Kenya or Tanzania: which safari to choose?

Hi everyone,

I’m planning a safari and I’m torn between Kenya and Tanzania. I’ve read quite a few articles online, and one in particular really helped me see things more clearly. I’m now leaning more toward Kenya for its authentic vibe and local culture, but I’d love to hear some opinions before making my final decision.

Have any of you hesitated between these two destinations? Even better, has anyone done a safari in both countries? What were the factors that tipped the scales for you? I’d love to hear all your experiences!

While I wait for your replies, and if it might be helpful to some, I’ll share the article I found really useful on the topic.

Thanks in advance for your tips! Fabien A.

Hi there,

Everything’s already been said here about this perennial topic.

I know both countries, Kenya a bit more than Tanzania, and each has its pros and cons. I shared my thoughts here. That said, I’m not convinced Kenya is more “authentic” than Tanzania—a word overused by tourism folks that doesn’t mean much to me.

Reach out to Blesl, a Tanzania expert.

Hi Fabien, It’s a tough question to answer because everyone has good arguments for one country or the other. In a way, I think it doesn’t really matter—whatever you choose, you’ll definitely have a wonderful experience on safari.

Personally, we went to Tanzania in February 2012 for a safari in the northern parks (a classic route). We had some amazing wildlife encounters there. However, this itinerary didn’t allow us to meet the local population. That said, we’d love to explore the southern parks of Tanzania someday—they’re definitely less touristy.

Since 2010, we’ve chosen to return to Kenya about ten times for several reasons: - Over time, we’ve discovered the richness of Kenya’s parks and reserves, including some very off-the-beaten-path spots (Meru, Aberdare, etc.). We now avoid the Maasai Mara and Amboseli. On the site you checked, it seems they only mention the Maasai Mara for Kenya—that’s a big mistake, in my opinion.

- We’ve been lucky enough to have some great human encounters and love reconnecting with those people. - Kenya’s decision to completely ban hunting since 1977. - The wide variety of accommodation options. ... Happy researching!

Thanks a bunch! 😊

Thanks so much for your very detailed reply

Hi there! It’s been 10 years already since we had an adventure with an agency and did a loop starting from Kenya before crossing into Tanzania. We slept in tents and sometimes in lodges. This might not help you, but I can only say I enjoyed both equally—there was so much to see in terms of animals and nature scenes in both places. The highlights of my trip were the night spent in the Serengeti, in the middle of nowhere, with the hyenas’ calls seeming so close and that feeling of being so small. And also the day spent in the Ngorongoro Crater.

No matter which choice you make, it’ll be the right one!

Since you're asking for feedback from travelers who know both destinations, I'll share my experience—even if it might make your decision even harder. The main reason we travel to these two countries is wildlife photography (just to rule out trekking, beach relaxation, diving, etc.). We've been going every year for 8 years now (with the Covid years as an exception), almost always to the same places and the same camps, and we still can't decide—that's why we go twice a year (sometimes, but rarely, three times), alternating between the two. For example, in 2005, in February we were in the Maasai Mara and Amboseli, in June in Tanzania in Ruaha National Park (at two different camps), and in September again in Tanzania in Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous). Next March, we'll be in Kenya, in the Aberdares, Solio, and the Maasai Mara. We've also been to the northern parks with a private guide we've known for a long time, but we didn't like it and haven't gone back. The two big parks in southern Tanzania are nothing like those in the north—they have very few tourists, and the landscapes are diverse, which is a key factor for photography. Unfortunately, they're harder to access (especially Ruaha), and stays end up being more expensive.

Sorry I couldn't give you a clear-cut opinion for one destination or the other, but at least I've done my best to give you an idea of the big picture.

Hi Fabien,

My belated reply (not too late, I hope) to this classic safari question: Kenya or Tanzania?

We’ve dedicated a full post to it on our non-commercial site safari-tanzanie.net.

Here’s how it starts:

What you read about Tanzania on page 420 of the 2007 edition of the famous *Guide Kenya Tanzanie* by *Le Routard* perfectly sums up the differences between the two countries: "Compared to Kenya, fewer tourists, fewer organized safaris, fewer lodges, more vast wilderness, and more animals! Tanzania envies Kenya for the revenue tourism brings in, but it doesn’t want to become a mass-tourism destination itself. That’s why prices are much higher than in Kenya for roughly the same services."

Things have changed over the past few years, and the differences in crowds and organization are shrinking.

Read the rest here: https://safari-tanzanie.fr/conseils/kenya-ou-tanzanie

Personally, we’ve been to Kenya 8 times and Tanzania 13 times without a strong preference—but with a slight lean toward Tanzania (yeah, 13 vs. 8, you’d guess as much...).

Happy deliberating, and

*Safari njema!* (Have a great safari!)

BL

Thanks so much, Sysy1111, for these new details

Thanks so much! At least I’m sure I’ll make the right choice!

Thanks for these new details! 😊

Hi Gérard. I just read your comment—I gathered you’re quite the Africa expert.

We’re heading out this winter for a month-long first trip to sub-Saharan Africa: Tanzania, Kenya, maybe Uganda? There are two of us couples, pretty independent and well-traveled. I have no idea how to approach this adventure. Could you help me get a clearer picture? We’re looking for authentic places without mass tourism, a trip to meet people and experience their culture. I’ve been browsing and mostly seeing safaris with outrageous prices😠. Anyway, what do you recommend? How to travel: rent a car, rent a 4x4, hire a driver, hire a driver-guide? Budget isn’t unlimited. How to stay: camping, Booking.com, etc.? Is there room for improvisation? Is traveling safe and accessible? Which region do you think is best for a first-time visit? It’d be great if you could point me in the right direction. We could even hop on a call if you’re up for it. Thanks in advance. Franz

Hi Bernard, I just read your comment—I gathered you’re a real Africa expert.

