Choosing a safari amongst the two East Africa’s top destination can be a daunting task. While the two nations share a border, in reality, they are two different entities.
Even though the two countries have diverse tourist attractions like prolific wildlife, rambling crater lakes, lush valleys traversed by rambling streams and hills interspersed by acacia trees portraying a perfect quintessential of an African safari.
If you’re planning for an itinerary, then here are a couple of factors to consider to facilitate you make a conclusive decision.
Is Safari Better in Kenya or Tanzania
1. Landscape and Climate
With plenty of similarities eminent in the two countries because they share a typical coastline, the Indian ocean, and Lake Victoria.
Sharing a common border, a relatively large size of the Serengeti is in Tanzania, and the Maasai Mara Reserve on the Kenyan side, both form one immediate ecosystem, the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.
Kenya’s landscape is a blend of sandy beaches, lush western plains, and a mountainous central.
With two seasons dry and wet, the wet season spanning between April and June and the dry season from December through March and the temperatures raging between 20°C and 28°C.
Tanzania’s landscape is a bit pronounced than the Kenyan with the coastal plains running east, plateaus and plains spanning west traversing the country, and the uplands in the north and south.
The country’s temperature averages 28°C in the summer and 24°C during the coldest.
The main dry and wet seasons span between March through May for the wet season and June through October the dry season.
Though the countries share scores of physical similarities, note the variances to aid you in knowing when to plan your itinerary.
2. Landmarks
Most notable landmarks in Kenya the Maasai Mara, which offers habitat to a diverse range of animals presenting picturesque moments during the safari, the savannah.
Lake Nakuru, far-famed for its numerous flamingos’ flocks. Nairobi, the bustling in Kenya, and the port of Mombasa on the coast of the Indian ocean remain some of the prominent landmarks in the country.
The Mount Kenya sticking out as the second tallest mountain in Africa,
Tanzania, the prominent Serengeti most renowned as the epicenter for the incredible Zebra and Wildebeest migration.
The Ngorongoro volcanic crater, and close by the tallest mountain in Africa Mount. Kilimanjaro.
Along the coastline, the town Zanzibar sheltering the ancient stone town comprised of the Old Fort.
3. Wildlife sighting
Tanzania is more substantial in size than Kenya, and the tremendous numbers of wild animal and bird species reflected in the different parks.
Off the city of Dar Es Salaam are nestled some of Tanzania’s top national parks, here you will come across the lush rolling landscapes, grass-covered slopes, archeological sites at Olduvai Gorge, snorkeling and scuba diving at mafia marine park, birding, and climbing Kilimanjaro.
Kenya, you will encounter with the big five, a diverse species of birds and the threatened black rhino.
From the conspicuous arid deserts in the north to the staggering savannah where you can catch the great migration Kenya represents a picturesque safari in Africa, the flamingo flocks at Lake Nakuru, Mount Kenya, and the giraffe center among others.
4. Exclusivity and Experience
Safaris in both of these countries favor both the first-timers and the experienced safari-goers.
Kenya’s tourism sector is very robust with befittingly laid up infrastructure, a vast number of lodges to choose from, and vigorous marketing, thus attracting substantial numbers of tourists.
If you’re looking for fewer crowds, Tanzania will suit you perfectly. Being substantially larger, Tanzania offers more vast plains to cover with a lesser gathering.
5. Accessibility and Connectivity
Nairobi is the capital city and acts as the primary hub of international flights, and maintains active connections within the African countries and global at large.
Movement around within the city is smoother by the fact that it has a systematic taxi infrastructure laid.
Infrastructure in Tanzania is a bit wanting; movement within is limited, and getting to and fro between terminals will entail you to part with a great deal of your time and money.
6. Costs of a Safari
Comparing a safari between Kenya and Tanzania, packages offered in Tanzania are slightly more expensive.
While parks entrances fees are affordable in Kenya, the overall costs of the safari budget is a bit costly.
7. Timing is everything
Safaris engaged at peak seasons will generally be more expensive, ranging from 30% to 40% from the average cost.
It’s more budget-friendly to travel during the low season, the reason being they are plenty of complementaries on offer.
8. Accommodation Options
Accommodation options between the two countries are varied and diverse, from budget to deluxe and with a variety from tented camps and safari lodge.
Kenya has a variety of options for accommodation because of its bustling tourism sector. From the luxury views in Angama Mara with classic sundowners, sparkling pools, and ensuite lodges.
Tanzania, on the other hand, has the Serengeti North wilderness camp, looking out over the Mara, or you can try out fly camping.
Conclusion
Without a doubt, both countries have a vast range of ecosystems and biodiversity. Safari in either of the two countries is a trues adventure because of the enormous range of portfolios on offer.
If you are out for a safari with a bit more luxury, then Tanzania is the ideal destination for you.
But if you are more budget conscious and still out for a safari experience, then head over to Kenya.
Some of the overall factors to consider before planning for your itinerary is the timing of the safari; like Kenya, the peak season falls between October the wildebeest herds have flocked on the Maasai Mara plains, and the views are superb.
While Tanzania, peak season runs through the months November through March because a majority of the wildebeest and zebras have crossed over to the Serengeti for the awe-inspiring calving season.
A comparison amongst the two safari destinations, the fact remains that your safari will be undeniably memorable whether you visit Kenya or Tanzania.
