Kenya vs. Tanzania: How I Chose My Safari

Why I picked Tanzania

For my first big safari, I chose Tanzania. Partly because I was drawn to the sheer scale of it, the vast horizons of the Serengeti, the volcanic drama of Ngorongoro. And partly because I wanted to see how it felt to be in a place entirely in the wilderness.

The iconic wildebeest crossing

Tarangire and Lake Manyara—quirky, quiet, surprising

While Serengeti is iconic, Tarangire is the cult favorite. I was drawn in by the multiple herds and families of elephants that roam here, quietly weaving between ancient baobab trees. It felt so intimate and magical that you forget you are a tourist. Lake Manyara, by contrast, felt playful, colorful, and chirpy. Flamingos painting the shallows pink, crowned cranes flashing gold, and, in the most unexpected twist, lions napping in trees.

Tarangire hallmark

Fun fact: Northern Tanzania (Tarangire and Manyara) is one of the rare regions where lions have adapted to climbing trees.

Serengeti balloon over plains

Bickering hippos

What about Kenya?

Here’s where it gets interesting! I wasn’t in Kenya on this trip, but I was traveling with a friend who had been, and my guide, with 17 years of experience, had worked extensively in both Kenya and Tanzania. So, there was a constant flow of commentary on how Kenya compares and contrasts. The things that stood out were:

• Compactness: Kenya’s parks are closer together, making it much easier to combine them in one trip.

• The Mara vs. Serengeti surprise: They expected the Serengeti to feel similar to the Mara, but were surprised at how green and wide it was. The Mara, by comparison, felt drier, flatter, with far fewer trees, which made animal spotting wonderfully easy, but less varied in landscape.

• Amboseli’s signature moment: Amboseli lives up to its hype. Elephants framed perfectly against Kilimanjaro’s snowcap make the ultimate postcard..

The winner

Tanzania—if you crave scale, variety, and the drama of vast horizons.

Kenya—if you want compact logistics, easier wildlife spotting, and cinematic backdrops.

You can’t go wrong either way. The magic lies in matching the landscapes and wildlife to your timing, travel style, and personal sense of adventure. In the end, there’s no wrong answer, just the one that fits your style. This is also where I come in, helping travelers find their perfect park match.

Great guides make all the difference. Thank you, Boniface - Odyssey Safaris

Flamingo with the flow

The Hunter's Gaze

Chasing the last light

Insider tips I'd wish I'd known:

• Booking window: If river crossings and migration are on your list, book 12–18 months ahead for peak migration lodges as permits fill up fast.

• Factor in drive times in Tanzania: Those wide-open landscapes also mean long hours between parks.

• Consider Kenya’s private conservancies if exclusivity is key, fewer vehicles, and just as much wildlife.

• Price: Safaris can range anywhere from $500–$3,000+ per person per night. At $1,500 per person per night, you access top-tier camps with excellent guides, meals, and game drives all included.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our safari page.