Kenya and Tanzania are home to some of the best wildlife safaris in the world. People call these two countries "the crown jewels of Africa" because they are so close to each other. They are the best way to see beautiful landscapes, animals, and real cultural things. You will always remember your safaris in Kenya …
A Complete Guide to Experiencing Safari in Kenya and Tanzania
Kenya and Tanzania are home to some of the best wildlife safaris in the world. People call these two countries “the crown jewels of Africa” because they are so close to each other. They are the best way to see beautiful landscapes, animals, and real cultural things. You will always remember your safaris in Kenya and Tanzania. You might see the Great Migration, the Big Five, or stay in nice lodges with a sky full of stars.
This full guide will give you all the information you need to plan a trip to East Africa. We’ll talk about the best times and places to go on safari, what to bring, where to stay, how much money to save, and some tips for making the most of your trip.
Why should you go on a safari in Kenya and Tanzania?
When people think of an African safari, Kenya and Tanzania are two places that come to mind. This is the reason:
- One of the most beautiful things that happens in nature is the Great Migration. The Maasai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania see millions of gazelles, zebras, and wildebeests cross their paths every year.
2. Lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo can all move around freely in the reserves. There are five of them in both places.
3. There are many different types of landscapes. The snowy top of Mount Kilimanjaro, the golden savannas, the volcanic craters, and the soda lakes are all examples of this.
4. The Maasai, Samburu, and other tribes will show you how people used to live on the safari.
5. Accessibility: It’s easy to get to both Nairobi and Arusha, so you can see both countries in one trip.
When is the best time of year to go on a safari in Kenya and Tanzania?
Planning your vacation well is the best way to get the most out of your animal trips.
- The best time is during the dry season, which lasts from June to October. Animals come together near bodies of water, and the Great Migration river crossings happen. There will be a lot of people there, and it will be warm during the day and cool at night.
2. The area is green and lush from November to March, which is when the short rains and calving season happen at the same time. It’s the best time to take pictures. This time of year, wildebeests have babies in the Serengeti, which attracts predators like lions and cheetahs.
3. Between April and May (Long Rains) is when you can get the best deals with the fewest people. Some camps close when it rains a lot, but you’ll love being alone in the beautiful area.
Plan your Kenya safari for July to September in the Maasai Mara or your Tanzania safari for June to July if you want to see the Grumeti River crossings in the Serengeti.
The Great Migration (July to October), big cat safaris, and hot air balloon rides are some of the best things to do.Best for: People who are going on safari for the first time and want to feel like they’re in “classic Africa.
Safari Destination
1. The Amboseli National Park
The stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the large herds of elephants are two of the best things about this place.
This is the best for people who like to be outside and take pictures.
2. The East and West Tsavo National Parks
Things to do: get off the main road, see red elephants, and walk on rough ground.
Best for: People who don’t like being around a lot of other people.
3. The Samburu National Park
You can see the gerenuk, Somali ostrich, and Grevy’s zebra, which are all very rare animals.
Best for: People who like animals and want to learn about animals that aren’t very common.
4. The National Park close to Lake Nakuru
Some of the best things about this site are the flamingos, rhinos, and great places to watch birds.
Perfect for: people who like birds and want to go on a little safari.
The best place in Tanzania
1. Serengeti National Park.
The Great Migration, the endless grasslands, and the big cats are some of the best things about this place.
Best for: Going on a real African safari.
2. The Ngorongoro Crater
One of the best things about it is the beautiful volcanic crater where many animals live.
Best for: Seeing all five of the Big Five in one day.
3. The Tarangire National Park
The best things about this place are the big groups of elephants, the baobab trees, and the fact that there aren’t as many people there.
Best for: People who want to go on a peaceful safari.
4. The Lake Manyara National Park
Flamingos, lions that climb trees, and a thick forest are some of the most amazing things to see.
Best for: short, fun safaris.
5. The Arusha National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro
The best parts are the beautiful views and the combination of hiking and going on safari.
