Kenya Vs Tanzania Safari: The Better African Safari Experience

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

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)

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.

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.