Kenya Vs Tanzania Safari – Which is Best After 6+ Visits?

The eternal question: which is the better safari destination, Kenya or Tanzania?

Both countries are home to all of the Big Five, offer the chance to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration‘s Mara River crossings, and represent excellent value for safari at similar prices.

I’ve had some incredible safaris in both destinations, visiting both Kenya and Tanzania on multiple occasions. So which is the better fit for you? Read on to find out!

Is Kenya or Tanzania Better for Safari?

In a nutshell, Kenya is slightly better for travellers on a budget, better for first-time safari goers keen to see the Big Five easily and ease of access.

In contrast, Tanzania is the best for the great wildebeest migration year-round, minimising driving time between parks, seeing unique reserves such as Ngorongoro Crater and safari and beach as Zanzibar Island is part of Tanzania.

If you have the time visit both countries. The experiences will honestly stay with you forever and each country has something different to offer.

If you only have time for one, though, this article can help you make your decision as to which city is best for you.

I’ve visited Kenya and Tanzania multiple times, experiencing safari lodges, camping, conservancies, national parks, and beach destinations across both countries so I’m going to share everything I’ve learnt about how they compare in this guide.

You can see the safari highlights and locality of Kenya and Tanzania in a map I made below.

Is Kenya or Tanzania Best For Wildlife?

In my experience I’ve found that Kenya and Tanzania are comparable in terms of overall wildlife sightings.

However, I have found that Kenya is more reliable for Big Five due to easier close-up rhino sightings. Tanzania is best for viewing the Great Wildebeest Migration as the herds spend roughly 9 months of the year in Tanzania’s Serengeti.

Wildlife sightings are the most important factor on your safari so we’ll dig into which country is best for Big Five, predators, and the Great Migration below.

You can view a video my experience of the wildlife in Kenya below.

You can view a video my experience of the wildlife in Tanzania below.

Which Is Best for the Big Five?

You can see all of the Big Five in both Kenya and Tanzania.

However, I’ve found Kenya is slightly more reliable for seeing all of the Big Five, as rhino sightings are easier to come by compared to Tanzania where your best bet for rhinos is Ngorongoro Crater where sightings tend to be more distant and are not guaranteed.

I’ve found lion sightings to be excellent in both Kenya and Tanzania with a high density of lions in the Maasai Mara and Central Serengeti as welland Central Serengeti as well as an unrivalled density in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater.

I’ve also spotted lions in pretty much every visit to Kenya’s Lake Nakuru, Amboseli, Nairobi National Park and Tanzania’s Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater.

While leopards can be elusive, I’ve seen them on most visits to Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti, often lounging on the branch of a tree.

Elephants can be easily found in Maasai Mara and Amboseli in Kenya and in Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire in Tanzania.

Kenya is more reliable for rhinos due to Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru and Nairobi NP being extremely reliable for rhinos and I’ve had some great rhino sightings in these parks.

Your best bet for rhinos in Tanzania is Ngorongoro Crater, but they’re often far away and sightings aren’t as reliable as Kenya. Serengeti also has rhinos but I’ve yet to spot one there.

Buffalo can be found in most national parks in both Kenya and Tanzania, with particularly reliable sightings in the Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire.

Is Kenya or Tanzania Best for the Great Wildebeest Migration?

The Great Wildebeest Migration is often said to be the “Eighth New Wonder of the World” due to its scale as the second biggest terrestrial animal migration.

I have witnessed different stages of the migration and every time it’s taken my breath away with the sheer scale of it.

Tanzania is the best place to witness it year-round and many of the highlights are only viewable in the Serengeti such as calving season, with up to 8,000 wildebeest calves born per day and the Grumeti River Crossing.

However, the highlight of the Great Migration, the Mara River Crossing which involves millions of wildebeests crossing the crocodile-infested Mara River from the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara and then back again, can be witnessed from both Tanzania and Kenya.

Unlike Tanzania where you can see the Great Migration year-round, Kenya only hosts the migration between mid-July and mid-October, when the herds cross the Mara River from Serengeti to Maasai Mara.

You can view a video of my experience witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration below.

Is Kenya or Tanzania Better for Big Cats and Predators?

Big cats are my personal favourite thing to see on safari and I’ve had incredible big cat sightings in both Kenya and Tanzania.