People who like to have fun should do this.
Should you go on a safari in Kenya or Tanzania?
Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose:
Kenya’s safari:
The drives are shorter, so it’s easier to plan. Great for people who are just starting out. The best time to see the Great Migration river crossings is between July and September.
Tanzania Safari:
There are more parks and things to do, but they are harder to get to. The Great Migration has its babies from December to March. More types of landscapes, like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
The best way to see all of East Africa is to do both!
Different Ways to Travel to Kenya and Tanzania
- Most game drives happen in a 4×4 vehicle in the morning and evening.
2. “Walking safaris” are guided walks into the bush to get a close look at animals.
3. One of the best things to do in the Maasai Mara or Serengeti is to take a hot air balloon ride over the savannah before the sun comes up.
4. Camping on the move: Stay in fancy tents that move with the Great Migration.
5. Cultural Visits: Visit a Maasai or Hadzabe village to see how they live.
Where to stay while on safari
Luxury lodges have private plunge pools, gourmet meals, and spa services. Perfect for newlyweds.
Tented camps: a mix of comfort and reality. Some people can move around to keep up with the changes.
You can go on safaris from budget camps, which are cheap places to stay near or in parks.
Boutique stays are small camps and eco-lodges that offer unique experiences that you can’t find anywhere else.
It’s very important to make a reservation ahead of time, especially during the busiest time of year for migration.
What is the price of a safari?
The cost of safaris can be very different:
A budget safari costs $200 to $300 per person per day and includes a simple tent and a jeep that everyone can use.
Mid-range safaris, which cost between $400 and $600 per person per day, include private guides and tented campgrounds.
Why the price goes up:
The time of year (prices go up when there are a lot of people).
Tours for one person and tours for groups.
Do you want to drive or fly around the country?
What to Pack for a Safari
Put on light layers, a hat, and sunglasses that aren’t too bright, like khaki, beige, or olive.
Shoes: Shoes that are comfortable to walk in.
You should bring sunscreen, bug spray, a camera with a zoom lens, and binoculars.
You need proof that you don’t have yellow fever, a passport, a visa, and travel insurance.
You might also need a universal adapter, a power bank, and more memory cards.
7-Day Kenya Safari: Ideas for Planning Your Safari
Day 1: Traveling to Nairobi
Days 2 to 4: The Great Migration in the Maasai Mara
Day 5: Lake Nakuru
Day 6: Amboseli, where you can see elephants and Mount Kilimanjaro.
Day 7: Return to Nairobi
Tanzania Safari for Ten Days
Day 1: Getting to Arusha
On the second and third days, we went to Tarangire National Park.
Day 4–5: The Crater of Ngorongoro
Day 6 to 9: The Serengeti National Park
Day 10: Arusha is going home.
A Trip to Kenya and Tanzania That Lasted 12 Days
Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Amboseli, Maasai Mara, and Serengeti
How to stay safe while traveling:
Always follow your guide’s advice.
Do not touch or feed the animals.
When you go to the game, stay in your car.
You can pay for parking and tips with US dollars.
Please be polite and ask before you snap a photo.
How to Improve Your Safari: Beach and More
After an exciting safari, relax on the Indian Ocean coast:
Malindi, Lamu, and Diani Beach are in Kenya.
Tanzania is made up of Zanzibar Island, Pemba Island, and Mafia Island.
The blue waters, white sand beaches, and Swahili culture in these places will help you unwind.
A safe safari
Choose eco-lodges that help the environment.
Don’t use plastic unless you have to.
Help with projects in the community.
Don’t get too close to wild animals to show respect.
Tourism that is good for the environment protects Africa’s natural beauty for future generations to enjoy.
A safari in Kenya and Tanzania is more than just a vacation; it’s an adventure that will change your life. From the loud hooves of wildebeest crossing the Mara River to the peaceful beauty of elephants under Kilimanjaro, every moment is unforgettable. No matter how much or how little money you have, Africa will steal your heart.
