Best Time to Visit Kenya and Tanzania

Combining Kenya and Tanzania in one trip is the ultimate East African safari experience. These two countries offer unmatched wildlife spectacles, iconic landscapes, and rich cultures. Whether you’re drawn by the Great Migration, dream of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, or want to unwind on world-class beaches, Kenya and Tanzania complement each other in ways few destinations can. This guide covers when to visit, why and how to combine both countries, key differences, and how to plan your journey smartly with Safari Travel Plus.

Why Combine Kenya and Tanzania?

Kenya and Tanzania share the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, home to the Great Migration and some of the most iconic safari parks in Africa. While each country can stand alone, combining them offers a deeper, more varied experience:

• Wildlife Diversity: From Kenya’s Masai Mara to Tanzania’s Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, you’ll see a full spectrum of African wildlife.
• Landscape Variety: Kenya’s dramatic escarpments and Great Rift Valley lakes contrast with Tanzania’s vast plains and volcanic highlands.
• Cultural Immersion: Experience the Maasai, Samburu, and other cultures unique to each country.
• Better Migration Coverage: Depending on the month, the herds may be in Kenya or Tanzania—combining both ensures you catch the action.

How to Combine a Kenya and Tanzania Safari

Combining the two is easier than many travelers think:

• Start in Nairobi or Arusha: Most international flights land in Nairobi (Kenya) or Kilimanjaro International Airport near Arusha (Tanzania). Either makes a great starting point.
• Drive or Fly Across the Border: Some safaris involve scenic drives across the Isebania or Namanga border. Alternatively, short bush flights connect parks across both countries.
• Tour Operator Coordination: A company like Safari Travel Plus ensures seamless transfers, proper documentation, and expertly timed itineraries.

Example Combo:

• Days 1–3: Masai Mara (Kenya)
• Days 4–6: Serengeti (Tanzania)
• Days 7–8: Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)
• Days 9–12: Zanzibar beach extension

Unique Activities in Kenya and Tanzania

A safari is more than just game drives. Here are some standout experiences:

• Climb Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania): Africa’s tallest mountain is a major bucket list item. Multiple routes suit different fitness levels.
• Hot Air Balloon Safari (Masai Mara or Serengeti): Float above the herds at sunrise.
• Cultural Visits: Spend time in Maasai villages or visit Hadzabe hunter-gatherers in Tanzania.
• Lake Naivasha & Lake Nakuru (Kenya): Boat rides, flamingos, and rhino spotting.
• Chimpanzee Trekking (Mahale or Gombe, Tanzania): Lesser-known but incredibly rewarding.
• Hiking Mount Kenya: For an alpine experience with fewer crowds than Kilimanjaro.

Park Fees and Country Differences

Kenya:

• National Park Fees: Ranges from $60–$100 per adult per day depending on the park during low season and $200 per person high season in Masai Mara .
• Private Conservancies: Offer exclusivity and night drives, but often cost more.
• Infrastructure: Kenya has a more developed road network, more domestic flights, and a wider range of accommodations.

Tanzania:

• Park Fees: Generally higher—up to $70–$83/day in Serengeti and $250 for Ngorongoro Crater.
• Tourism Approach: More focused on premium experiences. Fly-in safaris are common.
• Fewer Roads Inside Parks: This helps preserve the environment but adds cost.

Key Differences:

• Kenya: More budget-friendly options, better for first-time safari-goers.
• Tanzania: Higher costs, but more remote and pristine landscapes.

Best Time and Place to See the Great Migration

The Great Migration is a year-round event, with over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles following seasonal rains. The key is knowing where to be when:

• December to March (Southern Serengeti): Calving season—great for predator action.
• April to June (Western Corridor): Herds head northwest, river crossings begin.
• July to October (Masai Mara): Peak river crossing season at the Mara River.
• November (Back to Serengeti): Herds return south.

Tip: For the famous river crossings, July to September in the Masai Mara or August to October in Northern Serengeti is ideal. Combining both ensures you don’t miss out.

Beaches: Zanzibar vs. Lamu vs. Mombasa

After your safari, unwind on the Indian Ocean coast. Here’s how the main beach options compare:

Zanzibar (Tanzania):

• Pros: Powder-white beaches, rich Swahili culture, Stone Town’s UNESCO heritage, diving and snorkeling.
• Cons: Can be crowded in high season.

Lamu (Kenya):

• Pros: Laid-back island charm, no cars, dhow sailing, strong Arabic influence.
• Cons: More limited infrastructure.

Mombasa (Kenya):

• Pros: Larger resorts, family-friendly, vibrant nightlife.
• Cons: More commercial, less exclusive.

Low Season Travel: Benefits and Savings

Low Season: March to May and November

Why Consider It?

• Lower Costs: Discounts on accommodation, park fees, and flights.
• Fewer Crowds: More intimate wildlife encounters.
• Green Landscapes: Beautiful for photography.
• Drawback: Higher chance of rain and some lodges may close.

For experienced travelers or those on a budget, low season offers exceptional value without sacrificing experience.

Why Book with Safari Travel Plus?

Safari Travel Plus specializes in tailor-made Kenya and Tanzania safaris. Here’s why they’re a smart choice:

• Expert Itineraries: They know the best routes, seasons, and park combinations.
• Seamless Border Crossings: Avoid the hassle—STP handles all logistics.
• Local Knowledge: Their guides and planners are East African natives.
• Accommodation Access: From boutique lodges to luxury tented camps, they’ve got the connections.
• 24/7 Support: On-the-ground assistance throughout your journey.
• Value for Money: They work with a range of budgets while ensuring a top-tier experience.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned safari-goer, combining Kenya and Tanzania with Safari Travel Plus delivers unforgettable wildlife, cultural, and coastal experiences all in one go.

Final Thoughts

Kenya and Tanzania are natural safari companions. From the thunder of the Great Migration to the whisper of waves in Zanzibar and Lamu, these countries offer a mix of thrill, serenity, and beauty that few destinations can match. Travel smart, time it right, and let Safari Travel Plus handle the rest.