Is the best African country for safaris Kenya or Tanzania?

"Is Kenya or Tanzania the best African country for safaris?" This is one of the big questions people ask when planning an African safari. Especially a first safari to East Africa. Kenya has Masai Mara, but Tanzania has Serengeti. So, which of these neighbouring African countries is the best for safaris...?

Indecision can kill any trip anywhere, any time, so why not chat with an ABS safari expert. We're the people who know when the rainy season is, how long to book in advance and what the pros and cons are of choosing Tanzania over Kenya, or the Masai Mara over Serengeti?

Kenya or Tanzania safaris

Kenya vs Tanzania Safaris

It would be great if this was an epic WWF battle, winner takes all, champion-of-the-world-style knockout match. But both of these destinations have something awesome to offer. The devil is in the safari details, so let’s break it down into a few quick reference categories: size and attractions, getting around, accommodation options, and value for money (budget).

Mountains of Tanzania and Serengeti by William Warby

Article Quick Links

1. Tanzania Safari Attractions
2. Kenya vs Tanzania at a glance
3. Kenya Safari Attractions
4. Kenya vs Tanzania Game Viewing: What to expect
5. Transport Kenya vs Tanzania: Getting around, Roads less travelled
6. Crowds: Kenya vs Tanzania Safari
7. Best Bush Beach Combo: Kenya vs Tanzania
8. Daily Rates Kenya vs Tanzania Safari
9. Kenya vs Tanzania: Daily Rate Comparisons in USD
10. Timing is everything: Kenya vs Tanzania when to go

Hands down, Tanzania is bigger than Kenya. In fact, Tanzania is East Africa’s largest country and boasts, in alphabetical order, Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro the Serengeti and Zanzibar. Kenya on the other hand, while not as big, has a few big names: Amboseli, the Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru.

Rhino on Lake Nakuru safari

Let's see which is the best African country for safaris, Kenya or Tanzania...

Tanzania Safari Attractions

It’s not what you think though, and in this case, bigger may not be better. Big in Africa means REALLY BIG. In terms of your East African safari travel and Tanzania, big means longer distances between destinations. For this reason, Tanzania tours tend to focus on either the Northern safari loop or the Southern safari loop.

The Northern Tanzania safari circuit takes you to all the big-name attractions, Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park, and the Serengeti. Wide-open spaces, birds, and bucket-loads of African game make the Northern Tanzania circuit a big hit.

Ngorongoro Crater Tanzania

The Southern Tanzania circuit, on the other hand, really is off the beaten track. It includes the closest reserve to Dar es Salaam, Mikumi National Park as well as the wilds of Ruaha, Selous and the Udzungwa mountains. Never heard of them?

These African safari gems are off the beaten track and so, less frequented. However, they also have some of the largest concentrations of wildlife found anywhere in Africa. Savannah, bush transition zones and biodiversity hotspots, the southern Tanzania circuit has a plethora of animals and unparalleled scenery to be discovered.

Lion eyes on safari

Tanzania, where to go on safari?

Naturally, the big names attract more African bucket-list safari tourists. This translates as more people moving faster over the same safari routes. Moving south however means fewer people, more relaxed atmosphere and a wild and adventurous off-the-beaten-track safari experience.

Either the Northern or the Southern circuit offers fantastic Big Five safari experiences with an abundance of game viewing and spectacular scenery. Riding around in an open-top safari vehicle is however extremely tiring… and this is a great thing!

East African dhow

Both the Northern Tanzania circuit and the Southern Tanzania circuit are beautifully rounded off with a visit to stunning Zanzibar. Here, the gentle, warm Indian Ocean water, lends itself to some pampering on the white sand beaches and a perfect relax-about, before heading back home.

