Kenya and Tanzania Are Dream Safari Destinations—Here’s How to Pick the Right One

Two of the best countries for a safari are Kenya and Tanzania. Having lived in the former for over 25 years, and working in the safari industry in the latter, I have first-hand experience of their amazing wildlife, stunning landscapes, unique experiences, and a range of accommodations and tours to satisfy any traveler’s dreams. Here’s what to expect on a safari trip to each country.

Wildlife 

Lions, leopards, buffalo, elephants, rhino, hyaenas, cheetah, giraffe, zebras and the famous wildebeest migration can all be seen in Kenya and Tanzania. In Kenya, visitors have more chances to see rhinos, mature elephants (called “tuskers”), and rare animals like Rothschild’s giraffes, grévy’s zebras and somali ostriches. In Tanzania, visitors can see wild chimpanzees, huge lion prides, the incredible mass birthing of wildebeest in late February and early March, and dense concentrations of elephants in the dry season from June to October.

Game Parks and Landmarks

Both Tanzania and Kenya have massive amounts of protected land. Tanzania has larger parks and reserves, such as Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Ruaha National Park. Its list of landmarks is long, including Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain; Lake Tanganyika, the world’s longest freshwater lake; and Serengeti National Park, a 5,700-square-mile wildlife haven that’s home to the great wildebeest migration for nine months of the year.

Kenya, meanwhile, boasts Africa’s second highest peak, Mount Kenya. The famous Masai Mara Game Reserve is home to the “big five” animals (lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, cape buffalo), while reserves such as Lewa Wildlife Conservancy have been pioneers in saving and reintroducing endangered black rhinos. It also has more private, semi-private, and community conservancies—such as Mara North and Naibosho—that offer a wider range of activities not generally allowed in national parks. These include off-roading on game drives, walking safaris, and night drives.

Beaches

The coastlines of both countries feature beautiful beaches with white sand and warm, turquoise water. Kenya’s most famous seaside areas include Lamu Island and Diani Beach. Tanzania’s coastal highlights include Zanzibar (Unguja), Pemba and Mafia Islands. Whichever destination you visit, you’ll find an experience that you’ll never forget.

Kent Redding is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List and specializes in trips to Tanzania, Namibia, and Uganda. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Redding at [email protected].