1) Wildlife

 

Both Kenya and Tanzania offer unparalleled safari wildlife experiences, featuring an array of big cats, the Big Five, and numerous herd animals such as zebras, giraffes, and wildebeests. While Tanzania boasts larger populations of elephants and big cats, Kenya's parks are more compact, reducing travel distances between them. Kenya's arid zones are home to unique desert species, including the Somali ostrich, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, and Grevy's zebra. Conversely, Tanzania excels in forest habitats, providing the best opportunities in Africa to see chimpanzees and other primates, as well as a diverse array of forest birdlife.

 

2) The Great Migration

 

Timing is crucial for witnessing the Great Migration. Generally, from October to July or August, the migration is predominantly in Tanzania's Serengeti, moving to Kenya's Masai Mara for the remaining months. While exact dates can vary yearly, the herds spend more time in Tanzania. However, Kenya offers the most dramatic river-crossing scenes, though these spots tend to be more crowded.

 

3) Habitat & Landscape

 

Kenya and Tanzania both feature iconic savannah grasslands teeming with wildlife, particularly in the Serengeti and Masai Mara. Beyond these areas, Kenya's notable landmarks include Mt. Kenya, the Aberdares, and Rift Valley lakes like Nakuru, Naivasha, and Bogoria. Tanzania, on the other hand, boasts Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Meru, Ol Doinyo Lengai, Lake Natron, Ngorongoro, and the Crater Highlands. For desert landscapes, Kenya's northern regions, including Lake Turkana and Samburu National Reserve, offer unmatched arid beauty. In contrast, Tanzania's western rainforests in Gombe and Mahale Mountains National Parks provide lush, dense forests.

4) Best Time to Go

 

For general safaris, the optimal visiting period for both countries is from late June to October, featuring the best weather and wildlife viewing conditions. The rainy season from November to April or May can make travel challenging, but it is also an excellent time for birdwatching.

 

5) Accommodation Options

 

Both Kenya and Tanzania provide a wide range of accommodations, from budget lodges to luxury tented camps. Kenya offers unique community and private conservancy accommodations, particularly in the Masai Mara and Laikipia Plateau, providing a more exclusive safari experience due to restricted access.

 

6) Costs

 

The cost of a safari in either country is relatively similar, though Tanzania can be slightly more expensive. Daily safari costs range from US$250 to US$750 per person in Tanzania, compared to US$150 to US$700 in Kenya, with both offering excellent value.

 

7) Getting There

 

Nairobi, Kenya, is East Africa's primary travel hub, making it generally more accessible and cheaper to fly into compared to Tanzania's Kilimanjaro Airport or Dar es Salaam. However, this difference is minor and usually not a significant factor in choosing your safari destination.