Kenya vs Tanzania at a glance

KENYA	TANZANIA
580 367 km²	945 087 km²
Attractions The Masai Mara Amboseli Tsavo Lake Naivasha Lake Nakuru Mount Kenya	Northern Safari Circuit Attractions The Serengeti National Park Ngorongoro crater Lake Manyara Tarangire National Park Mount Kilimanjaro Southern Safari circuit Attractions Mikumi National Park Ruaha Selous Udzungwa mountains
Must see Kenya safari activities: The great migration, Masai Mara, August to November Summit Mt Kenya: 5199m Amboseli Safari with Kilimanjaro backdrop. Tsavo National Park, big 5 and secluded game viewing Lake Nakuru – Birders delight Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate	Must see Tanzania safari activities The great migration, Serengeti, April to September. Summit Kilimanjaro: 5895m The Ngorongoro Crater Zanzibar Islands Tarangire National Park, tree-climbing lions Lake Manyara flamingos Udzungwa Mountains biodiversity hotspot Ruaha wilderness

Masai Mara, Kenya Safari by Stephan Kennedy

Kenya Safari Attractions

Though Kenya is smaller than Tanzania, you wouldn’t really guess so. Known as the jewel of East Africa, Kenya, like Tanzania, boasts Indian Ocean coastline, lakes, rift valley splendour, big game viewing, and high mountains as well as a bit of desert in the north - just to spice things up a bit.

Choosing a Kenya budget safari means saying YES to wildebeest migrations in the Masai Mara, climbing Mount Kenya - Africa’s second-highest mountain, visiting Amboseli National Park (which boasts Kilimanjaro as a back-drop), Big Fiving in Tsavo, and visiting the unforgettable Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru. And this is before we have even made it to the Indian Ocean beaches around Mombasa and the Lamu archipelago.

Mara migration safari

Kenya vs Tanzania Game Viewing: What to expect

Both Kenya and Tanzania are bursting wild African game animals and Big 5 safari experiences. From Zebra to antelope, rhino and elephant, leopard, lions and cheetah, the game parks in Kenya and Tanzania are renowned for their wildlife preserves for good reasons! And both Tanzania and Kenya host the epic great migration of the wildebeest which annually follows the pattern of the rains between the Masai Mara and Serengeti.

Elephant African safari

Kenya Game Viewing

In Kenya, you will be able to see the Big Five, lion, elephant, rhino, and buffalo at reserves like the Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Tsavo. In addition to these bucket list herbivores and predators, there are plenty of other interesting game animals to see. You will also find hippo, cheetah, servals, civets, caracals, gazelles, impala, zebra, wildebeest, waterbuck, giraffe, monkeys, baboons, and bushbabies… the list goes on. There are two special mentions, Samburu and Lake Nakuru.

Flamingos at Lake Nakuru, Kenya

In the north of Kenya is the Samburu National Park. This park is arider than the southern reserves which means that it hosts some interesting fauna and flora. While Samburu does host lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo, it does not have rhino. Samburu makes up for this because it has its very own 'Samburu Special Five'. Unique to the arid north of Kenya, the Samburu Special Five can only be seen in this reserve and includes the long-necked gerenuk, the Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx, and the rare Grevy’s zebra.

Samburu in Kenya by Filiberto Strazzari

Lake Nakuru is an easy drive from Nairobi and so a logical starting point for many Kenyan safari experiences. It is a small park without the wilderness feel of reserves like the Masai Mara however it is well worth a visit. Lake Nakuru was Kenya’s first rhino sanctuary and you are likely to see, alongside these endangered herbivores, Rothchild’s giraffe, buffalo, waterbuck, and for the very lucky, leopard. While an excellent drawcard, this is not the only reason to visit Lake Nakuru National Park. Lake Nakuru is home to both greater and lesser flamingos. The recent rise in water levels has seen the huge flocks congregate elsewhere, however, when conditions are right, the flamingos gather in such large numbers that the surface of the lake seems to shimmer with pink. Over a million flamingos gathering along the lakeshore is magnificent and an experience not to be missed.

Lion in Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania Safari by Jonas Bengtsson

Tanzania Game Viewing

Tanzania has over 4 million animals spread throughout its national parks and reserves. It is a big country filled with big game and amazing safari opportunities. You will find the Big Five alongside wildebeest, zebra, hippo, giraffe, wild dogs, kudu, eland, hyena, crocodiles, monkeys and even chimpanzees!