Tanzania has higher numbers of lions and cheetahs and the Ngorongoro Crater has the highest lion density in the world.

Maasai Mara National Reserve and the surrounding conservancies have huge densities of lion, cheetah and leopard.

Whilst Kenya as a whole doesn’t have nearly as many lions or cheetahs as Tanzania, certain areas of Kenya have extremely high densities.

For example, a study conducted by the Mara Predator Conservation Programme estimates there are 16.5 lions per 100 km² (38.6 sq miles) in the Maasai Mara National Reserve and surrounding conservancies.

Comparatively, a study conducted in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania counted 14.4 lions per 100 km² (38.6 miles²) in southeastern Serengeti.

So although there are more lions in total in Tanzania, you are statistically more likely to encounter them in Maasai Mara than Serengeti.

Kenya is home to the only known population of melanistic leopards which can be seen in the Laikipia region.

Is Kenya or Tanzania Better for Elephants?

I could watch these gentle giants all day and baby elephants are absolutely adorable as they scuttle along after their mothers.

Sometimes the young males love to put on a tough-guy display as you drive past, ears flared and trunks raised, only to suddenly act all nonchalant the moment you stop and call their bluff, as if to say “what? I wasn’t doing anything.”

Amboseli is the best place in Kenya to see elephants with super herds and one of the only places in the world to see Big Tuskers. If the weather is good, you can photograph the famous view of elephant herds crossing the plains beneath snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro.

You can also see elephants in many of Kenya’s reserves including the Maasai Mara, Samburu, Laikipia conservancies as well as ‘red elephants’, whose hides are stained ochre from dust-bathing in the park’s iron-rich soils, in Tsavo East and Tsavo West.

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, based inside Nairobi National Park, has successfully released orphaned elephants back into the wild in Tsavo. The elephants are flourishing thanks to their work.

Tarangire is the best place in Tanzania for elephants with huge herds, hundreds strong. Viewing is at its best in the dry season (June to October).

You can also see elephants in Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara National Park. In the lesser-visited southern circuit you can find elephants in Ruaha National Park, Nyerere National Park (carved out of the northern Selous Game Reserve in 2019) and Katavi National Park.

Which is Best for Primates?

Whilst Kenya and Tanzania are not known for their primates, unlike neighbouring Uganda and Rwanda, baboons, vervet monkeys, black-and-white colobus, Sykes’ monkeys and bush babies can be found throughout both.

In terms of larger primates, neither has any of the four species of gorillas. Mountain gorillas are only found in Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC.

Eastern Lowland / Grauer’s Gorilla can only be seen in the DRC, Western Lowland Gorilla can only be seen in DRC, Central African Republic, Gabon and Cameroon. Cross River Gorilla is found only in Nigeria and Cameroon, although you can’t actually visit them as they have not been habituated.

In Kenya, chimpanzees can only be found at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy sanctuary. In contrast Tanzania has Gombe Stream National Park and Mahale Mountains National Park.

Is Kenya or Tanzania the Most Accessible?

Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport has direct flights from London, Amsterdam and other major cities. It’s one of the most well-connected airports on the continent.

Kilimanjaro International Airport serves Tanzania’s northern circuit. Whilst it isn’t as well connected as Jomo Kenyatta, it still has flights to and from Doha, Amsterdam.

If you fancy combining Kenya and Tanzania, both airports are well connected for international visitors.

Numerous airlines allow you to book multi-city tickets, allowing arrivals in one location and departures from another, without a significant price increase compared to return flights to the same destination.

Which is Best for International Flights?

Kenya’s four international airports but for the main safari circuit you’d use Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.

• Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), Nairobi
• Moi International Airport (MBA), Mombasa
• Eldoret International Airport (EDL), Eldoret
• Kisumu International Airport (KIS), Kisumu

Tanzania has five international airports but for the main safari circuit you’d use Kilimanjaro International Airport (between Arusha and Moshi) and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar for safari and beach trips.

• Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), Dar es Salaam
• Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Arusha
• Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), Zanzibar
• Mwanza Airport (MWZ), Mwanza
• Songwe International Airport (MBI), Mbeya

Nairobi sees more flights and is better connected than Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro. You can fly from Heathrow, Amsterdam, Dubai, Doha and more.

Does Kenya or Tanzania have the Best Infrastructure?