We’re heading out this winter for a month on our first trip to sub-Saharan Africa. Tanzania. Kenya. Uganda? There are two of us couples, pretty independent and well-traveled. I have no idea how to approach this kind of adventure. Could you help me get a clearer picture? We’re looking for authentic destinations without too much mass tourism. A trip to meet people and experience their culture. I’ve been browsing and mostly seeing safaris with crazy prices😡. Anyway, what do you recommend? How to travel: rent a car, rent a 4x4, hire a driver, hire a driver-guide? Our budget isn’t unlimited. How to stay: camping, Booking.com, etc.? Is there room for improvisation? Is traveling safe and accessible? Which region do you think is best for a first-time visit? That’d be great if you could point me in the right direction. We could even hop on a call if you’re up for it. Thanks in advance. Franz

Hi there, I’m not the right person to answer your question because, as I mentioned in my post, I only do photo safaris, which doesn’t match at all the type of trip you’re looking for. Good luck!

Hello,

- "*I’ve been browsing and checking the site, and I mostly see safaris with exorbitant prices*"-

The world of wildlife safaris in Tanzania or Kenya isn’t exactly a "budget-friendly" one!!

Both countries’ governments impose taxes or entry fees for reserves that have become outrageous. In the cost per person for a day and night of safari with a guide and their vehicle, at least half of the price (sometimes more) goes to the country’s government... And since they see it as a "cash cow," they keep raising these fees every year...

To go on safari in these countries, you really need to (or so it seems to me) be truly passionate about wildlife and willing to sacrifice a lot for it (or have deep pockets...). That’s just my opinion.

Personally, I can only afford a trip every two years... 😕 😐 Mostly in southern Tanzania in recent years, and to switch things up, it’ll be Kenya next time.

As you’ve gathered, on a trip to Kenya or Tanzania, only the wildlife aspect (through observing behaviors and photography) interests me...

Cheers.

...

Thanks anyway.

Thank youuuu

Hi,

The world of wildlife safaris in Tanzania or Kenya isn’t exactly "budget-friendly"!!

That’s putting it mildly . My only trip to Tanzania was the most expensive of the fifty or so countries and territories I’ve visited. It’s tough to keep costs down when you add a hot-air balloon ride and a Zanzibar extension 😉. That incredible trip created unforgettable memories.

Cheers.

Hello, If you manage things well and organize yourself, the prices aren’t as exorbitant as what agencies offer. And unless you’re really passionate, after a few days of safari, you’ve usually had your fill of nature and animals and don’t feel like continuing—because a day of safari is tiring. So, as mentioned before, it all depends on your level of passion for nature and wildlife. That’ll determine how many days you can dedicate to safari.

Park entrance fees are officially listed for each country. If you don’t have a guide, you can hire a ranger for the day to accompany you and spot animals. It’s also possible to camp in many parks or stay outside the parks for not too expensive by using Tripadvisor, Booking, etc., and find rentals with or without a driver. In the end, with some preparation and organization, you can have a trip that doesn’t cost a fortune.

Uganda might be a priority since it offers a great trip at a potentially more moderate cost than Tanzania and Kenya (excluding gorilla and chimpanzee treks). Also, the distances are shorter than in Tanzania, which means less time spent traveling. The west of the country offers very diverse visits in terms of landscapes and wildlife—from the savannas of Queen Elizabeth National Park to the forests of Bwindi or Kibale, where you can see great apes like gorillas or chimpanzees, beautiful tea plantations, hills, lakes, and the Rwenzori mountain range, which goes over 5,000 m. You can also decide to go to Karamoja, where Kidepo National Park is located, with stunning landscapes and a rich cultural experience meeting the Karamojong and their way of life.

It can be a great alternative to the Kenya/Tanzania duo.

Easy to alternate safari with other activities, with a wide range of sites e

Hi

Like Rotsaka (who knows the region much better than I do), I’d have said Uganda—great wildlife (and human) encounters, varied landscapes, and cheaper rates than its neighbors, except for the gorillas).

Thank youuu

Hi Fabien,

I’m now leaning more toward Kenya for the authentic feel and local culture.

One thing puzzles me in your original message: the Authentic Feel???

What do you mean by that? Given that your subject line is "Kenya or Tanzania: which safari to choose?", it seems your search for authenticity is focused on the safari experience.

Personally, after 3 safari trips to Kenya and 7 to Tanzania—including 5 in the southern reserves—I’d say it’s in Ruaha and Selous where you experience the most "wild nature" (which is my personal definition of "authenticity").

Could you clarify, in this specific case, what you mean by the "authentic feel"? Just curious to understand better.

Best regards.

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Hi,

No replies yet! Too bad—I’d have loved to hear your take on what makes a safari "authentic."

Happy choosing, and enjoy your safari!

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Hi there. Sorry for the late reply—I was running behind. Thanks for your reaction. Good question. Authentic means something that’s real. Somewhere that isn’t overrun by mass tourism. Where people’s behavior isn’t driven by profit but instead aligns with the local culture. What’s your take? Have a great evening. Franz

Hi,

The question was directed at "Voyageurfas" (Fabien), who started this thread.

I think you’ve found the "right words" (at least for my personal taste) to define authenticity on a safari. I couldn’t have put it better myself.

Thanks for your reply. Best,

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