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East Africa's abundant wildlife, hot climate, and rich culture make it one of the best safari regions in the world. When deciding exactly where to go, many tourists ponder the distinction between a Kenya tour and a Tanzania tour, both renowned globally for their safari experiences with commonalities such as well-developed safari tourism, big-five game opportunities, and the Great Migration.

This Kenya vs Tanzania safari guide highlights the two geographical areas. It compares key features such as location, budget considerations, activities, and popular safari regions to help you decide which country is best for your trip.

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Kenya and Tanzania Safari: An Overview

Kenya and Tanzania Safari: An OverviewSee more

Kenya Vs Tanzania Safari: Location

Kenya Vs Tanzania Safari: LocationSee more

Kenya Vs Tanzania Safari: Cost and Budgeting

Kenya Vs Tanzania Safari: Cost and BudgetingSee more

COMPARING POPULAR SAFARIS IN KENYA AND TANZANIA

1. Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) Vs Maasai Mara National Park (Kenya)

Wildbeests crossing the Mara River to reach Maasai Mara from Serengeti.
Witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Great Wildebeest Migration, where over a million wildebeests cross the Mara River to reach the Maasai Mara National Reserve from the Serengeti National Park.

Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya are two popular destinations renowned worldwide for their exceptional safari experiences. What unites these magnificent landscapes is their exceptional wildlife content, including the big five and their shared role as witnessing grounds for the awe-inspiring Great Wildebeest Migration—a spectacle that unfolds from late June to August each year. While these parks share some similarities, they also offer unique features that set them apart, choosing between them a delightful dilemma for travelers.

Advantages of a Serengeti National Park safari

  • Can witness wildebeest breeding and birthing seasons

  • Encompasses 14,763 square kilometers with five distinct habitats

  • Offers a less crowded safari experience even during peak season

  • Proximity to the Ngorongoro Crater 

Advantages of a Maasai Mara National Reserve safari

  • Is the endpoint for the great wildebeest migration

  • Smaller park of 1,510 square kilometers, potentially providing denser wildlife sightings

  • Generally offers more budget-friendly safari options

  • Home to the Maasai tribal group provides a rich cultural experience amidst safari excursions

Our pick: Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

While both Serengeti National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve offer remarkable safari experiences, our choice leans towards a Serengeti safari for the unmatched size and terrain diversity advantage Serengeti has over the Maasai Mara.

2. Lake Manyara National Park (Tanzania) Vs Lake Nakuru National Park (Kenya)

Tree climbing lions as spotted in East Africa.
Discover the allure of Lake Nakuru National Park and Lake Manyara National Park, two iconic safari hotspots for witnessing tree-climbing lions in East Africa.

Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania and Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya are two iconic safari destinations in East Africa that offer unique wildlife experiences and breathtaking landscapes. While both parks share similar safari experiences, including witnessing tree-climbing lions and flamingos, they each have distinct advantages that make them special in their own way.

Advantages of a Lake Manyara National Park safari

  • Boasts abundant elephant herds, and even though it once had a high rhino population, they are no longer present

  • November to April is the prime time for birdwatch flamingos

  • The lush landscape in Lake Manyara National Park is free from any fencing, giving it a more natural and unrestricted ambiance

  • It has a scenic treetop walkway, which is a major attraction

  • You can opt for a Northern Circuit safari package that covers Lake Manyara and most of the popular Tanzania safari destinations

Advantages of a Lake Nakuru National Park safari 

  • Boasts both black and white rhinos and hosts no elephants

  • November to May is the prime time to watch flamingoes; the park can sometimes host up to a million flamingos

  • Most of Lake Manyara National Park is fenced, resembling a zoo-like setting

  • It has 500 bird species which is higher than the 400 species available in Lake Manyara National Park

  • You can opt for a combined Kenya safari that includes Lake Manyara National Park, Maasai Mara National Reserve, and Amboseli National Park

Our pick: Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya

Our pick is Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya due to its better birdwatching opportunities and the presence of rare white rhinos, making it a top choice for wildlife enthusiasts.

KENYA VS TANZANIA: ACTIVITIES BEYOND WILDLIFE SAFARI

In addition to the world-renowned wildlife encounters, both Kenya and Tanzania beckon with a wealth of activities to satisfy diverse interests. Below are some common activities in Tanzania and Kenya that visitors can indulge in apart from their safari-focused tours and the primetime to enjoy them.

Activity Kenya Tanzania
Mountain climbing

Mount Kenya

Best from January to March and June to October


Mount Kilimanjaro

Best from December to February and late June to October


Diving and snorkeling Best from October – January Best from April – February
Local culture Year-round Year-round
Bike tours Year-round Year-round
Hot air ballooning Best during the dry season Best during the dry season

Choosing between Kenya and Tanzania for your African safari experience ultimately depends on your preferences and circumstances. If you are on a strict budget, Kenya may be the better choice. But if you want to explore more of the East African terrain, then you should pick Tanzania. If you have the budget, we suggest a combined Kenya and Tanzania trip, a popular choice for many safari enthusiasts. For more information on the two countries, check out our Kenya travel guide and Tanzania travel guide.

With us, you have the option to personalize your trip to both countries! You can also fill out our separate forms to customize a trip to Tanzania or customize a trip to Kenya. To travel to both countries, simply select the additional country while filling out either of the forms. 

Published by Supriya Rayamajhi, updated on September 19, 2023

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