Both Kenya and Tanzania have well-maintained roads linking national parks as well as airstrips within each park which tailor to both scheduled and charter flights.

You get intermittent phone signal and mobile data across the national parks and in most tented camps and lodges although this can sometimes be impacted by thunderstorms.

Both countries have a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets in each national park. A number of well-respected local tour operators offer safaris.

Does Kenya or Tanzania have the Best Lodges and Hotels?

Both Kenya and Tanzania have accommodation to suit all budgets from basic camping to super luxury lodges and everything in between.

In terms of iconic properties, Kenya has world-renowned Giraffe Manor and Tanzania’s Serengeti has famous Four Seasons.

Both countries’ safari gateway cities have luxury hotels such as Nairobi’s JW Marriot and Tanzania’s Melia.

In and around the national parks you can choose from camp sites, traditional tented camps as well as lodges. Tented camps typically have plumbed toilets, running hot water for showers (a few have bucket showers).

Best Lodges and Hotels: Tie!

Tie – both Kenya and Tanzania have excellent lodges and hotels.

Which Has the Best Wildlife Reserves, Kenya or Tanzania?

Both Kenya and Tanzania have some of the best wildlife reserves in the world with Maasai Mara and Serengeti hosting the Great Wildebeest Migration and part of the same Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.

Reserves typically split into a few key categories including National Parks and reserves, Conservation Areas and private conservancies.

In Tanzania ~38% of total land area is under some form of wildlife protection (national parks, game reserves, conservation areas, wildlife management areas). This is one of the highest proportions of any country on earth.

In Kenya ~12% of total land area is formally protected (national parks, national reserves). However, when you include the private and community conservancies (particularly across Laikipia, the Mara ecosystem, Amboseli, and the northern rangelands), that figure rises to roughly 20-22%.

Which is Best, Kenya’s Maasai Mara or Tanzania’s Serengeti?

The Maasai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti National Park are part of the same ecosystem which means they both provide an incredible safari experience with similar wildlife including all of the Big Five, high big cat densities and incredible landscapes.

In terms of size Serengeti dwarfs the Maasai Mara which is around 8 times smaller. On a typical safari you’re still not going to cover every inch of the Maasai Mara so the main benefit of size is less vehicles at sightings. I’ve found the Maasai Mara is slightly busier at sightings due to its smaller size so can get more congested especially in peak season.

The Great Migration can be seen all year in Tanzania but only mid-July to mid-October in Maasai Mara. If you’re visiting in this period this doesn’t really matter but outside of this time Tanzania is your only option to see the other stages of the migration such as the calving season in January and February.

Vets in Maasai Mara are more hands-on so wildlife is better looked after.

Park fees are significantly higher for Maasai Mara at USD 100/day in low season rising to USD 200/day in peak (Jul-Dec), versus USD 60-70/day for the Serengeti.

The Serengeti has the edge so far but then we have the Maasai Mara Conservancies which balance things out again.

Maasai Mara has the Conservancies, private land bordering the reserve. These are quiet and exclusive with unique opportunities to go off-road, have night time safaris and walking safaris.

Which Has The Best Private Reserves?

Private reserves shouldn’t be overlooked in favour of the national parks. Often these pockets of wilderness lead the way when it comes to conservation.

However, they do typically cost more for accommodation compared to the national parks.

In Kenya Maasai Mara Conservancies owned by the community and so support the locals. They benefit from strict regulations at sightings with 5 vehicles max, night game drives, off-roading and walking safaris. However, the Great Migration is not viewable from these reserves.

Laikipia in Kenya is made up of a number of great reserves like Ol Pejeta which are conservation success stories and your best bet to see the famous black leopard.

I had a great experience in Mara North private conservancy. You can see a video of my experience below:

Tanzania uses a different model. Most premium safari experiences sit within concession areas inside public parks, where a single operator is granted exclusive use of a zone (the Serengeti alone has over a dozen such concessions).

Community-managed Wildlife Management Areas like Randilen provide buffer zones around parks, though these have had mixed results compared to Kenya’s more established conservancy model.

A handful of privately managed reserves do exist outside the park system, notably Mwiba and Chem Chem on community land.

Tanzania has Singita Grumeti, a concession within the Ikorongo-Grumeti Game Reserve on the Serengeti’s western border that sits directly on the Great Migration’s route through the western corridor, where you can witness wildebeest crossing the Grumeti River between June and July.

