Which Country is Best for a Safari: Kenya or Tanzania?

Kenya and Tanzania are two of the most popular safari destinations in Africa. Which country is best for a safari? There are many factors to take into account when deciding on which destination would be best, but we'll narrow it down to three: cost, wildlife diversity and ease of travel.

 

Kenya has some great parks such as Amboseli National Park that offer unparalleled views and opportunities for animal sightings while still being affordable. You may also want to consider Kenya because they have shorter visa processing times than Tanzania with only one day needed before you can enter the county.

 

Section 1: Cost

Kenya is one of the least expensive destinations for a safari. For a couple staying three nights in the country, their cost of a safari will be just over $300.

 

You can opt for a luxury lodge with all inclusive meals and luxury tours. With luxury, you won't have to worry about a safari vehicle that is full of safari enthusiasts. Luxury lodges, such as the ones listed below, will guarantee you a quality experience.

 

The Nanyuki Golf Lodge

 

The Nanyuki Golf Club

 

The Nanyuki Serena

 

The Sunfair Travel Lodge

 

In addition, safari outfits will be able to provide you with private and free game drives throughout the park.

 

Wildlife Diversity

Kenya is home to over 1250 different bird species, 50 endangered species of animals such as lions, cheetahs and elephants and incredible butterflies and birds!

 

Uganda and Tanzania have some equally great wildlife and tourist attractions. However, Kenya has an average number of tourist per year in comparison to Uganda and Tanzania who have around 20,000 and 35,000 tourists per year respectively. The sheer size of Kenya also creates more wildlife and attractions for visitors. The world's largest herd of elephant reside in Masai Mara and that alone would be reason enough to visit Kenya.

 

Ease of Access

 

Kenya also has a more affordable air service compared to Tanzania and Uganda, with the national carrier Kenya Airways having direct flights to Kenya's Nairobi International Airport.

 

Ease of Travel

If you're trying to decide between visiting Kenya or Tanzania, then we think that Tanzania would be more of a drive for you. For example, driving from Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya takes over six hours. From Arusha, Tanzania, the drive from the airport to the park takes approximately 3 hours. Traveling from Tanzania's airport to the park takes less than an hour. The country is also very easy to navigate, as Google Maps will guide you through a route to your destination. If you decide to visit both countries at the same time, it will only take one day to traverse both countries without entering a single park.

 

Cost

 

The cost of a trip to Kenya is comparable to that of Tanzania but with a different feel.

 

Which country is best for a safari?

Being Kenya, there are many wildlife sightings that are guaranteed, but with that comes a higher cost. Amboseli National Park is one of the most popular places to visit, and you will definitely see lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, wildebeests, hippos and more.

 

At the same time, the stunning landscapes and just the fact that you are in Kenya will be worth the time it takes to get to and from the park, and even more if you are traveling with a large group.

 

Tanzania is slightly more expensive to get to (a two-day flight to Arusha), but still a great safari destination. The safari-going experience will be exciting and full of wildlife sightings, but the distance to the parks makes travel time longer than Kenya.

 

Conclusion

Regardless of where you decide to go for your safari, be sure to research the place and talk with experienced travelers to make sure you've got the best vacation. If you do your homework, you'll be off to an awesome and successful trip.