Painted wolf African wildlife safari

Tanzania is one of the best birding destinations in the world with over a thousand bird species including flamingos, fish eagles, and crowned cranes. The Serengeti Park is said to host Africa's largest population of lions has excellent leopard sightings in certain areas, elephant herds in the north, healthy populations of buffalo, and a few rhinos in the central part.

Serengeti savannah safari by Marc Veraart

The best place to see the Big Five in Tanzania is the Ngorongoro Crater. Surrounded by the high crater walls, Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater has the densest population of lions, black rhinos, large elephant bulls as well as healthy populations of leopards and buffalos. It is due to the small area and high concentrations of wildlife that the Ngorongoro Crater is such a popular destination for East African safaris.

Inside Ngorongoro Crater by Jason Wesley Upton

In terms of game viewing, either Kenya or Tanzania is the best African country for safaris.

Transport Kenya vs Tanzania: Getting around, Roads less travelled

There are a few things to consider regarding transport in Tanzania and Kenya. Your time frame, itinerary, and budget will determine the best mode of transportation. For a start, let’s look at, where you will land, classic Overlanding, what vehicles to expect and the difference that internal flights can make.

Fly-in safaris in Africa by Henk Veenstra

Getting There: Kenya vs Tanzania Safaris

Kenya is geared towards the safari industry and thus has more international flights coming and going, and therefore will be able to offer you better travel deals. When you fly to Kenya, you will arrive in Nairobi, the starting point for most safari destinations. Most safaris will give you a day and a night to explore the city before leaving early the following day for Amboseli in the south or the Masai Mara in the southwest.

For budget-friendly Kenya Tours (starting in Nairobi) view our calendar listing of upcoming safaris departing from Nairobi.

Dar es Salaam Tanzania by David Stanley

While the capital city of Tanzania is Dodoma, the largest city is Dar es Salaam and the safari capital is Arusha. Arusha is the base for all Kilimanjaro expeditions as well as the spring-board for visiting the popular northern safari circuit which includes Ngorongoro and the Serengeti Park. Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar airports are best for visiting Zanzibar Island and Pemba.

Compare budget Tanzania Tours in our calendar listings of upcoming safaris departing from Dar es Salaam or safaris starting in Arusha.

KENYA	TANZANIA
Main destination: Nairobi	Main destination: Arusha
International Airports Eldoret International Kisumu International Moi International Nairobi – Jomo Kenyatta International	International Airports Dar es Salaam – Julius Nyerere International Arusha - Kilimanjaro International Airport Zanzibar – Abeid Amani Karume International
Internal Flights Amboseli Airstrip Nanyuki Airport Wilson Airport	Internal Flights Lake Manyara Airport Seronera Airstrip Singida Airstrip Songwe Airport Tanga Airport

Getting Around Tanzania vs Kenya – Overland, sky or safari

The traditional overland truck is large, seating between 24 and 30 passengers. These safari vehicles are built for all-terrain and for covering large distances. You could do game viewing in them but they are noisy and not really suited to this purpose. You are likely to take an overland truck if, for example, you are travelling from Nairobi to Cape Town via Botswana and Namibia. For Tanzania and Kenya, which have good roads between the main destinations, you will come across either the minibus or Land Rover type vehicles.

Elephant safari in East Africa

When you arrive in Arusha, Dar es Salaam or Nairobi, the driver, and vehicle that collects you, will be with you for the entire safari. This vehicle needs to be able to travel comfortably on asphalt highways as well as navigate the gravel tracks of the national parks. In both Kenya and Tanzania the type of safari vehicle used is often closed.

There are good reasons for this, both for safety and for practicality. There are large distances between safari destinations on extensive road networks and for both comfort (weather), and safety reasons, when traveling on open highways, your safari vehicle needs to be closed. These types of vehicles include modified minibuses as well as closed Land Rovers and 4x4s. Many of these vehicles do have pop-up roofs for game viewing in the parks to allow for the best possible experience. However, an open-top safari vehicle is always first prize.

African safari vehicle by James H

Getting between these destinations will more than likely take place in a modified minibus or the Land Rover type vehicle and your opportunities for open-top game viewing will be limited and, if available, come at extra cost.