Further south, Mwiba Wildlife Reserve offers a completely private safari experience on the edge of the broader Serengeti ecosystem, with outstanding resident wildlife and walking safaris away from the crowds.

Nestled along the edge of the Serengeti’s Kuka Hills, the Loliondo Concession is a bit more remote but offers top-notch accommodation and night game drives.

How do Kenya and Tanzania Safari Costs Compare?

Safaris are not the cheapest type of holiday but they provide memories which will last a lifetime which in my opinion makes them great value for money.

As safaris go both Kenya and Tanzania are reasonably priced compared to similar experiences in Botswana and South Africa.

Historically Kenya was notably cheaper than Tanzania but after Kenya raised Maasai Mara park fees to higher than the Serengeti’s park fees (to keep visitor numbers under control) the gap has shrunk. These days private Kenya safaris start at around $300 per person per day and Tanzania at $350.

Is Kenya or Tanzania Cheapest For Safari?

Kenya is slightly cheaper than Tanzania but only slightly. $300 per person per day for private safari in Kenya compared to $350 per person per day in Tanzania. Both are budget safari destinations compared to other African countries.

The reasons Kenya is slightly cheaper include: you have the option of cheaper accommodation outside the park because the Maasai Mara is smaller than the Serengeti, cheaper minibus safari trucks are allowed unlike Tanzania and Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania is more expensive vs other Kenya reserves (but it’s totally worth it).

Is Kenya or Tanzania Best For Luxury Safaris?

Kenya and Tanzania are both insanely popular safari destinations who cater very well to luxury safaris.

Tanzania has Singita in Grumeti and Four Seasons Serengeti with prices starting from $2,200 and $800 per person per night and going up to $4,000+.

Kenya has Giraffe Manor in Nairobi which is a popular luxury start to your safari but it does get booked up quite far in advance.

There are lots of luxury options in the main Maasai Mara reserve as well as the Maasai Mara Conservancies which have luxury boutique lodges.

The conservancies are private so there’s a lot fewer vehicles so it’s more luxurious than the main parks and reserves. Prices start from around $700 per person per night and go up to $2,000 – $3,500 or more for the most exclusive conservancy accommodations.

You can do fly-in safaris in both locations, flying from airstrip to airstrip which saves time on bumpy roads and can work well for drives over 3 – 6 hours.

Best for Luxury Travel: Tie

Both Kenya and Tanzania have exceptional luxury safari options. Kenya has the most luxury choices (in Maasai Mara Conservancies and Laikipia) but Tanzania has, by a small margin, the most luxurious and expensive options which makes this a tie.

Is Tanzania or Kenya Best for Photographic Safaris?

Both Kenya and Tanzania are fantastic for photography safaris with both having the option of photography-ready safari Land Cruisers with large windows.

Both locations offer the chance to see the Great Migration Mara River crossing, one of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles on earth.

Amboseli in Kenya is great for iconic photos of big tusker elephants and with snow-capped Kilimanjaro in the background. I’ve yet to capture this photo as it’s always been too misty on my visits so it’s not guaranteed.

Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater provides a unique landscape for photography with pictures enhanced by the iconic crater walls in the background. I’ve also captured some enchanting photos of elephants surrounded by hundreds of egrets.

Serengeti is quieter than Maasai Mara and has more remote regions, offering great photo opportunities.

Kenya’s Maasai Mara Conservancies offer open-sided Land Cruisers which are less common in the main reserve and Tanzania. These allow you to get lower angles for photography. You can however, get safari-ready Land Cruisers with large windows in both locations on request with most local tour operators.

Mara Conservancies are great for photography as the reserves are quiet, you can go off-road (closer to animals) and the vehicles are open and designed for photography.

Tanzania’s lesser visited southern circuit has Ruaha and Nyerere National Park which are quiet, remote and good for photography.

Which is Best for Balloon Safaris?

It’s possible to do hot air balloon safaris in Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Park and in Tanzania’s Northern Circuit’s Serengeti National Park and Tarangire National Park, and Southern Tanzania’s Ruaha National Park.

Hot air balloon rides are very weather dependent and whilst generally safe, I’ve heard that sometimes guests pressure operators to go up when the weather is not suitable (strong winds) which can lead to accidents.

Kenya has a better safety record with balloon safaris than Tanzania.

