From Serengeti to Zanzibar –
Your Next Destination in East Africa

You’re planning an Africa journey and asking: Tanzania or Kenya? Both are outstanding—each with its own character. Here are the key differences plus practical decision help.

Tanzania – Safari Classics & Island Dreams

From the endless plains of the Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Crater, from Kilimanjaro to the white sands of Zanzibar: Tanzania is pure variety. Northern Circuit: Arusha – Tarangire – Lake Manyara – Ngorongoro – Serengeti. High sighting density and classic Big Five experiences. Walking safaris, guided bush walks with a ranger, e.g., in Arusha National Park.

[Learn more: Walking with Giraffes—On Foot Through Arusha National Park]

Southern Adventure: Nyerere & Ruaha

Nyerere National Park, formerly the northern Selous: At >30,000 km², Tanzania’s largest national park. A unique mix of boat safaris on the Rufiji River plus classic jeep and walking safaris on the Rufiji.
Ruaha National Park, ~20,000 km² and the second-largest: Vast, wild, exceptional for big cats, and one of East Africa’s strongest wild dog populations.

Remarkable Encounters: Chimpanzees on Lake Tanganyika in Western Tanzania

Gombe Stream, short boat transfer from Kigoma: Chimps in the wild; the research site of Jane Goodall.
Mahale Mountains, multi-hour boat ride from Kigoma: Remote forests dropping to the lakeshore; deeply immersive chimp tracking.

Relaxation & Culture: Zanzibar & Stone Town

Perfect after safari: fine, powder-white sand, turquoise sea, and spice culture. Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site—narrow alleys, historic buildings, and intricately carved doors that tell of a vibrant history between Arab sultans’ palaces and Indian merchants.

[Learn more: The Zanzibar Islands]

Flavours & Aromas

[Learn more: The Zanzibar Islands]

Who is it for?

• Families: Compact northern loop (Tarangire–Manyara–Ngorongoro), pool lodges, short drives.

• First-timers & Big Five fans: Northern Circuit with high sighting density.

• Adventurers: Ruaha (vast, wild, big cats, wild dogs), Nyerere (boat safaris on the Rufiji).

• Primate enthusiasts: Gombe/Mahale (chimps; boat/fly-in access).

• Beach & culture: Zanzibar & Stone Town, spice experiences.

• Food & drink lovers: Coffee (Kilimanjaro/Ngorongoro), wine (Dodoma), spices (Zanzibar).

Kenya – Culture & Wilderness in Harmony

The world-famous Masai Mara delivers spectacular safaris: lion prides, cheetah chases—and seasonally, the Great Migration as the highlight, when millions of wildebeest and zebra brave dramatic Mara River crossings.

Rare Species: Samburu Special Five

In the north, Samburu National Reserve showcases the “Samburu Special Five”—five species found mostly here: reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and the elegant gerenuk, which stands on its hind legs to browse acacia leaves.

Photo Highlights: Amboseli & Kilimanjaro

Amboseli National Park with Kilimanjaro as a backdrop offers dreamlike elephant scenes; best views are often early morning.

Coast & Swahili Culture: Diani Beach, Lamu Island & Mombasa

Silky beaches like Diani Beach and Lamu Island. Lamu Old Town (UNESCO) and Mombasa with the Portuguese Fort Jesus (UNESCO) tell the story of Swahili culture—rooted in local Bantu traditions and shaped over centuries by Arab, Indian, and European influences. Context: While Zanzibar in Tanzania was strongly shaped by Omani sultans and the spice trade, Kenya’s coast showcases the diversity of trade routes—with Lamu preserving Swahili heritage and Mombasa as a historic trading crossroads.

Who is it for?

Families: Mara conservancies (limited beds; some allow night drives).
First-timers & action seekers: Masai Mara, with Great Migration viewing depending on season.
Fans of rare species: Samburu with the Samburu Special Five.
Photo fans: Amboseli - elephants + Kilimanjaro.
Beach & culture: Diani Beach, Lamu Island, Mombasa.

Quick Guide: Conservancies vs. TANAPA/National Parks

Conservancies (Kenya): Private/community-run areas with limited beds and fewer vehicles per sighting; depending on local rules, night drives & off-road may be allowed. Trade-off: typically higher fees.
TANAPA/National Parks (Tanzania): State-managed with clear rules; off-road generally not allowed; night drives not standard—exceptions by strict permit only. Day game drives are excellent.

When to Go – Seasonal Tips for the Great Migration

Jan–Feb Southern Serengeti (Ndutu): Calving season—huge wildebeest herds, many newborns, high predator activity.
May–June Western Serengeti: Along the Grumeti River, river crossings are possible— smaller than at the Mara and often with fewer vehicles.
Jul–Oct Northern Serengeti & Masai Mara: Mara River crossings possible; herds move between both sides depending on the rains. Note: Weather and rainfall drive timing; shifts of several weeks are normal.

Budget & Style

Options for every budget. Pricing varies by season (peak = migration/holidays), lodge category, private vehicle, and fly-in vs. overland routes.

Summary

Shared highlights: Big Five, the Great Migration (seasonal between Serengeti & Mara), dreamy beaches, and Swahili culture.

Tanzania: Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater (Big Five), Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar with beaches and Stone Town (UNESCO), chimpanzees (Gombe/Mahale), wild dogs (Ruaha), largest park: Nyerere.

Kenya: Masai Mara (Big Five, dramatic Mara River crossings), Samburu Special Five, Amboseli with Kilimanjaro backdrop, coast: Diani, Lamu Old Town (UNESCO), and Mombasa with Fort Jesus (UNESCO).

👉 See our trip ideas

Tanzania: “Classics + Zanzibar”
Kenya: “Mara Conservancy & Coast”