Have you ever dreamed of going on a safari?
And when you had that dream, did it involve large animals, wide open spaces, and making a lifetime of memories? Of course, you did! Because when it comes to safaris, it’s go big or go home.
And while a safari can seem exciting, you might also be envisioning a giant rhino charging you. And that’s a little scary.
So rather than letting your imagination get the best of you, we’re sharing what you can expect from a Kenya Tanzania safari.
Why Choose a Kenya Tanzania Safari?
In Swahili, the word “safari” means “going on a journey”. Choosing to venture to Kenya and Tanzania for a safari is a smart idea.
Why?
- Masai Mara and the Serengeti: Two beautiful, famous national parks located close to one another. Masai Mara is located in Kenya and the Serengeti lies in Tanzania.
- The Great Wildebeest Migration: Considered one of the New 7 Wonder’s of the World, this migration is definitely something to catch at least once in your lifetime.
- Ngorongoro crater: Considered a geological wonder, this crater is definitely something to see for yourself.
- Lake Victoria: Head there just as the sun is going down and enjoy one of the world’s most amazing sunsets over the shores of this gorgeous lake.
- Kenya Coastal Region: You’ll find white sandy beaches and luxurious resorts in this region.
When are the Best Times to Visit Kenya & Tanzania?
In Kenya, the dry season is from the end of January to March and you’ll most likely catch a glimpse of the wildebeest migration. However, if you want to save on costs, try coming mid-March to June. October and December are also off-peak travel times.
In Tanzania, the dry season arrives in late June and ends in October. To view the wildebeest migration, come in June or July. Low season is from November to May but you may also see less wild animals.
What Should I Bring on My Kenya Tanzania Safari?
Traveling to Kenya & Tanzania means you don’t have to pack heavily but you do need to pack appropriately.
- Weather patterns will change drastically. Pack knowing you’ll go from very hot to extreme cold pretty quickly.
- Limit the weight of your luggage. You’ll be traveling on small planes. To make it easier for them and yourself, make sure everything you pack weighs less than 33 pounds. Total.
- Most places include same-day laundry services. You will get dirty but you’ll be able to quickly clean up, too.
- Avoid bright colors. Tsetse flies seem to love the color blue. Try bringing beige, tan, and other neutral colors.
- Bring plenty of batteries. And make sure there’s plenty of room in your bag for all your camera equipment. You’ll definitely want to take photos.
Most people find they only need 2-4 outfits total for the entire trip.
What Animals Can I Expect to See?
Kenya and Tanzania have tons of beautiful animals you probably aren’t going to see in the wild anywhere else.
Here are the “big five”
- Lions
- Elephants
- Buffalo
- Rhinoceros
- Leopards
However, they aren’t the only animals you’ll see. You might also see:
Camels, zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, African wild dogs, aardvarks, hyenas, baboons, oryxes, and gazelles, to name a few.
DO expect there will be times you’ll be very close to some of these animals.
DO NOT do something stupid like getting out of your truck to get a better photo. Your guide will not like it and the animals will appreciate it even less.
What Are the Accommodations Like?
When people think of going on a safari, they automatically think they’ll be sleeping in tents. And while seeing large animals in their natural habitat sounds amazing, camping often doesn’t seem appealing.
Until luxury camping came to be.
Here’s what you can now expect with your accommodations on your Kenya Tanzania safari:
- Deluxe tents
- Firm mattresses
- Running cold and hot water
- Fine furnishing
- Exemplary service
- Awe-inspiring views
Gone are the days where you can just expect a canvas tent and a sleeping bag. Nowadays you’re much more likely to find your “tent’ features a four-poster bed, luxury linens, and deep tubs.
And the food?
Eating the food in a different country can be scary. After all, there are a lot of diseases in Africa that can really ruin a great vacation for an outsider.
Luckily, the food on safaris is amazing.
In fact, you’ll enjoy:
- Gourmet cuisine in the wild – professional chefs will create 3 gourmet meals for you every day
- Fruits and veggies are grown locally by small family farmers
- Fine South African wines are served along with the gourmet meals
So while your doctor may tell you to stock up on antibiotics in case of food poisoning, you’re more likely to suffer from overeating than anything else.
What Else Do I Need to Know?
Heading off to a foreign country can be stressful and you can run into problems if you don’t do a few things ahead of time.
Our 11 day Kenya Tanzania tour provides a detailed description of what to expect. So check it out before you leave for your trip.
However, here are a few things to know so you can avoid any unnecessary problems while traveling in the Kenya-Tanzania regions:
- The locals are friendly. They are known for being extremely warm and welcoming. They love having you as their guest and will treat you as such.
- They speak English and Swahili. You may want to pick up a few words in Swahili just in case but if you’re a native English speaker, you should be fine.
- Don’t wander off without a guide. That goes for both while on safari and in the cities. Cities like Nairobi can be large and confusing so stick with your guide.
- Bring sunscreen. Check the weather before you choose when to head to Africa, but always bring sunscreen. You’ll be exposed to the sun for a large portion of your trip.
We’ve been in the wonderful world of travel for 20 years now. Our passion is to help you plan the perfect vacation based on your needs and interests.
Plan your Kenya Tanzania safari trip with us today and start making new friends, new memories, and a new bucket list.