Does Kenya or Tanzania offer the Best Bird Watching Safaris?

Tanzania and Kenya have a wide range of bird species and even if you’re not a birder, you’re sure to be astounded by some of the bird species you’ll come across such as the fascinating secretary bird and the Marabou stork (one of the Ugly Five).

Tanzania’s Lake Manyara National Park and Nyerere National Park are both home to over 400 species while the Serengeti hosts more than 500 different species of feathered friends.

Meanwhile, the Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru in Kenya have a similar array of birds while Lake Nakuru is home to five globally threatened species including the Madagascar Pond-Heron, the Lesser and Greater Flamingos, and the Greater Spotted Eagle.

Tanzania arguably has the edge for serious birders thanks to the Eastern Arc Mountains, a global biodiversity hotspot home to rare endemics found nowhere else, along with island specialists on Pemba and strong birding depth across the southern highlands, Rubondo Island, and the Serengeti.

Lake Natron in Tanzania is excellent for spotting flamingos. The lake’s harsh alkaline conditions deter most predators, making it the primary breeding ground for lesser flamingos in East Africa.

Kenya has some lesser-known parks great for bird watching, including Kakamega Forest (Kenya’s only tropical rainforest, 360+ species), Lake Baringo in the Rift Valley (over 470 species), and the coastal Arabuko-Sokoke Forest near Watamu, home to rare species like the Sokoke scops owl.

Who Offers the Best Walking Safaris, Kenya or Tanzania?

Most of Kenya’s national parks don’t allow walking safaris but there are many conservancies that do. Some of the best places to experience this activity are Sera Conservancy in Samburu, Laikipia Wilderness Camp, and Maasai Mara Conservancies.

Tanzania offers many more opportunities for walking safaris than Kenya. The southern section of the Selous Game Reserve is a popular spot for walking safaris along with Ruaha National Park, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and some sections of the Serengeti.

Is Kenya or Tanzania Better for Fly-In Safaris?

Flying on a small safari plane saves time on the road but can cost around $200-300 per flight per person each way. It can work well for drives over 3-6 hours. Personally I tend to use them for most drives over 6 hours.

Most national parks and conservancies in Kenya and Tanzania have airstrips making fly-in safaris easy and convenient.

Scheduled flights each day serve key airstrips, linking them with each other and cities. For example:

Kenya sees daily flights connect Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to the Maasai Mara (Keekorok, Olkiombo, Musiara), Amboseli, Samburu, Lewa, and Lamu.

Tanzania sees operators like Auric Air run daily circuits from Arusha to Serengeti airstrips (Seronera, Kogatende, Grumeti), Lake Manyara, and   Tarangire, with separate services from Dar es Salaam connecting Nyerere, Ruaha, and Zanzibar.

Both Tanzania and Kenya use the same Cessna Caravan propeller planes for most scheduled flights. These are designed to land on dirt airstrips and provide excellent views over the savanna.

Both countries also offer chartered flights if you want to land on lesser-visited airstrips.

Should I Choose Kenya or Tanzania for Hiking & Trekking?

Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru and Kenya’s Mount Kenya are all at the top of many outdoor adventure-lovers’ to-do list.

Each of these mountains is accessible to most people with a good level of fitness and determination. There are also many options for day hikes and multi-day hikes in the national parks and reserves so this truly is a wonderful place to lace up your hiking shoes and hit the trails.

Is Kenya or Tanzania Better for Self-Driving Safaris?

Self-driving is not recommended for either Kenya or Tanzania due to strict regulations on vehicles entering the national parks.

The other challenge I’ve found when I’ve tried self driving (which I did in Namibia) and spoken to other self drivers is to actually find wildlife without a guide and access to their radio network.

Some parks in Kenya are more self-driver friendly with less restrictions, like Amboseli.

Is Kenya or Tanzania The Best Place To Go On A Safari For The First Time?

Kenya is more accessible as Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is extremely well connected, serving regular flights from European and Middle Eastern hubs. Kilimanjaro International Airport is still popular but receives fewer flights, for example Emirates doesn’t fly here.

It’s easier to see all of the Big Five in Kenya as Lake Nakuru, Ol Pejeta and Nairobi NP are very reliable for rhino sightings. Ngorongoro Crater is the best place to see rhinos in Tanzania but sightings are still challenging or very far away.

