Where to go, Kenya or Tanzania for Safari?
Thinking of Safari in East Africa, most ask the question of where to go, Kenya or Tanzania for safari. Here are the answers: both countries prove to be excellent safari destinations. In Kenya, travelers can benefit from a better tourism infrastructure and quicker access to game parks. Tanzania, on the other hand, boasts more animals and iconic natural landmarks. It is also less touristy and well-suited for adventurers who wish to escape crowds.
When deciding between the Kenya vs. Tanzania safari, know you will have an excellent adventure either way! Both countries are safe and full of sights and places to explore. As long as you follow a well-considered itinerary, you will have a fantastic time!
WILDLIFE
Although Kenya is smaller than Tanzania, don’t let its size fool you! Within its borders, you will find many different species that can’t be found anywhere else.
In Kenya, you can see the Big Five (leopard, lion, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) if you visit the enormous reserves like Mara National Reserve. If you are lucky, you might spot giraffes, baboons, hippos, civets, cheetahs, gazelles, antelopes, zebras, vervet monkeys, and many other awe-inspiring animals.
Kenya also has no shortage of birds. From flamingos to ostriches, the country is home to around 1,130 species. Keep your eyes open – highly endangered black rhinos can be encountered, too.
Since Tanzania has more territory, you can expect to see more animals. The country is where more than 4 million wild animals live. Like in Kenya, you can spot the Big Five. Tanzania is also home to cheetahs, gazelles, crocodiles, wild dogs, zebra, giraffes, chimpanzees, vervet monkeys, hippos, kudu, and other glorious living beings.
LANDMARKS
Both Kenya and Tanzania are not lacking in landmarks. The most famous site in Kenya is the Masai Mara, which is home to all manner of animals and offers the sort of picturesque safari experiences people dream of when they think of the African savannah. Beyond the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru is famous for its flocks of flamingos that stand in its waters. Nairobi is a landmark as it remains one of Africa’s most vibrant and bustling cities, with a population of four million. The port city of Mombasa sits on the coast and offers a chance to experience the mix of African, Indian, and Middle Eastern traditions. It’s also close to many beachside resort areas like Diani Beach. North of Nairobi, you’ll find Mout Kenya, the second tallest mountain on the continent. And let’s not forget the Masai villages that offer a chance to experience a traditional manner of East African life.
Tanzania is bursting with natural wonders. The Serengeti Is the most famous safari park on the planet and remains ground zero for the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra each year. You’ll also find the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera. Nearby Ngorongoro, you’ll find Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa and one of the world’s Seven Summits. Just to the southwest, you’ll also find Mt. Meru, another of East Africa’s impressive peaks. Along the coast, you’ll find Dar es Salaam, the adequate capital and one of the largest cities in East Africa. Continue into the Indian Ocean, and you’ll reach Zanzibar.
CLIMATE
There’s no excellent temperature or geographic advantage between Kenya and Tanzania since both countries are so close and share so many physical similarities. Just note the slight variations between temperature, geography, and the seasons so you know what you’ll get when you visit one or the other.
CULTURE
Neither Kenya nor Tanzania has a clear advantage regarding food and culture. They both have myriad influences and offer a different cultural experience to what Westerners are used to back home.
Kenyan culture is family-oriented and friendly but reserved, so don’t expect people to be blunt or outgoing like you’d expect in certain Western countries. That said, you’ll find a lot of emotion in the country’s music, dance, and clothing. Like Kenya, Tanzania has a lot of cultural influences. Most of the country consists of local East African tribes, but there’s also a sizable influence from British, German, and Middle Eastern cultures. Over a third of the nation is Muslim, so there’s no monolithic Christian culture as in Kenya. Tanzanian culture is also family-oriented and respectful. People are gracious and friendly, but there is a strong emphasis on being polite to strangers and respecting elders.
To clarify:
- If you want a temperate climate with a better tourism infrastructure, more accessible cities, plenty of natural landmarks, and a polite culture with a robust food scene, head to Kenya.
- If you want a more tropical climate spread over a larger landscape, more iconic natural sights, more animals, and a vibrant blend of cultural influences, head to Tanzania.
There’s so much that’s similar about Kenya and Tanzania, yet there are so many subtleties about these countries that make them so distinct. Much of this similarity results from their being colonial states until the mid-20th century and the fact they’re conglomerations of smaller regions and tribal collectives; in many ways, they are not homogenous countries in the least. However, after reading our breakdowns, hopefully, you’ve better understood the key differences between these countries and which country to choose depending on what type of vacation you’re focusing on.