Kenya v. Tanzania for Great Migration safari

If you want to see the great migration, you would want to visit the Masai Mara in Kenya. If you expect to see the wildebeest crossing the Mara River, please bear in mind that witnessing that event is just luck. You may or may not see it. So lower your expectations. You can read my trip report from our recent visit to Kenya and Tanzania “Expect the unexpected - our African safari” on this forum.

We did a wonderful safari in early August 2022 during the great migration. It was amazing.
We used Good Earth Tours. It was fantastic and had a great price. Most of our safari was in Tanzania, but we also started it in Nairobi and did a couple of days of safari in Kenya.

Frankly, we felt that the wildlife was better in Tanzania, but still we were glad we had a tour of Nairobi and those two days in Kenya.

Our Safari/tour was 11 days and did not include airfare. Price was about 4500 dollars per person that included meals, lodgings, transportation, admissions and a great guide river.

In pricing safaris we are shocked that some US or European companies wanted double or more than double what Good Earth Tours offered.

I agree with geovagriffith that we enjoyed the wildlife more in Tanzania than in Kenya.

I have only visited Kenya so unfortunately can't provide a comparison, but we had an absolutely incredible experience and if you want to combine your safari with some time at the beach, the Kenyan coast is much more affordable than Zanzibar. We used Gamewatchers and would highly recommended them and their Porini camps.

I only visited Tanzania and went in September of 2015. Used Bush2beach to plan the safari. Excellent local outfitter based in Arusha, Could not ask for a better experience. Was hoping for dramatic crossing but only saw a few wildebeests braving the crossing, No matter what its an amazing experience saw lions hunting , eating, and don't forget the little 5 and the birds are also incredible . Still remains the trips of a lifetime.

stayed in Tarangire national Park, at a coffee farm near Ngorongoro crater, tented camp near Lake Manyara, and two camp locations in the Serengeti

I just returned from five weeks in Africa, including a 6-night safari in Tanzania. Have not been to Kenya.

While this is the time frame for the Great Migration, we did not experience it and had been told that there is not predicting dates or routes - it's always up to chance.

We went with Caracal Tours & Safaris and the owner of the company (Ben) was our guide. He was incredible. If you decide to visit Tanzania, PM me for some possible recommendations.

I have used Demic Africa before for their tailor-made safari packages during the migration season in Kenya. Both countries are incredible in their own right, so you really can’t go wrong! If you’re looking for a more immersive cultural experience, Kenya might be the way to go, while Tanzania is fantastic for stunning wildlife sightings and dramatic landscapes. I’d recommend considering the time of year you’re traveling, as migration patterns can influence where the wildlife will be.

We have decided to travel to Kenya and have booked our trip for late July/early August. Thank you for your opinions/feedback/information.