Both have a very well established safari circuit with good infrastructure, including regular domestic flights and a pretty good road network.

Both have a range of accommodation options catering to all budgets.

Which is the Best Location for Honeymoons, Kenya or Tanzania?

Both Kenya and Tanzania are great locations for honeymooners. Both house a range of luxurious and romantic lodges, spread across a range of national parks and reserves. Many of these lodges are also able to arrange private romantic bush dinners.

A balloon safari over the sprawling plains of the Serengeti or Maasai Mara followed by a champagne breakfast is another popular activity for honeymooners and can be done in Tanzania or Kenya.

Tanzania has the edge here as it has Zanzibar, a beautiful archipelago where white sand beaches are lapped upon by cyan waves. What could be more magical and romantic than unwinding on a beach after your safari?

Is Kenya or Tanzania Best For Families with Kids?

Kenya and Tanzania are chock-a-block full of great activities for families. From game drives to boat trips, these are fun things to do for the whole family.

Cycling safaris in Hell’s Gate, Kenya, horse riding safaris in Ol Pejeta, boat trip on Lake Naivasha. In Tanzania we have cycling in Mto Wa Mbu, canoeing on Lake Manyara, horse riding across the West Kilimanjaro conservancies and Manyara Ranch.

Best for Families with Kids: Kenya

Kenya wins best for families due to all the activities in Ol Pejeta conservancies.

Who Caters Better for LGBT Couples out of Kenya and Tanzania?

It’s important to know that homosexuality and same-sex marriage are illegal in both Tanzania and Kenya. While this certainly doesn’t mean that LGBT couples can’t travel to these destinations and, in reality, it’s unlikely that tourists will be persecuted, discretion is the key here. Many LGBT travellers visit both countries without issues.

The tourism industry is comfortable with LGBT travellers and on my safaris, I’ve encountered a number of LGBT travellers, including several LGBT couples in Zanzibar, Arusha and in Kenya’s Maasai Mara.

Is Kenya Or Tanzania Best For Safari And Beach?

Safari and beach is a popular combination which gives you the thrill and adventure of safari with the relaxation which comes with time by the beach. Kenya and Tanzania have both been blessed with endless kilometres of white sand beaches and the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean.

If you are looking for a safari and beach destination, look no further than Tanzania. This is largely due to the accessibility of the fabled island of Zanzibar, home of breathtaking beaches and historic sites galore.

As Zanzibar Island is part of Tanzania, you can easily fly to and from airstrips in the Serengeti to Zanzibar on a domestic flight.

Zanzibar has an international airport which means you can fly into or out of Zanzibar to your home country without needing to do this via Arusha.

Zanzibar’s Airport has flights to Amsterdam, Dubai, Doha and more.

For example, you fly into Arusha and go on safari in various northern circuit reserves, ending up in the Serengeti. Then from the Serengeti you fly directly (or sometimes via Arusha Domestic Airport) from an airstrip such as Seronera to Zanzibar and from Zanzibar you can fly home without needing to go back to Arusha.

With its long coastline, Kenya does have some great beaches to offer, including Diani so safari and beach is also an option in Kenya too.

You can view a video of my Zanzibar experience below.

Does Kenya or Tanzania Combine Best With Other Countries?

Both Kenya and Tanzania connect well with other East African countries as well as with each other. There are regular flights between both Tanzania and Kenya to Uganda or Rwanda for example.

However, Kenya does have more options and even has direct flights to Johannesburg (South Africa), Cape Town (South Africa), Lusaka (Zambia) and Harare (Zimbabwe) and more.

This makes it very easy to combine a trip to the Maasai Mara with gorilla trekking in Bwindi, Uganda or lemur spotting in Andasibe National Park, Madagascar.

Which Has The Best Activities, Kenya Or Tanzania?

Whilst the bulk of your time will be spent going on game drives, there are a number of additional activities that you can enjoy in both countries. Let’s dive into some of the most popular.

Who Has The Best Cultural Activities?

Kenya and Tanzania have rich cultural histories and over 170 ethnic groups which you may wish to learn more about during your visit.

There are plenty of cultural activities that you can do in both countries that allow you to interact with locals and get a glimpse into their ancient way of life.

In Tanzania, you can visit a traditional Maasai village, learn about the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes at Lake Eyasi, or go on a walking tour of Mto Wa Mbu village, home to more than 120 different tribes from across Africa.

