Kenya and Tanzania are two of the most popular safari destinations in East Africa. Both countries offer great game viewing, but their landscapes differ. Kenya is hotter than Tanzania, so it has denser forests with more water sources for animals to drink from. The Serengeti National Park is also bigger in Kenya than it is in Tanzania, which means that you’ll find more large herds of wildlife there!
What is Safari?
Safari is the Swahili word that means “journey”. In East Africa, Safari refers to a trip where you go on an adventure in search of wildlife.
In Kenya and Tanzania, it is a common activity for tourists to spend a few days in order to see wild animals in their natural habitats. For example, in Amboseli National Park in southern Kenya, tourists can expect to see elephants, zebras and antelopes going about their daily business.
Meanwhile, in northern Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park , visitors may get lucky enough to spot lions hunting down their prey or maybe even rhinos!
A typical Safari will take you out for at least four hours to see the wild animals. There is a designated driver and tour guide who knows where all the wildlife hangout spots are and they’re there to make sure that you get to experience what nature has to offer!
About Kenya
When you think of Kenya, the first things that come to mind may be safaris and wildlife. However, there is so much more to this country than just these two aspects! Even if you do not plan to go on a safari during your stay in Kenya, there are still many other activities that you can enjoy throughout your trip.
For example, while visiting the coast of Kenya, don’t forget to indulge yourself with a good tan by relaxing on one of its beautiful beaches. You can even go scuba diving or snorkeling while enjoying views of coastal marine life!
At night, why not try out some delicious seafood? If you love Indian food like me, then it would be such a treat for you to eat at a local Indian restaurant in Mombasa or Malindi. On top of all this fun, you can even visit the country’s capital city, Nairobi! There is so much to do and see in Kenya that I wouldn’t be surprised if your stay was extended as soon as you arrived.
About Tanzania
If the safari aspect is what brought you to these countries, then you will definitely enjoy your trip because both Kenya and Tanzania offer great game viewing experiences. In both countries, the best time to go on a safari is during the dry season (December-April).
During this period, most animals migrate to areas with more water sources. You can also enjoy sightseeing tours that are guided by rangers who are familiar with the animals’ locations. If you want to go on a walking safari, then your best opportunity would be during the wet season (May-November). This is the time when animals are most active and you’ll have a higher chance of spotting them.
Ultimate Satisfying Safari Experience in East Africa: Kenya & Tanzania
However, if you’re more into being out in nature than being inside a hotel room, then there are other ways for you to experience the incredible African wilderness. You can choose between staying at tented camps or luxury lodges that offer various amenities such as air conditioning, hot showers, comfortable beds/pillows, electricity, wi-fi, swimming pools, restaurants, lounge areas, etc.
You’ll be able to enjoy these amenities while you are surrounded by breathtaking views of wildlife! One thing to note is that luxury lodges are more popular in Kenya, but tented camps are more common in Tanzania.
Offering excellent services and truly unforgettable experiences, both countries will surely leave you with nothing but good memories!
With so many activities to choose from, it can be difficult to decide where to go first! However, if I could recommend just one for you, then it would have to be the Amboseli National Park in Kenya.
This area is renowned for being home to Africa’s most famous wildlife residents such as the endangered black rhinoceros and many other species of big cats like cheetahs and leopards. You can also spot different species of antelopes such as Grevy’s zebras and Thomson’s gazelles.
Be sure not to miss out on this special opportunity! It is surely one that you will never forget!
As a traveler who loves nature and wildlife, I’ve had amazing experiences with both local companies and international organizations throughout my journeys. The important thing is to be thoughtful and respectful towards the animals. Be sure not to do anything that could scare them or make them feel threatened.
You can also help protect these animals by following these simple tips:
- When on safari, sit quietly and avoid doing anything sudden (e.g., running around and screaming) – it’ll help the animals get used to your presence.
- Don’t leave food scraps anywhere animals may eat ’em;
- Never feed animals/feed wildlife; it will only harm them in the long run;
- Always follow park rules (while on a walking safari, stay 5 meters away from wildlife).
What do we need for this “Ultimate Satisfying Safari Experience”?
For starters, you’ll need your passport! You don’t want any last-minute problems with this document. Make sure it’s up-to-date (valid for at least six months) and has blank pages (for visas). Also, bring along cash – remember safaris aren’t cheap; think $300/day/person or more. So if you plan on doing multiple Safaris in Kenya or Tanzania, it’s best to settle everything in advance.
The next thing you might wanna consider is a tour company.
There are plenty of great ones out there, but I would recommend going with a reputable one. I’ve heard many horror stories from friends about what they experienced when going on a Safari in the African wilderness and these things could definitely be avoided if you book your trip with an accredited organization that has experience!
Also, remember that not all companies handle their tours the same way – some go from camp to camp, while others do day trips from Nairobi/Dar es Salaam. In addition to this, some also take you deep into the bush for overnight stays while others don’t. Always ask ahead so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
Lastly, of course, bring your camera – especially if this is your first trip to Africa! You’ll definitely want to capture the moment on film. If you don’t have a professional one with an awesome zoom lens, try borrowing/renting one from somewhere like B&H Photo.
They are pretty reasonable with their prices. Alternatively, you can even hire an experienced tour guide who has some great equipment that will take photos while you sit back and relax in the car.
How Do I Book My Safari?
