When it comes to safari and tourism, East Africa is one of the big giant regions. However, the most popular countries for safari in this region are Kenya and Tanzania. These two countries neighbor each other but they are full of life, good parks, plenty of wildlife, landscapes, and even a good climate as they lie on the equator. Due to this, the question of Kenya vs Tanzania Safari arises often when someone is looking to do a safari in East Africa.
In this article, you will learn so much about Kenya and Tanzania safaris and what sets them apart. You will also understand why you should visit either of them and when. Read to find out more.
Kenya vs Tanzania Safari Compared Point to Point
To make it easy and comprehensive in comparing and understanding how to handle a safari to either Kenya or Tanzania, we will look at both areas in several ways. We will list and compare all the major factors one should consider when choosing between doing a Kenya or Tanzania Safari. They will include:
- Game Parks, and Wildlife
- Infrastructure and Cost
- Scenery
- Transport and Accessibility
- Food and Culture
Top Attractions in Kenya and Tanzania
Here are some of the top attractions one will come across in either Kenya or Tanzania. They are the major factors that make these two countries popular.
Kenya
- The Masai Mara National Reserve
- Lake Nakuru National Park
- Samburu National Reserve
- Amboseli National Park
- Mount Kenya
- Aberdare National Park
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Lamu Old Town, Great Rift Valley Lakes, Fort Jesus, Mombasa, Mount Kenya National Park, Sacred Kaya Forests for Mijikenda, Thimlich Ohinga Cultural Landscape, Lake Turkana National Park.
- Diani Beach
Tanzania
- Serengeti National Park
- Selous Game Reserve
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Ngongoro Conservation Area
- Lake Manyara National Park
- Zanzibar
- UNSECO Heritage Sites: Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, Kilwa Kisiwani, Selous Game Reserve, Stone owns Songo Mnara, Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
International Access
For both countries of Kenya and Tanzania there is good international access means with international flights from several parts of the world. However, it is important to note that Kenya has more flights coming from international areas than Tanzania, hence having cheaper airfare.
The differences in cost are so huge that even some people visiting Tanzania will opt to connect their flights via Kenya’s capital Nairobi as it is a cheaper way.
Kenya also offers direct flight to New York and it will take 17 hours. With Kenya having several flights, access becomes easier and cheaper.
Wildlife
Wildlife is the most important aspect of going on a Kenya and Tanzania safari. As a result, both countries are very popular for wildlife as each country has many attractions.
First, in terms of area, Tanzania is larger than Kenya. However, that does not mean that Kenya is lacking in the number and type of wildlife.
For both countries, you are assured to see all the Big5 animals. i.e. Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant, and Buffalo. For Kenya, you will see this in major parks such as the Masai Mara Reserve, and for Tanzania in the Serengeti National Park.
Kenya has other attractions such as cheetahs, servals, civets, hippos, gazelles, impalas, caracals, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, baboons, waterbucks, antelopes, vervet monkeys, bush babies.
It is also home to 1,135 bird species. In Kenya, you will also find the endangered black rhinos.
Tanzania on the other side is large, and in addition, you will find over 60,000 insect types. There are over 1,000 bird species and including fish eagles, flamingos, grey-crowned cranes and so much more.
The Great Migration
The Great Migration is a popular animal phenomenon that happens every year and is shared between Kenya and Tanzania. It is among the wonders of the world where millions of animals migrate between Kenya’s Masai Mara Reserve and Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park at specific times of the year in search of pasture.
This is an event that happens on both sides. Since the migration happens between the two countries, then visiting either of them gives you a chance to witness this amazing experience.
Infrastructure and Cost
Irrespective of the two countries neighboring each other and both in East Africa, they have some significant differences in their cost of living and infrastructure. Nevertheless, they are way more affordable than many developed western countries. Here is what you need to know.
Kenya. It is a country that is wealthier than Tanzania in all margins. However, it is in general more expensive than Tanzania. In Kenya, flights are many, and connecting to several countries shows a good travel infrastructure.
The road system is also huge and several options such as trains and taxis are well organized. Although it is small than Tanzania, the tourism infrastructure is well laid out and developed with many high-quality hotels and lodges to choose from. Food is also fairly inexpensive.
The city of Nairobi and other towns are better developed with many amenities such as even fast internet.
Tanzania. Here, the country is not as developed and wealthy as Kenya. As a result, the infrastructure is not as good. The roads are not very well done and due to the large size of the country, there are several areas that are left out.
The tourism infrastructure is not as well-organized as what you get when you go to Kenya and this is one area that sets them apart.
Conclusion
The experience of getting a safari in the East Africa is unmatched. As a result, it is understandable to find out the best destination on, Kenya vs Tanzania Safari. Based on the above information, it is clear that all the above countries offer amazing attractions and are definitely worth visiting.