I am planning to travel to Africa in September 2026 and have been reading a lot about the different safari experiences in Tanzania vs Kenya, and struggling to make a final decision.
Has anyone travelled to one or both places and can recommend which destination is better for wildlife photography and seeing the Big 5?
I’ve been to Kenya, but I haven’t had the chance to visit Tanzania yet, so I can’t compare the two directly. However, I can definitely recommend Kenya based on my experience. I went on a safari in the Maasai Mara, and it was incredible! We frequently saw animals, and the scenery was stunning!
If you’re planning to go in September, you might catch the tail end of the Great Migration, which is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From what I’ve read, Tanzania is amazing too, especially the Serengeti, but I can confidently say Kenya won’t disappoint!
My sister and I went to both in August. We did our safari in Kenya, and then stayed near a resort in Zanzibar. I think she picked Kenya since it was cheaper. We only went to Zanzibar in Tanzania, so I don’t know much about the mainland. We loved both places. We stayed in Nairobi several days- my sister went on a city safari and said that you could see the animals closer.
The best answer, is to consider combining Kenya and Tanzania, if your itinerary and budget allow. The countries are neighbours and animals don’t have passports.
There are some great East Africa safari companies that combine the two and end with beach time in Zanzibar.