Kenya or Tanzania? Which is the most ideal country for an African safari?
These two countries have often presented confusion of some kind when planning a trip. Nonetheless, there are variables that could make or break your plan to either travel to Kenya or Tanzania.
Here is a comprehensive guide about the two countries. By the end of this article, you will be able to pick the country that best suits your travel expectations.
Table of Contents
What to look out for
Weather
Both Tanzania and Kenya have an almost similar weather pattern. with dry and wet seasons rotating all year round with the exception of few places that are arid by nature. In Kenya, April to August is officially a wet season with lots of rains and chilly weather.
September is a dry season that runs to mid-October and sometimes to late October. Between October to Early December, the weather is a mix of hot and cold with sunshine and rainfall intervals. December to March is a very hot season across the country.
The Coastal region of Kenya –Mombasa, Lamu, Kilifi, Kwale and Taita Taveta – have high temperatures across the year. Temperatures hit a high of 28°C.
How is climate like in Tanzania?
When it comes to Tanzania, January to March are a hot season and July is the coldest month of the year just like in Kenya. Temperatures rise to 28°C during the hot season. March to May mark the wet season while June is a dry season. It runs to October, unlike Kenya where April to August is a wet season. November to December is similar to what Kenya experiences.
You can see those weather variations between Tanzania and Kenya are negligible.
Travel Cost
When travelling to Kenya, you will notice that Infrastructure is far much more developed compared to Tanzania making it a little bit expensive. But, both countries are by far affordable if compared to the cost of a safari in Europe.
A flight to Kenya is cheaper than a flight to Tanzania. Let’s say, for example, a traveller from North America coming into Kenya. An air ticket will cost less to Nairobi than to Dar es Salaam.
Availability of accommodation
The accommodation cost in Kenya – in lodges and hotels – is also high compared to Tanzania. A point worth noting is that there are cheaper accommodation options in Kenya out of Nairobi. The cost of food is also relatively high compared to Tanzania because Kenya is more developed.
In addition, Kenya has more guest facilities for tourists. The tourism industry in Kenya is bigger than that of Tanzania and it comes with bigger facilities for all tourists. For the fact that Kenya is a reputable Safari destination, it comes with an array of lodges and other accommodation facilities. It is cheaper compared to Tanzania that has fewer accommodation facilities. Most of Tanzania’s lodges are exclusive in nature making them expensive.
Dar es Salaam, a bubbly city in Tanzania. [ Photo by : yournextbigtrip/IG]
Nevertheless, there is a cheaper option when it comes to dining. Street food in both countries is cheap and tasty. Some restaurants also sell food at reasonable prices.
Infrastructure
The transport network in Kenya is much more developed than in Kenya. Kenya gives you several options of travel; by road, air or rail depending on the destination. The road network in Kenya pretty good compared to Tanzania.
World-class destinations
When you talk about Kenya’s tourism, Maasai Mara first is the first picture that comes to mind. Maasai Mara situated in the Rift Valley is a famed tourist spot popular due to the annual Wildebeest Migration. It is estimated that 2 million wildebeest cross over to Tanzania in what is now considered the ‘Seventh Wonder of the World’.
Mombasa City is another eye candy for tourists across the world. The Kenyan coastal city glitters under the white sandy beaches stretching along the East African Coast. Mombasa is a cultural hub just as it is a tourist hub. Swahili culture dominates but there is a fusion of Indian-African customs.
Maasai-mara-Hot-air-balloon. [Photo by maraballooning.com]
In Tanzania, the Serengeti is a top tourist destination. Serengeti shares a unique ecosystem with Maasai Mara that has supported the Great Migration for donkey years. Zanzibar and Mount Kilimanjaro are also popular destinations in Tanzania.
Wildlife
Tanzania is larger than Kenya, therefore, has four million wild animals spread out across the country. On the other hand, Kenya is smaller in size but abounds with wildlife. Both countries have the big five, thousands of bird species, and marine animals. Without a doubt, the wildlife experience in both countries is epic.
Ideally, Tanzania and Kenya are great safari destinations. If you want your pick for a safari plan, pick Kenya to feel the magic of temperate climate.
For Tanzania, a tropical climate lover would fully enjoy the tourism exploits in this land.
