The Complete Guide to a Tanzania Safari vs a Kenya Safari

 

If you’re thinking about heading to East Africa on safari, then you probably have two destinations in mind - Tanzania and Kenya. These neighbouring countries boast some of the most famous national parks and wildlife reserves on the continent, as well as collectively hosting the Great Wildebeest Migration.

Deciding whether you should embark on a Tanzania safari or head to Kenya might have you stumped, which is why we’ve created this guide with some of our expert insights. By breaking it down into different interests, you can figure out which destination will offer the safari experience you’ve always dreamed about.

The Great Wildebeest Migration

Traversing both Kenya and Tanzania, the Great Wildebeest Migration  sees hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, zebras and opportunistic predators make a 3,000+ kilometre journey between the Serengeti National Park and the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Rather than following a set route, their movements are determined by rainfall as they go in search of new grazing pastures. Deciding whether to visit Tanzania or Kenya to see this wildlife spectacle will be largely determined by your travel dates or the part of the migration you’re most interested in seeing.

Beginning on the grassy plains of the southern Serengeti, the herds generally begin moving north around April, heading through the Moru Kopjes region and the central Seronera before arriving in the Western Corridor around June. It’s during this month they begin congregating on the banks of the Grumeti River before crossing and continuing into the northern Serengeti around July/August. 

Travellers wanting to experience the legendary crossing of the Mara River should plan their visit for September, at which point the herds cross the border between Tanzania and Kenya. After arriving in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, they usually graze throughout October before beginning their return journey south when the rains begin in November. Their route usually takes them through the eastern part of the Serengeti and the Loliondo Game Controlled Area before arriving back in the southern Serengeti in December where they’ll graze until the process starts all over again. 

Bush and beach safaris

The Indian Ocean stretches along the east coast of both Tanzania and Kenya, with its idyllic beaches and offshore islands luring travellers to stay for a dose of relaxation after their safari. While Kenya boasts several attractive beach resorts, it’s hard to beat the exotic island of Zanzibar off the coast of Tanzania when it comes to a post-safari escape. Not only is it ringed by beautiful stretches of sand and several exclusive islands but it has an intoxicating history on show in the UNESCO-listed streets of Stone Town.

You can spend your days learning about the Omani Sultans and Portuguese colonisers who once controlled this paradisiacal gem or tour one of the island’s spice plantations. Alternatively, head below the water’s surface while snorkelling or scuba diving to explore the surrounding coral reefs. Zanzibar is just a short flight from the Serengeti or Kilimanjaro International Airport if you’re exploring the Northern Circuit or can be accessed following a short ferry ride from Dar es Salaam if you’re touring the Southern Circuit.

Pre or post-safari treks

While some safari travellers are dreaming of a beach getaway, others have a goal to summit one of Africa’s two highest peaks - Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. At 5,895 metres in height, Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro tends to be the most popular and can be accessed along a variety of different trekking routes. It’s easily accessible from Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport, with it possible to reach the summit in around five days.

Slightly shorter in height, Mount Kenya takes as little as three days to summit and is accessed following a four-hour drive from Nairobi. Both mountains offer stunning scenery and sweeping views across the plains below from their summits.