Is it better to visit Kenya or Tanzania?
Is it better to visit Kenya or Tanzania?, It’s always tempting to pick any country between Tanzania and Kenya. And of course, our visitors often come with questions like: Is Kenya or Tanzania expensive? Which country is beautiful between Kenya and Tanzania? And more. We operate safaris in these two nations, and from experience, we’ll help you make the best decision.
Kenya and Tanzania are East African nations famous for spectacular wildlife views and cultural experiences. When comparing these two beautiful nations, it’s important to reflect on what experience matters to you the most. In this blog, we compare these two safari countries.
Climbing experience.
Both Kenya and Tanzania host stunning mountains worth a hike. In Kenya, you will find Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest peak, standing at 5,199 meters (17,057 ft) above sea level. Its three peaks – Batian, Nelion, and Point Lenana – are at 5,199 meters, 5,188 meters, and 4,895 meters above sea level, respectively.
Mount Kenya is a mix of both a walk-up trek and a technical climb. Hikers can go straight hiking up to Point Lenana. The remaining section requires special mountaineering skills like the use of rope, etc.
In Tanzania, you’ll meet Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. Like its ‘little brother’, Kenya, Kilimanjaro has three peaks – Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira – standing at 5,895 meters, 5,149 meters, and 4,005 meters above sea level, respectively.
Kilimanjaro is not a technical, but a walk-up trek to the top. Therefore, it has higher chances of success than Mt. Kenya. For those with no climbing skills, Kilimanjaro is a good choice. But if you’re a seasoned hiker with special skills to hike the steep eroded core on Mount Kenya, there you go.
Beach holiday
Both borders the Indian Ocean on the east coast. And they’re home to pristine beaches, offering more relaxed beach stays. Kenya has white-sand beaches like Diani Beach, Watamu, Malindi, Lamu Island, and Mombasa. Tanzania also has powdery white sand in the Zanzibar archipelago, Mafia Island, and along the mainland coast.
Zanzibar is famous for top beaches like Kendwa and Nungwi, while Diani and Mombasa are so famous in Kenya. Zanzibar also adds the historical and cultural touches to its scenic beaches, and there are more quiet options for a romantic experience and honeymoon, like Pemba and Mnemba.
Both nations have exquisite beaches, but Zanzibar is a little more famous than Kenyan beaches. But what we can each destination is unique, so you decide.
The Great Migration
Tanzania and Kenya host the world’s greatest show, the wildebeest migration. This event features over 2 million hoofed animals as they fearlessly move from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve.
The animal migration spends more time in the Serengeti from December to September. So many events happen in Tanzania. For example, the calving season takes place from December to March in the southern Serengeti. The migration also crosses the Grumeti River from June to October and the Mara River from August through October.
The animals enter Kenya from almost September and disperse across the Masai Mara’s vast plains. But there’s a good chance to witness Mara River crossings from Kenya because the Mara River transverses both Tanzania and Kenya. So, if you want to see the migration between January and August, the Serengeti is better. But if your safari is anywhere between September and October, the Masai Mara is perfect.
Big Five
These two countries host the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and black rhino – living in their natural habitats. In Kenya, the Big Five are found in Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, and Ol Pejeta Conservancy. In Tanzania, you can spot these animals in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Nyerere National Park.
Kenya positions itself as the best place for rhino viewing, and you can see even the last two species of northern white rhinos at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. In Tanzania, Ngorongoro Crater is better for sighting them in their natural habitat, while Mkomazi National Park is good for rhino viewing, especially in captivity.
Accessibility
Speaking of accessibility, Kenya has more flight connections with Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Its flagship airport, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, serves as an entry point to other nations in the region. Kenya’s very own airline, Air Kenya, is seasoned in the region with flight connections even with Tanzania’s major destinations like Serengeti (through its partner, Regional Air), Arusha, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar.
Tanzania, on the other hand, has multiple flight connections with Europe, Asia, and the Americas as well, but some flights land in Kenya first before connecting. Its three international airports are also exceptional, with the Kilimanjaro International Airport being the favorite entry point for Northern Circuit safaris and Kilimanjaro hikes. Julius Nyerere International Airport connects the southern safari circuit, while Amani Karume International Airport is special for those heading to Zanzibar.
The bottom line: If you have enough time, you can visit Tanzania and Kenya. We organize wildlife safari experiences in any of these countries.
