the BIG FIVE: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo.
You can also find many other animals there. What you’ll find here will depend on the month you go, which park you visit, your guide and the time of day.
Kenya has much smaller parks, so encounters are more concentrated – with both wildlife and vehicles! Guides keep in touch with walkie-talkies and send tips to their fellow guides, so they know where to find the best wildlife. The same is true for Tanzania, as this is common practice in East Africa, but in Kenya, this means your experiences are usually shared.
During the Great Migration, you’re more likely to see wildlife. Many predators follow the herds to find food. You’re likely to see more animals near watering holes and rivers, as they gather there to drink.
The best times to spot wildlife are first thing in the morning and early evening. Many animals sleep during the heat of the day, while others are active at night.
If there are specific sightings you want to catch, choose your park carefully. For example, you can spot black rhinos more easily in the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania. The populations there are larger than in the Masai Mara, where they are fewer.
Each country has a unique safari experience. The main difference is in the concentration and size of animal populations. Tanzania is larger, so its wildlife is more diverse and spread over bigger areas. In Kenya, wildlife is found in higher concentrations but in smaller numbers, often at specific spots.
Tanzania vs Kenya safari cost - which is more expensive?
The safari cost for both Tanzania and Kenya is hard to define. Getting to Tanzania and Kenya via international flights is comparable in price. Travel in Tanzania costs more because the distances are longer. In Kenya, domestic travel is cheaper since places are closer together.
Accommodation is another factor to consider. There are fewer budget places to stay in Tanzania than in Kenya. This makes Kenya more appealing to budget travellers, especially in the off-season.
Kenya's park entrance fees are generally higher than Tanzania's. However, most accommodation is located outside the national parks. Tanzania often has lower park entrance fees.
However, you typically stay inside the national park, so your total cost for a longer stay is higher.
Different parks charge different fees in both countries, depending on prestige and popularity. Tanzania charges the same park fees year-round. In contrast, Kenya has a seasonal model, offering low-season prices that can be half the cost.
Comparing safari costs between Tanzania and Kenya isn’t easy. It’s usually simpler to look at the prices of safari packages instead.
Kenya or Tanzania - which is better for first-time safari travellers?
At first glance, the shorter travel distances and lower park fees give Kenya the edge for first-time safari travellers. However, we think that a well-planned itinerary can make Tanzania a great choice for new visitors to Africa.
As travel experts, our beginner safari advice would be to think about what you want to get out of your adventure. If you want to climb Kilimanjaro, a Tanzanian safari is the best choice. It's also a great way to relax afterwards.
If you only want to see wildlife and you’re short on time, then Kenya might be the best option for a first-time safari.
Best time to go to Kenya and Tanzania for safari
For witnessing animals on the plains, the best time for a safari in Kenya and Tanzania depends on what you like.
There are two rainy seasons in East Africa – the long rains in March-May and the short rains in November and December. It doesn’t rain all day every day, but daily monsoonal downpours are more likely during these periods.
It’s possible to spot amazing wildlife all year round in both countries, so below is a month-by-month guide to what’s happening where and when.
January
January is typically hot and dry so find the nearest watering hole, and you’ll find the local inhabitants. This is a good time to visit the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Masai Mara as it’s ‘lion season’ and you’ll be more likely to spot prides in the open.
February
It’s calving season in the Serengeti in February. It’s still hot and dry, so finding water will take you to the wildlife hotspots. Visit the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Masai Mara during this time for fewer crowds and off-season prices.
March
The long rains arrive in East Africa in March. The Serengeti and Masai Mara become a haven for birds, but conditions can be unstable, with muddy roads, wet safari tents and torrential rains.
April
April in the Serengeti and Masai Mara is lush and green, if wet. It’s still an excellent time for bird watching, although conditions can be challenging.
May
Kenya and Tanzania are still wet in May, but the rains are less frequent and ease off towards the end of the month. Visit the Serengeti and Masai to see incredible birds, plenty of new life and lush landscapes.
June
June is an ideal shoulder month to visit both Tanzania and Kenya. There are plenty of animals to see, it’s warm and dry and there are less mosquitoes about.
July
This is the start of peak season. The Serengeti and Masai Mara are busy as visitors come to watch the iconic river crossings where herds cross the crocodile-infested River Mara. At the beginning of peak season, expect to pay more from July to September.
August
August is still warm and dry, and there are fewer mosquitoes. Visit the Serengeti and Masai Mara for high concentrations of wildlife. A good guide will help you avoid the crowds in Kenya and Tanzania.
September
The peak season is drawing to a close, but it’s still warm, dry and busy. September is a gorgeous month to visit East Africa.
October
Another lovely time to visit the Serengeti and Masai Mara, costs are more reasonable, crowds are fewer, and the weather is warm and dry. Although the landscape may be more arid, it can be easier to spot wildlife out in the open.
November
The short rains arrive, and it's warm and wet in Tanzania and Kenya. This is a cheaper time to visit, but expect daily downpours. With fewer people about, wildlife encounters are more authentic and immersive.
December
December is hot and wet, but it is one of the quietest times to visit. Enjoy peaceful game drives, daytime naps and early morning encounters.
Tanzania vs Kenya safari packages - what are your options?
Booking Kenya and Tanzania safari packages is the best way to organise your wildlife safari. The logistics of getting to places, timings, negotiating guides, finding accommodation and organising permits can be tricky to plan, especially from outside of these countries.
There tend to be more mid-range to luxury packages available for Tanzania. Its budget-friendly options are usually campsite-based. However, in Kenya, there are more budget safari lodges, shared vehicle safaris and group excursions.
Both Tanzania and Kenya offer luxury experiences, especially in the most popular parks such as the Serengeti and the Masai Mara. You can even find fly-in safari options, which offer a unique viewpoint of the parks but come at a high premium.
Whatever your budget, consider a tour operator for your East African safari. A reliable company will organise your travel, accommodation, meals, transport, guides, transfers, permits and itinerary to ensure you get the most out of your trip.
Tanzania or Kenya - which is better for your Africa trip?
In terms of wildlife, Tanzania and Kenya are comparable. The main deciding factor is when you want to travel, what you want to see and your budget. This will dictate which destination is better for your adventure.
Tanzania is ideal for mid-range to high-end travellers who want to travel in comfort and style and have a more immersive experience overall.
Kenya is better for those short on time and money, with seasonal pricing and high concentrations of wildlife in smaller areas.
Either way, a memorable experience is guaranteed.
Wildlife Safaris with Kandoo Adventures
We don’t just take people on iconic trekking trips - we love adventures of all shapes and sizes. And that includes wildlife encounters!
We firmly believe the absolute best way to recover from climbing to the roof of Africa is with a Tanzanian safari. Sleeping in the savannah under a starry sky, with nature's sounds all around, is an unforgettable experience.
Overland rides looking for animals are the perfect introduction to the remote wilderness here. Tanzania is warm and welcoming, and our guides are local, knowledgeable and thoughtful - the best in the business. So, what are you waiting for?!