Comparison
Kenya or Tanzania for a first safari?
Both share the same ecosystem and the Great Migration. Kenya is easier and shorter to reach from Europe; Tanzania has more space and bigger parks.
Kenya
- Short trips of 3 to 5 days
- Mara River crossings July to October
- Private conservancies with off-road drives and night drives
Tanzania
- Longer trips of 7 days or more
- Calving season in January and February
- Combining safari with Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar
Side by side
| Kenya | Tanzania | |
|---|---|---|
| Main parks | Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, Tsavo | Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Ruaha, Nyerere |
| Migration | July to October in the Mara | All year: south in January to March, north in July to October |
| Crowds | Busy reserve at peak; conservancies cap vehicles | Busy at Ngorongoro and central Serengeti; quiet in the south and west |
| Beach add-on | Diani, Watamu, Lamu | Zanzibar, Mafia Island |
| Best months | Jan, Feb, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct | Jan, Feb, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct |
| Visa, Lithuanian | Travel authorisation (US$32.50) | eVisa (US$50) |
| Visa, British | Travel authorisation (US$32.50) | eVisa (US$50) |
| Visa, American | Travel authorisation (US$32.50) | eVisa (US$100) |
| Headline fee | Masai Mara, high season: US$200 per person per day | Serengeti National Park: US$82.60 per person per 24 h |
| Yellow fever | Only if arriving from a risk country | Only if arriving from a risk country |
| Main airports | NBO · MBA | DAR · JRO · ZNZ |
Our take
Kenya. Choose Kenya for a shorter, easier trip in the migration season, or to stay in a private conservancy.
Tanzania. Choose Tanzania for a longer trip, the calving season, or to finish on Zanzibar.
Combine them. You can do both: the Masai Mara and the northern Serengeti are the same ecosystem, but there is no tourist border crossing inside the parks, so you fly or drive round via Isebania or Namanga.
Health
Kenya: Malaria is present in some regions. Check your route with a travel clinic.
Tanzania: Malaria is present across most of the country. Ask a travel clinic about antimalarial tablets.
Entry rules for your passport
Frequently asked questions
Kenya or Tanzania for a first safari?
Choose Kenya for a shorter, easier trip in the migration season, or to stay in a private conservancy. Choose Tanzania for a longer trip, the calving season, or to finish on Zanzibar.
When is the best time to visit Kenya and Tanzania?
Kenya: Jan, Feb, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct. Tanzania: Jan, Feb, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.
Can I combine Kenya and Tanzania?
You can do both: the Masai Mara and the northern Serengeti are the same ecosystem, but there is no tourist border crossing inside the parks, so you fly or drive round via Isebania or Namanga.
Planning a safari in Kenya or Tanzania?
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