Combining Kenya and Tanzania safari is the ultimate East African adventure. It maximizes diverse game viewing with varying landscapes. There are convenient fly-in itineraries through Nairobi and Dar es Salaam. This allows travellers to explore both countries with ease. From the endless plains of the Serengeti to the dramatic backdrop of Amboseli, this journey is unparalleled. It offers thrilling Big 5 encounters in the Masai Mara. Furthermore, it includes the wonderfully unique ecosystem of Ngorongoro. These experiences offer front-row seats to the breathtaking wildebeest migration.
Beyond the great wildebeest migration, Kenya and Tanzania combined safari lets you explore lesser-known gems. These include Kenya’s Samburu and Tanzania’s Tarangire, home to rare wildlife and stunning scenery. There are easy add-ons like gorilla trekking. Alternatively, you can enjoy a relaxing beach escape to Zanzibar or the Diani Beach. These make the experience even more unforgettable.
We have been planning trips for our travellers to Kenya and Tanzania Safari for over 10 years. Thus, we are perfectly positioned to craft your dream itinerary. Your heart’s desires, combined with our expert knowledge and experience, will ensure a seamless adventure.
Why Combine Kenya & Tanzania Safari
The magic of combining Kenya and Tanzania lies in the incredible diversity offered by each country. They are seamlessly combined into one unforgettable journey. As the sun rises over the African savannah, a sense of excitement and adventure beckons. Two of the most iconic destinations in East Africa, Kenya and Tanzania safari, offer a unique opportunity. You can combine the best of both worlds into a single, unforgettable safari experience. While each country has its own distinct charm, the decision to combine them for a single journey is a no-brainer. The rich tapestry of cultures, landscapes, and wildlife defines these two countries. It is woven together by a shared history, geography, and allure.
Best Destinations to Visit on Kenya and Tanzania Combined Safari
Discover another world on our Kenya and Tanzania Safari Holidays, with awesome Wildlife Parks, Reserves, and Conservancies. Here are the top best destinations to visit on your Kenya and Tanzania Safari Tour.
1. Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya)
Located in southwestern Kenya, this iconic reserve is one of the most renowned and awe-inspiring wildlife destinations on the continent. Known for its abundant and diverse wildlife, the Masai Mara is a true haven for wildlife safaris. The reserve is also known for the annual great wildebeest migration.
2. Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)
Renowned as one of Africa’s premier safari destinations, the Serengeti National Park offers an unmatched wildlife viewing experience. This vast park is home to the famous Big Five, as well as many other animals including giraffes, hippos, and crocodiles. It’s also where the Great Migration of wildebeests and zebras takes place.
3. Amboseli National Park (Kenya)
Located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, Amboseli National Park is renowned for its striking scenery and large herds of elephants. The park offers exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing against the backdrop of the snow-capped Kilimanjaro, with ample chances to observe lions, giraffes, zebras, and an array of bird species.
4. Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)
This UNESCO World Heritage Site provides a dramatic backdrop for game viewing, with its crater floor teeming with wildlife.
5. Tarangire National Park (Tanzania)
Known for its massive elephant herds and iconic baobab trees, Tarangire is perfect for those seeking a quieter, luxurious escape. Visitors can enjoy game drives along the riverbanks and witness the diverse array of wildlife that congregates around this vital water source.
6. Lake Nakuru National Park (Kenya)
Lake Nakuru in Kenya, nestled within the Great Rift Valley. It boasts an abundance of wildlife and spectacular landscapes. Think black and white rhinos, lions, leopards, cheetahs and hippo occupying euphorbia forests, acacia woodlands, savannah grasslands and rocky escarpments around a shallow, alkaline lake.
7. Tsavo National Park (Kenya)
As one of the largest national parks in Kenya, Tsavo is divided into two separate parks – Tsavo East and Tsavo West – Both parks are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and numerous bird species.
8. Zanzibar Island
For a relaxing contrast to the exhilarating safari experiences on the mainland, a visit to Zanzibar Island offers a tropical paradise with pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a rich cultural heritage.
Tips for Booking a Kenya & Tanzania Combined Safari
1. Entry Points and Flights
Smart planning begins with choosing the right entry points. This maximizes your time on safari. Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is East Africa’s major hub. It offers the most international connections and convenient access to Kenya’s premier parks. For Tanzania-focused itineraries, Kilimanjaro International Airport provides direct access to the northern safari circuit. Meanwhile, Arusha Airport is the gateway for charter flights between parks.
2. Combine Top Kenya and Tanzania Safari with their Lesser-Known Treasures
For an unforgettable safari experience that blends well-known national parks with off-the-beaten-path areas, you will witness remarkable wildlife while enjoying a sense of exclusivity. Start your adventure in iconic spots like Kenya’s Masai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti. There, vast grasslands are filled with big-game animals, such as lions, cheetahs, and massive herds of wildebeest. Don’t miss the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, a natural amphitheater teeming with wildlife. Also, visit Kenya’s Amboseli. Here, large elephant herds roam against the stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.
For a more intimate and crowd-free experience, venture off the beaten path. Go to places like Samburu in Kenya and Tarangire in Tanzania. These remote parks offer rare wildlife sightings, including Grevy’s zebras and gerenuks in Samburu, and large elephant migrations in Tarangire.
3. Plan Around the Great Wildebeest Migration
The Great Wildebeest Migration travels between the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya. This makes it essential to consider both timing and location when organizing your visit. Yet, even more critical than your chosen spot is determining which phase of the Migration you wish to experience. This awe-inspiring natural event adheres to a cyclical rhythm. The herds are perpetually on the move all year round.