The best way to get around East Africa is through safari companies. They offer everything from airport transfers, accommodation at various campsites to game drives in search of wildlife itself! Here’s a quick guide on how to book your next Safari:
Step 1: Get a List of Reputable Tour Companies
There are thousands of these types of organizations, so it definitely pays if you do a bit of research beforehand. Look at the reviews and check what people have to say before you make your final decision! It can save you lots of time (and money) compared to making multiple phone calls/emails to different places across East Africa. Also, try to find companies that offer similar tours – this way you’ll know exactly how much it costs without having to worry about hidden fees, etc.
Step 2: Check Out Their Websites for Packages
First decide upon whether or not you want an all-inclusive package (lodging included, but food and transportation not included) or an a la carte one (where you only get the excursions and nothing else).
Also find out what’s included in your trip (game drives, night safaris, etc) and if any special permits are required. If they’re not pre-arranged by the company, this may be on you to do on your own.
Step 3: Get a Quote
Once you’ve found everything that fits into your schedule and budget, ask for a quote from them via email/phone/etc. Tell them exactly what it is that you require and see if they can accommodate all of your needs. A good travel agency should always provide this service.
So don’t be surprised if some won’t even consider working with you if you don’t have a set itinerary already planned out. But of course, this is up to your discretion; for example, some people might be looking for an independent trip where they can arrange everything by themselves.
Once they give you the price (in either USD or Euros), make sure to get details about the number of people on the tour (i.e how many are in your group) and find out who’s included in the program (guide/drivers, etc). Then also confirm what day each activity starts and ends – it’ll save you lots of time if there aren’t any issues like a miscommunication.
Also, remember that taxes may apply depending on where exactly your booking was done! So definitely double-check that all these things are included in the total price.
Step 4: Request a Booking Confirmation Email
You would think that this is obvious, but it definitely doesn’t hurt to be sure. If you’re paying for everything beforehand by credit card/debit card/etc – make sure they give you an itemized invoice before you send over any money! A lot of online sites require this information in order to set up an account with them.
Also, make sure that your safari company will be able to frequently check their emails (especially during the tour) because sometimes there may be changes or cancellations on days prior to departure. This can allow you to have peace of mind when traveling around Africa for business or leisure
I got my Safari itinerary booked! What now?
Wow! Once you’ve gotten everything confirmed, make sure to double-check the dates. This makes it much easier for everyone involved if there are no last-minute changes or cancellations.
If possible, request that your safari company send you all of your trip details through email or text message – this way if anything happens on the day of departure you’ll have backup documentation. Also, try to keep track of wherever your passport/flight tickets are stored because sometimes they can get misplaced during flights/transportation, etc.
It’s also worth noting that some places require you to take certain precautions before arriving in Africa. For example, some airlines may have a limit on how much hand luggage is allowed so be sure to check beforehand because it can be a hassle if you have anything valuable!
Also, malaria pills and other drugs should always be taken with caution, so do some extensive research on their website to see what your doctor would recommend (some places require certain vaccinations as well).
Step 5: Pack the Right Items
This is important because it’s good to know what you’re going to need beforehand. This way you can pack exactly what you need and nothing more; thus making travel much easier for everyone involved. Dress light and remember that there will definitely be showers available on most tours – so don’t worry if they say “no outside food/drinks allowed”.
Also, make sure not to forget any chargers or adapters needed for your digital equipment (phones/Americas/iPods/etc). If you’re using any medications (malaria pills, anti-diarrheal tablets, etc), make sure to pack extra just in case! If your trip requires certain vaccines, make sure to consult with the tour company beforehand because some companies will include this cost in their fee. This way there won’t be any confusion!
A lot of people prefer to bring backpacks for their travels instead of suitcases. These are great options if you’re looking for something that can store a lot of items or if you want it easier on your back – but remember that they usually take up more space! Better yet try to find out what kind of luggage is allowed before arriving so don’t forget anything important <3
Step 6: Check the Weather Forecast
This one is pretty important because you’ll have to decide what kind of clothing to bring with you. Most safari packages will indicate the weather for you beforehand but just in case, look it up! This can save you lots of hassle if your clothes don’t match exactly – especially if there are certain activities involved.
It’s also worth noting that during some tours you may have rainy days so remember to pack accordingly. But be sure not to forget any hats/sunscreen/sandals/etc either! The easier it is, the happier everyone will be.
Remember that most information online can be misleading, so check several sources before deciding on anything major.
Here are a few websites that I found to have good weather info:
Weather Underground – Accurate, constantly updated reports for a large range of places worldwide. Free to use!
Comfort & Quality – Worldwide weather forecasts from different sources are put together in a consistent way.
Step 7: Get the Right Insurance Plan
Now, this is one thing that you may or may not need depending on your situation. You can either get it from your doctor/hospital beforehand (which I would recommend), get it online once you’ve arrived at your destination, or get an international health insurance plan prior to arriving in Africa.
It’s best to go with what you think will work best for you and double-check everything before arriving! These days, travel insurance plans are very affordable and worth every penny if there any accidents come up. Make sure to get one that can cover any injuries or illness while you’re traveling – otherwise, you may end up stuck in a bit of trouble!
Wrap Up
A safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most people. It’s the perfect chance to see some of Africa’s most iconic animals, and it can be an unforgettable adventure that you’ll always remember. If you’re considering going on a safari, we recommend visiting Kenya and Tanzania as they both offer something unique in terms of animal sightings or landscapes.
For example, if you want to spot elephants then head over to Kenya while those who are looking for beautiful scenery should visit Tanzania. There really isn’t one destination better than another when it comes to this type of tour so feel free to pick whichever option suits your personal needs best!