The scattering of smaller airports and airstrips around Tanzania has resulted in good value and reliable light aircraft service that can cut travel time from say 12hours, from Arusha to the Serengeti, to 1.5 hours to the same destination. While flying between destinations does save a tremendous amount of time, there is another perk too. Once at your private safari lodge, without the need to travel on those long asphalt roads, you can do all of your game viewing from an open-top vehicle. This is a far superior experience as you can track the game through 360 degrees, hear more, and smell more, thus dramatically enhancing the game viewing experience.

Masaai village Ngorongoro by Colin J MMmechan

Crowds: Kenya vs Tanzania Safari

With the large concentration of attractions in the south of Kenya and the north of Tanzania, many of the tours move between Nairobi and Arusha. These two safari travel hubs, together with Lake Victoria, form a safari triangle that takes in all the bucket list destinations: Amboseli, Kilimanjaro, Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, and the Masai Mara.

Cycling Hells Gate, Kenya

Kenya

Kenya has really marketed itself internationally as the safari country/destination of Africa. As a result, there is more choice; more flights, more lodges, more transport more and better deals. It’s a numbers game and as a result, Kenya has a reputation for being more budget-friendly, especially in the off-peak season.

While this does translate to more people, out of the high season – around the time of the great migration – you will have no trouble getting lost in the wilderness of wild Africa. Visiting Amboseli and Tsavo East or Tsavo West will feel like you have the whole continent to yourself.

Storm in Serengeti, Tanzania by Richard Toller

If you are set on something more intimate, you might consider northern Kenya. This area is drier than the lush savannah plains and so gives a totally different experience. A transition zone set along the Ewaso Nigiro River and combining a mixture of savannah and forest, Samburu National park and the Laikipia plateau are special places. This area attracts far fewer safari goers but offers excellent game viewing with some unique species like the Grevy’s zebra, Gerenuk, and Beisa oryx.

KENYA	TANZANIA
Peak season: The dry season June to October	Peak season: The dry season June to October
Highlight: Great migration – arrives in the Masai Mara around August to November	Highlight: Wildebeest in the Serengeti around June/July Calving around January / February
Starting point: Nairobi Endpoint: Nairobi	Starting point: Arusha Endpoint: Arusha
Southern Safari Circuit Amboseli Tsavo East and West (with views of Kilimanjaro) Masai Mara Lake Naivasha	Northern Safari Circuit Tarangire National Park Lake Manyara National Park Ngorongoro crater Serengeti National Park
Links well with: Mount Kenya Mombasa Zanzibar Gorilla trekking in Uganda	Links well with: Zanzibar Island

Gorilla in East Africa

Tanzania

It is a similar scenario in Tanzania with one small difference. Tanzania has two peak seasons. Both Tanzania safari high seasons are linked to the great migration of wildebeest from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara and back again. The first peak-season in Tanzania falls around February when the wildebeest calves in the southern Serengeti. Then, in the second peak-season ­- the dry season from June to September - safari-goers flood to this wilderness wonderland in droves to experience the great migration. Outside of these times, it is comparatively quiet.

Wildebeest migration route

One of the exceptions to this rule is visiting the Ngorongoro crater. With one way in and one way out, the crater often teems with life both human and otherwise. Because of the high crater walls, Ngorongoro has one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa and is considered by some to be one of the best spots in the world for seeing the Big Five.

Map of Ngorongoro Crater

Location is everything. Northern Tanzania, because of the proximity to Kenya and the incredible northern circuit, attracts a larger volume of safari enthusiasts. So moving south for the lesser-known southern circuit brings the reward of a considerably lower volume of people.

Lion in Ngorongoro Crater by Joe Pyrek

Mikumi National Park, Ruaha, Selous, and the Udzungwa mountains are harder to reach and less visited but have a lot to offer. A sense of the real African wilds, loads of big game and some untouched scenery make traversing these reserves something really special. Think uncrowded, more intimate game viewing with an interesting cross over of central and southern African species. Though expensive, these outlying reserves are accessible by flights from Dar es Salaam which makes combining the southern circuit with Zanzibar a no-brainer!

Dhow sailing, East Africa

Compare our Kenya Safaris and Tanzania Safaris for budget-conscious travellers.

