Tanzania and Kenya both offer excellent safaris, and they share the same Serengeti-Mara ecosystem where the Great Migration takes place. So which should you choose? It depends on what you want from your trip.
The Great Migration
The herds spend most of the year in Tanzania’s Serengeti, including calving season in the south from January to March. From about July to October they reach the northern Serengeti and the Mara River, and some cross into Kenya’s Masai Mara. If you want the migration in as many months as possible, Tanzania gives you more options.
Variety of parks
Tanzania’s Northern Circuit combines very different landscapes in one trip: Tarangire for elephants and baobabs, Ngorongoro Crater for the Big Five in a caldera, and the vast Serengeti. Kenya is strong in the Masai Mara, Amboseli and Samburu.
Crowds
The Serengeti is huge, so you can spend hours without seeing another vehicle, especially outside the busiest months. The Masai Mara is smaller and can feel busy during crossings in peak season.
Add-ons
Tanzania lets you combine a safari with climbing Kilimanjaro and with the beaches of Zanzibar in one trip. Kenya has coastal beaches near Mombasa and Diani.
Quick summary
- Choose Tanzania for: wide-open landscapes, calving season, Ngorongoro Crater, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar.
- Choose Kenya for: a shorter trip focused on the Masai Mara, or if you are already travelling in Kenya.
- Both are great, and you can do both on a longer trip.
Start planning with our Tanzania safari packages or read how much a safari costs in our price guide.
Get a clear price for your dates
Tell us your dates, group size and wish list. We reply within 24 hours with a tailor-made private itinerary and a quote that lists what is included and what is not. Request a quote or message us on WhatsApp. Let’s Wander Tanzania is locally owned and TALA licensed (#036127).