There are also a few different festivals you can attend if you time your visit right, including the Wayambo Festival in Dar es Salaam and the Sauti za Busara Music Festival in Zanzibar.

Kenya offers similar cultural experiences where travellers can learn more about Maasai, Turkana, Swahili, and Samburu communities including village visits, arts and crafts workshops, and cultural shows.

Does Kenya or Tanzania Have Better Wildlife Activities?

Nothing beats a safari and seeing animals in their natural environment. In addition to this, you can take a peek behind the scenes at some of the countries’ conservation programmes which sometimes allows you to view rescued animals.

Nairobi, Kenya houses two fantastic conservation programmes which provide a great day out for visitors.

The first is the Giraffe Centre just outside of Nairobi. This sanctuary has played a huge role in ensuring the preservation of the Rothschild Giraffe. During your visit, you can feed the giraffes and get to know a little bit more about what makes this particular species unique.

There is also a nature trail situated on the grounds if you want to stretch your legs a bit before getting back in the car. It is located right next to the legendary Giraffe Manor of Instagram fame (I’m sure everyone has seen a photo of someone having breakfast with one of these gentle giants poking their heads through the window above them!)

Another place that you don’t want to miss in Nairobi is the Elephant Sanctuary run by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. This awesome spot is also just a short drive from Nairobi and just minutes from the Giraffe Centre.

The sanctuary takes care of orphaned elephants before releasing them back into the wild when they’re old enough. It’s a long and careful process but has proven a huge success as many past orphans now have families of their own. Each day, they allow visitors to join their orphaned elephants for a midday mud bath and milk feed (and yes, it’s as wonderful as it sounds!).

You can also stop by the reintegration units to see the elephants that have graduated out of the orphanage and are now spending their days hanging out with other teenagers and adults.

At present, Tanzania doesn’t have anything comparable. An establishment that’s becoming more and more popular is one that I really don’t endorse at all: Serval Wildlife. This is little more than a zoo that provides what appears to be unethical animal experiences such as lion walks.

It’s never safe or ethical to walk with lions. Once these lions are too large to be walked, what happens to them then? In South Africa, lion walk operations have been linked to the canned trophy hunting industry, and similar concerns apply wherever captive lions are walked by tourists.

You can view a video of my experience visiting visiting the Elephant Sanctuary run by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust below.

Which Country Is Safer, Kenya Or Tanzania?

In my experience, both Tanzania and Kenya are safe for safaris. Which is safer than the other honestly varies and swings one way sometimes and the other at other times. Factors that affect which is safest include political stability and at times disease outbreaks (rare).

Kenya and Nairobi in particular did have a bit of a rough reputation and suffered some notable terrorist attacks in 2013 and 2019. However, safety has greatly improved and security is high throughout the city. The biggest thing to watch out for is pickpocketing and dangerous driving.

Tanzania has enjoyed a reputation of being pretty safe with the exception of its southern border with Mozambique. However, the 2025 elections caused mass rioting and protesting and has dented this reputation slightly. Although it’s important to note things have calmed down and there are no longer any issues.

When it comes to safety, it’s important to look at the bigger picture. Large towns and cities all over the world are at risk of terror attacks and political protests and riots. The risk is no greater in Tanzania and Kenya than it is across Europe or America.

Outside of cities, both Tanzania and Kenya are even safer. The safari circuit in both countries is well-established and popular and so you’re never far away from other guests and establishments set up with visitors in mind.

Guided safaris also have the benefit of coming with an expert driver guide who knows the roads well, understands local customs and knows which areas to avoid (if there are any).

Your biggest danger in both Tanzania and Kenya is the roads. Avoid driving at night as not all cars have working headlights and drink driving is a problem.

Does Kenya or Tanzania Have The Best Food?

Tanzania and Kenya’s traditional food is similar and extremely diverse.

Some of the most commonly found ingredients include spinach, okra, cassava leaves, beans, and ugali. And let’s not forget the humble plantain – Tanzania boasts more than 17 different varieties of them!

The main course is generally beef, goat, or chicken and many of the dishes are flavoured with an extensive range of spices including ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and coconut milk. As the icing on the cake, East African food has been strongly influenced by Indian cooking which hit the palates of hungry locals in the 19th century.

