Why You Should Combine a Kenya and Tanzania Safari.
Be it your first or return safari to the East African Countries, a combined Kenya and Tanzania Safari should be one of your priorities when planning your long holiday to Africa.
To start with, Kenya and Tanzania are located on the eastern side of Africa, all facing the Indian Ocean. They both provide high safari experiences, both the bush, and beach. With their award-winning safari destinations and white sandy beaches, you are guaranteed a complete holiday.
Tanzania and Kenya share the same ecosystem, hence you will have a high chance of spotting wildlife species you missed in any other destinations. The longer your safari holiday, the better to spot numerous and experience amazingly different activities while on safari.
Why You Should Combine a Kenya and Tanzania Safari.
So let’s get into the details and reasons why we recommend you to pick a Kenya and Tanzania Safari all together for your holiday vacation in East Africa.
- The Best time frame or safari period recommended for a Combined Kenya & Tanzania Safari is more than 10 Days. This gives you time to explore, traverse and experience a lot with no hurry or limitations.
We have listed below some of the reasons why:-
#1. Wildebeest Migration Safaris
An annual event that happens in Serengeti National Park Tanzania and Masai Mara National Reserve Kenya that’s known as the Great Wildebeest Migration. Millions of Wildebeests, Zebras, Antelopes, gazelles, and other migratory species, are always on the move every season of the year in search of food and greener grounds.
It is recorded that they migrate every year for more than 1000km in search of food. It is believed the migration starts from January every year when the calving season is starting off and more than 8000 wildebeest calves are born daily. They pass through the tough terrains and plains to Masai Mara in the month of June or July. They spend more than 3 months in Masai Mara before heading back to Serengeti.
They cross the infested Mara river, which offers incredible world-wonder sightings of the wildebeests jumping off the high cliffs of the rivers. Crocodiles are always in the wait and ready to pounce on them. Hundreds of wildebeests die during this period. It’s known to be the toughest and most dramatic season of the Wildebeests. This extravaganza happens on both sides of the destination.
This is one action or experience you should consider having a combined safari in both Kenya and Tanzania.
#2. Shares the same Ecosystem, Mt. Kilimanjaro, And Wildlife Species
The greater Mara – Serengeti Ecosystem, is one of the largest wildlife territories in East Africa, hosting high numbers of wildlife species including birds too. Spanning a combined space of 16,500km2 combined, it’s home to some of the precious species such as the big fives, wildebeests, big cats, and others.
Serengeti is pronounced as Isiringit in Maasai, meaning endless plains, while Masai Mara means dotted plains. They both have similar flora and fauna that co-exist in this wider ecosystem.
You can summit the highest point in Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro from Moshi or Arusha Tanzania. Standing tall 5895 meters above sea level is one of the main attractions in Tanzania. You can submit and come to Kenya in Amboseli National Park to have its beautiful view from your tent balcony every morning.
#3. Spot Different Wildlife Species
The Equator passes through Kenya and it is an advantage to guests visiting East Africa to spot wildlife from both sides of the hemisphere. The northern hemisphere has a different type of wildlife species compared to what the Southern Hemisphere has to offer.
On Safari in Kenya and Tanzania, Most itineraries ensure you visit the northern part of Kenya in order to get a view and spot these amazing wildlife species. Northern Kenya hosts quite interesting and amazing wildlife species such as the special five categories. These include the reticulated giraffes, Grevy zebras, Gerenuk, Somali ostrich, and the Beisa Oryx. The Southern part of the Equator hosts the common zebras, Masai giraffes, other different species or oryxes, and Masai ostriches.
With this exposure to the different destinations, you are guaranteed to spot incredible wildlife species. We, therefore, recommend you to book more than 10days of safaris in order to visit this destination and mark them off from your bucket list.
#4. The White Sandy Beach Experiences
The Long coastal stretch of East Africa has some of the best beaches in Africa. These include the Diani, Lamu, Watamu Beaches in Kenya, Zanzibar, Mafia Island, and Lake Tanganyika Beaches in Tanzania.
They all offer that authentic Swahili experiences. From food, and culture to history, and much more. They all have different activities you can engage in such as water sports, cultural differences, and tour activities.
While Diani, you can visit Shimba Hills National Park and Tsavo East from Watamu and Malindi. While in Zanzibar, you can do stone town tours, spice, and street food tours.
#5. Cultural Exposures and Indulgence.
While in Kenya, You will get exposed to some of the diverse cultural practices such as the Swahili, Maasai, Luo, and City cultures. Tanzania as well offers a close similar experience, but with an extra bit of the Hadzabe Community in Lake Eyasi.
You will enjoy the best of different cultures, from historical moments to current events of different communities. Maasai people in Kenya and Tanzania share a similar cultural practice which is complimented if you book any of Kenya or Tanzania Safari with us.
You will learn the different ways they co-exist with wildlife. At the coast, you will indulge in street food and historical engagement. With the Hadzabe, you will have an opportunity to go hunting with them, harvest & eat honey in the wild.
There’s much more that these destinations have to offer in terms of cultural and traditional practices.
Since you now have some of the top reasons to have Kenya and Tanzania combined safari, I am sure you must be looking for some inspiration and ideas to spice up your safari holiday.
We have listed below 3 Top Safari ideas recommended by Cheetah Safaris, that you are guaranteed to enjoy and have an amazing experience in both East African Destinations.
What to Note When planning a Combined Safari to Kenya and Tanzania.
Some top Guides / Notes in Planning Your Combined Safari to Kenya and Tanzania:-
- Due to the current Covid 19, ensure you have Negative covid 19 PCR Tests that are not more than 72hrs before travel.
- You have to apply for visas for both countries, USD 50 for Kenya and USD 100 to Tanzania for both US Citizens, while other nationalities pay USD 50.
- Kenya Visa Link:- https://www.evisa.go.ke
- Tanzania Visa Link:- https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/
- Tanzania Safaris are a bit expensive compared to Kenya, due to their high rates of park fees, concession fees, and government taxes. So ensure you plan accordingly in terms of budget and preferences as well.
- Book Your safari with a recognized Safari Company that is licensed and registered by the government.
- Check on Tour Operators Society of Kenya (Tosk Kenya) in Kenya
- Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (Tato)
