Kenya Vs Tanzania
How do they Compare?
Greetings from Kigali!

We are often asked: "Should I go on Safari in Kenya or Tanzania?" Both are excellent choices and ultimately, it's a personal decision. From a reputational perspective, East Africa up until the 1980s was the leading safari destination on the continent. Historically, Kenya is often described as the birthplace of the safari industry, and was previously the preferred destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Although the safari industry began in Kenya, Tanzania has done well to catch up with its neighbour. Both countries continue to grow their tourism industries, and learn from each other's successes and challenges.

Kenya and Tanzania are home to two of the most famous wildlife parks on the African continent, namely the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti. Featuring spectacular scenery, one-of-a-kind safari activities, and world-class game viewing options, many films such as 'Out of Africa' and 'The Lion King', as well as popular nature documentaries narrated by famous naturalists including David Attenborough, have inspired travellers and showcased these incredible parks and the diverse wildlife which inhabit them.

Celebrated as one of the 'Seven Wonders of the Natural World', the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem is home to the world-famous Great Migration, the largest overland animal migration on the planet. More than 1.5 million wildebeest migrate every year in an enormous clockwise loop across the Serengeti and Maasai Mara, in search of greener pastures. En route, the wildebeest deal with many dangerous obstacles, including outwitting hungry predators such as lions and crossing rivers filled with ferocious Nile crocodiles.

As you will discover from our comparison table below, regardless of whether you visit Kenya or Tanzania, there is no wrong decision as your safari will undoubtedly rank as an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Get in touch to find out more, including which location best suits your needs. The team at Travulous are here to help you decide.
KENYA VS TANZANIA
When comparing the two countries, bear in mind that, geographically, Tanzania (947,300 km²) is almost twice the size of Kenya (580,370 km²), therefore, Tanzania has a greater quantity of wildlife when compared with Kenya. On the other hand, Kenya has had more time to develop its tourism infrastructure, which is reflected in the fact that the country offers a greater selection of tourism accommodations for visitors to choose from.

Home to the Swahili people, both Kenya and Tanzania feature stunningly beautiful Indian Ocean coastlines and settlements, including Lamu which is understood to be the oldest and best-preserved Swahili town on the East African coast. Many believe that Lamu Old Town is what Zanzibar's Stone Town used to be like 20 years ago, with both destinations featured on UNESCO's World Heritage list.

Kenya and Tanzania are well known for their pristine white sand and sun-drenched beaches, presenting visitors with the perfect option of combining a safari with a few days on the Swahili coast.
Country Introduction

Kenya boasts dazzling natural beauty in some of the most unspoiled places on earth. With over 50 national parks and reserves, safari enthusiasts can view some of the continent's most spectacular wildlife, including Kenya's Big Five. Kenya's varied landscapes of tropical forests, white-sand beaches, deserts, mountains, wild bushes and savannas, combined with exceptional game viewing and a vibrant mix of colourful cultures comprising over 40 different ethnic groups, provide visitors with endless opportunities and highlights

Tanzania is a land of rolling plains, dramatic mountain ranges, picturesque lakes and pristine white-sand beaches. Home to the Big Five, the country's vast national parks and game reserves are teeming with wildlife and birdlife, making Tanzania a top safari destination. Beyond the incredible wildlife viewing, visitors can encounter local tribes and learn about their cultures and traditions, climb Mount Kilimanjaro, or dip beneath the waves of the Indian Ocean and explore the unspoiled coral reefs before relaxing on sun-drenched beaches
Country Statistics
  • Official name: Republic of Kenya
  • Local name: Kenya
  • Population: 53,006,000
  • Population per km²: 91.33
  • Area: 580,370 km²
  • Capital: Nairobi
  • Bordering: Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda
  • Official name: United Republic of Tanzania
  • Local name: Tanzania
  • Population: 63,588,000
  • Population per km²: 67.13
  • Area: 947,300 km²
  • Capital: Dodoma
  • Bordering: Burundi, DRC, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zambia
Climate
Kenya's climate varies by location, but in general, it is warm all year round with temperature fluctuations determined by altitude. There are two dry seasons, from December to March and July to October. July to October is a good time to visit due to the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara National Reserve
Tanzania is a year-round destination, with temperature fluctuations mainly determined by altitude and proximity to the ocean. January and February is the short dry season, and June to October the long dry season. June and July is a popular time to see the migrating wildebeest in Serengeti National Park
National Parks & Reserves
Kenya's key protected areas are comprised of 23 National Parks, 28 National Reserves, 4 National Sanctuaries, 160 Wildlife Conservancies, 4 Marine National Parks and 6 Marine National Reserves. In general, Kenya's National Parks are smaller than Tanzania's but also more accessible
Tanzania's key protected areas are comprised of 22 National Parks, 22 Game Reserves, 22 Wildlife Management Areas, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, 29 Game Controlled Areas, and 18 Marine Reserves. Tanzania has the largest concentration of animals per square kilometer on the continent
Big Five
Good places to spot the Big Five in Kenya are in these wildlife parks:

  • Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
  • Maasai Mara National Reserve
  • Meru National Park
  • Ol Pejeta Conservancy
  • Tsavo East & West National Parks
Good places to spot the Big Five in Tanzania are in these wildlife parks:

  • Grumeti Game Reserve
  • Mkomazi National Park
  • Ngorongoro Crater
  • Nyerere National Park
  • Serengeti National Park
Great Wildebeest Migration
For a short time of the year the herds of wildebeest visit Kenya's Maasai Mara. Between July and October, more than 1.5 million wildebeest accompanied by vast numbers of zebra and gazelles, make the long and dangerous trek from Tanzania’s Serengeti, northwards towards the Maasai Mara
From January to March, during the calving season, the wildebeest are in Tanzania's Southern Serengeti. From April to May, they move to the Western section of the park. From June to July, the wildebeest start to move north, and in July they cross from Northern Serengeti into the Maasai Mara
Swahili Coast
Some of Kenya's best-known coastal resorts, situated around Mombasa, are well-developed and offer a good selection of property types at all price levels. Easily accessible via Mombasa International Airport, these beaches can become quite crowded. Away from the tourist crowds, the less busy beaches of Lamu, Msambweni and Watamu, offer a more secluded experience set in beautiful surroundings. Diani is an award-winning and arguably Kenya's most famous beach, offering a good selection of luxury resorts and private houses. Due to its popularity, Diani is considerably larger than the lesser known beaches of Lamu, Msambweni and Watamu
When comparing Tanzania's luxury resort and hotel offerings on the mainland, there are fewer properties available in comparison with Kenya, and therefore its beaches attract fewer tourists. The exception occurs in the Zanzibar Archipelago, with its main island of Zanzibar, locally known as Unguja, which often features as the perfect destination to visit at the end of a safari. With its own international airport, and boasting a wide selection of activities, Zanzibar attracts many tourists. The neighbouring island of Pemba, also part of the Zanzibar Archipelago, is less developed than Zanzibar and offers more of a quiet and secluded beach experience
Birdwatching
There are approximately 1,140 Bird species in Kenya. A selection of the best birding areas are:

  • Aberdare Mountains
  • Amboseli National Park
  • Chyulu Hills National Park
  • Kisite-Mpunguti Marine NP
  • Lake Bogoria National Reserve
  • Lake Naivasha
  • Lake Nakuru National Park
  • Maasai Mara National Reserve
  • Meru National Park
  • Mount Kenya
  • Nairobi National Park
  • Samburu National Reserve
  • Tsavo East & West National Parks
There are approximately 1,130 Bird species in Tanzania. A selection of the best birding areas are:

  • Arusha National Park
  • Katavi National Park
  • Kilimanjaro National Park
  • Mahale Mountains National Park
  • Mikumi National Park
  • Mkomazi National Park
  • Arusha National Park
  • Ngorongoro Conservation Area
  • Nyerere National Park
  • Rubondo Island National Park
  • Serengeti National Park
  • Tarangire National Park
  • Zanzibar Archipelago
(Source: Africanbirdclub.org)
(Source: Africanbirdclub.org)
Conservation
A snapshot of some of the leading wildlife organisations in Kenya:

  • African Wildlife Foundation
  • Birdlife International
  • Born Free Foundation
  • Conservation International
  • East African Wildlife Society
  • Fauna and Flora International
  • Save the Elephants
  • Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
  • The Nature Conservancy
  • Tsavo Trust
  • Tusk Trust
A snapshot of some of the leading wildlife organisations in Tanzania:

  • African Wildlife Foundation
  • Birdlife International
  • East African Wildlife Society
  • Fauna and Flora International
  • Frankfurt Zoological Society
  • Honeyguide Foundation
  • Jane Goodall Institute
  • Nature Tanzania
  • The Nature Conservancy
  • Tusk Trust
  • Wildlife Conservation Society
Top Destinations & Experiences
Top destinations and experiences in Kenya:

  • 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • Aberdare National Park
  • Amboseli National Park
  • 'Big 5' Game Drives
  • Big Cat Diary
  • Boat Safaris
  • Cultural experiences
  • Great Wildebeest Migration
  • Horseback Safaris
  • Hot Air Balloon Safari
  • Kenyan beaches
  • Lake Nakuru National Park
  • Lamu Old Town
  • Maasai Mara National Reserve
  • Mount Kenya
  • 'Out of Africa' experience
  • Scuba diving & Snorkeling
  • Walking Safaris
Top destinations and experiences in Tanzania:

  • 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • 'Big 5' Game Drives
  • Boat Safaris
  • Cultural experiences
  • Great Wildebeest Migration
  • Horseback Safaris
  • Hot Air Balloon Safari
  • Lake Manyara National Park
  • Mahale Mountains Chimp Tracking
  • Mount Kilimanjaro
  • Ngorongoro Conservation Area
  • Nyerere National Park
  • Olduvai Gorge
  • Scuba diving & Snorkeling
  • Serengeti National Park
  • Stone Town
  • Walking Safaris
  • Zanzibar archipelago beaches
Ethnic Communities
Kenya has more than 40 ethnic groups, each with its own identity, a variety of cultural traditions, and separate languages. The largest ethnic group are the Kikuyu. The national language of Kenya is kiSwahili, and the 2 official languages are kiSwahili and English
Tanzania has more than 120 ethnic groups with diverse languages, cultures, histories, traditions and customs. The Sukuma are the largest ethnic group in the country. The national language of Tanzania is kiSwahili, and the 2 official languages are kiSwahili and English
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Kenya has 7 sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, including:


Kenya has an additional 17 sites on the tentative list
Tanzania has 7 sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, including:



Tanzania has an additional 6 sites on the tentative list
Accommodations & Prices

Typically, Kenya’s safari accommodations tend to be less expensive versus Tanzania's. The reason being, Kenya offers a greater selection of properties to choose from, including large hotels and resorts. With more properties available, there is increased competition to attract customers, and therefore the prices typically reduce

The accommodation prices in Tanzania are generally more expensive in comparison with Kenya. This is because Tanzania has fewer large hotels and resorts, and therefore lodges and tented camps usually fill up very quickly over the peak season. The Tanzanian's have followed a model of high value and low impact tourism, similar to Botswana
Transport & Tourism Infrastructure
The network of roads and highways in Kenya comprises of a total length of approximately 161,500 km. The country has 16 airports, of which the biggest 3 are Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (East Africa's largest located in Nairobi), Moi International Airport in Mombasa, and Malindi Airport
The network of roads and highways in Tanzania comprises of a total length of approximately 145,203 km. Of the country's 7 airports, the 3 largest are Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha, and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar
Food
Kenyan cuisine varies according to which part of the country you are visiting. The coastal region is famous for its fish, whereas grain-based foods are more common in inland areas. Cities, on the other hand, are influenced by international cuisine such as Indian curries and flatbreads. The most popular foods are Ugali (a dough made from cornmeal), Nyama Choma (barbecued goat meet, beef or lamb), and beans and corn. A variety of dishes, especially Swahili ones, are flavoured using spices such as coconut, cumin, coriander, tamarind and turmeric. The Mutura, a barbecued sausage of minced goat, is one of the most popular types of street food in the country
With the arrival of Indian nationals in East Africa, Tanzanian cuisine became influenced by Indian cooking with spices playing an important role. Specialising in fish and seafood, the coastal areas of the country use coconut milk to create curry sauces, mixed with plenty of spices. Whereas inland Tanzania favours barbecued meat, known as Nyama Choma. The national dish Ugali (served with meat curry, fish or vegetables) is also very popular, as are bananas grilled or stewed in savoury dishes. The 'Spice Island' of Zanzibar, is well known for its fish and coconut curries and rice, spiced with cumin, coconut and garam masala. Chapattis or pilau are often cooked on special occasions
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