Tanzania’s Zanzibar Island is a melting pot of different cultures and therefore flavours. Known as the ‘spice’ island due to its spice production, food here is incredibly flavourful. And being an island, the fish is spectacular!

I have to be honest though, my favourite food in the region has been consistently in Nairobi, Kenya. The city has some absolutely fantastic eateries such as The Talisman. In particular, tuna sushi, caught off the coast of Mombasa, is some of the best sushi I’ve had.

With the exception of Nairobi, I’d probably score Tanzania a little higher in regards to food safety. Myself and my travel companion have yet to get sick from food in Tanzania. The same cannot be said for food at a couple of budget Kenyan safari lodges.

However it’s worth noting at mid-range and luxury accommodation my party has never had any issues with food in either country.

Does Kenya Or Tanzania Have the Best Safari Routes and Itineraries?

Tanzania’s famous Northern circuit has shorter drive times between parks vs Kenya.

Tanzania also has a lesser-known southern circuit which is harder to access but much quieter than the northern circuit.

Kenya on the other hand doesn’t have a circuit and parks have longer drive times. Popular itineraries often include Maasai Mara, Amboseli and Lake Nakuru and Naivasha.

Overall Tanzania has the best safari routes but this is not the case for every length of safari itinerary. Let’s dig into this below so you can see which destination is best for your itinerary length!

Is a 3 Day Itinerary Best in Kenya or Tanzania

Three days may seem like a very short period of time for a safari. But you’d be surprised at how much you can see!

In Kenya, you can visit the world-famous Maasai Mara, and in Tanzania, it’s possible to make a quick dash through Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro Crater from Arusha.

Take a look at my 3-day Kenya safari itinerary and 3-day Tanzania safari itinerary for inspiration.

If you are able to splurge a bit more, you can choose to do a fly-in safari and include places like the Serengeti and Amboseli National Park.

Is a 5 Day Itinerary Best in Kenya or Tanzania

If the three-day itineraries feel a little fast for you, you may want to opt for a five-day one.

In five days in Kenya, you can visit the Maasai Mara and one or two other parks, such as Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha.

Alternatively, you can use Arusha as a base to head to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park.

Whilst both countries offer some excellent safari itineraries in this time-frame, the variety of parks you can see in Tanzania in this time just gives it the edge. This is due to how close together the parks are.

See my 5-day Kenya safari itinerary and 5-day Tanzania safari itinerary for route ideas.

Is a 7-10 Day Itinerary Best in Kenya or Tanzania

For me, a 7-10-day safari is the sweet spot when it comes to safari tours.

Seven days is just enough time to see a substantial amount of the parks and if you can add a few extra days, finishing at a beach destination such as Zanzibar makes the perfect ending.

You’ll be able to see the highlights of each country safari-wise during 7 days. Tanzania ever so slightly has the edge here due to how close its parks are to one another and the fact that you can finish off in Zanzibar.

Check out my 7-10 day Kenya safari itinerary and 7-10 day Tanzania safari itinerary for detailed routes.

Is a 2 Week Itinerary Best in Kenya or Tanzania

Kenya’s parks and reserves are slightly more varied in habitat from savanna in the Maasai Mara to desert in Samburu, making it ideal for a varied 2-week itinerary.

In 2-weeks you can comfortably explore Kenya’s northern reserves, such as Samburu and Ol Pejeta, as well as the famous Maasai Mara in the south west and Amboseli in the south east.

Take a look at my 2-week Kenya safari itinerary for inspiration.

Tanzania is split into two distinctive circuits: the north and the south. In two weeks you can do either the north or southern circuit at a leisurely pace and finish up in Zanzibar at the end.

See my 2-week Tanzania and Zanzibar itinerary for a detailed route.

If you are lucky enough to have a full two weeks to spend in East Africa, I would recommend visiting both Kenya and Tanzania! The Maasai Mara and Serengeti National Park are close together and a cross-border itinerary allows you to optimise your time at both parks.

Final Thoughts

I love both Tanzania and Kenya! I’m frequently asked which is best and it’s a question that always stumps me.

How can I choose when they’re both so amazing? The answer ultimately comes down to what you’re looking for.

Want to see the Big Five in a short space of time? Wish to follow the wildebeest migration? Keen to hike the highest peak in Africa? These individual questions will help you to find your answer.

No matter which country you choose, I’m sure that you will have the trip of a lifetime!