Destinations
Kenya or Tanzania: which safari is right for you?
Kenya and Tanzania share the same great ecosystem and many of the same animals. The difference is in scale, distances and how a trip comes together. There is no single winner, only the right fit for your time and style.
By Absolute Holiday Safaris · · 3 min read
Why choose Kenya
- Shorter distances from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Naivasha and Amboseli.
- Good short safaris of two to four days, ideal for a first safari or a stopover.
- Affordable group-joining departures from Nairobi.
- Variety in a short time: savannah, Rift Valley lakes and Kilimanjaro views from Amboseli.
Why choose Tanzania
- The Serengeti, where the herds spend most of the year.
- The Ngorongoro Crater, one of the best places to look for black rhinos.
- Tarangire's elephants and baobabs.
- The chance to add a Kilimanjaro climb.
The northern circuit involves longer driving days than most Kenya routes, so allow at least four to five days.
Doing both
Many travellers combine the two. Routes either cross between the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti, or link Amboseli and Arusha via the Namanga border. Our Kenya & Tanzania collection has twelve combined safaris from six to fourteen days.
Questions
Is Kenya or Tanzania better for the Great Migration?
Both. The herds spend most of the year in the Serengeti and often reach the Maasai Mara from around July to October.
Which is cheaper?
It depends on the route and accommodation. Kenya's group-joining budget safaris from Nairobi are among the most affordable options in our collection.