Best Bush & Beach Combo: Kenya vs Tanzania

The great thing about doing an East African safari is that it puts you on the edge of the warm and gentle Indian Ocean. Traders from China, India, and the Middle East have traversed this coastline on the monsoon winds for millennia. The result is a vibrant mishmash of cultural influences that make the port cities of Lamu, Mombassa, and Zanzibar unique. Add to this the white sand beaches and warm Indian Ocean waters and you would not be the first to refer to this as ‘paradise’.

Which is the best African country for safaris and beach getaways - Kenya or Tanzania?

Zanzibar beach, Tanzania by Kyle Taylor

Tanzania Best Bush & Beach Combo

The undeniable jewel in the crown of East Africa – and any East African safari must-see – is Zanzibar. Zanzibar, an island off the coast of Tanzania, boasts an impressive array of attractions from historic old towns to white-sand beaches and idyllic resorts to scuba diving, snorkelling, and water sports.

With its own international airport as well as relatively close proximity to Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar is just a hop skip and a jump away from wherever you are in East Africa. However, it matches particularly well with the Tanzanian safari hotspots that are accessed through Arusha. The Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, and Kilimanjaro pair with Zanzibar like white wine and seafood.

Zanzibar Island is also accessible from Kenya due to its international airport and, owing to Zanzibar’s popularity, flights to the island are very competitive.

Lamu, Kenya by Nina R

Kenya Best Bush & Beach Combo

While Zanzibar often steals the show and has garnered a reputation for being the ultimate post-safari experience, the Kenyan coastline has some gems of its own.

Starting around East Africa’s largest port city of Mombassa, Kenya has some divine beach getaway destinations. Nyali Beach, Bamburi, Kikambala, Shanzu, Diani and Tiwi beaches are just some of the white sand paradises on offer. Being close to Mombassa, they are all accessible and well served by resorts and attractions that have something to offer everyone, from lounging around the pool to beach strolls and water sports for the more adventurous. Moving north from Mombassa, you get to Watamu and Malindi before finding yourself in the Lamu Archipelago.

Watamu beach, Kenya by Nina R

The Watamu Marine National Park is abundant in coral and is frequented by whale sharks, leatherback turtles, and manta rays. Moving further north along the coast is Malindi. Cose to Malindi is Turtle Bay, a 7km stretch of crystal clear water and white sand beaches. Turtle Bay is a haven for surfers, has great swimming and coral reefs for snorkelling and diving. Between these two lesser-known gems are scattered numerous resorts that welcome guests to this Kenyan tropical treasure box.

Our last stop is the Lamu archipelago. Made up of Lamu, Manda, Pate, Kiwayu and Manda Toto islands, the Lamu archipelago has stayed relatively under the radar. In recent years, however, as tourists seek lesser-visited attractions, Lamu has gained a reputation for some lavishly luxurious resorts blended with sublime natural beauty. Being off the beaten track, Lamu has an easier pace without compromising on either culture or nature. You can snorkel or scuba dive and then visit the old town, a blend of Swahili and Islamic culture for well over 700 years.

Historic Lamu in Kenya by Nina R

Adding on a beach extension to your East African safari experience is a GREAT idea. A safari experience spent searching for the Big Five, sitting in safari vehicles for hours at a time, and between destinations, moving from the lodge to lodge can take its toll. Lying on the beach, sipping a cold drink, and taking frequent dips in the Indian Ocean, allow you to both reflect on your experience and unwind before heading back to the comfort of home. Time spent on a tropical East African beach, post-safari, is really the cherry on top.

East African island

Daily Rates Kenya vs Tanzania Safari

So the big question then, and one that you should be asking by now, is how much is my safari going to cost me? Before we get going with daily rates and figures for Kenyan and Tanzanian safari expeditions, bear in mind that it’s a bit of a “How long is a piece of string?” kind-of-question.

Masai tribesmen in Kenya

African Budget Safaris is just that; a budget safari company that specializes in tailor-making safari itineraries for every budget. There are always variables that will affect your safari budget, starting with your ‘must-sees’ and continuing on through the time of year, levels of comfort required, accommodation types, and meals. So get a basic idea and then contact an African Budget Safari expert for advice and tips and see what we can do for you.

