Do you want to see wild animals like lions, rhinoceroses, wildebeest, zebras, or gazelles in their natural habitat? Take into account going on an African safari. Tanzania and Kenya, which are located in the continent’s eastern half, are two of the most well-known places for such trips.
Which of the options has the greatest positive and bad characteristics? The following are some suggestions for your next holiday that you can use as a reference.
Safaris are available throughout each season
Your trip should take place between the months of May and November, which are called winter months in this region of the world. These are the months with the most pleasant weather.
There are two seasons in Tanzania that are perfect for travelling on safari. The first occurs during the dry season, which runs from May to October and has fewer wet days. Furthermore, the majority of the country is basking in sunshine and pleasant temperatures. Second, going on safari in Tanzania during the “short rainy season” in November or December is a good idea. The weather is consistently pleasant at this time of year, and the rain falls in short, intense bursts. You will have a better chance of seeing animals near water sources, such as rivers, during these dry months than you would otherwise.
The weather in Kenya is hot all year, therefore it doesn’t matter when you go to see the animals because the temperature is always high. If you are considering visiting Kenya, you should be aware that the months of June through November, which correspond to the country’s summer season, are often the busiest.
Where should you go on safari in Kenya and Tanzania?
Another factor to consider while picking between Kenya and Tanzania is how much time you intend to spend in each country. Northern Tanzania’s national parks are more accessible and closer together than those in Kenya. Even if you only have a few days in Tanzania or are traveling with young children, it is highly suggested that you go on safari.
Tarangire and Serengeti, as well as the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara, are only two of Tanzania’s central and northern national parks with abundant animal diversity. Tanzania also has the advantage of being relatively close to Arusha and its airport.
One of the key reasons safaris are primarily done in Kenya’s southern region, such as in Amboseli National Park, is the presence of Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop. Distances to parks in Kenya are often longer, which can be inconvenient if you only have a limited amount of time to tour the nation. However, because the trip is as essential as the destination, you will pass through some stunning landscapes in Kenya on your approach to the national parks.
See the Great Migration while in Tanzania and Kenya
Whether you visit Tanzania or Kenya, you will undoubtedly witness animals, especially if you visit during the “great migration.” This expression refers to an annual migration of approximately 2 million wildebeest, hundreds of thousands of zebras, and gazelles from the south to the north in search of water and food.
If you want to see this spectacular sight, you should visit Tanzania’s Serengeti between December and March. Following that, the animals will migrate further north in April and May. In July, they can be found at the banks of the Mara River, where crocodiles await them; this is their final stop before crossing to Kenya. The majority of the animals can be found in the Masai Mara National Reserve, which is located in the southwest of Kenya, between July and October.
Other wildlife in Tanzania and Kenya
Wildebeests and zebras are only two of the many species that live in Tanzania and Kenya’s national parks. The African lion, African leopard, African elephant, black rhinoceros, and African buffalo make up the “Big Five.”
They can be found in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, as well as Kenya’s Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru National Parks. As examples of other creatures found in Tanzania and Kenya, consider rhinoceros, which are abundant in Kenya, lions, which may be found in the Serengeti and Masai Mara, and leopards. Elephants can be found in both Kenya’s Amboseli National Park and Tanzania’s Tarangire National Park.