The Migration is divided into five key events: Calving (birthing) Season, Rutting (breeding) Season, the Grumeti River Crossings, the Mara River Crossings, and the periods when the herds are actively on the move. Each phase unfolds over the course of twelve months. This means careful planning is essential to ensure you experience the most thrilling moments of this incredible journey.
4. Consider Kenya & Tanzania Flying Safari
To spend more time on safari and less travelling, consider opting for fly-in safaris in Kenya and Tanzania. Major air hubs like Nairobi in Kenya and Dar es Salaam in Tanzania offer convenient connections to remote safari destinations. This allows you to bypass long and often bumpy road transfers. By opting for short flights between parks, you’ll spend less time travelling and more time in the wilderness. This maximizes your chances of witnessing incredible wildlife encounters.
Fly-in safaris offer significant advantages when exploring various parks in different regions and countries. Rather than spending entire days driving between destinations, you can swiftly travel between the Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or Amboseli, arriving rejuvenated and prepared for game drives. This enhances comfort and also provides access to more remote camps and conservancies that are challenging to reach by road.
5. Essential Travel Requirements: Health: Visas & Insurance
Planning for travel requirements ensures smoother border entries and worry-free travel. Most visitors require visas for both Kenya and Tanzania, though East African Tourist Visas offer multi-country access for extended stays. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory if arriving from an endemic area, and malaria prophylaxis is recommended for most safari areas.
Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation is essential, as you’ll be in remote areas far from major medical facilities.
6. Pack Appropriately for Varied Climates & Altitudes
The varied landscapes of East Africa lead to a range of climates and altitudes, making careful packing essential. The Ngorongoro Crater, located at a significant elevation, can be unexpectedly cool, particularly during the early morning hours, whereas the lower-altitude parks such as the Masai Mara enjoy warmer temperatures throughout the day.
When packing, it’s crucial to consider layered clothing to accommodate temperature changes, neutral-colored attire for the best wildlife viewing experience, comfortable walking shoes for activities around the camp, and a warm jacket for those brisk early morning game drives and visits to higher altitude areas. Additionally, don’t overlook sun protection, as the equatorial sun can be quite harsh.
7. Add on Beach Destination on your Itinerary
A Kenya and Tanzania safari offers exceptional wildlife encounters, but your adventure doesn’t have to end there. After days of early morning game drives and dusty safari roads, there’s nothing like rounding off your adventure with a little beach time. Kenya and Tanzania offer spectacular coastal destinations that perfectly complement your safari experience.
The coastline of Kenya showcases the historic allure of Lamu Island, the luxurious resorts of Diani Beach, and the cultural depth of Malindi. Meanwhile, Tanzania’s shores present the exotic spice haven of Zanzibar, home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Stone Town, the unspoiled beaches of Pemba Island, and the pristine beauty of Mafia Island, ideal for world-class diving. These coastal gems enhance your safari, creating a well-rounded East African adventure that perfectly blends excitement with tranquility.
Best Time to Visit Kenya & Tanzania Safari
Understanding East Africa’s seasonal patterns is crucial for ensuring your combined safari experience is ideal. The region experiences two main seasons: the dry season (June to October) and the wet season (November through May), each offering distinct advantages for wildlife viewing.
Peak Dry Season (June to October): During this time, the weather is most reliable, and wildlife congregates around permanent water sources, making for exceptional game viewing. With minimal vegetation, animals are easily spotted near rivers and waterholes. This season aligns with the breathtaking Great Migration river crossings in the northern Serengeti and Masai Mara, occurring from July to September, providing an unparalleled opportunity to witness this awe-inspiring spectacle.
Calving Season (December to March): In Tanzania’s southern Serengeti, the calving season marks a time of renewal as hundreds of thousands of wildebeest give birth. This period is a thrilling time for predator activity, as big cats capitalize on the abundance of vulnerable newborns. The weather is generally delightful, and many lodges offer appealing rates during the green season.
Shoulder Seasons (April to May, November): These transitional periods provide great value, fewer tourists, and special deals at numerous lodges. Although some rain may occur, it usually manifests as short afternoon showers that do not significantly disrupt activities. Wildlife viewing remains superb, and the landscape flourishes in lush greenery, offering stunning photographic opportunities.
Conclusion: Kenya or Tanzania Which is Best for Safari ?
Deciding whether to embark on your ultimate adventure in Kenya or Tanzania presents a wonderful challenge, as each nation boasts extraordinary wildlife encounters and stunning scenery. The Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is famous for its rich wildlife and the spectacular Great Migration. Additionally, the country’s robust tourism framework provides a variety of accommodations and safari choices to cater to different tastes.
In comparison, Tanzania boasts the iconic Serengeti National Park, also a stage for the Great Migration, offering vast, unspoiled terrains alive with diverse fauna. The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site, provides a unique safari setting within its volcanic caldera, home to a dense concentration of wildlife. Ultimately, the choice hinges on your personal preferences. For those with ample time, combining both destinations provides the perfect East African safari adventure.
Start Planning Your Kenya & Tanzania Safari Today
If you are prepared to immerse yourself in the authentic and opulent essence of Kenya and Tanzania, the moment to begin your planning is now.
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Website: www.africandiurnalsafaris.com
Explore our diverse Kenya and Tanzania safari tour packages or speak to one of our East Africa Safari Experts and we’ll tailor an itinerary to your individual preferences.
