Traveling to Kenya and Tanzania: An Overview
Looking for more information to plan your Kenya and Tanzania itinerary? From transport options to trip highlights to travel tips, we’ve got you covered!
Getting From Kenya to Tanzania
Traveling to Tanzania from Kenya is fairly easy and is the most preferred itinerary. When you're planning your journey from Kenya to Tanzania, you have got a couple of great options to choose from. First is taking a flight, which offers speed and convenience. You can board a plane in Nairobi, Kenya's capital, and land either at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is well-connected and makes for a smooth starting point.
Another option is to travel by road, which can be a more scenic adventure. You can take a private shuttle or a bus from Nairobi to Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania's northern safari circuit. You will get to soak in the beautiful East African landscapes along the way.
Best Time to Visit Kenya and Tanzania
The best time to embark on your Kenya and Tanzania safari adventure is during the dry season, which spans from late June to October. Wildlife viewing is at its best during this time, as animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot.
Mild weather and clear skies prevail throughout the season, ensuring comfortable and picturesque safari experiences. It is an ideal time for travelers, as the conditions maximize opportunities for game drives, cultural encounters, and enjoying the diverse landscapes of these East African gems. However, the pièce de résistance of taking a combined trip to the two countries during the dry season is the Great Wildebeest Migration, which takes place from July to August.
For more detailed information, read our best time to visit Tanzania and best time to visit Kenya guides.
Highlights of Kenya and Tanzania Trip
- Opt for a hot air balloon safari in Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) and a game drive in Maasai Mara National Reserve (Kenya) to witness the annual Great Wildebeest Migration from two completely different points of view.
- Immerse yourself in the rich cultures of East Africa by visiting Maasai villages in both countries. Learn about their traditional customs, dances, and way of life.
- Delight your taste buds with the diverse flavors of East African cuisine. Enjoy traditional dishes like nyama choma (barbecued meat) in Kenya and the aromatic spices of Tanzanian cuisine on your culture trip in Kenya and Tanzania.
- Take in the sheer size and majesty of Kenya’s Lake Victoria on a boat tour. For an extra special experience, opt for a sunset cruise to see the surrounding landscape in a new light.
- Snorkel in the crystal clear waters off the coast of Zanzibar in Tanzania. Explore the vibrant coral reefs and swim alongside spectacular marine life, including angelfish, dolphins, stingrays, and turtles.
Kenya and Tanzania Travel Tips
- Optimize currency exchange by withdrawing or exchanging cash in larger cities like Nairobi or Arusha, where you will find more favorable rates than in remote areas. Carry sufficient local currency for both countries.
- Tanzania and Kenya have different plug types. Ensure your electronics are compatible with both UK-style Type G and Type D sockets to keep your devices charged throughout your journey.
- Prepare yourself for the road conditions in Tanzania, where infrastructure is lacking compared to Kenya.
- Bring a waterproof jacket. Just because you are in East Africa does not mean you will get sunshine daily. The weather can change instantly if you are around the rainforests near Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Bottled water is going to be your best friend on your Kenya and Tanzania adventure trip, as safe drinking water is not accessible everywhere, and you are likely going to spend a lot of time out in the sun.
At a Glance: Kenya vs Tanzania
| Kenya |
Tanzania |
|
| Annual visitors | Approximately 1.48 million | Approximately 1.45 million |
| Ideal duration | Two weeks | 12 days |
| Transportation | Usually, no connecting flights are required to enter the country; safari trains and jeeps are popular tourist transport options; it boasts the most developed transportation system in East Africa. | A connecting flight from Dubai, Amsterdam, or Johannesburg is required to enter the country; safari jeeps and buses are popular tourist transportation options; it has no railway system. |
| Top destinations |
Maasai Mara National Reserve, Nairobi, |
Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro , Conservation Area, Zanzibar, Mount Kilimanjaro, Arusha |
| Top activities |
|
|
| Affordability | $ - $$ Kenya undoubtedly stands out as the more budget-friendly safari destination. Both budget and luxury lodging options come at considerably lower costs than in Tanzania. |
$$-$$$ Tanzania tends to be more expensive, especially considering its larger geographical size that translates into most trips beyond the Northern Circuit necessitating light aircraft transfers. |
FAQ for Kenya and Tanzania tours
1. Is it easy to travel between Kenya and Tanzania?
Tanzania and Kenya are neighbors, so traveling between the two countries is fairly easy. The cheapest and most popular way to travel is by bus or organized overland crossing. If you are short on time, there are also plenty of short-haul flights between the two countries.
2. Do I need visas to travel to Kenya and Tanzania?
Unless you are from a visa-exempt country such as Botswana, Rwanda, Singapore, and around 40 others, you will need visas to enter Tanzania and Kenya. You will need separate visas for both countries. You can obtain these visas from the respective embassies or consulates in your home country or upon arrival at major entry points. Some travelers may also be eligible for e-visas, which can be applied online in advance.
3. Are any specific health precautions or vaccinations required for a combined Kenya and Tanzania tour, and what medical facilities are available in remote safari areas?
Yellow fever vaccination is often required to enter both the countries, and malaria prophylaxis is recommended. Carry a basic first-aid kit and ensure your travel insurance covers medical emergencies. Medical facilities in remote safari areas may be limited, so plan accordingly.
4. Is travel insurance necessary for a combined Kenya and Tanzania tour, and what should it cover to ensure a smooth trip?
Travel insurance is highly recommended. It should cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and evacuations. Ensure it also includes coverage for the activities you plan to engage in, such as safaris and adventure sports.