Contact your safari expert

Serengeti in Tanzania

Right, let’s get down to the safari business. It’s often a numbers game. Kenya has made budget safari its business. It’s smaller and better equipped with more airports, lodges, and transport options but Tanzania has more land and more parks and some jaw-dropping destinations that aren’t to be missed, as well as some out-of-the-way wilds that will get you well off the beaten track.

Park Fees: Kenya vs Tanzania

KENYA	Per Person	TANZANIA	Per Person
Masai Mara	$80	Serengeti	$70
Amboseli	$60	Ngorongoro Crater	$70
Tsavo East	$52	Arusha National Park	$53
Tsavo West	$52	Ruaha	$35
Lake Nakuru	$60	Tarangire National Park	$53
Hells Gate	$26	Lake Manyara National Park	$53
Meru National Park	$52	Kilimanjaro National Park	$82.60
Mount Kenya, Day trip	$26	Selous Nature Reserve	$88

**Park fees pricing correct as of May 2018

In general, your Tanzania safari will be more expensive than your Kenya safari. Park entry fees in Kenya are slightly higher than in Tanzania, for example, the Masai Mara will cost you $80 USD, while the Serengeti will only set you back $71USD. However, the local payments that have been levied by the government in the last two years bump the cost of your Tanzania safari right up.

The great migration in East Africa

Your local Tanzanian agent now needs to pay the following:  

• Camping fees in Serengeti national park, $59USD per person per night
• Concession fees to stay in Ngorongoro, $59 USD per person per night
• Ngorongoro Crater fees $ 295 USD per vehicle
• The wildlife management fee for staying in a camp/lodge within the WMA  $ 47 USD
• Tourism development levy, $1.5 USD per night
• To Transit from Ngorongoro to Serengeti national park $ 71 USD

…and this, unfortunately, drives the prices up. The table above gives a comparison of the safari park fees per person in USD. This list excludes vehicle fees and other levies. It’s one of the great things about booking through a trusted safari supplier; if there are costs that are not included in the price, it will be clearly stated. So all you have to do is sit back and relax while your guide does all the paperwork.

Serengeti lions, Tanzania by David Dennis

Below, for your convenience and to give you an overall idea of how these safari expenses will affect you, we have worked out a comparison of Kenya safari vs Tanzania safari average daily rates.

Kenya vs Tanzania: Daily Rate Comparisons in USD

Tour Type	Kenya	Tanzania
Group camping	US$ 250	US$ 290
Group accommodated	US$ 345	US$ 400
Private – Camping based on 2 persons – high season	US$ 340	US$ 380
Private – Lodge based on 2 persons in high season	US$ 550	US$ 600
Mobile camps – based on 2 persons in high season	US$ 500	US$ 600

African lion safari

Timing is everything: Kenya vs Tanzania when to go

For both Tanzania and Kenya safaris, travelling in the peak season is generally between 30 – 40% more expensive. For budget safari travel, that’s a big whack. Think about it this way; adjusting your time and planning your safari for the low season, could mean you extend your travel for a few days or even a week. Or alternatively, spoil yourself rotten and book you and your partner some real luxury accommodation with four or even five-star service! A 30 – 40% saving can really add towards making your safari that much more special.

The low season also means that you won’t have to fight off the crowds at the river crossing of the great wildebeest migration or share a lion kill with a whole bunch of other East African safari-goers. There are some great benefits to travelling off-peak. 

So What Next?

Browse our value-for-money budget tours in East Africa, starting with Kenya Safaris or Tanzania Safaris. If you're travelling to Africa with children then take a look at our affordable Family Safaris in East Africa.

Planning a trip to East Africa while incredibly exciting, can be daunting too. That’s why African Budget Safaris has assembled an experienced team to give you expert safari advice and assist you in making this dream safari experience come true. Make an inquiry, have a chat, start planning or book today, African Budget Safaris is here to help.

Contact any one of our expert safari team HERE.

Maasai of Kenya by Anita Ritenour

Which do you think is the best African country for safaris - Kenya or Tanzania? Let us know in the comments below.